Dumb questions that deserve good answers.

   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #51  
Well I guess its time for another question that has "rookie" writtenall over it lol.

I use my 3pt hitch rather often. . but as yet I've never used my rear pto. I notice it has a cover over the pto end (looks like plastic) and it is held on with a rather significant sized bolt.

In earlier question responses it was suggested I run the rear pto to speed up the hydro oil in coming winter temperatures.

A. Can I run the rear pto with that cover on or should i remove it ?

B. Should that cover be on or off normally? (remember I never as yet have had a reason to run my rear pto)

Yes you can run the PTO with the cover on.
The cover is there to protect the PTO splined shaft from dirt and debris when not in use.
Most plastic PTO covers just snap in place and not usually held on by a bolt. I'd guess that 99% of those covers disappear within a year or so.
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #52  
"Most plastic PTO covers just snap in place and not usually held on by a bolt. I'd guess that 99% of those covers disappear within a year or so. "

I too have a GC1715, and my plastic PTO cover did have two bolts holding it on. It was removed when the dealer installed the tiller. I have the bolts and PTO cover in a drawer in my big garage.

Yes, this is a little unusual. Most PTO covers just slide on. Not on these little buggers.
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #53  
FWIW: I leave my cover on all the time, unless I'm using it, of course. On my 2310, the cover is just a plastic shield held on by two 12mm (wrench size) bolts. I'm pretty sure I could run the rear PTO with the cover on with no issues.
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #54  
A new learning for a GC1715 owner. Well its not surprising that owning a new tractor brings out new learning opportunities in these last 5 months. I've always wondered why I read many posts from users who claim they never (or rarely) take off their front end loader . . Yet they cut grass regularly with their tractor. Never made ANY sense because a fel creates a whole lot of weight imbalance when grass cutting . . especially on slopes . . but it also creates a much rougher ride because of a "rocking horse" effect . . even on flat land. And turning and visibility are far less desirable. But recently I got a quick attach for my Massey DL95 loader and I was going to cut a mostly flat lawn and I had planned as always, to drop the fel. But at the last minute I thought it would be even faster to just quick detach the 155 pound bucket instead. So I did and new learning occurred. The light bulb lit up. With the bucket off . . Its still not as smooth as with the fel off . . but not bad at all. And with the bucket off my vision is good and turns aren't bad either for room. But its about convenience . . 45 seconds for bucket off and 45 seconds for bucket on when cutting is done and I'm back to bucket. Where as dropping and re attaching the fel are 5 to 6 times longer and connector unplug and replug. Now I expected the convenienxe when switching bucket and forks or bucket and grapple etc. . . but I didn't realize it might make grass cutting possible with fel still on. An added bonus for having the quick attach :) Maybe many who claim they keep theirs on have quick attach units too and just don't say it . . or they don't mind all the other negatives of that hundred and a half pound weight hanging way out in front.

My FEL is currently off to facilitate maneuverability whilst pulling a trailer of straw for grand kids Halloween ride. Thought about cutting grass while it's off then realized I use the FEL to prop up the tractor while rolling the cutting deck under the belly if my GC. Back to plan A and cut grass with FEL on.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers.
  • Thread Starter
#55  
My FEL is currently off to facilitate maneuverability whilst pulling a trailer of straw for grand kids Halloween ride. Thought about cutting grass while it's off then realized I use the FEL to prop up the tractor while rolling the cutting deck under the belly if my GC. Back to plan A and cut grass with FEL on.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

What gc model do you have . . And what model of loader? Dl100 or dl95 ??
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #56  
What gc model do you have . . And what model of loader? Dl100 or dl95 ??

1705 and DL100. I bought it two years ago.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers.
  • Thread Starter
#57  
1705 and DL100. I bought it two years ago.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

With that combination you could get yourself a quick attach for your bucket . . And leave the fel arms on and drop the 155 pound bucket in about 30 seconds. Makes for much smoother riding and nicer grass mowing and much easier fel access and use.

Mytractortools.com
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers.
  • Thread Starter
#58  
Steering wheel strength.

Is there any concern about using the steering wheel as an additional grab point when getting on the tractor ? One person told me to just use the grab handle on the right fender so that bearings in the steering wheel weren't strained. Another person told me it was fine to also use the steering wheel along with the grab handle.

It doesn't seem like a big issue either way when I'm mowing and no fel is attached. But when the fel is being used I can be on and off the tractor 10 to 15 times per hour.
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #59  
Steering wheel strength.

Is there any concern about using the steering wheel as an additional grab point when getting on the tractor ? One person told me to just use the grab handle on the right fender so that bearings in the steering wheel weren't strained. Another person told me it was fine to also use the steering wheel along with the grab handle.

It doesn't seem like a big issue either way when I'm mowing and no fel is attached. But when the fel is being used I can be on and off the tractor 10 to 15 times per hour.


Axlehub, there was a thread here on this site a while back about people mounting the tractor of a GC series 23xx series using the steering wheel.

IIRC, the owners were having problems with the seals of the power steering starting to leak under the dash.

They found out that mounting the tractor by using the steering wheel caused the seals to start leaking. You may want to search on this topic to find your answers.

Yes, I realize it is easier to mount the tractor using the steering wheel, but it's best to break a bad habit before it gets firmly seated. Pun not intended. :eek:
 
   / Dumb questions that deserve good answers. #60  
I along with many others have been grabbing the steering wheel to get on a tractor, never seen, or heard of any steering wheel failures because of it.
 

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