In 1994 I bought a DR Field and Brush Mower, including both the brush deck and the mower deck. This is the old type mower with spoke wheels, intermediate between the original Bachtold type and the modern models with pneumatic tires. I use the brush deck occasionally for its intended purpose but mostly use the lawn deck where brush has already been cleared. The machine is still going strong, though some rewelding of the frame has been necessary.
The mower is self-propelled. To engage the drive wheels, one pulls up on a hinged rod below the left grip; the rod pulls a chain which tightens an idler wheel against a V-belt that operates the gear box. This features works fine but I've developed pretty bad arthritis in my hands and maintaining upward pressure on the rod while mowing becomes painful after awhile, particularly the left hand. I'd like to modify the mower in one or the other of two ways: add some way to engage the drive wheels with either the left or the right hand OR replace the existing engagement mechanism with one that requires considerably less effort to use. Can anyone suggest how either approach might be done or even some other approach? Thanks.
I do use my right hand on the left handle whenever speed and terrain permit, but that's usually possible less than half the time.
The idea of putting the wheel engagement lever above the handle is worth pursuing. If done right, the lever would certainly be easier to operate. I'll brainstorm how it might be done. Thanks for the idea.
