Tractors for Dummy's

Charlie_Iliff · May 21, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Most of us don't have a PT trailer, but would like to. They are pricey, but worth it if you can afford them. They are really well built and have well-designed mounting points for the implements. You can mix and match and they will set up the trailer package for you.
Just to frustrate Fourteen, however, they'll probably make them too narrow for his reversed wheels. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

pajoube · May 21, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Regarding the box blade - this is one attachment you have to get used to from an operators point of view. It took me at least two projects before I could make this little hummer really work. It is great for going forward as well as backwards. I now use it in almost all projects. If you have one you don't know how you ever got along without it. But on the other hand if you have a 4 in 1 you probably could get along without it if you have never used one.
PJ

Makato · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

Thanks, that's the exact kind of feedback I was looking for. I haven't seen anyone else comment so it must not be a common attachment for most guys. If the 4in1 can accomplish the same crowning, I'd rather have it because its more bang for the buck.
Still no comments on the boom mower or the salt spreader. Surely somebody is using these attachments????????

pequeajim · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I agree on the 4 in 1. To do it all over again, I would buy the 4 in 1 in an instant and go invest into a good rock rake which will be much more versatile than the PT grapple bucket. If you already own a bucket, why buy another on with a grapple on it?? Even if I had 4 in 1 and the cash in my pocket for the PT grapple, I would not buy it, but rather buy a rock rake type of grapple. With that, you can do all of the carrying that we see in 14's pictures, but also sift rocks from dirt, pry roots loose and a bunch of other things.

On the boom mower, TanSprFarm on here, owns one and could give you some insite on how he likes it. PM him about it.

Carpenter · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I have to agree with PJ on the box blade. It takes some getting used to but once you figure it out it's very handy. I use it mainly going backwards which on the PT adds to the learning curve. The PT's articulation is a two-edged sword, it allows you to drive forward into places that are difficult to back out of. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

FOURTEEN · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

( lots of rock hidden in the woods under the growth and leaves. )

 If you are not going to use the PT Brush Cutter for doing your lawn, set the guide wheels as low as possible for a high cut which is adequate in the woods or fields!

When cutting in a new area with thick brush covering who knows what, I start with the Brush Cutter about 3' off the ground and tipped with the blades forward. That clears the view to see what down there. Then I lower the Brush Cutter another 1' or so, and repeat. Now I can see, or maybe get off the PT to check, if its clear to make a final pass with the Brush Cutter on its wheels.

Tipping the Brush Cutter with the front up and the rear down puts the steel deck top between you and anything nasty that you may unexpectedly find!

Be very careful to NOT brush cut or mow Poison Ivy with the Brush Cutter!! Since it exhausts cuttings out the back and the sides, it will blow Poison Ivy chips and ground leaves onto you! Last week I mowed with the Brush Cutter the edge of a field that had some 2"~12" Ivy growing in spots. This week I am suffering with rash on my arms, neck, and face!!

Makato · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

No lawn, just rough cut around the house and sides of drive. I will definitely be using the brush cutter for woods use and trails. Poisen Ivy, ouch!
I believe I saw a cab enclosure on a thread which looked to be more for winter months. Has know one ever developed a canvas type enclosure with a light plexiglass front for visibility? One would think rivet snaps or something of the sort could be attached to the ROPS and a simple material enclosure attached to avoid some of those basic back-kick issues from the mowers.
Learned a ton this last week, time to start making some decisions and price this all out.

FOURTEEN · May 22, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

 I've been thinking about this problem for a while now. Maybe a 'skirt' around the back and sides of the deck. It needs to be flexible so as not to bend or break, but stiff enough to not get into the blades. Or, maybe steel plates to convert it into a 'mulching mower'?! Even without Poison Ivy, the Brush Cutter throws way too much crap back at the operator!!

PS: Depending upon the shape and depth of your ditches, you may be able, with practise, to brush cut them by raising the deck and driving along the ditch with two wheels in and two wheels out?! I've done that along my dirt road, with my reversed wheels, with only the seat belt holding me in!! Maybe reshape the ditches first with your box blade?! Cheaper, and maybe easier to do, than buying and using a boom mower!!

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Makato · May 23, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I have read a ton the last couple weeks. I could have sworn I saw a post about that exact issue. I think someone may have put some kind of rubber edge to stop the material from throwing back. Sounds like a good mod to work on if for nothing else, a safety measure.

RegL · May 25, 2005

Re: Tractors for Dummy\'s

I did just that. Installed a rubber skirt on rear of brush hog. I didn't feel safe having that back open and also figured there was a good chance of throwing something sharp thru front tires.. I used rubber skirting ment for a 3pt brush hog. I'm sure you could find it at a farm supply store.