2 wheel Gravely's
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rmorgan
Gold Member
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- NH TC33D; RTV900; Gravely Professional
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Used half-a-dozen of them over the past 40 years--what questions?
Used half-a-dozen of them over the past 40 years--what questions?
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
How well does the 40" mower work, I know there are alot of variables, but will I be able to cut at any speed hooked to a commercial 12? Unfortunately the deck isn't in the best of shape and will need some work and I was wondering if the effort will be worth it. I also have an open side square shute snowblower do these work ok, I'm looking to use it when we get at least 6" or more of the white stuff.
How well does the 40" mower work, I know there are alot of variables, but will I be able to cut at any speed hooked to a commercial 12? Unfortunately the deck isn't in the best of shape and will need some work and I was wondering if the effort will be worth it. I also have an open side square shute snowblower do these work ok, I'm looking to use it when we get at least 6" or more of the white stuff.
Libertine
Gold Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
js5020:
<font color="blue">Anyone familiar with 2 wheel Gravely's </font>
I had 2 of them which I sold couple years ago to replace them with a BCS 2 wheeler. Sometimes wish I'd kept them, although the BSC is far more flexible a performer.
Your 40 inch mower deck should work real good when "tuned up". Check the pulley driving the shaft (for the blades) as they can pull loose and wear REAL fast. Keep grease in the box. Or course, as any mower, keep the blades sharp. The finish cut on my 40" deck was excellent (as good as the cut on my 38" BCS deck.
The gravelies are very much worth keeping since you can do so much more than with a "garden tractor" or similar. That PTO sticking out the front can power almost anything you can think of (except lifting stuff). Gravely even produced a small back hoe with the hydraulics powered by the PTO. Duals will give it added stability for mowing on hills. I used mine for rotary plowing, pushing snow, tilling, mowing. They are excellent machines and well worth keeping up, even if you have to rebuild the whole thing (not too expensive). There are implements around you can add reasonably to increase its flexibility. Just remember, the older ones were designed by engineers to last forever and do a lot of work - they WERE NOT designed by lawyers, or OSHA, so be careful and use common sense.
JEH
If you will do a search for "2 wheel" in the general buying forum (the first one) you will find an extensive thread including a review of the gravely L models, along with discussion, lots of links (including links to gravely clubs/info/parts), pictures, etc. for the many 2 wheel tractors sold throughout the world. You have a fine piece of equipment. Add implements to increase its flexibility.
js5020:
<font color="blue">Anyone familiar with 2 wheel Gravely's </font>
I had 2 of them which I sold couple years ago to replace them with a BCS 2 wheeler. Sometimes wish I'd kept them, although the BSC is far more flexible a performer.
Your 40 inch mower deck should work real good when "tuned up". Check the pulley driving the shaft (for the blades) as they can pull loose and wear REAL fast. Keep grease in the box. Or course, as any mower, keep the blades sharp. The finish cut on my 40" deck was excellent (as good as the cut on my 38" BCS deck.
The gravelies are very much worth keeping since you can do so much more than with a "garden tractor" or similar. That PTO sticking out the front can power almost anything you can think of (except lifting stuff). Gravely even produced a small back hoe with the hydraulics powered by the PTO. Duals will give it added stability for mowing on hills. I used mine for rotary plowing, pushing snow, tilling, mowing. They are excellent machines and well worth keeping up, even if you have to rebuild the whole thing (not too expensive). There are implements around you can add reasonably to increase its flexibility. Just remember, the older ones were designed by engineers to last forever and do a lot of work - they WERE NOT designed by lawyers, or OSHA, so be careful and use common sense.
JEH
If you will do a search for "2 wheel" in the general buying forum (the first one) you will find an extensive thread including a review of the gravely L models, along with discussion, lots of links (including links to gravely clubs/info/parts), pictures, etc. for the many 2 wheel tractors sold throughout the world. You have a fine piece of equipment. Add implements to increase its flexibility.
