Modify walk behind roto tiller

[CliffordK]

Next question: I usually get seed potatoes that are about the size of ping pong balls, but this year I could only find them the size of big potatoes. I realize that you can cut them into pieces as long as each has an "eye". Some where back I was told you had to treat the cut surface with ?roteene or some other fungicidal? Any words of wisdom?

Yes,
Just cut the potatoes into pieces, with about one "eye" in each piece. You shouldn't need any kind of fungicide or anything.

 

[Bird]

Yes,
Just cut the potatoes into pieces, with about one "eye" in each piece. You shouldn't need any kind of fungicide or anything.

Yep, that's the way I did it and my dad did it; never heard of anyone "treating" the pieces with anything.

 

[CliffordK]

For weeding and such, the little Mantis type tillers work well, and may be light enough for you to use. I have a weed eater with a tiller head, but you may choose one with a low mounted 2 cycle engine.

I'm not sure if I'd want a tiller on a riding tractor for weeding as your control might be somewhat limited. Most of the garden tractors would be wide for stability.

It looks like some of the mobility scooters may be narrow. Most seem to have small tires, but some have a bit larger tires, but still relatively narrow tires.

Afikim Breeze 4W 4-Wheel Electric Mobility Scooter*::*Scooters & Golf Carts*::*All Terrain Medical & Mobility L.L.C.

For weeding, I'm wondering one could build a lightweight mantis-type tiller on a 4 wheel platform like a lawnmower that would give you limited depth cut. Then design it all to be extremely easy to push (powered wheels).

 

[djdicetn]

Yep, that's the way I did it and my dad did it; never heard of anyone "treating" the pieces with anything.

Bird,
Any reason why planting potatoes in a raised garden box would be discouraged?? I "think" mine are plenty "deep" @ approx. 16" but I am not sure how much "area" above the ground is required since I've never planted potatoes before. I kinda assumed they wouldn't take up much more room than a yellow or zucchinin squash hill takes up. Squash is about the only vegetable I've planted in the raised boxes that doesn't do well for some reason, so I'm ready to give up on putting squash in the raised beds and try something else. Potatoes(even though my wife & I are both diabetic, and restrict our consumption of spuds) sounded like something else to try to see how they do. I have "garden mix" soil from a landscaping center(pretty "loamy") in the boxes and add a couple of cubic feet of Miracle Grow Garden Soil each season and mix it in. Watcha think.......should I put out some taters?????

 

[Bird]

Potatoes don't take anywhere close to the amount of room that squash does. I planted mine in rows 4 or 5 feet apart to make it easier to cultivate with the tractor. Otherwise the rows would have been closer together. And I just tilled the ground, then placed my seeds approx. 6" apart in a straight line, then pulled the soil up on them from both directions, so I had long hills. You'd like your seed potatoes to be covered with about 6" of soil. I never tried raised beds. My current next door neighbor bought some blue plastic barrels, cut the top and bottom off each one, then cut them in two, right around the middle, set those rings on the ground, partially filled each one with potting soil intending to plant potatoes in each one. But that was a couple of years ago, and before he got around to planting his potatoes his health took a turn for the worse and he hasn't done any gardening.

 

[bcp]

I do not regret a single penny that we paid for the Segway and it is "light years ahead" of the motorized electric scooters

Not just for the mall. Put some off-road tires on it and go have some fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x56VHd5NDpo

...and other videos.

Bruce

 

[djdicetn]

Not just for the mall. Put some off-road tires on it and go have some fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x56VHd5NDpo

