Scary Sight (Safety Topic)

[Junkman]

in two words...... "carpenter ants". Any time you place a piece of plywood on the ground around here, within a day or two, the carpenter ants think that it belongs to them and they start up a new colony. It took a few years to clear them out from around the house and now I have learned not to leave any wood in contact with the ground. I had left a piece of pressure treated wood on the ground under the deck and when I lifted it, it was very chewed up. I always thought that pressure treated wood would kill them, but apparently the just enjoyed the meal. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Duncan]

OK, I will try mowing without the FEL. Would it be possible to list the sequence to get the FEL removed in a couple of minutes? I have room in my shop to just drop in in place and drive up to it when ready to attach. I just always assumed it would be more trouble than it is worth. When I get my receiver hitch attachment for the 3-point, I will get one of the carrier platforms for the hitch. This will reduce a lot of my FEL needs.

 

[Jim_Becker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( When I get my receiver hitch attachment for the 3-point, I will get one of the carrier platforms for the hitch. This will reduce a lot of my FEL needs. )</font>

You should consider a carry-all rather than a receiver-mounted platform...significant increase in weight handling and much more adjustable. About $75 plus some 2x boards will do the job for you. (I bought mine at Tractor Supply a couple years ago and wouldn't be without it) But even if you use your platform, you'll still need the FEL on the front to counterbalance the weight you are carrying...unless you want to be poping wheelies the whole way!

 

[r0GuE]

Duncan,

I too left it on for a few months before I decided I better give it a try with it off. It is darn near fun to mow with it off. It is more comfortable for the driver, less bouncing and just plain easier.

 

[Duncan]

Not familar with the carry-all. How does it mount?

 

[JWE]

I remove and install my FEL every week in the summer. As mentioned, it only takes a few minutes to remove or install. A step-by-step procedure is in the manual.

I also have a carryall that I use for hauling. It is simple and inexpensive to build. I've posted the attached picture several times on this forum. I am so happy with the utility and usefulness of the carryall that I like to spread the word. I have hauled everything from brush to drywall with mine. I even use it as a platform for my 10 HP chipper/shredder.

John

 

[JWE]

Carryall with chipper/shredder.

 

[JWE]

Carryall hauling firewood.

 

[Yankee]

"There is a huge difference in manuverability and agility when mowing with the FEL off"

Not to mention the reduction in bouncing. A HUGE difference there. Much better ride.

Bill

 

[BANDAMAN]

I just got my BX2230 about 8 days ago and have mowed three times (keeps raining). I have taken my loader off each time and already I am getting much better at it. I am pretty sure I would hit my house with the loader on, and If I didn't I would have to be so careful that it wouldn't be any fun. I also don't want the extra weight due to my lawn being so water logged right now.

By the way, I have my rear tires loaded with Rim guard, it adds about 150 lbs to each tire. I have done a little loader work on flat ground and felt comfortable. I have put the grader blade on (about another 250 lbs) when doing more serious work. It also makes a good wheelie bar when I was working on a berm and back dragging the FEL to smooth down the hill. I may add a carry all or weight box soon.