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Thanks for the replies, I did follow that thread to it's end it was very informative, and got me started looking at these machines, I had forgotten they even existed. I need a smaller machine to do some of the lighter stuff that just to light for my CUT, well I got a chance to get one. Its a commercial 12, I also got a 40" mower, 30" mower, square shute snowblower, snowplow, rotary plow, sprayer, and a steering sulky, plus some odds and ends, most importantly the price was right,,, free. I am really interested in the mowers, the 40" to help with the lawn, the 30" as a brushhog instead of buying one for the CUT, and the snowblower also instead of spending big bucks for a front mount for the CUT.
Thanks for the replies, I did follow that thread to it's end it was very informative, and got me started looking at these machines, I had forgotten they even existed. I need a smaller machine to do some of the lighter stuff that just to light for my CUT, well I got a chance to get one. Its a commercial 12, I also got a 40" mower, 30" mower, square shute snowblower, snowplow, rotary plow, sprayer, and a steering sulky, plus some odds and ends, most importantly the price was right,,, free. I am really interested in the mowers, the 40" to help with the lawn, the 30" as a brushhog instead of buying one for the CUT, and the snowblower also instead of spending big bucks for a front mount for the CUT.
DaveInColorado
Silver Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
I'll post a difference of opinion. I had a model L with a tiller, no other implements. That thing was a real struggle for tilling. I sure tilled a garden quickly but my arms were rubber noodles by the end of it. Eventually it ate a valve and I sold it. It would have been much better if it had a locking differential.
I'll post a difference of opinion. I had a model L with a tiller, no other implements. That thing was a real struggle for tilling. I sure tilled a garden quickly but my arms were rubber noodles by the end of it. Eventually it ate a valve and I sold it. It would have been much better if it had a locking differential.
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Thanks for your reply, I'll keep that comment on the tiller in mind, I can imagine it being hard to handle from using small front tillers. I really don't need it for ground engaging work though, I have a CUT and bigger equipment for that stuff. I just plan on using it as an additional mower, pull a light trailer, pull a seeder, stuff one would use a lawn tractor for.
Thanks for your reply, I'll keep that comment on the tiller in mind, I can imagine it being hard to handle from using small front tillers. I really don't need it for ground engaging work though, I have a CUT and bigger equipment for that stuff. I just plan on using it as an additional mower, pull a light trailer, pull a seeder, stuff one would use a lawn tractor for.
Libertine
Gold Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
js5020:
<font color="blue">Its a commercial 12, I also got a 40" mower, 30" mower, square shute snowblower, snowplow, rotary plow, sprayer, and a steering sulky, plus some odds and ends, most importantly the price was right,,, free. </font>
Hmmm. Price was right even if you have to put some money into it. Never used the 12, but when they stopped building them a few years ago they were still up to build quality as before (except for government mandated dumb down for nitwits stuff). Should be a good unit.
I too have a CUT (NH TC40 w-bh,fel, etc etc) but I like the two wheelers much better for some jobs. Plus you are "using up" a few thousand dollar machine instead of a $15k+++ machine.
DaveInColorado is partially correct. The tiller is not so good for "breaking" ground, although it does ok in reverse (backing gives you, in effect, counter rotating tines). Also the rotary plow (and tiller) require a large turning radius with those wheel/carriers sticking out front. If you use the rotary plow, be sure it is adjusted for straight ahead (using the curved angle adjusting slot next to the PTO connection). You will have to play with it a bit until it pulls evenly. When you get it adjusted it works fine and will provide a good seedbed on one pass. Also, be careful if you hit an obstruction-it can really jerk your arms.
Also, sometimes the lack of a differential lock can be a problem. My BCS does have the diff lock and it is handy-under some conditions. Another thing I didn't like was those 8" tires which can drop into ruts more easily than larger tires. Some of these problems are mitigated with duals. This widens the unit (good for slopes) and provides more "rubber" on the ground (can help with dropping into ruts, traction, etc).