...and other videos.
Bruce

bcp,
I consider that initial you tube video as nothing short of irresponsible by the Segway of New Mexico dealer and Segway should revoke their franchise immediately. That is nothing short of inciting individuals(yeah, they can put the Don't Try This At Home disclaimer which does not change the video) to place themselves in serious risk of significant body injury!!!!! There emphatically is NO SUCH THING as a "Professional Seqway rider" and that comes from a nine year Segway veteran. Indeed I have "jumped a few curbs"(down only of course) when there was not handicap access to a sidewalk, but some of those maneuvers in that video, especially the "high-speed" ones is borderline insanity. And of course, if you saw some of my moves on the dance floor of the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville, TN you would see that I am a veteran "glider" and have very good control of my Segway. I have never demoed an off-road model and do fine(carefully) on most bike trails when accomanying my wife who's on her bike. But, the Seqway is NOT a toy or gadget that can evolve into "Extreme Segway" usage. Remember, the last owner(who bought Segway from it's inventor) went off a cliff in England on a prototype Segway and killed himself(enough said there, right). Didn't do much for the marketing division......duhhhhhhhh!! Recently the company was purchased from that estate by a company in Brentwood, TN close to where I live and they are intent on product improvement and expanded deployment. The fact that the invetor visioned changing the way that we move about locally(sidewalks, malls, etc), going on trails(the off-road model in the you tube), security usage(the Patroller model...that can apprehend an on foot suspect faster than they can run) and even the golf course(with the golf-bag/stationary when you dismount model); I do not believe he ever envisioned the usage portayed in this You Tube video and it is a travesty that some Segway dealer to "attract sales"...what other reason would they disseminate that video..... with unrealistic expectations for the intended use by the purchaser(more money than they have sense:0) solidifies my interpretation of this "kicks just seem getting harder to find" society(to quote the 70's song)!!!

P.S.
As a sidebar, this morning's local news reported a lawn care maintenance professional who died when his John Deere Zero Turn overturned. This "Commercial mower" as the news reported had no ROPS. There should be a lw that fines a lawn care service from being paid if there mowers do not meet safety requirements. I'll bet that services insurance company just sent them a letter of coverage cancelling. The dealer that sold a "Commercial" ZTR to a lawn service(or individual that had the intent to mow lawns for money)without a ROPS should also be held liable.

 

[Bird]

I consider that initial you tube video as nothing short of irresponsible by the Segway of New Mexico dealer and Segway should revoke their franchise immediately.

Wow!! I don't understand your attitude about this at all! There are daredevils and stunt performers in or on bicycles, cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, tractors, etc. Segway's not a toy? Neither are those other forms of transportation, but if a person can afford any of them, including the Segway, just for fun, I figure that's their business. And I'd consider that youtube video to be great advertising for both the company and that dealer. It shows what the machine is capable of, and the dealer clearly warned that you shouldn't try it at home. Haven't you ever seen similar automobile ads?

NO SUCH THING as a "Professional Seqway rider"? What do you have to do to be a "professional" at anything? Get paid? Compete for money? Do a demonstration for money?

I guess this is one time we'll just have to agree to disagree.:laughing:

 

[djdicetn]

Wow!! I don't understand your attitude about this at all! There are daredevils and stunt performers in or on bicycles, cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, tractors, etc. Segway's not a toy? Neither are those other forms of transportation, but if a person can afford any of them, including the Segway, just for fun, I figure that's their business. And I'd consider that youtube video to be great advertising for both the company and that dealer. It shows what the machine is capable of, and the dealer clearly warned that you shouldn't try it at home. Haven't you ever seen similar automobile ads?

NO SUCH THING as a "Professional Seqway rider"? What do you have to do to be a "professional" at anything? Get paid? Compete for money? Do a demonstration for money?

I guess this is one time we'll just have to agree to disagree.:laughing:

Bird,
I am passionate in regard to the quality of life improvement I have realized by having a Segway and utilizing it as it was designed to do(easily transport a human from Point A to Point B) I have been "refused"(even though I am handicapped) entrance to Dollywood(profit electric cart business inside) and "thrown out" with the threat of arrest at Opry Mills Mall in Nashville(later apologized to if I would sign a "liability waiver"). Things like that You Tube further impede the concept and SAFETY considerations of the Segway and aside from the ADA revision there is nothing that prevents an entity to refuse me to enter their property(for safety and liability reasons, since we have such a legalistic society...like hot coffe in your lap at the mcDonald's drive-thru.....duhhhhhh). And guess what a mall management company, NFL Football stadium owner, etc. think about the Segway if they view that You Tube. "We won't let those on our property to avoid any lawsuits"!!!!! So now, I cannot go to an NFL football game and be "mobile" because of that video.........YEP!! Now do you understand my perspective(whether you agree or not)? Yes, anyone with more money than sense can buy a Segway and do anything on it they want. But from an acceptance and/or marketing perspective do you really think that Segway Corp. would condone that video. I will find out because the company(Segway) was just purchased by another company right here in Middle Tennesse and I will contact them and ask. I'll let you know what "their response" to that video is.

