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Post by houpla on Apr 19, 2023 21:53:32 GMT 1
I'd be interested on having your opinions on the various types of mower lift. I've got a contraption that lifts the ride-on at the front, involving square section steel bars which are a swine to slide as they're supposed to. Has anyone got one of the sideways, screwy type? Is it good? Do you still end up laying on the ground trying to prise off 50mm of solid gunge with a palette knife?
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Post by ForumUser2 on Apr 19, 2023 22:44:05 GMT 1
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Post by houpla on Apr 20, 2023 6:21:20 GMT 1
Thanks for the feedback, FU2. I didn't realise that you're supposed to lift both sides! I'd be tempted to go right under for the lower one. Ah well, perhaps the frontal type isn't so bad, with a steady supply of WD40
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Post by ForumUser2 on Apr 20, 2023 7:25:44 GMT 1
Thanks for the feedback, FU2. I didn't realise that you're supposed to lift both sides! I'd be tempted to go right under for the lower one. Ah well, perhaps the frontal type isn't so bad, with a steady supply of WD40 I'm not brave enough to crank mine right up as in the photo in my link!
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Post by spectrum on Apr 20, 2023 7:31:52 GMT 1
I have one its actually the green version, I do lift it to its max but put a stand underneath it before I do any work, you can reach the full deck "96"cm when on your hands and knees. This year will treat myself to a new husky the type with the lift up front deck, easier to cut around low trees.
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Post by pcpa on Apr 20, 2023 11:04:06 GMT 1
I have a side lift crank handle one bought cheep from a Fessbook group, I lift it on the left side only so the grass and water can drain from the exit port on the right, initially the projecting outlet prevented me lifting it to full height but this week it did not obstruct, maybe on different ground? both times I had the deck at maximum hight.
It works very very well, the mower is very stable and the COG close to central above the base, I dont have to kneel down or use any mechanical tools, I work a bit blind (easy for me) to save getting splashed and I also have an intimlate memory map of all the internal contours having had to weld every square inch of the carter, the mower was not such a god Fessbook buy!
Not a trace of grass remains but that could be because its a smooth refinished painted underside.
Having bought the mower shiny as new & havin spent all its time inside, with the outside paint of the carter unblemished only to find that it was only the paint and dried grass crud holding the rust together I realise now how inmportant cleaning of it is, I spent a week of afternoons fabricating and welding.
I would say go for a side lift and use its full height on one single lift & clean, you may need to get down & dirty the first time but once the caked on stuff is removed you should get to know where to squirt, after all you probably dont use your eyes and a mirror after doind a number 2!!!!
sorry for any typos.
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Post by annabellespapa on Apr 20, 2023 13:26:25 GMT 1
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Aardvark
Non-gamer
Living in soggy 22 and still wondering what's going on.
Posts: 2,172
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Post by Aardvark on Apr 20, 2023 17:17:19 GMT 1
I have one like those shown in FU2's link. Works just fine for me. I lift from both sides and kneel on an old vinyl covered chair cushion to save the knees. Less bending of my troublesome spine. The only criticism I have is that to get it to the very top of the screw lift I find the hand crank hard work. I removed the handle and filed the end of the screw to a hex shape. I can now get full lift very quickly by using my rechargeable drill with a socket attached that fits the hex on the screw. Maybe 60 seconds to lift or lower.
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Post by pcpa on Apr 20, 2023 20:47:36 GMT 1
I intend doing that to mine, I dont struggle with it but the mechanical advantage means that I spend ages spinning my arm against very little resistance and only the final bit is any effort, like caravan levelling supports its a job crying out for a battery drill or impact wrench.
It had better be quicker than 60 seconds, it takes less than that by hand but can end up doing a tank slapper at that speed, the crank arm should be a 2 arm job like a manivelle or speed brace.
Theres a thought! now what happened to my 1/2" drive speed brace? Probably in one of the trailer or caravan wheel change kits.
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Post by houpla on Apr 20, 2023 21:04:08 GMT 1
Thanks for the feedback, FU2. I didn't realise that you're supposed to lift both sides! I'd be tempted to go right under for the lower one. Ah well, perhaps the frontal type isn't so bad, with a steady supply of WD40 I'm not brave enough to crank mine right up as in the photo in my link! I'm not sure that I would be either!
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Post by houpla on Apr 20, 2023 21:09:42 GMT 1
I have one like those shown in FU2's link. Works just fine for me. I lift from both sides and kneel on an old vinyl covered chair cushion to save the knees. Less bending of my troublesome spine. The only criticism I have is that to get it to the very top of the screw lift I find the hand crank hard work. I removed the handle and filed the end of the screw to a hex shape. I can now get full lift very quickly by using my rechargeable drill with a socket attached that fits the hex on the screw. Maybe 60 seconds to lift or lower. Crafty!
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Post by ForumUser2 on Apr 20, 2023 21:24:35 GMT 1
I have one like those shown in FU2's link. Works just fine for me. I lift from both sides and kneel on an old vinyl covered chair cushion to save the knees. Less bending of my troublesome spine. The only criticism I have is that to get it to the very top of the screw lift I find the hand crank hard work. I removed the handle and filed the end of the screw to a hex shape. I can now get full lift very quickly by using my rechargeable drill with a socket attached that fits the hex on the screw. Maybe 60 seconds to lift or lower. Oh, good tip. That's my morning sorted out for tomorrow.
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Aardvark
Non-gamer
Living in soggy 22 and still wondering what's going on.
Posts: 2,172
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Post by Aardvark on Apr 21, 2023 9:51:54 GMT 1
One extra tip. The crank handle on mine was held on by a simple pin. I removed the pin and drilled the hole(s) out slightly large enough to fit an "R" clip. That leaves the option if my drill isn't available I can easily refit the handle and raise the lift manually.
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Post by rabbit on Apr 21, 2023 10:31:00 GMT 1
I used to use a side lift. Cleaning the underside metal bits is essential if you want your mower to last. After my first ride on rusted after 5 years I switched to a front cutter. I simply swing the front deck up and clean after each mow. It’s 13 years old now and it will probably outlast me. The front mow deck machines are more expensive but cheaper in the long run
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Post by houpla on Apr 21, 2023 21:46:21 GMT 1
As we've only just replaced the beloved old Bestgreen with an MTD tractor, too late! I was impressed with that front deck business, but got hooked by the MTD's supposed 'easy clean jet wash' system. Ha! There's one born every minute
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