The gravelies remind me of the older tractors. I had a Farmall Super C before I bought the TC40. Likewise, the gravelies are not as "modern" a design as, say, the BCS 850. Nevertheless, they are a first rate piece of equipment. Sounds like you got it right. It will last you your lifetime if you take care of it. I don't know how deep your snow is, but that 48" gravely blade will do a real nice job pushing snow, especially with duals and without ice under it. I preferred mine rather than the woods blade on the CUT. Of course, I'd had to clear a 2 acre parking lot with the gravely!
JEH
js5020:
<font color="blue">Its a commercial 12, I also got a 40" mower, 30" mower, square shute snowblower, snowplow, rotary plow, sprayer, and a steering sulky, plus some odds and ends, most importantly the price was right,,, free. </font>
Hmmm. Price was right even if you have to put some money into it. Never used the 12, but when they stopped building them a few years ago they were still up to build quality as before (except for government mandated dumb down for nitwits stuff). Should be a good unit.
I too have a CUT (NH TC40 w-bh,fel, etc etc) but I like the two wheelers much better for some jobs. Plus you are "using up" a few thousand dollar machine instead of a $15k+++ machine.
DaveInColorado is partially correct. The tiller is not so good for "breaking" ground, although it does ok in reverse (backing gives you, in effect, counter rotating tines). Also the rotary plow (and tiller) require a large turning radius with those wheel/carriers sticking out front. If you use the rotary plow, be sure it is adjusted for straight ahead (using the curved angle adjusting slot next to the PTO connection). You will have to play with it a bit until it pulls evenly. When you get it adjusted it works fine and will provide a good seedbed on one pass. Also, be careful if you hit an obstruction-it can really jerk your arms.
Also, sometimes the lack of a differential lock can be a problem. My BCS does have the diff lock and it is handy-under some conditions. Another thing I didn't like was those 8" tires which can drop into ruts more easily than larger tires. Some of these problems are mitigated with duals. This widens the unit (good for slopes) and provides more "rubber" on the ground (can help with dropping into ruts, traction, etc).
The gravelies remind me of the older tractors. I had a Farmall Super C before I bought the TC40. Likewise, the gravelies are not as "modern" a design as, say, the BCS 850. Nevertheless, they are a first rate piece of equipment. Sounds like you got it right. It will last you your lifetime if you take care of it. I don't know how deep your snow is, but that 48" gravely blade will do a real nice job pushing snow, especially with duals and without ice under it. I preferred mine rather than the woods blade on the CUT. Of course, I'd had to clear a 2 acre parking lot with the gravely!
JEH
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Using up a few thousand dollar machine instead of the big buck CUT is definately part of the plan, I put the most of my hours cutting grass and it would be nice to reduce those hours by having another machine to share the task. Also some of the other tasks just don't need 30hp and 4wd, and if I need to take a machine to help someone out it will be a whole lot easier to transport the Gravely. As far as the rotary plow goes I don't think I will be using it, my soil is mostly rock and my big tiller just bounces so I think I'll skip the sore ribs and just hook up the moldboard plow or the boxblade to the CUT to do any ripping.
My plan at this point is to use the 40" mower as a finish mower and the 30" as a brushhog, don't have a brushhog for the CUT and really don't need it for myself but ya just never know when it will come in handy. I have the dual setup for the 4x8's and a single set of the 16x6.5x8, is my understanding correct if using the steering sulky I will want to be using the duals or will the larger single setup work?
I was tempted to put the snow plow on the other day and give it a try but I don't have a set of chains for it yet and the plow needs to be painted it looks like it sat out for years and it's finish isn't going to allow for the snow to slide off it easily.
I gave the BCS tractors a look, nice machine. Maybe if I find this 2 wheeler usefull I'll modernize someday.