Professional Segway rider.....after 9 years of gliding if I am not paying attention and the wheel gets up against an object(like a sidewalk curb), my Segway's programming does not "like" the wheel motions being restricted in any manner and it will "throw me off" like a bucking bronco!!! And has!!! If you purchased one, MUCH emphasis is give to potential serious bodily injury if the Segway is used outside it's intended purpose and/or the rider is not extremely aware of the surrondings while riding it. There is no way that those "Professiona Riders" in that video going on those rough trails at top speed and doing the maneuvers they are doing are anything short of "asking for an injury". I agree, that's their perogative but don't advertise that capacity so that it affects a handicap person like myself from being mobile due to their ignorance. Heck, you could do the same crazy stuff in an electric wheel chair....do you see wheelchair companies advertising like that???

 

[CliffordK]

Some of the rear engine lawn mowers sport 26" to 28" mower decks, and 10 HP engines. For example the Weed Eater WE-ONE sports a 26" mower deck, although I don't see the wheel width. You might need a little more aggressive of tire tread if trying to drive it in the garden.

I could imagine that narrow front wheels would be much more maneuverable in a garden.

20 or 30 years ago, there were several 3 wheeled ATVs, but I doubt any would have been below 30", except perhaps a child's toy 3 wheeler.

It is quite possible that the optimal ride-on super narrow tractor frame for weeding doesn't exist. You might need to make it out of a gocart chassis.

 

[Bird]

Heck, you could do the same crazy stuff in an electric wheel chair....do you see wheelchair companies advertising like that???

It seems to me that there's no comparison to wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are designed, built, advertised, and sold for use by people with some disability. The Segway is not. It's advertised and sold for use by police, private security companies, for personal transportation, and for fun. Obviously, as you've proven, the Segway can be a great tool for someone with your particular problem, but generally (I know, there's always exceptions) a person who can stand up on both feet and operate a Segway, even at its slowest pace, can also walk. It doesn't surprise me that you've been turned away from some places because I don't think the vast majority of the population thinks of the Segway as a "handicapped" tool, as they do a wheelchair. How many, or what percentage, of the Segways are used as an aid for some disability?

At least I now understand your concern, although I think it's unrealistic for you to expect everyone to conform to your opinion of the Segway. You might be able to convince some to allow you (but not other able bodied individuals) to enter businesses on your Segway, and if so, that's great, but how will the business know which is which.

As you know, a lot of places don't allow dogs or other animals inside, except guide animals, but there are visual clues as to whether such animals are to be allowed. To park in a "handicapped" parking spot, visual signs are required. Perhaps you (or Segway) can come up with some visual indicator that would work. Or do you have some personal identification, something from a doctor, that would explain to business employees why you want to enter on your Segway?

 

[aczlan]

At least I now understand your concern, although I think it's unrealistic for you to expect everyone to conform to your opinion of the Segway. You might be able to convince some to allow you (but not other able bodied individuals) to enter businesses on your Segway, and if so, that's great, but how will the business know which is which.
As you know, a lot of places don't allow dogs or other animals inside, except guide animals, but there are visual clues as to whether such animals are to be allowed. To park in a "handicapped" parking spot, visual signs are required. Perhaps you (or Segway) can come up with some visual indicator that would work. Or do you have some personal identification, something from a doctor, that would explain to business employees why you want to enter on your Segway?

I agree. Perhaps one of those blue "handicap" mirror hang tags on the Segway would be in order?

Aaron Z

 

[djdicetn]

It seems to me that there's no comparison to wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are designed, built, advertised, and sold for use by people with some disability. The Segway is not. It's advertised and sold for use by police, private security companies, for personal transportation, and for fun. Obviously, as you've proven, the Segway can be a great tool for someone with your particular problem, but generally (I know, there's always exceptions) a person who can stand up on both feet and operate a Segway, even at its slowest pace, can also walk. It doesn't surprise me that you've been turned away from some places because I don't think the vast majority of the population thinks of the Segway as a "handicapped" tool, as they do a wheelchair. How many, or what percentage, of the Segways are used as an aid for some disability?

At least I now understand your concern, although I think it's unrealistic for you to expect everyone to conform to your opinion of the Segway. You might be able to convince some to allow you (but not other able bodied individuals) to enter businesses on your Segway, and if so, that's great, but how will the business know which is which.

