What have you done with/to your GC Series 2300, 2400, 1700 Tractor TODAY

[Shawn T. W.]

I don't need to reach that high, I don't even have the optional 2' extension for it ...

 

[polarred21]

First season with the tractor and MMM. First time removing a blade to take measurements. Have already read Gator blades not available for this deck. With leaf season upon us, I will find one that is close and modify to fit.

 

[ray66v]

MF loves proprietary parts.

If they did offer Gator blades, they would be $100 a piece anyway.

They are a must for me

If you have a chute deflector, or a cover, G5 or G6's shred leaves nicely.

 

[EricW]

Well, this wasn't today but recently . I tried out the MMM that I got with my GC2300 with the thought of moving my cyclone raking duties to a tractor that has power steering and lift. Even though the deck's blades are in terrible condition, it cuts very well and is a lot of fun to cut with. I ordered the kit to hook up the CR to the Massey and it works well. Now I'm just waiting for the leaves to start dropping.

 

[hube2]

Started getting tractor ready for winter, removed the MMM, moved the snowblower up from storage and put on the FEL. Then I used the FEL to knock down the corn in the garden, need to do this or it causes bad drifts come winter.

 

[irvingj]

Yes, Eric, I've noticed the same with my MMM -- I used to sharpen the blades numerous tines during the mowing season, but discovered it really doesn't seem to make much difference -- even with relatively dull blades, that MMM still does a good job!

Used mine for a second round of leaf duty Saturday, using my DR Lawn & Leaf Vac. Works very well. Probably at least one more round before my LRB gets converted to snow duty.

 

[Dmacleo]

in an average mowing season I do swap blades, in my particular situation it does make difference. I keep full set ready to go. hay and clover dulls blades fast.
today cleaned underside of deck and put fresh set on so first mowing next spring its ready to go. just have to grease it and tarp it for season now.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Got home today, and noticed my flag was getting frayed ... They don't make them like they use to ... Made in USA by Valley Forge flag, last two last until I replaced them at a year . . . This one has only been flying about 4 months!

Little Baby Fergie gave me a platform to stand on ...

Pulled up two of my raccoon traps by the barn, set the one I left, then went down to the creek where I saw some activity ...

Set two down by the creek, baited with brats!

Then checked on my creek while I was down there, we got 1.76" of rain yesterday!

It's not full yet ... I'm parked in the "crossing" once full and flowing there will be water running from right to left ...

Almost 16" deep ...

Later we went out back to fetch some cement blocks that I used last time I was home to hopefully guide a armadillo into my trap, as I found a den entrance at the back fence line, but after 2 nights, nothing ... While mowing today I saw a place something had dug under the side fence . . .

Armadillos don't have good eyes and use there nose to follow trails, and dig up my lawn like mini rototillers!

We also carried another box trap up by my gate, as I've been seeing skunk(s?) on my camera up there ... While they do also dig in the lawn for grubs ... I just want it to STOP!

Six traps set tonight, in the morning we will make a "trap run"!

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Provided transport services from the front gate, to the back field ...

Skunks are the only critters I don't like to shoot in the live/cage traps ... They stink up the traps! So ... I take them out to a big open field and ... Let them go! Then shoot them!

Carried back out by the gate area, as I will plant a Forsyth cutting there in the spring, put it in the BH bucket, as I figured with the digging it would remove/scrape out any residual "stink" ...

All done, waiting for spring ... Nothing in the other 5 traps ... Maybe tonight?

I like to plant trees/bushes in the corners when possible, so I don't have to trim! There is a redbud planted last year with a armadillo companion in the corner on the other side of the fence ...

I did notice when backing back into the barn there still was some "stinkage" left!

 

[dicktill]

<snip> I rarely need or use 4X4, and if used properly like the manual calls for on ground that will allow a tire to slide or spin, like ice or mud, I can't see what difference how much weight is on the front would make a difference in wear and tear on the front axle ... <snip>

Bear in mind that the later model GC's have only one brake; earlier models had two (they had to be synchronized), but the effect is basically the same. They only work on the rear wheels, unless you are in 4-wheel drive. You have zero braking on the front wheels if you are not. Be careful out there!

Yeah, I know.

I rarely even use the brakes, it's more of a parking brake for me ... If it won't stay still on a slope, I'll use the brake to stop it from rolling, then apply the parking brake to hold it in place ... I usually have weight on the back tires for traction, helps in going and stopping.