Using up a few thousand dollar machine instead of the big buck CUT is definately part of the plan, I put the most of my hours cutting grass and it would be nice to reduce those hours by having another machine to share the task. Also some of the other tasks just don't need 30hp and 4wd, and if I need to take a machine to help someone out it will be a whole lot easier to transport the Gravely. As far as the rotary plow goes I don't think I will be using it, my soil is mostly rock and my big tiller just bounces so I think I'll skip the sore ribs and just hook up the moldboard plow or the boxblade to the CUT to do any ripping.
My plan at this point is to use the 40" mower as a finish mower and the 30" as a brushhog, don't have a brushhog for the CUT and really don't need it for myself but ya just never know when it will come in handy. I have the dual setup for the 4x8's and a single set of the 16x6.5x8, is my understanding correct if using the steering sulky I will want to be using the duals or will the larger single setup work?
I was tempted to put the snow plow on the other day and give it a try but I don't have a set of chains for it yet and the plow needs to be painted it looks like it sat out for years and it's finish isn't going to allow for the snow to slide off it easily.
I gave the BCS tractors a look, nice machine. Maybe if I find this 2 wheeler usefull I'll modernize someday.
TMcD_in_MI
Gold Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I also have an open side square shute snowblower do these work ok, I'm looking to use it when we get at least 6" or more of the white stuff. )</font>
I've used my Dad's Gravely with a snow blower, and it did a good job. The main drawback with the blower is that it's kinda heavy and hanging out in front like it does, it's pretty hard to lift it off the ground. Basically, to turn it around I just left the blower on the ground and horsed it around in a circle. In a tight spot I could use reverse and go back and forth.
My Dad is gone now /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and I just sold the Gravely a few months ago. I probably should have kept it. It was kind of a brute, but it could get a lot of work done.
Tom
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I also have an open side square shute snowblower do these work ok, I'm looking to use it when we get at least 6" or more of the white stuff. )</font>
I've used my Dad's Gravely with a snow blower, and it did a good job. The main drawback with the blower is that it's kinda heavy and hanging out in front like it does, it's pretty hard to lift it off the ground. Basically, to turn it around I just left the blower on the ground and horsed it around in a circle. In a tight spot I could use reverse and go back and forth.
My Dad is gone now /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif and I just sold the Gravely a few months ago. I probably should have kept it. It was kind of a brute, but it could get a lot of work done.
Tom
Libertine
Gold Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
js5020:
<font color="blue">is my understanding correct if using the steering sulky I will want to be using the duals or will the larger single setup work? </font>
My best guess (based on my experiences) is the singles will work just fine on level ground. Pulling up a 20-30 degree slope was tough with singles but hardly slipped at all with the duals. That's using a sulky. The only time I used singles was for certain implements, for example, when using the rotary plow you need to be able to drop one wheel into the furrow, one out. Of course, you said you're not going to be doing that. I used the duals on mine for everything except when you had to use singles. I don't have duals on my BCS, but have wheel weights which add about 40% to the weight of the tractor. Still . . . I may switch to duals even for the BCS at some point.
Also, why not try a little snow plowing without chains. Unless there's ice under the snow I think you'll find it works better than you may be anticipating. If it's deep, just angle the blade.
JEH
js5020:
<font color="blue">is my understanding correct if using the steering sulky I will want to be using the duals or will the larger single setup work? </font>
My best guess (based on my experiences) is the singles will work just fine on level ground. Pulling up a 20-30 degree slope was tough with singles but hardly slipped at all with the duals. That's using a sulky. The only time I used singles was for certain implements, for example, when using the rotary plow you need to be able to drop one wheel into the furrow, one out. Of course, you said you're not going to be doing that. I used the duals on mine for everything except when you had to use singles. I don't have duals on my BCS, but have wheel weights which add about 40% to the weight of the tractor. Still . . . I may switch to duals even for the BCS at some point.
