Mirrors for a 3038E

[nikdfish]

As the cleanup continues, I'm finding more locations where I can't just drive over & through. The problem with backing the cutter over the material is because, literally, looking over my shoulder is a pain in the neck. After having 3 vertebra (C5-C6-C7) fused, I can't even get my chin close to my shoulder. I've gotten good with mirrors when backing vehicles, trailers, etc. so I figured I could at least give it a try with the tractor

Part of the problem adding mirrors was how to get them mounted - preferably without drilling or welding at this point. I won't know how well this will work until I actually give it a try.

I found some Stearns ATV mirrors that had a multi-option mount that were available from a local Wally World. The had the potential for attachment to handle bars, roll cages or flat bars or surfaces. Using the large U-bolt that had been intended for attachment to a roll cage, I attached them at the fender grab handles. The U-bolt was first threaded through a short piece of rubber gas line to provide both grip & protection for the handle.

The mirrors are positioned to show the area immediately behind the cutter tail wheel.

What was bought:
(Wal-Mart item number per the website is: 0004441152897 )

Left side:

Right side:

Results:

I still need to trim the exess on the U-bolt...

I'll let you know how this works out. Vibration may make them less than useful & they may be turned outboard enough to get snagged from close brush...

Nick

 

[SARG]

Looks really good. Should work fine if you get acclimated to the vibrations.

 

[RoyJackson]

Looks really good...like you wrote, might be snagged by brush when you're mowing though. Do they pivot?
Guess the only thing I'd have done differently was get convex mirrors (maybe yours are, but they don't look convex in the pictures).
If there's too much vibration, you might try putting some rubber on the mounting brackets. Won't get rid of all of it, might reduce it though.

 

[JD755]

Convex ones also show the vibration less. It does look good though.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

Is that a white cane I see, if so u shouldn't need any mirrors:laughing:

 

[nikdfish]

Roy, the arms pivot but there is a lock nut snugging them in position. The mirror heads themselves screw on the arm end, secured with a lock nut so adjustment posibilities are limited - you move the arm & head until you find a position that works. Flat glass was the only option, but I might buy some 4" convex stick-ons if I can't make the flat glass work.

Nick

 

[nikdfish]

Is that a white cane I see, if so u shouldn't need any mirrors:laughing:

White metal anyway! It's my just-in-case cane, just in case I have to leave the tractor & walk out. Back damage makes walking significant distances tricky without proper tools.

Nick

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, the arms pivot but there is a lock nut snugging them in position. The mirror heads themselves screw on the arm end, secured with a lock nut so adjustment posibilities are limited - you move the arm & head until you find a position that works. Flat glass was the only option, but I might buy some 4" convex stick-ons if I can't make the flat glass work.

Nick

Reason I asked about pivoting is if something does hit the mirror, pivoting inward might prevent damage.
The first posts of mowing a brushy area...well, those mirrors might not survive that kind of thing. But if you keep it trimmed down, those mirrors might be a big help.
They'll also be a help when you're plowing snow.