Pat,
It just takes experience. First couple of times can be a little frustrating, but you will get the hang of it and take it off every time you mow. Most important is to have a flat hard surface to park the FEL. I don't (yet) and can still do it in the yard, but the more level, the better. And don't forget that last step when you re-mount - fold up the kick stand! I've heard that is easy to forget /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I wouldn't get into taking the bucket on and off, doesn't really get you that much advantage as you will still have the weight of the arms and they still stick out in front. I find the TC-24 to be as easy as a very manuverable lawn tractor ideal for mowing when only the mmm is on.
The deck is the same thing - experience. One of the tricks I have learned is to set the rear wheels one click lower just before removal. The cushion lift system is set up to run the deck with a slight tilt forward, so if you are taking it off on a level floor with the wheels all set the same, there is still a load on the rear pins without making this adjustment. Play around with the settings a little until you find your pins loose enough to turn by hand before removing. When you put it back on, it will be much easier. Just remember to re-set the rear wheels back to the chart settings for whatever level you want to mow.
I sharpen my blades with the deck off. I move it around with the FEL, two chains, one to each hook on the FEL with a shackle on the deck. I run the shackle pin through the front mounting holes on the deck. I also remove the blades from the deck to sharpen, but you can touch them up either on the bench grinder or leave them on and use a right angle side grinder.
Just have a little patience and it will get easier. The way I look at, others do it everyday, why can't I!
Oh, one more thing. Now that summer is here, the one PITA with the FEL is building up pressure in the hydro lines if your FEL is parked out in the sun. You will never get the quick connects back together without first relieving the pressure. The first thing I do is to move the control handle in all directions with the tractor shut down prior to removal. That relieves any initial pressure from the normal operation. In the heat, I also hose down the black hydro lines with cold water prior to re-attaching. I also sometimes have to wrap the ends in a rag and push (hard) the nipple against a smooth flat surface, such as the bucket. I wrap them because it helps protect the nipple and the hydro fluid is at such high pressure it will shoot all over when released. Not a lot, but you don't want a shot of it in your face.
The pressure build-up is probably the biggest problem I have with getting the FEL back on.
Good luck.
Brad
