Need First Choice Info

[JimMc]

Several drive ratios are available for the gearboxes and, in addition, the pulleys for the belt drives are also a factor in blade speed. But you are correct in that given the same gearbox ratio and pulley configuration, the longer blade would have a higher tip speed.

Higher tip speed can, and the key word is "can", deliver a cleaner cut, higher lift, a more even discharge pattern, and allow a faster ground speed while mowing on the plus side. On the down side, unless a machine is engineered with high tip speeds in mind, high speeds can lead to vibration, reduced bearing life, belt failures, greater travel of ejected foriegn objects and noise. Ever listen to those commercial mowers as compared to your home lawn mower? Normally you hear the exhaust of a home lawn mower but the blades singing on the commercial unit. In fact, various agencies have different standards for tip speed on commercial vs consumer mowers. Bottom line is you can't just change the drive ratio and reap the rewards of higher tip speed without making some other adjustments. Sort of like hopping up an engine to run 10,000RPM and not doing some bottom end work to hold it.

 

[IndianaPaul]

Jim: By chance is there a First Choice dealer in Harrisburg? If so, who? Am going to be through the area week after next and thought I'd drop by and look FC equipment over again.

Thanks
IndianaPaul

 

[Luvbigboytoys]

I bought my Box Blade and Rear Blade from Rister Brothers Equipment on Hwy 145 South in Harrisburg. Also, the Kioti dealer in Metropolis (Little Equipment) sells First Choice.
Both places treated me right.

 

[machinedoc]

Jim, when will your Midwest company have your finish mowers ready to sell? How many sizes will you have? I had rather buy USA if possible and from watching your very informative and knowledgable commentary on this forum, I feel like you know what you are doing and can be depended on.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Paul,

For what it might be worth, there is a First Choice dealer in Indiana. Call Killough Farm Equipment in Milton, IN @ 765-825-1439. Maybe they can help you. Good luck. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[JEP]

Does anyone know if there any dealers in Michigan or closer to southern Michigan?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

There is a first choice dealer in Fenton, MI .....Hodges Farm Equipment (810)629-6481

 

[Dave41]

Anyone know of dealers in Northern IL or SE Wisconsin area?
Thx, Dave

 

[JEP]

Thanks for the info. I gave them a call, but don't have what I'm looking for. If he did a special order, the shipping for a single piece of equipment would make it too expensive. Seems to be the downside to FC products. I know the local WOODS dealer gets deliveries by WOODS own shipping semis. I may look at the Woods GB65 box blade even though it is probably more money. Seems to be less of a hassle, they are between home and work too.

 

[BeeBop]

Mike, here's a general rule to follow, buy the one that weighs the most. I have seen som.e first choice offerings but the few I saw weren't the expensive industrial grade so the woods and landpride would get the edge but would like to see the heavy duty units first choice offers in their 3 point tiller line-up. I believe in buying the very best so you only have to do it a couple of times as opposed to many. Remember, check the weight #s