Hate to bring this subject up again BUT just read a sad tale on the Orange Tractor Forum (OTT) where someone with a Kubota BXs tractor had a failure of his differential while in 2-wheel drive and lost ALL braking. The BXs transaxle is very similar to the later GC's and has a single brake which is upstream of the differential. It's 4-wheel drive for me all the time.

Here's a link to the thread: BX23s rear differential replacement.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I hadn't seen that thread before, I'm a member over there cuz I also have a Kubota ... I believe it's a rare occurrence, just like your grenade engine ... Stuff happens ...

"Dropping the bucket did little" if going forward, I'd also curl the bucket DOWN, which in my opinion would stop you ... In the majority of my property ... At worst it would be a fast ride on a tractor, I should have enough runout to slow and turn before the creek ...

 

[Dmacleo]

gc2400 hauled the 20ft trailer up (never try that w/o bucket on especially if hills involved ) so I can carry neighbors 1532 into dealer for front axle seal repair.
drop section pivot seal leaking.

 

[Dmacleo]

was only 3rd time using trailer since bought in late 2024. first 2 times my snowblower (gc2400 with dl100 fel and blizzard 60" rear pto blower) total weight prob 2400lbs +/-) and was only 8 mile round trip.
this prob 32 mile round trip, lot of undulating territory (including a marked 9% hill) and best I can tell the 1532 with L100 bucket approx 3200lbs. the tractordata info of 2600lbs appears to be w/o the L100 FEL. so I figured 600lbs for that was safe.
anyways got to dealer paved level lot and looked. front of trailer at hitch 2" higher than rear at gate. rear bumper of truck 1" lower than front bumper.
reason I went with 20ft trailer over 18ft (which would have met all my dimensional needs) was all 18ft locally had equalizer pivot between 8 and 9.5 feet. any 16ft would not work for me as tractor with blower and edge protectors on bucket makes me 16' 1" long.
this 20ft has center of equalizer set at 11.5ft. gives me a lot of load placement leeway. and even with toolbox mounted in it I have approx 18.75 ft interior space.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

I use mine even if I just put on my 1300 Lb Z-turn ...

 

[ray66v]

I found substantial pressure in my front axle on my last oil change. Since, I do not drive in water, I decided to drill a very small hole in the axle cap on one side.

I covered that, with a small cap from an aerosol can, which is safety wired over it.

Air can get in, and out now, but rain and snow, cannot.

I put a whopping 8 hours on my GC in the last year. So, I think this fix will be the lesser of the evils.

 

[Dmacleo]

Do you have a weight distribution hitch?

I use mine even if I just put on my 1300 Lb Z-turn ...

no, been debating but really not worth it for me. I don't deal with a lot of weight, just stuff with odd center points which this axle config allows me to work with using an adjustable hitch. BW (link) tow and stow tri-ball 3" drop-rise.

 

[Dmacleo]

I found substantial pressure in my front axle on my last oil change. Since, I do not drive in water, I decided to drill a very small hole in the axle cap on one side.

I covered that, with a small cap from an aerosol can, which is safety wired over it.

Air can get in, and out now, but rain and snow, cannot.

I put a whopping 8 hours on my GC in the last year. So, I think this fix will be the lesser of the evils.

those tiny vents that are angled in cap can be a pita to clean. this looks to be good work around.

 

[MF RED in MT]

I found substantial pressure in my front axle on my last oil change. Since, I do not drive in water, I decided to drill a very small hole in the axle cap on one side.

I covered that, with a small cap from an aerosol can, which is safety wired over it.

Air can get in, and out now, but rain and snow, cannot.

I put a whopping 8 hours on my GC in the last year. So, I think this fix will be the lesser of the evils.

You'll never catch up with irvingj with that few of hours.

I only put 16 hours on the GC last year.

Use to put about 50 hours a year on it for the first 6 years +-.

KC

 

[ray66v]

those tiny vents that are angled in cap can be a pita to clean. this looks to be good work around.

I always believed there were vents.

But now, I am not convinced there ever was a vent in that cap. I looked at it under magnification, and was unable to find it.

There is no doubt about it now.

 

[ray66v]

You'll never catch up with irvingj with that few of hours.

I only put 16 hours on the GC last year.

Use to put about 50 hours a year on it for the first 6 years +-.

KC

Mine is now 20 years old, with around 450 hours on it.

Like me, it is retired, and living the good life.

We only work now, when we have too.