New Tractor and novice user

[Anonymous Poster]

I was told not to mow with the 3 PH raised because it put too much stress on the PTO and the RFM coupling - it could cause serious damage.

I mowed for the 3rd time with the FEL on. I'm still learning too. Took out the wifes clothes line when I hooked the ropes with the ROPS and drove off snapping three ropes - glad no one was near. Banged a couple of trees. Took out a branch on the crab apple. Scuffed to lawn with the front wheels, bounced the FEL into the lawn twice - yes I am having fun! I figure by the time I have it perfected there will be nothing but open lawn since all obstacles will be gone. I need to get the FEL off next time. I haven't tried getting it off yet, ahh a new adventure.

I did use the RFM to reclaim some overgrown areas. Going throught the tall grass I was keeping a sharp eye out for stumps and rocks. I think I will be buying a Brush Cutter King Kutter for $549 at the Tractor Co. rather than risk my $1700 RFM doing that again. All worked great, but it was a risk.

LOL, Frank /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Good Luck, Frank

 

[accordionman]

SIR,
i agree with the other person. you will not need front weights when you
get the FEL. i am not sure the weights will work with the FEL, check your
dealer on this one. i keep a gravel pile, and when i need extra weight on the
front end, i scoop up some gravel. during the winter, we had some ice, and
i needed extra traction on the front end,(4 wheel drive) this is what i did
to get the extra traction. good luck with your new tractor. work safe!
accordionman
william l. brown

 

[MarkV]

Ya I know what you mean Frank. When I was showing off my new 6' blade to the wife she got a funny look as I scraped it along the side of my two week old Ford E-250 van. I am much more aware of clearances in the front and the back now.

MarkV

 

[grandad]

Sounds like you are truly having some fun with that loader on! We've all had a similar experience... mine was with a neighbor's treasured rose bush. Many other close calls as well.

Best advice I can think of is to use your big mower out in the wide open spaces and keep something smaller around for the close in work. But I'm sure you've already figured that out... maybe that's not possible with your place.

I have found by trial and error where it's OK to mow and where to keep the beast out... hopefully you'll have more trial and less error!

You're right about not carrying all the mower weight on the 3pt when mowing, but you must have one heavy mower if it makes your front end light when you raise it. Your loader frame - even with the loader detached - should provide ample counterbalance to the mower.

A brush mower is definitely the way to go for the rough stuff. I am using mine for regular mowing... from 75 feet you can't tell much difference!