Tractors, Mowers, Chippers, Trailers, Chainsaws, Generators, Driveway Erosion Control, ETC.

I don't know why, but I've never thought of it that way.

 

That is the Grasshopper setup, old Bolens did that too, both premium machines.

Most consumer grade machines had the 90 degree pulley set up with idlers and belt guard etc.

 

I picked up an extractor today. It's on sale at HFT for $109. After I sucked it out of the dip stick tube, I cracked the drain plug and about 2 drops came out so it looks like I'm able to get all the oil with the extractor.

5hr service on the XT1 using OEM oil and filter. Next service I'll try and find some OEM equivalent but the Kohler oil and filter were at TSC so it was convenient.

 

The extractors are cats @$$ on OPE and more, I have had mine close to 30 years.

 

Nice day outside FINALLY after a couple days of rain so I tilled the garden 4 times over with the old Ariens Rocket, then hauled out the grasshopper ZT and mowed and vacuumed the yard. I think I'll plant tomorrow, it's a bit early but I think I can get away with it. Next week is supposed to be warm so it'll be time to go moral mushroom hunting.

It's always nice to feed the wildlife.

The .22 is ready to go. [either a Ruger SR-22 that is free floated or a Remington 513T US Property marked with peeps.]

 

Power King stump grinder arrived early. Put it together today and I must say it works pretty good!

 

My Case Big Wheel 446 Onan is the same.PTO is run off the traditional crank end, the hydro/ drive pump is run off the flywheel end.

That deck belt/mule drive deck belt right angle theory don't hunt. I still think I'm missing something.

There has got to be more to the question of moving towards vertical drive vs horizontal drive.

 

I have the exact same extractor. I friggin' love it! For a Harbor Freight brand it seems to be really good quality. The dispense feature is great for putting the used oil into an old 5 gallon hydraulic oil can (smaller spout).

 

A day of tractor work.

Used the snow plow on the old Ford to clear 90% of the winter blow down crap off the yard, I just push it into the hedgerow.

The New Holland only had 1 flat tire so call that a win. Lube, oil & filter and did the first mow of the season -- raised the property drive by from abandoned to poorly maintained. (my goal isn't that high -- I aim for "inoffensive or nondescript")

Perfect day, sunny and no little black bugs out yet.

 

Are there no vertical shaft engines by Predator from Harbor Freight?

 

There haven't been any for 2 years.

I'm not sure why the 708 Predator is not carried any more.

The same engine is still being produced via Alibaba Express.

 

Agreed! I mean, normal oil changes are easy enough as it is, but making it even easier is always a plus. It hardly needs any cleanup. Easily one of my best purchases from Harbor Freight.

 

Hey all, been lurking the thread for a while trying to pick up on things while looking for a GT. I’ve been looking at JD x500/equivalents to use for mowing as well as yard work.

Just found a Cub Cadet GT 2523 for sale a few hours away on Craigslist with ~350 hours, plus a Johnny bucket he and bagger already installed. Looks like they only made these in 2004 but I’ve been having trouble finding a lot of information on this particular model - any suggestions on some things to look out for? I’m assuming the standard stuff applies, like making sure engine/PTO work and engage well. I would look to see if they’ve followed up on maintenance. Anything else I should be looking for? Paint looks perfect, at least on the pictures they’ve posted, and doesn’t seem to be rusting like some of these older ones can. It’s enough of a drive that I’d like to feel pretty confident about it before making the trip.

 

I traded my southland gas auger for a 4x6 trailer today. First thing I did was break the weld for the fold down gate! Oops. Guess I need to find a local welder. Or take a trip to HFT.
The trailer is a little smaller than I really want. I think I want a 6x8 or 5x9 but this will do for now. Got all the lawns mowed.

 

@Steve Urquell is our resident CC expert.

 

That is a solid medium duty GT. It has a bulletproof Kohler Command and very strong hydro-gear BDU-10L shaft drive hydro hooked to a cast iron rear differential. It is the previous generation to the XT3 which would cost you $7000 with a deck.

The only downside to the 2000 series vs the 3000 series is that the 2000s don't have a hydraulic auxiliary circuit on the hydro so all add ons will have to be electric actuated.

Here's the specs on it
https://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/001/1/7/1179-cub-cadet-gt-2523.html

 

Point proven, Steve is the CC man!

 

Great info, thank you! I was looking on tractor data and didn’t see the transmission model listed so that’s very helpful too.

 

The BDU-10L is very stout and can pull a plow, box blade and do ground engaging activities. It has a spin on filter and holds 4.5qts of oil and is easily servicable. It is an underrated hydro comparable in strength to the K72 except that it is shaft driven instead of belt driven.

 

Doing some driveway maintenance with the 3225. Drainage trench with the middlebuster followed up by angle blading it to crown it.