Incessant Tinkering

[Killer_B]

Mowing season is over. The snow hasn't started to fall. So what's a body to do?

My front mount blower is on, and all seems to work. But, I didn't care for the way the hydraulic hoses stuck straight up from the control valve, and became rather tight where they round the front brush guard. So, I installed a couple 45 degree fittings. This put the hoses closer to horizontal and they no longer rub at the brush guard. See attached “before photo.”

 

[Killer_B]

See “after” photo.

 

[Killer_B]

Also, the quick hitch kit came with a long arm that was to attach to a brush guard mounting bolt at the bottom, and then support the three pronged hose holder (that's a technical term) at the top. I didn’t care for the long arm, so I mounted the TPHH directly to the loader receiver assembly that stays with the tractor. See attached photo.

What now? Shall I launch an all out search for the better valve stem cap?

 

[BANDAMAN]

Nice work, that looks good. I am sure your wishing for some snow to blast 70 feet!

By the way, the Mower storage axles I bought from you work great, very handy!

 

[Killer_B]

Hey Bandaman,

Glad you like the axels. You all set for winter?

 

[surfran]

Do you have all your lights set up? You can't tackle snow without plenty of lights! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BANDAMAN]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Hey Bandaman,

Glad you like the axels. You all set for winter? )</font>

Killer B,
Yep, I am pretty well ready for the snow, see my other post (Fixed the blade up a little)

Maybe if we get a ton this year, I can justify that sweet blower setup that you have /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Killer_B]

Surfran,

No lights yet. I can't decide on the right way to do it. I definitely want to mount them to the ROPS, but I'm not sure how. Do you have some suggestions?

 

[surfran]

Since I finally got a digital camera again, I will post a pic or two of mine tomorrow night. I bought magnetic base and take them off for Summer.

 

[surfran]

As promised, here is a picture of the lights facing forward. I use (2) of the magnetic based 55w halogen I picked up at Wally World last year. Being magnetic based, I can change them to whereever I want /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[surfran]

Since I had already bought another set of lights from Harbor Freight before I found the magnetic ones, I used one of them for my rear light. I just zip tie it to the ROPS facing backward. It is also 55w halogen, but has a yellow tint.

 

[surfran]

The magnetic ones come with a cigarette lighter plug, but I cut that off and wired all of them to a trailer plug set that I had laying around. Again I take mine off for Summer and only use in the Winter so I want them easy to remove. I just leave the outlet wired and mounted all year around.

Hope that helps or at least gives you some ideas. The magnets are quite strong, but if you have a lot of trees or storage area height concerns, you may want them under the ROPS. I have hit tree branches and moved the lights, but never had one totally pop off.

 

[Killer_B]

Surfran,

That's really slick. Two questions: 1. Do the magnets really hold them on well, without moving around? 2. Do you use the stock alternator?

Thanks.

 

[surfran]

Killer B,

Yes the magnets hold very well and I have the stock alternator. I haven't had any issues with the battery or alternator, but only used last Winter. I don't use my stock lights and very rarely turn on my flashers as I live in a quiet neighborhood.

 

[shoppintractors]

<font color="blue"> I don't use my stock lights and very rarely turn on my flashers as I live in a quiet neighborhood.
</font>
How much noise do your flashers make? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

(As I ask this question with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif)

Don /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[surfran]

Of course they only produce white noise so it cancels out the loudness in loud neighborhoods............ /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Always another smart guy in every bunch!