New User with 2 Gravely 500 Series Commercials

[Monkymate]

Just posting a message to say hi. I have 2 Gravely Commercials (500 Series) One with a working 8Hp Kohker and one with a blown 10HP Kohler that I will be replacing with a HF clone. I have the Sulky, Dual Wheels, Chains, 30" Brush hog, 40" Kidney Mower, Cultivator, Rotary Plow and a 19" Planters drill.

This is a real machine built prior to OSHA that requires a real man to operate it. I am a big guy (5' 11" 270) and it has tried to bite me a few times. LOL.

I am a former Nuclear Navy Machinist Mate and can fix or repair about anything.

So Hi everyone.

Monkymate

 

[Tony_S]

Welcome to TBN!
Yes, you got some fine iron there and it will bite you and not even feel bad about it.
That's one reason I own 8.
I've never used a kidney mower but I hear they are a great cutter.
Sounds like you have all the toys needed to go have some fun!
Regards,
Tony (2 hrs up 81)

 

[creekbend]

Good to have you aboard.

 

[WH401]

Sounds like you have some nice equipment there. I have 2 L's, a C8, and a 5460. I have a kidney on the 5460 and it's a great cutter for sure, definitely one of the nicest mowers gravely ever made. Take care and be safe with them, I've almost been bitten a few times as well.

 

[RichardTX]

This is a real machine built prior to OSHA that requires a real man to operate it. I am a big guy (5' 11" 270) and it has tried to bite me a few times. LOL.

I started operating Gravely two wheel tractors when I was about 10 years old. They are easy to use and control. I would do everything with them from mowing, to snow plowing to plowing the garden. I quickly learned to let the tractor do the work and not fight the tractor. If it misbehaves, then something is wrong especially when plowing the garden. Either the depth of cut is too great or the ground speed or engine speed is too high. At any rate, enjoy your tractors. Since you are a military man, you might appreciate knowing that the two wheel tractor transmission is based on a Tank transmission design. Here is a video from 1953 that does a pretty good job of explaining how the Gravely (and tank) transmissions work.


Auto Repair: Transmissions: "Planetary Gears, Principles of Operation, Multiple Sets 1953 US Army - YouTube