A question re a lawn tractor

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by stevej37

It's prob safer in a straight up/down position...all the weight is on the back wheels.

Assuming you drain the gas and oil?

[Tobra]

Mount a second set of tire tracks set at tractor width. Alternatively, just unscrew the tracks on thet we and just drill a second set of mounting holes in the apropriate spot on crossmember. Put grease on holes for rust prevention



You want routine maintaining as easy as possible

[stevej37]

^^^ Bob

The only way I can remove my deck is in the garage.
Sliding that much weight needs a smooth floor. (not sure how much the deck weighs, but it's plenty. I'm getting real close to 72)

When tipping it up, it's on the gauge wheels and I have to walk around the deck to lower it down, blades up. If the wheels turn an inch the wrong way...the sucker is falling and get out of the way.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Mount a second set of tire tracks set at tractor width. Alternatively, just unscrew the tracks on thet we and just drill a second set of mounting holes in the apropriate spot on crossmember. Put grease on holes for rust prevention
You want routine maintaining as easy as possible

You're talking on my lift?
The next problem is getting at it from the side. I would have to move both Honda's out of the garage every time to get on the lift from the side. I would also need two ramps for the side entry...the ones for the main entry wouldn't work.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Assuming you drain the gas and oil?

The gas is almost gone after each mowing...it's a thirsty tractor.
The oil should be ok.

[Tobra]

Tracks parallel to car mounting. Drive tractor onto lift same way you do the car.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Tracks parallel to car mounting. Drive tractor onto lift same way you do the car.

Oh...ok, I didn't understand your first description.
I'm not sure if I would undertake that...I would need welding done. I have no welder.

Still not sure what this means....
"Alternatively, just unscrew the tracks on thet we and just drill a second set of mounting holes in the apropriate spot on crossmember."

[Tobra]

The tracks are welded on?

That would still work. Mount a second set of tracks inboard of main ones when working on the Deere. Couple holes for screws to mount the tracks is not going to compromise the strength of the crossmember much

[stevej37]

^^^ I'm not picturing that as helping when I use the lift for car maintenance.
It would be in the way for the Carrera when changing oil.

Maybe I'm looking at what you're saying wrong....need a pic.

[gregpark]

$139. Harbor Freight

[stevej37]

^^^ See post #3....MoJack.

[stevej37]

[QUOTE=Tobra;12484924]The tracks are welded on?


Sorry I missed that...no the ramps are not welded on.
I assembled and set up the whole thing myself when it was new... They are bolted on.

[pavulon]

Next time?

[oldE]

I just love all these solutions to a simple question about the strength of a front axle pivot.
We are such a bunch of over thinkers.
KISS!

[Scott Douglas]

I for one would love to see a picture of how the front axle attaches to the frame.
Since it articulates I doubt it's as strong in all directions but could be wrong.
I'd hate to hear an old weathered bolt broke while Steve is underneath it.

[Scott Douglas]

I'd also like to think the 4x4 is the weak link in the lift train but could be wrong on that too.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by pavulon

Next time?

The chain fall was only $65

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

I'd also like to think the 4x4 is the weak link in the lift train but could be wrong on that too.

Not sure if it can be seen in the pics, but I wrapped the chain around the 4X4 three times before lowering thru the ceiling. The wraps are each in their own area to spread out the weight. Should be no reason for the chain or the 4X4 to break.

My only concern for safety is the where I hooked the sling strap to the front end....and you guys have assured me that is a strong spot. I did order that scale, just for my own piece of mind, to make sure I'm not off by a few hundred pounds. It will be here tomorrow and I'll hold off using the hoist until I can see the weights.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by oldE

I just love all these solutions to a simple question about the strength of a front axle pivot.
We are such a bunch of over thinkers.
KISS!

But it's nice to see the concern about my safety. I appreciate it.

When I installed my 4 post lift....it was before I covered the ceiling with the styro panels. I got anxious to start and at 9 in the morning I used a ladder to slide a 4X4 over a couple joists and hooked my cable come-along to it.
I used that to pick up every heavy piece of the lift...and to raise the 3 piece end up when assembled. The ramp that holds the hydraulic ram weighs close to 400 lbs and all went well. From start to finish, I'm the only person who touched that lift.

Oh...also, I was completely done by 3 in the afternoon.

[stevej37]

Good or bad omen??
I just now finished mowing and stopped the tractor to get a refreshment. Came back out of the house and found this.
I think it's a good omen because it missed the JD by a foot!
It was only about 4" dia. (at the big end)...but it would have scratched it up good. It's very windy here today.