You Know You Are Old When

[Eagle1]

So let's chase the rabbit. Got my ZT high centered, sideways in a ditch and lost traction. Had to pull it out with the tractor.

Released the parking brakes and pulled it out maybe 5 feet...without thinking about opening the relief fittings on each drive.

Is that high risk for screwing up the hydraulics on the ZT? (And I'll carry a wrench in the future to undo the relief fittings first).

Not at all likely but for those without a big enough machine, it makes it more doable. My little 250cc atv can't pull a big mower or even a golf cart with the wheels locked. Now release wheels and she can.

BTW I'm not climbing under the mower to release the drive in the mud. Just get a bigger tractor.

Now I have blown the belt driving the pumps and had to tow more than 1/2 mile to the shop. That a case I would make sure the drive was by passed.

 

[RjCorazza]

I wouldn't worry about dragging a ZT a short distance, particularly on grass, mud, or dirt. My Kubota ZD mowers do not have a hydraulic release, so when stuck they get dragged. I can get pallet forks under the rear and push on the front caster wheels, but my loader will not lift the whole mower.

 

[Oaktree]

Had a pulley issue on the mower, and my wife and I couldn't get the mower on the trailer. Brain over brawn (if anyone else has a better idea with a mower that won't move, let me know), but my shoulder was still feeling pretty bad that night trying to muscle it on originally.

Couple years ago had an old rider mower I was "donating" to the local small engine guy. Same general idea but I used a pair of come-alongs.

 

[Jstpssng]

Couple years ago had an old rider mower I was "donating" to the local small engine guy. Same general idea but I used a pair of come-alongs.

It's not uncommon for me to use ratchet straps to drag things on. I also have used them to pull myself out of the ditch on more than one occasion.

 

[Sigarms]

Did you release the HST? My Zturns have a release on each pump to allow it to free wheel not lock the drive wheels down.
I guess pick it up with the tractor is not an option

To answer your question, yes

 

[Eagle1]

To answer your question, yes

Still heavy..... good on you.

 

[Sigarms]

Same general idea but I used a pair of come-alongs.

This is why don't know you need the name of a tool until you need it!

I remember my father in law talking about come-alongs...

I ended up buying a portable air compressor for my wife to use for our primary family car (AKA her car LOL). Small and portable and very easy to use, and although I bought it for my wife, I probably use it more than she does for tires around the house.

 

[scootr]

Had a pulley issue on the mower, and my wife and I couldn't get the mower on the trailer. Brain over brawn (if anyone else has a better idea with a mower that won't move, let me know), but my shoulder was still feeling pretty bad that night trying to muscle it on originally.View attachment 4078277

That's how I do it. If you jack knife the trailer you can pull straight on instead of off to the side.

 

[Sigarms]

That's how I do it. If you jack knife the trailer you can pull straight on instead of off to the side.

I actually thought about that AFTER the fact. Makes complete sense. Original thought was parallel slightly down hill from the mower where we could gain some momentum by pushing it up the trailer ramp (wishful thinking on my wife's and I thought because it wasn't moving once it hit that trailer ramp).

First time I had to move the mower with or without power where it would not steer.

The issue is you don't learn until you have to do it the first time for yourself.

Hopefully won't happen again since this was the first time in 20 years LOL

 

[WinterDeere]

No need to open valves when only dragging a few feet. I’ve done it many times over 20 years, with no damage ever. But I’d not want to tow it hundreds of feet across the yard without opening them.