As you know, a lot of places don't allow dogs or other animals inside, except guide animals, but there are visual clues as to whether such animals are to be allowed. To park in a "handicapped" parking spot, visual signs are required. Perhaps you (or Segway) can come up with some visual indicator that would work. Or do you have some personal identification, something from a doctor, that would explain to business employees why you want to enter on your Segway?

Bird,
I hate to keep pirating this thread with off-topic discussions about this, so I will give you some background about the organization(DRAFT...Disability Rights Advocates For Technology) that I found out about and actually filed a deposition with the courts in the Disney Class Action Lawsuit over the Segway through. In 2005, this advocacy group began a program called SEGS4VETS where they "donated" Segways to veterans returning from duty in the Middle East with lower limbs that had been "compromised" in their service to this country. Check out the link below and bware....it may bring a tear to your eye and/or change your perspective of human transportation technology in respect to those with disabilities(it did mine). You can click on the "Disability Rights" on that webpage and get an overwhelming amount of information regarding your own disability that you may/may not have already been aware of. Bottom line, technology that can improve the quality of life for ANY disability should not have "legalistic society restrictions" placed on it and the DRAFT organization is all about that!!! Enjoy......

Disability Rights Advocates For Technology > Segs4Vets

P.S.
Be sure to read the "About Us" section completely on that webpqage, including "Our Mission" at the bottom of that info. We babyboomers, that were victims of polio have an organization that will go to bat for us(they have a nationwide group of "volunteer" attorneys)!!!

 

[Bird]

As I said, we'll just have to agree to disagree. I guess I look at things differently, but YOU have the sole right to determine who can come in your home. If you want to exclude someone for any reason whatsoever, that's your right. But then when your property is a business, the government gets involved and tells you who you can or cannot exclude. Why should business property be different than personal property? Yeah, maybe I'm in the minority, but I can guarantee you that I'd NEVER file, or participate in, a lawsuit against any place that didn't want me there. So your "volunteer" attorneys are definitely not my attorneys.

 

[djdicetn]

Bird,
So what you are saying is that if the local zoo would not let you(being disabled) in, along with your wife and grandkids, because you needed(required) your Segway(or electric cart, or motorized wheelchair.....pretending they would not allow ANY electric mobility assistive device) to be able to "walk" through the zoo, then your inability to enjoy the zoo with your grandkids(like ANYONE else, not physically challenged) would NOT make you angry with them??? Poor grandkids.....Grandpa can't go to the zoo with them:0(

 

[Bird]

Bird,
So what you are saying is that if the local zoo would not let you(being disabled) in, along with your wife and grandkids, because you needed(required) your Segway(or electric cart, or motorized wheelchair.....pretending they would not allow ANY electric mobility assistive device) to be able to "walk" through the zoo, then your inability to enjoy the zoo with your grandkids(like ANYONE else, not physically challenged) would NOT make you angry with them??? Poor grandkids.....Grandpa can't go to the zoo with them:0(

Yep, that's right; would not make me mad at all. I'll let the people who own, or manage, the property make the decisions. You know I want one of those multi-million dollar contracts to play football for the Dallas Cowboys. I guess I ought to sue them because they won't take someone as old as I am, or in my physical condition????? The fact is that we cannot all do everything, so if a zoo requires you to walk through, so be it. I remember one guy who sued to try to force the PGA to allow him to play in tournaments, but to allow him to use a riding golf cart because he couldn't walk that far. Too many people think rules should be changed just to suit their individual preferences or needs. I'm just not one of those people. That doesn't necessarily mean I'm right, or that I'm even in the majority; nor does it mean I'm wrong.

Some of those places with which you are upset because they won't allow your Segway WILL ALLOW you to use a wheelchair, so they are not preventing your use of their facilities; only requiring that you comply with their rules. And I think we both know the reason for such rules. On that Segway, you can be, not necessarily will be, but can be more dangerous than you would be in a wheelchair. And I think we both know that IF you should injure someone, that person will sue the business rather than you. So I think they need, or at least believe they need, such rules to protect themselves. It's not because they have something against people with disabilities.