Also, why not try a little snow plowing without chains. Unless there's ice under the snow I think you'll find it works better than you may be anticipating. If it's deep, just angle the blade.
JEH
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Ok the duals purpose is for traction not stability, cept for across a slope. Well the swivel for the blade is rusted fast and the blade needs some paint, then there's the CUT sittin right next to the Gravely, all plugged in and warm ready to go with it's 7 foot blade that folds down when an obstruction is encountered,,,, I'm sure I'll give that blade a try, one just has to see what it will do. I did have the snowblower out and used it all I can say is WOW!!!,, I used it in the fresh snow about 10" didn't even make it work, ok good for "dry" snow,, I took it out last weekend to get rid of some of the snow piles, the ones up the side of the drive 2 or so feet deep, impressive!, went right through that packed and moist stuff only had to stop once when I picked up a rock that caused the slip clutch to go off. Hmmm $3000 + for a 60" on the CUT,I don't think so, I'll pick up a newer style 30" for the Gravely for a few hundred bucks. I can see this a serious machine, and very capable for it's size/weight.
Ok the duals purpose is for traction not stability, cept for across a slope. Well the swivel for the blade is rusted fast and the blade needs some paint, then there's the CUT sittin right next to the Gravely, all plugged in and warm ready to go with it's 7 foot blade that folds down when an obstruction is encountered,,,, I'm sure I'll give that blade a try, one just has to see what it will do. I did have the snowblower out and used it all I can say is WOW!!!,, I used it in the fresh snow about 10" didn't even make it work, ok good for "dry" snow,, I took it out last weekend to get rid of some of the snow piles, the ones up the side of the drive 2 or so feet deep, impressive!, went right through that packed and moist stuff only had to stop once when I picked up a rock that caused the slip clutch to go off. Hmmm $3000 + for a 60" on the CUT,I don't think so, I'll pick up a newer style 30" for the Gravely for a few hundred bucks. I can see this a serious machine, and very capable for it's size/weight.
Libertine
Gold Member
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
js5020:
<font color="blue">I did have the snowblower out and used it all I can say is WOW!!!,, </font>
I never had the blower, but from your description sounds spiffy. If you have a big open area/long drive etc. the CUT is sure nicer. Never had to push 10" with the gravely, but for close in stuff I perferred it over the CUT myself (less apt to clip the house, etc).
<font color="blue">I can see this a serious machine, and very capable for it's size/weight. </font>
Glad you're happy with it. That's one reason I started that thread on 2 wheelers. For some uses they are actually more practical than the CUT. And, like the CUT, they are serious machines. Be careful though-my lady once almost pushed out a post holding up the patio roof because the gravely almost got away from her. Anyway, glad you're using it.
I sometimes get disgusted reading posts on the best "garden tractor" to buy (mostly glorified riding lawn mowers) when these type of machines (2 wheelers) are much more competent for the smaller property owner. Anyway, don't want to get started on that. Take care.
JEH
js5020:
<font color="blue">I did have the snowblower out and used it all I can say is WOW!!!,, </font>
I never had the blower, but from your description sounds spiffy. If you have a big open area/long drive etc. the CUT is sure nicer. Never had to push 10" with the gravely, but for close in stuff I perferred it over the CUT myself (less apt to clip the house, etc).
<font color="blue">I can see this a serious machine, and very capable for it's size/weight. </font>
Glad you're happy with it. That's one reason I started that thread on 2 wheelers. For some uses they are actually more practical than the CUT. And, like the CUT, they are serious machines. Be careful though-my lady once almost pushed out a post holding up the patio roof because the gravely almost got away from her. Anyway, glad you're using it.
I sometimes get disgusted reading posts on the best "garden tractor" to buy (mostly glorified riding lawn mowers) when these type of machines (2 wheelers) are much more competent for the smaller property owner. Anyway, don't want to get started on that. Take care.
