JDTank
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2010
- Messages
- 693
Well, I have only had my machine a few weeks and I have already added some accessories!
I added:
- Front fender kit.
- Receiver hitch kit.
- Dual bucket holder + buckets.
The front fender kit is very easy to install. I found the brackets aren't perfect, and the fenders do appear to sit a little crooked, but for what it is it's very close. On the 2WD tractors like mine, the only thing holding down the fender bracket is one bolt and a locking nut. The left side of the machine requires that you remove the steering cylinder first before installing. Because of this on the left side both the steering cylinder and the bracket mounting bolt hold the bracket down. You will see in the photo that the steering cylinder bolt must go through the bracket when you mount it.
I consider the fender kit an absolute necessity. The first week I had my machine, I learned fast, the front tires throw water very easily. The turf tires really grip, they bring up mud and water at even moderate speeds. Everything the tires kicked up was landing on my 54'' deck. I was concerned that over the years, mud and sand would get into my spindle bearings and cause premature wear. It also just plain sucks to have your mower deck always full of junk on top. So, as I said, in my opinion, the front fender kit is essential, and it does stop a LOT of water and mud from coming up onto the deck. It looks great also!
The receiver hitch kit. I know the draw-bar is upside down in the photo, but I needed to do that to get the ball to sit higher. This way I can get enough height to move my single axle utility trailer around the property without using my pickup truck. A very useful accessory, it's going to be nice to have!
Bucket holder and buckets. I am a little disappointed with the mounting system. I had originally assumed the bracket was mounted with bolts to the tractor, and I did not know when the bucket holder is installed you cannot pull a trailer. I had originally planned to keep the buckets on all the time. Even if the tongue on my #18 trailer was too short, I was going to lengthen it so I could pull the trailer without it hitting the buckets. One of the support braces for the bucket holder sits inside the hole on the frame where your trailer pin would go. I can understand why it is mounted with cotter pins, quick installation and removal, but rattles at certain RPM's may be a concern. Overall it's a solid kit and seems quite beefy.
I opted for this bucket mount because I am tired of carrying a lap full of tools while trying to drive to where I am going. Inevitably you hit a bump, your drill falls off your lap and onto the ground, or scratches your paint. This way, I can fill the buckets up with the tools I need to fix fencing, and just drive it all out there.
I added:
- Front fender kit.
- Receiver hitch kit.
- Dual bucket holder + buckets.
The front fender kit is very easy to install. I found the brackets aren't perfect, and the fenders do appear to sit a little crooked, but for what it is it's very close. On the 2WD tractors like mine, the only thing holding down the fender bracket is one bolt and a locking nut. The left side of the machine requires that you remove the steering cylinder first before installing. Because of this on the left side both the steering cylinder and the bracket mounting bolt hold the bracket down. You will see in the photo that the steering cylinder bolt must go through the bracket when you mount it.
I consider the fender kit an absolute necessity. The first week I had my machine, I learned fast, the front tires throw water very easily. The turf tires really grip, they bring up mud and water at even moderate speeds. Everything the tires kicked up was landing on my 54'' deck. I was concerned that over the years, mud and sand would get into my spindle bearings and cause premature wear. It also just plain sucks to have your mower deck always full of junk on top. So, as I said, in my opinion, the front fender kit is essential, and it does stop a LOT of water and mud from coming up onto the deck. It looks great also!
The receiver hitch kit. I know the draw-bar is upside down in the photo, but I needed to do that to get the ball to sit higher. This way I can get enough height to move my single axle utility trailer around the property without using my pickup truck. A very useful accessory, it's going to be nice to have!
Bucket holder and buckets. I am a little disappointed with the mounting system. I had originally assumed the bracket was mounted with bolts to the tractor, and I did not know when the bucket holder is installed you cannot pull a trailer. I had originally planned to keep the buckets on all the time. Even if the tongue on my #18 trailer was too short, I was going to lengthen it so I could pull the trailer without it hitting the buckets. One of the support braces for the bucket holder sits inside the hole on the frame where your trailer pin would go. I can understand why it is mounted with cotter pins, quick installation and removal, but rattles at certain RPM's may be a concern. Overall it's a solid kit and seems quite beefy.
I opted for this bucket mount because I am tired of carrying a lap full of tools while trying to drive to where I am going. Inevitably you hit a bump, your drill falls off your lap and onto the ground, or scratches your paint. This way, I can fill the buckets up with the tools I need to fix fencing, and just drive it all out there.
