Shop Time w/T.W. Friends

Looking good!!!

 

I have to do that on a couple of different pump shafts that I have to make. Not often because they're usually purchased. I have 2 that are roughed in and need to be finished between centers. Need to be done soon.

 

Holy cow, she’s still kicking! 90 years old.

 

If I was buying this is what I would be looking at, I know there are other quality brands also however there are three Hustler dealers within 25 miles of me. About $4,000.




I was talking myself into buying this but got distracted and bought the truck instead. Yes a $10,000 commercial stander mower is probably a bit of overkill -- I have gotten 15 years out of a residential ZT, I figured this one would outlast me. And the cool factor too!

 

-- Burn!

 

I’ve got to turn the tool post around to reach the end. Limit switches are keeping me from going any further.

 

I hated to say it but the truth hurts

 

At least the lathe is all cleaned up and ready to use.
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The local hardware store and possibly the TSC I think carry Bad Boy ZT's, I was looking at those off and on. I for no real good reason, kind of lean toward something with a Kohler engine. One that really had my interest some time back was one that had a hydraulic deck that lifted vertical. I was thinking, oh boy that would make blade swaps and deck cleaning a snap. That option most likely out of reach though.

 

Earl Holliman too, he is 93.

 

My boss bought a Bad Boy, been good to him for several years.

 

Across the street neighbor (multi-millionaire) has at least 3 different ZT mowers. The one that I see him on most of the time and it's a older one, is a Grasshopper. For whatever reason possibly that one side-hill mows better than others?? He always on that one out front so I'm assuming that's why.

 

I hesitate to buy a big dollar unit from TSC, if you ever need dealer support for warranty or parts you are stuck trying to get a 20 something probably part time retail store worker to understand what you are talking about. They don't have the training and their system isn't structured for any kind of after the sale service.

Sure, they can refer you to a dealer -- who more often than not has the opinion of "you bought it from them, have them help you".

OPE dealers often seem to have that reputation -- a person comes to spend money and the first thing they do is be a , they must have plenty of work...

The great thing about MTD built stuff (Cub Cadet) is that if you can do the work parts are available everywhere, probably on the moon even.

 

At one point I was casually looking for a used front mount Grasshopper. They are completely repairable, the front deck is so nice for cutting under bushes and the like and they will accept attachments like snow blowers and plows so I thought it would be a year round machine.

Until I saw one in person -- they are freaking huge, like take up a full garage bay huge.

(...and if I found one cheap enough I would probably drag it home -- I have a long history of cool trumping smart...)

 

That is a very good point you make and I have experienced that attitude first hand in our little town. So your correct that maybe I should look at a reputable power equipment dealer when the time comes. For a couple decades hear radio advertising for a shop in Gretna NE, that might be a place to shop. Or even a JD dealer, I think they got parts for those on the moon too. At least that's what a former coworker/ farmer guy told me. He said can still get parts for 50 year old machines at JD.

 

Haha, yeah the neighbors Grasshopper is more of a conventional mount deck if I recall. It definitely was lower to the ground type model. That thing does look enormous. Golf course duty.

 

You live next to Forrest Gump?

 

Cancer center called and said both scans came back clean. I'm good to go. Won't ever be a 100% , but I survived. Blood transfusion seems to be working and they gave me B-12 shots to boost it. Just have to get a little strength back and I can try doing some light duty stuff. Now I'm gonna pack away my wheelchair , lol.

 

That's the best news I've heard all day!!! So happy for you Danny