Recent content by charris65

After extended cabs came on the market, I don't understand why anyone would want a regular cab. Everyone needs secure, dry storage of the stuff they carry around, like tools, etc. You're so limited with a regular cab and, especially, if 2 people are in the truck. My first pick-up was a '95 Chevy...

I used to laugh at people who had running boards on low slung pick-ups or Suburbans. Really?? lol I found out in 2019 that this 3/4 ton needed steps. The entry height is about 27". You can do it, but it's difficult and I'm 6'1" and age 70. When I had my 2020 built, I ordered working steps which...

Yeah, me too. I didn't even think to use the parking brake as it had limited usefulness anyway. When I parked it, I'd always put it in gear and block the tires too.

It was hydraulic. It had a leak in the line that no one could find. Had to always check the fluid and top it off each time.

I used to drive a 16' cattle truck, a '68 Chevy 50 series, with a 2-speed splitter. Not a dump truck but similar in being a bigger truck, at least. I found it easier to drive a stick on this than a car. It seemed more forgiving. Like others have said, you have to realize you are bigger and...

First thing to remember is to keep your cool. Second thing is you know you have to get away ASAP. Third thing is you know you're gonna get stung and you have to minimize the number of times. This happened to me once on my JD 2030 open station. The shortest avenue of escape was uphill and I...

I recently bought a Lincoln pistol-type from Gemplers for under $45. I also got one of the LockNLube couplers for those hard to reach areas. I haven't used it yet, but it will fit my needs. https://gemplers.com/products/pistol-type-grease-gun

A word about shear pins- They are there for a reason. If you replace them with something that doesn't shear under excessive load, you run the risk of damaging the gear box. When I first started using an auger, I broke shear pins right and left. Then I learned. If you feel that the auger is going...

If you already own battery powered tools, I would stick with one brand's platform. That way, all your batteries work with all the tools in that platform and you're not having to stock 50 different chargers and sets of batteries. For lawn and garden, I began with the WORX platform and now have...

For my 90 HP JD, I have always had a 500 gal above ground diesel tank. I use a hand pump, but you could also get a 12v pump. When the tank is full, I add 2 bottles [16 fl oz each] of "HOT 4 in 1" to deal with any water issues. I get that from my heating oil/diesel distributor, but it's made by...

I haven't used a blade to plow my asphalted driveway in 15 years. Before it was paved, I found out that I got a better result with less hassle using the FEL. Since paving, I have never gouged the driveway with the FEL. Rather than pushing the snow to the sides with a blade, I can stop, lift the...

I hear ya, man! After dealing with the same problems with our half mile driveway for 20 years, we had it paved. It was expensive but, not having to rework the driveway after every heavy rain and scraping off a layer of dirt and gravel every time plowing snow, it has been way worth it. Anything...

When our half mile driveway wasn't paved, I used a rear blade on my John Deere 2030. The problems with that set up is that you are always looking behind you and it tends to scrape off a layer of dirt and gravel. The blade also releases snow in piles along the side of the road and it takes a long...