Some PT180 project pics.

MossRoad · Aug 10, 2005

To some who are used to having tractors or skidsteers this may not seem like a big deal but for me completing these three projects in a single day was just amazing!!! 

The problem with my projects now is that it takes longer to take the pictures than it does to complete the projects! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

BillCroasmun · Aug 10, 2005

Stray,
It was about $150 for the kit at Harbor Freight, actually I looked it up on line and it shows $199 for it so maybe the local store had it miss marked or on sale. I also looked at some more expensive ones at www.Shelterking.com (they have many sizes available starting around $350 I think) which I think may be better quality but this one fits my needs.

I think I spent about $100 on the slag and used maybe half of it on the base for this. So about $200 total for a nice parking spot for the PT! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I want to build some wood shelves for the back. I am thinking that the mower will sit on the ground with a shelf above for the tiller and another shelf above that for the bucket. I have to do the measurements yet, hopefully this works and is not too high for the 180 to grab the bucket from the top. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I'll probably start measuring for that this weekend! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

BillCroasmun · Aug 10, 2005

Almost forgot... Overall dimensions: 16 ft. 9''L x 8 ft. 10''W x 7ft. 1/2''H

Here's the link... I guess they are selling them at $179 now.
Harbor Freight Portable Garage

BillCroasmun · Aug 10, 2005

( Glad it passed the Inspector's review!!! )

Well, I did cut a few corners but I paid her off with an ice cream sandwich. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

MossRoad · Aug 10, 2005

Well, I did cut a few corners but I paid her off with an ice cream sandwich. 

That just confirms my belief that it's not what you know but who you know! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

stray · Aug 10, 2005

I noticed the position of the seat belt in this pic. Looks like a good place to stow it and a reminder to put it back on.

pajoube · Aug 10, 2005

Bill,
Great shots, thanks for sharing. I noticed when you get off the seat that you loop the seat belt in the steering wheel. Great idea for when you get back on you will remember to buckel up.
All you need now is a steering knob on that wheel.
PJ

BillCroasmun · Aug 10, 2005

Stray/PJ,
Thanks. I wear my seatbelt religiously and hanging it like that helps me keep up the practice. Recently though I have been wondering. The only slope I am on is an area right off the road. I have about a three foot drop from berm to yard that spans about 50" to 70". It feels uneasy mowing it although I am probably very safe. I'm wondering though if it were to roll with the 180 having no roll cage I think I may be better off not being buckled in.

I've ridden dirt bikes and ATVs and feel comfortable getting myself clear of a vehicle falling at descent speeds so jumping of a tipping tractor sounds more feasible than being trapped under 1200 lbs! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Any thoughts guys?

KentT · Aug 10, 2005

Without a ROPS, you wouldn't catch me wearing a seatbelt, personally...

I've also gotten on top of and "ridden" motorcyles as they slide down the highway on the crashbars, and have abandoned them in the woods as they start to come over backwards, or you've gotten to the point on a hill where there's zero traction for either braking or continuing on...

J_J · Aug 10, 2005

I agree, seat belts sounds like safety, right. Personally I don't wear a seat belt for the obviously reason, in a roll over situation, most people try to get out, it's human nature to escape. If you have your seat belt on, you probably don't have time to think about unbuckling. If you hold on to the PT without a ROPS, and buckled in, you will get crushed. If working by a pond, even with ROPS, it is not a good idea to wear the seat belt in case you turn over in the pond. Sometimes I am getting out of the PT ever couple of minutes and it is not feasible to wear the belt. However, good common sense should be applied to every situation.

The one time a hydraulic hose broke on the wheel motor, instant fear set in, and I was try to figure out what was happening as I was rolling backward toward a deep creek. I was getting ready to jump out, but the PT rolled into a tree, stopping my watery demise. My emergency brake is useless in a rolling situation. I didn't have time to try and engage it.