JEH
DmansPadge
Veteran Member
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Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Who all still makes the 2 wheel tractors? I know BSC does and I did a little looking around about Gravely and found a few sites that seemed to sell new ones. But looking at the Gravely website I couldn't find them. I have absolutely no need for one... I just found them to be pretty interesting. So what brands can you get new in the US? Any websites to look at?
Who all still makes the 2 wheel tractors? I know BSC does and I did a little looking around about Gravely and found a few sites that seemed to sell new ones. But looking at the Gravely website I couldn't find them. I have absolutely no need for one... I just found them to be pretty interesting. So what brands can you get new in the US? Any websites to look at?
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
I don't think many are marketed here in the US, from my understanding they are big everywhere else though. I have found BCS they seem to be the most popular here, Goldoni, and if you go to earthtoolsbcs.com they have another brand , don't remember the name, but that's about all I have found that seem to have a US presence, the Chineese sites have them but the ones I have seen aren't available for import, must not be able to pass emissions? As far as I know there are no new 2 wheeled Gravely's, unless you find a dealer that still has a new "old" one and is willing to part with it. A good Gravely site I found is gravelyinfo.com, they have info, pictures, tech help and mods, they have one mod where an indivdual put a 23 hp twin on one, why I don't know seems a little much to me. I also remember seeing another site with a Yanmar air cooled diesel mounted to one. These 2 wheelers or at least this 30 yr old Gravely I have accuired seem extremely WELL built, very adaptable,easy and simple to maintain.
I don't think many are marketed here in the US, from my understanding they are big everywhere else though. I have found BCS they seem to be the most popular here, Goldoni, and if you go to earthtoolsbcs.com they have another brand , don't remember the name, but that's about all I have found that seem to have a US presence, the Chineese sites have them but the ones I have seen aren't available for import, must not be able to pass emissions? As far as I know there are no new 2 wheeled Gravely's, unless you find a dealer that still has a new "old" one and is willing to part with it. A good Gravely site I found is gravelyinfo.com, they have info, pictures, tech help and mods, they have one mod where an indivdual put a 23 hp twin on one, why I don't know seems a little much to me. I also remember seeing another site with a Yanmar air cooled diesel mounted to one. These 2 wheelers or at least this 30 yr old Gravely I have accuired seem extremely WELL built, very adaptable,easy and simple to maintain.
DmansPadge
Veteran Member
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- Orange, TX
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Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
Js5020, the other day when I was searching around for them I found this site that appears to be selling new Gravelys. The webpage shows to be updated on Jan 4 2005. I think I found another site but now I can't run it down.
I need to quit looking at these before I find myself trying to find an old one to have as a "project!"
Js5020, the other day when I was searching around for them I found this site that appears to be selling new Gravelys. The webpage shows to be updated on Jan 4 2005. I think I found another site but now I can't run it down.
I need to quit looking at these before I find myself trying to find an old one to have as a "project!"
Re: 2 wheel Gravely\'s
I spoke to a friend today his parents are Gravely dealers, he told me they stopped making new tractors a few years ago, he was not even sure if you could get a new attachment. I have heard there are still some "new" items out there, they have been in storage at the dealer. Alot of the parts are still available even for the older ones from my understanding, either from the dealer or aftermarket. As I said earlier I was lucky and a 75 12hp model with several attachments was mine for the taking. Everyone needs a good project, I think when I get this one finnished I gonna try to find one of those electric tractors or retrofit a gasser.
I spoke to a friend today his parents are Gravely dealers, he told me they stopped making new tractors a few years ago, he was not even sure if you could get a new attachment. I have heard there are still some "new" items out there, they have been in storage at the dealer. Alot of the parts are still available even for the older ones from my understanding, either from the dealer or aftermarket. As I said earlier I was lucky and a 75 12hp model with several attachments was mine for the taking. Everyone needs a good project, I think when I get this one finnished I gonna try to find one of those electric tractors or retrofit a gasser.
