Recent content by bkeller500

I don't think I have ever had a bad spark plug or noticed a better running motor when I changed them. From tractors, cars, trucks, boats, chainsaws......you name it. But I did change them anyway as part of a maintenance. But then again I never had motor troubles and that may be why.

I'm going to tag along here as I was just investigating the same issue. I am tempted to purchase one of those kits I see on the web for $200. I think they just fit between the current seat and the frame. I would like to know from a user how well that worked out and if it made much of a difference.

There is no accountability because our elected officials have mastered their ability to hide the facts and hide from the truth. The freshmen reps are quickly pulled into mess and corruption and lose their focus and break their promises.

We import some goods direct from China. It comes in a container. The dock fee was $500 last year. Earlier this year it went up to a dock fee of $2500. Last month it rose to $25,000 dock fee. Yes $25,000. The value of the material $ 40,000. Yes the dock fee gets passed on to the consumer. We...

It's not just Toro. Every manufacturer is struggling getting their equipment built, parts made and getting supplies. We import some product in China. It comes in a container. In the past we paid about $500 dock fee. Earlier this year the dock fee went to $2500. Last month the dock fee rose to...

I am all in for hiring competent service guys to do the things I cannot do. In fact my earlier post was meant to say just that. Most of us do not have the time, space, finances or skills to do a lot of those tasks. We do what we can and we depend on others skills to do what we can't. As I stated...

Simplicity made their decks with a rear roller that followed the terrain and kept the deck stable. I did not know they offered that feature on their Snapper models. Simplicity has changed their deck mounts to a suspended deck ( via chains) and that rear roller dose not follow the contour of the...

I had a Broadmoor about 12 years ago and it was fine. I have some hills so traction became a challenge in a couple of spots so I upgraded 4 years ago to a Conquest with traction control. The Conquest is a much beefier tractor and more powerful. I pulled a aerator and a sweeper and a dethatcher...

I did speak for my self and a bunch of other's that don't have what you have. You invested in yourself ( congratulations) and you acquired some skills and are independent.......good for you. But if you add up the cost of doing so, you may have spent more than you would have by using a local...

Government is corrupt, inefficient and prone to making huge mistakes. In the past I witnessed ( sate, local, and federal) government offices, schools, and universities go thru their bidding processes and I became very suspect on the way they go about getting things done. They have no problem...

Just a side note on your back issue. You wrote an exact description of my back situation from earlier this year. Very much the same. I finally went to Physical Therapy and after 2-months I am now able to put on those sox and tie my shoes and get up off the floor. For your own quality of...

When has a politician ( from either side) actually managed to cut taxes as promised during the campaign? A rookie or freshman elective quickly gets caught up in the system and either joins in on the buddy system or gets cut out and gets nothing accomplished. We keep trying to clear the swamp...

As a consumer, none of us want to get hit with a $400-$500 repair for our mowers and tractors. It just dose not seem to settle well. But we don't have the tools, the time, the skills, the knowledge, the lifts, the work shop, or the other resources. We might have a couple of those but most not...

some really great comments here shared by you guys...It's great that we live in a country where we can exchange thoughts ( right or wrong) and discuss them. We all can only reflect on what we have learned in life, and if you never listen to another mans view you limit your knowledge. The circle...

I cannot speak to working conditions in China, but I can totally agree with you as far as the economic plans that China has implemented. For the past 20 years we have slowly suspended our manufacturing and handcuffed ourselves and moved dependance on China. Our skilled labor force has now aged...

When you get past the entry level ZT's, most brands are very similar. They all pretty much have the same hydros, motors and tires. Deck design varies a little and some convenience things change a little. When you narrow down the choices you focus on 2 or 3 things that you feel are superior but...

Like they say " not all is fair in love and war". We humans can choose to be kind or cruel.........and it is a choice!

I took no offense from the response and in fact it was humorous to me. I do appreciate this site where we can post questions and post thoughts about our lawn equipment and share with others that have experiences that may be beneficial to read about. Sarcasm can play a role in the exchange of...

I have enjoyed both working for a company for 45 years and also joint ownership of my own company with my wife for 25 years. I saw the benefits and the issues from both sides. I had employee's and I was one at the same time. I learned (like you ) that there has to be a benefit for both sides...

If you talking (2) spark plugs.......why not? Why not try them out and see if you notice any benefit?

nicely said........I have to ask though...........If you owned a company, what would you do? If you ever get an opportunity to build a company from scratch or to purchase a existing company, do so. It will give you a new perspective on company profitability, taxes and employee benefits.

It's unfortunate that JD and their employees are at this stage. I am all for a company to make reasonable profits and I certainly am all for employees to get paid properly for their efforts in making that company profitable. They need each other to survive yet at times like these the hate and...

16 years is long enough to have enjoyed that CZ42175. Trade it in and let someone else enjoy it. Even if you can fix it this time, parts are surely going to become a problem. No dealer is going to stock parts for a machine that old and Husqvarna isn't going to provide parts much longer. You got...

I agree.... ease of getting the engine oil filter off without making a mess is a big deal. Also getting the Hydro filters off and the Hydro's oil replaced should be a major concern. Ability to level the deck is probably among the top 3 concerns. Then it gets down to lubrication of the...

