Mowing Loader removal on GC1705
- Thread starter dntlkbak
- Start date
- Views: 5007
atsah
Elite Member
Depends on how much mowing your doing and if you need to get really close to things. I have a finish mower that I mow around fencing with and with the loader on it's kind of a pain so I remove it. If I was mowing an open area I would just lift the loader all the way up and mow unless it was really hilly.
Fiziksgeek
Platinum Member
As said, it a question of personal preference and maneuverability needs. If its really wet out or the ground is otherwise soft, you're best off removing the extra weight. If you have a lot of tight areas, the loader may get in the way. I prefer taking it off, but if I am really pressed for time...or an feeling lazy, I just leave it on!
MAN IN BLACK
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2013
- Messages
- 313
- Tractor
- MF GC2610 tlb,mmm
You can leave it on...but mowing around obstacles,close to trees and building will be very ackward,
I always take mine off, the GC being my main mower around the home.
I always take mine off, the GC being my main mower around the home.
AxleHub
Elite Member
The idea of convenience and comfort would be that mowing a lawn with a GC1700 series is a pleasant activity. However having either a backhoe or gel on at the same time is not nearly as pleasant. On a gc1705 there is no backhoe which means if you have a fel/bucket on you have a bunch of weight extending forward. When mowing the best cut happens when the deck stay every level with the lawn.
My gc1715 has a quick attach so dropping the bucket alone takes 155 pounds off and ales the ride smoother (not to mention easier to see and maneuver). That bucket drop takes 45 seconds and is worthwhile for reducing rocking horse feel. If your lawn is washboard like, it is a noticeable difference. And dropping the gel arms as their hundreds of pounds is even better but that is minutes of time off and minutes of time back on.
All that is on a flat lawn and you'll have a better cut and a smoother ride. But if you have hills and hillsides as I do and trimming activities as well. . it's even more important. My GC cuts very well on steep and flat turf. . but I don't want rocking or out of balance weight distribution when I have a high speed rotating deck operating on hills or sidewalls.
Have I done it. . Yes. . Was it pleasant and comfortable? No. And the lawn didn't look as nice either. At least with the bucket off is my minimum choice. One last consideration also besides smoothness, handling, and visibility is weight. I don't tear up my lawn with my turf tires. . but also I don't want unneeded weight compacting the lawn either and a few and bucket represents almost 600 pounds of added weight that offers no benefits Imo.
My gc1715 with mulching deck does an excellent job of cutting the lawn and is pleasant in doing it.
JWR
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2011
- Messages
- 3,974
- Location
- So MD / WV
- Tractor
- MF 2660 LP, 3 Kubota B2150, Kubota BX2200, MH Pacer, Gravely 5660, etc.
I use a MMM and FEL on a Kubota BX2200 all the time. You will be amazed how much damage you can do with the bucket on there ! One CAN be extremely careful but it requires that. Shrubs, lattices, siding on buildings, clothes line poles, fence posts, all become victims. That said, I have gotten so trained that I can miss objects by 2" on purpose consistently and haven't ruined anything for a few years. My advice is take off the bucket instead of the loader frame if bucket removal is "easy." I have so darn many unplanned uses for the bucket (debris removal, rocks, limbs, moving compost, placing mulch, etc.) that I usually exercise care and keep the thing on.
Ditto for removing the FEL, for all the reasons already listed. If you have a smooth surface, you can drop the FEL onto a flat 4-wheel dolly, which then makes it very easy to move around. Takes me about 5 minutes to drop the FEL, maybe 8 minutes to get it back on. Mowing is far easier with it off!
charlton289
Silver Member
I do both when I do my back yard I leave it on but when I do my front yard and tighter parts of the yard I take it off. Because of trees and the house and uneven ground.
