Recent content by frogpond

Oh well, so much for my theory about one-armed gremlins... I file all the rakers the same. I use a Stihl 2in1 for filing, and also round the leading edge of the rakers after a while. After this occurrence, I filed all the teeth to the same size, of course.

I went to sharpen the chain on my Stihl ms261cm after it got dull( probably hit some dirt while bucking up a maple). Only the teeth pointing one way had ragged cutting edges, while the ones pointing the other way were just a little dull, but undamaged. What could hsve caused this? It's a Stihl...

I have a white replacement solenoid on it, specified by the dealer. So please, how do I identify the choke and check it?

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll try them.

I have a Stihl MS 261CM, set up with 3/8 chain and lightweight bar, which I generally like. However, a cold start usually takes about 9 pulls, sometimes 12 when the weather is cold (Western Washington, so only in the 30s or 40s). After it's warmed up, 2 or 3 pulls to start, 1 pull if it's still...

I've been getting lots of if ads lately for cheap Chinese safety cages that fit on forks. They are under different names, but all look pretty similar, and all are about $160-180. I'm tempted. Can anybody offer advice/ experience with these?

Okay, I should have searched! Lots of discussion to read through...thanks!

There are several out there, all similar Groundhog is a common one.

I have been toying with the idea of buying one of those tiny, gas-powered Chinese mini-ex's. They look look a lot of fun for relatively little money. I already own a Kubota BX25D, and I have put over 1600 hours on it. Of course, it has a backhoe with mechanical thumb, and a loader with an Add a...

I am grateful, gentlemen, for all these good ideas, especially the ramps with detachable parts. Although I suppose I could simply raise the tractor with its own hydraulics, put hefty wood blocks under the rear wheels and jack stands under the frame in front, and lower it. To get back in...

Sure, actually when I do need to jack up the tractor I use the loader and the backhoe stabilizers. What do you mean by detachable ramps?

Of course, great idea!

I have just finished another oil, transmission fluid and filters change, and transmission fluid strainer cleaning on my Kubota BX25D. And I have previously done several one-off jobs like relocating that damned fuel filter. I hate to admit that I'm getting old enough to dislike scooching under...

In case this helps anyone: Recently, I started hearing a pop/snap/click noise from the left front of the tractor. It was rhythmic when going forward or reverse, especially active when turning left. I checked the drive shaft u joint, even though it's on the other side, as it had been a problem in...

Problem solved. Replaced the fuel shutoff solenoid, which was easy. The no-crank problem was not caused by the treadle, but rather by the PTO lever on the left side. A little jiggling made it happier. I thank those who helped with advice! By the way, I went with the Kubota solenoid. More...