rvtech:
I purchased the Frontier BB2048. I chose it over the weight box. I couldn't see having something for ballast that didn't have any other purpose. The BB weighs about 400 pounds and make a good ballast for the FEL. It works well for what I need it for. I clean out and smooth a natural wash that fills with sand and debris during heavy rains. I would assume the scarifers would do what you needed, but that I guess would depend on how hard the ground is that you need to level as to whether you would need both.
The hood should not be difficult to close. It may be adjusted wrong. I have included the bulletin that was sent to me by my dealer on the adjustments and measurements needed to set the hood correctly.
Complaint or Symptom:
Engine Fan to Coolant Radiator Interference
Problem or Situation:
Engine Fan to Coolant Radiator Interference
Solution:
Engine Fan to Coolant Radiator Interference
Clearance Inspections and Potential Adjustments
2305 Advantage Series Compact Utility Tractors with an Invoice Date prior to
21 September 2005
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There is the possibility to have engine fan to coolant radiator interference
which will result in radiator damage. Follow the checks and procedures below
to insure proper clearance between the engine fan and radiator.
1. Engine Fan and Radiator Clearance
The engine fan to radiator shroud clearance should be 10-15 mm, it is
imperative that the proper clearance is maintained. Rotate the fan blade to
the twelve o' clock position. Measure the distance between the fan blade and
the inside surface of the shroud closest to the fan blade (See PDF Link at
bottom for photos). If there is less than 10 mm clearance, then the side
support braces should be loosened and the radiator adjusted to get this
clearance. The retaining hardware should then be tightened, starting with
the upper right hand, then lower left hand, then upper left hand and then
lower right hand (See PDF Link at bottom for photos).
2. Battery Position
Verify that the battery is seated fully rearward against the two stop tabs
to insure that the front latch rod has free motion. If it is not, adjust the
battery accordingly.
3. Hood Latch Position
Insure that the wire latch hoop on the hood is striking the retainer latch
in the correct position. Verify that the lower panel assembly is installed
correctly and that the locating pins are correctly in place. If lower cowl
is properly installed, lower the hood toward the latch and visually note the
position of the upper wire latch hoop relative to the lower retainer latch.
The wire latch hoop should contact the rear of the lower retainer latch
surface at least 3 - 5 mm down the surface of the latch. This will insure
that the latch will consistently capture the hood's wire hoop (See PDF Link
at bottom for graphics).
With improper hood hoop latch strike, the radiator can be forced into the
fan during hood closure. This occurs when the hood hoop contacts the latch
on the front side (See PDF Link at bottom for photo). If the hood is open
and the unit is running, closing the hood with the latch in the position
shown will result in fan blade to radiator contact. The results will be a
punctured radiator.
If the hood's wire hoop contacts the latch surface at the top of the latch
surface, or comes to the front of the lower retainer latch, then the wire
hoop should be adjusted rearward until it comes into the proper alignment.
This can be done by inserting a lever through the wire hoop and, using
moderate pressure, bend the hoop rearward until the proper positioning is
achieved (See PDF Link at bottom for photo).
After the hoop has been adjusted, check to insure that the hoop is striking
the latch at the proper position. If adjusted correctly, shut the hood with
a firm closing motion on the hood front nose area (See PDF Link at bottom
for photo). Slamming the hood is not necessary