 

[docrocky]

Wow and all I wanted was some advice on how to modify my walk behind rototiller so that I could ride instead of walk behind it. Well, this week end I went and bought an old Snapper riding mower which has a wheel base of 29 inches and rear mounted motor. I will hook it up to my front tiller Arens with a 24" tiller base. Now for my 16" Huskey tiller, I plan to hook up one of those mini bikes or "scooters" ie Baja Minibike with a 3 to 6 hp engines. This will in essence give a gentle push to the tiller if it needs it. I will send pictures after I finalize the fabrication.

Talk about fate...I blew a disk out in the lower back and had to bed rest for 3 days. I don't have pain but it feel like some one has a pressure cuff on my upper thigh and it won't let go. what worries me now is that I have over 50 flats of seedlings developing both in the basement and the outside green house. Every thing from tomato, watermelons, cantaloupe, honey dew, zuchinni, acorn squash, peppers, broccoli etc, etc etc. I plant all these by hand in addition to manual planting of the seed corn. don't get me wrong...I am not complaining...in fact I am looking forward to the challenge. Now if I could just fabricate one of those rigs where you see the guys pulled behind a tractor planting the tomato plants. Anybody ever modify a gurney or stretcher motor rise it and be able to lay out flat and plant a row of plants??? I am not being facetious.

All kidding aside..this forum site is remarkable to me because of the sincerity and helpfulness of the members. If you post on Car Talk, most of the reply s are offensive and insulting. Some of the people relish in putting you "down".

In response to the Segway discussion a few years back there were several suits against the company because of some safety issues. I too am very leery of these class action movements because I truly believe the only winners are the attorneys. If any of you are interested in the Wounded Vets, look at the Intrepid Center down at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. I visited there several months ago, and it will bring tears to see those beautiful American kids so badly disfigured. Please support them via Wounded Warriors etc. I would rather my help go to them instead of some knocked up teenager who is needs funding for her 3rd or 4th abortion because she too lazy to ...sorry

DocRocky

 

[aczlan]

Now if I could just fabricate one of those rigs where you see the guys pulled behind a tractor planting the tomato plants. Anybody ever modify a gurney or stretcher motor rise it and be able to lay out flat and plant a row of plants??? I am not being facetious.

Something like this: Pendragon Fabrication Contact Information or this: FARM SHOW - Sit-Down Cart Works Like A Zero-Turn Riding Mower (contact info: FARM SHOW - Sit-Down Cart Works Like Zero-Turn Riding Mower) perhaps?

All kidding aside..this forum site is remarkable to me because of the sincerity and helpfulness of the members. If you post on Car Talk, most of the reply s are offensive and insulting. Some of the people relish in putting you "down".

That IMO is what makes TBN one of the better forums on the internet...

Aaron Z

 

[CliffordK]

I hope the rear engine lawn tractor works for your needs. I would probably try to match the tiller width to your wheel width. If you can weld, you may be able to add a row of tines to your tiller, or find one that is the full 30".

You will still need to add a few more inches to your rows of whatever you plant. Corn? 6" of clearance?

An alternative might be to offset the tiller to one side. For weeding, that might work well as when you turn, the tiller would tend to sweep to the side away from the turn (assuming a rigid 3-pt like mount).'

Here is a plug planter for sale locally. The seat isn't pictured, but it should have a seat facing the tray (rearward from the tractor).
Mechanical Transplanter

I saw someone planting some pumpkins with something like it. It looked nice, if you need a mile long row of pumpkins planted as plugs rather than seeds. It is, however, a multi-person job. One driving, and a couple of people feeding the plug planter, depending on how many rigs you have. . That field now looks like it has wheat, I think, so perhaps it is the same one.

Of course, there are also the corn planters and seed drills.

Midwest Wildlife Management : Used John Deere 71 2-Row Planter

With consumer grade ones for a lot less (I've picked up a couple at thrift stores).

 

[docrocky]

Bird: Do you live anywhere near Throckmorton, Texas? Would you believe that an Ohio boy has been there and searched out Camp Cooper south of Throckmorton. Robert E. Lee was a Lt. Colonel of the 2nd. Cavalry assigned there before the Civil War outbreak. His detachment was there to help the Comanche Indians who were living on the Reservation and needed protection from the Comanche,s coming down from Kansas and Oklahoma. After a short stint there he eventually got command as Colonel down at Fort Mason. I have followed every trail he might have ever been on. About 8 years ago I presented a paper to the Texas Historical Society: LEE IN TEXAS...REVISITED. I have met some of the finest people both in Throckmorton as well as Albany.

DocRocky