Buy once...Cry once. After spending this summer researching, testing and inspecting pretty much every brand of ZT's, I find that me ( the average walk in consumer) can get pretty confused pretty quickly. As I spoke with 7-8 different dealers I learned most of them know very little about their...

While under warranty ALWAYS use the manufacturers recommended oils. There is not that significant savings to use a cheaper oil and if you do have to go in to a service center for warranty work they will have (1) less out for helping you with getting a repair covered under that warranty...

I just looked at my deck after 3 mowings..........after 3- brushed-on applications of EZ slide and 72 hours of cure. It's gone! The deck is clean down to the paint ( no grass build up ) but I didn't expect much because my deck stays pretty clean anyway. I wanted to try the EZ Slide on my...

I was just thinking the other day as to when technology such as GPS is going to infiltrate the lawn mower industry. They have it for farm equipment and apps are easy to download and install. How about a system that will record your yard work and monitor your lawn maintenance and provide guidance...

I am married to your sister-in-law........ same situation. My wife ALWAYS picks nicer more expensive things and justify's it. And she is right most of the time. I have gone the cheap route on tools, lawn equipment, snow blowers...you name it. Now in my later years, I do not do that anymore...

I had the X590 48" with the electric MOD kit and really struggled getting a good cut. With the MOD Kit on I would get poor grass lifting from the deck due to the reduced air flow. I tried Gator G-5 blades but that made the under deck build up worse. I removed the left baffle which helped but...

With out seeing the hill or knowing the steepness it's hard to say. Most ZT's have a 15 Degree Max warning. You may find that the smaller units will fit thru you gate but they also have smaller tires and are lighter weight. Traction on wet or damp turf may be a hidden issue.

a 2200 hydro is probably fine if all you are going to do is mowing and light duty yard maintenance. But consider moving up from the entry level models. The build quality and serviceability is better and will serve you well for a longer time frame. You might have to consider going out of your...

Yes they did not accept the first agreement offer by JD and chose to strike today (Thursday). It appears the offer was pretty good and reinstated some benefits but apparently it's not acceptable. Eventually they will come to an agreement which will cost JD, so expect to see higher pricing on...

Never had a problem removing blades before, but I am taking the advice given here and will start using the anti-seize on my blade/spindle bolts. Thanks for sharing the wisdom.

I cleaned my deck down to the paint ( fairly new deck) and applied 2 coats of EZ Slide with a brush and let cure for 3-days. It was worn off in 3-mowings.

I wonder how far you can sharpen/grind till your past the Fusion.

Take a look at a few YouTube video's on changing hydro fluid. The filters are readily available and cheap. The fluid ( see mfg recommendation) can be found at any AG store. If you plan to keep the unit awhile longer then change the fluid and filter and relax. It sounds like you may need to look...

I think it also depends on your property and what your demands on the unit will be. Is your property flat? How much acreage? Any hills or ditches at all? Do you plan on doing the annual maintenance yourself? The entry level Toro's and Troy Built may be adequate but if you plan to keep the unit...

It's a $90 kit and probably can be done at home depending on your skill level and available tools. You may need a floor jack and a drain pan and some rags and there are a few YouTube videos that you can watch and determine if you want to tackle it at home. As far as when......it may be safe to...

If one is considering replacing a lawn tractor, a zero turn may be a good option over a new tractor. There are a lots of benefits if it fits your criteria. One has to consider the upside and the down side to the decision. Mowing hills, or inability to attach ground engaging accessories are the...

Do what you want..........I really don't care one way or another...........Just sayin that applying used motor oil to your underside of deck is not going green and others would challenge you on that.

1....make sure the tire pressure is correct. ( probably around 20 in the front and 10-11 in the rear ).......check owners manual 2...make sure the blades are level side to side. ( use a block or pipe nipple as a gauge)........spin the blades and check both edges to ensure a blade is not...

I don't think anyone would agree that spreading used motor oil over your lawn is going green. There has to be a better way to recycle it.

I have heard some very good stories about the Toro 30" walk behind. I think it's 2 blades. I think it called the TimeMaster. It might have been an option for you at one time. Any way it sounds like you resolved your problem but don't kick yourself too much. Many of us have purchased mowers...

Very interesting thread. I recently went to a local dealer to look at the Cub ZT's and the sales rep quickly steered me over to the Simplicity ZT's that were in the next isle over. He seemed to have more faith in the Simplicity brand. I asked him about the Husqvarna models sitting in the 3rd...

Over the last few years, I have used a couple of the different spray's available from the box stores, but they didn't last very long. They did make cleaning the deck easier for a couple of cleanings until they wore off. This summer I purchase this EZ-Slid product and applied 3- coats with a...

Just a after thought....you can lower that rear deck roller and perhaps avoid the deck tilting so much while turning. I have the Courier XT model and love the cut.....of coarse it's not the same configuration as yours.

I just went thru this process and there is no clear winner. They ALL have their benefits and disappointments. Budget determines a lot. I would stay away from the entry level models. I have 1.3 acres with some hills. I looked hard at Ferris, ExMark, John Deere, Toro, Scag and Kubota. Most of...