Lifting ZTR

[KTNC]

What's the best way to lift a ZTR for cleaning and changing blades if you don't have a trailer (non commercial)? I'm thinking a floor jack and jack stand, but will that be high enough? Also does the engine being in the back impede the mower's ability to lift high enough?

[rider1000]

I have a chain hoist connected to rafter in garage and connect it to the front wheels to lift. You should be able to get mower high enough to change blades and clean under deck. Used jack to begin with, took too much time. Hoist seems to be best and safest way to go.

[Guardian]

Kevin-

PLEASE get a Jungle Jack. I tried jacking up my ZTR last years with a floor jack and stands -It wasn't stable enough, Long story -I got my finger stuck between the jack stand and the mower. It was aweful.
After putting my finger back together, I have had great success with the Jungle Jack.

[Mark]

I change blades a clean the deck right on the trailer, i use a 2ton small jack, on the weekends i unload my equipment and use a 3ton floor jack with stands,then do the regular maint-on my mowers. Marks Mowing Service

[bruces]

I have been considering getting the foldable shop crane from Harbor Freight Tools for about $240.

I will use this to lift the front of the mower, then put jack stands under it.

Seems like this should work ok, and as long as I leave it hooked to the crane and stands under it, should be fairly safe.

[Runner]

Jungle Jack. It's really all just too simple...;)

[UGA]

Love My JungleJack! Its used on a Great Dane surfer but I couldn't get an auto jack to fit under the lip of my deck and this thing works great. Plus I have no problem with keeping it on the truck. I thought the come along hooked into the ceiling rafter was a good idea for doing work in the basement but since I have the Jungle Jack I just use it for wherever my work is being done; either in the basement in or in the field.

[foxslawncare]

I agree with some of the others. Jungle jack is way to go. Safe and effective.

[yardboyltd]

6 ton floor jack (not a bottle jack, has wheels and all) that feels like it weights more than the Z... ;) I picked this baby up for free last year, installed a hydraulic refurb kit, and was on my way to lifting what ever needs lifted.

When jacking the front, just make sure you chock the wheels, just in case...

[mowngrow]

Like everyone else said, jungle jack is a must.
www.junglejimsap.com
you will not be sorry

[TJLC]

I also use a hoist hooked to a stud in the ceiling of my garage. It's strong, fast and easy. I just hook it to the front of the mower (not the deck) and lift. I then put a jack stand under it just to be safe. I use it for my w/b and z. Costs less than $50.00 for the whole setup. I am looking into a small electric hoist to maybe make it even easier.

[SLS]

Jungle Jack!

Besides all the above posted attributes (safe, simple, light, and easy to use) it is extremely PORTABLE!

Carrying a Jungle Jack, a spare set of blades, compressed air tank & tire plugs, and spare belts is a good idea.

The chain hoist is great...but can you use it in the field???

Most blades are bent in the field...not while sitting in the garage.

If you ever run over a long length of rope or hit a hidden property marker post you will not want to have to load up and drive back to the garage/shop just to change a bent/nicked blade or unwrap 50ft. of rope from around a spindle....and then reload and return to the jobsite.

The Jungle Jack is a winner.

[Russ]

DC fell on me off a floor jack 6 years ago. Got a chain hoist now. Best $50.00 I ever spent. I'm still afraid to get completely under one.

[midjersey]

:blob3: Kevin I just bought a hand jack from JUNGLE WHEELS its very inexspensive and lifts me Exmark Lazers no problem. CHECK IT OUT its worth every penny.

[sheppard]

So many ideas are on this thread they make my mind buzz.

Went to the Jungle Jim site and gotr a catalog comming. Think I will price a hoist and consider that.

Hearing more and more that I should carry a portable air tank- makes sence to carry my impact gun and air fittings for a flat tire as well.

Have some largew out of town acct.s that make this a smart move!

Cordially,
Sheppard

[SLS]

sheppard:

You may want to consider tubeless tires.

No need to remove the wheel/rim from your machine to plug a small hole.

If you have a jack, squirt bottle, and tubeless tire repair kit (plugs, cement, and probe/plug inserter, and air tank you are all set for quick, in the field repairs.

The plug kits are cheap and readily available at any auto parts store. I have had super good results with "Camel" brand products.

I carry a small squirt bottle filled with water and dishwashing detergent. Just jack the offending wheel off the ground (sometimes you won't even need to do this if the bead is still tight around the rim), air it up with your tank and squirt the suspected area until you see the bubbles. Now that the hole is located grab the plug kit and plug away. Air the tire up to the correct pressure, squirt the repair to make sure it is no longer leaking, and off you go...making moolah! :D

Also, you may want to consider putting SLIME in your tires. I haven't any flats since using this product and have noticed that the air pressure is now consistant on a couple of tires that were previously 'slow leakers'.

[ohiolawnguy]

will have to look into this here jungle jack. last fall while removing blades, one of my guys tell me that he couldn't get the mddle blade off of our rider. happens frequently actually, on both brand new and old riders-not sure why.

so, mower is jacked up with floor jack, and i get a 2 x 4 to block the blade, get a 3 foot long cheater bar, and try to push with hands. wont budge. time to use the legs. while pushng on cheater bar, jack swings out, and front of mower lands on top of both of my shins! hurt like a SOB!!

i get up and hop around, and one of my guys asks if legs are broken. silly goose i say, i would have fallen back down if one of them were broke-LOL.

didnt miss any work, but shins were swollen for about a week.

ok, i just took a look at the jungle jack. maybe it is the picture, but i dont see how it is any safer than a floor jack. could you explain (besides being able to take everywhere) why this is better than a floor jack?

[SLS]

ohiolawnguy:

Maybe it didn't show up in the pic but....

The Jungle Jack has a 'safety arm' that swings down to the floor/ground once it has lifted the machine. Then you slide a steel pin (which is secured by a cotter pin) through the 'safety arm' thus locking it in place.

Same principal as a jack safety stand.

I tried deliberately yanking the Jungle Jack loose as a test. No way (but my ZTR is heavy). I have no fear sliding up under the deck now. None at all.

Between the hook that goes around the deck lip and the 'safety arm' it is SOLID once in place and locked.

See if a lawn equipment dealer near you has one and check it out in operation.

[LJ lawn]

I use a hi-lift 4x4 jack. i think most off road centers or northern sells them.i hook it inder the front of the frame on my toro z and use 2 jackstands.haven't had any stability problems.the jack can also be used winch a downed machine onto your trailer if nobodys around to push or you don't have another mower to pull it with.i've also hand winched a few CARS onto my trailer with this jack.

[Harvestman]

I just put the ramp down on my trailer and put the z half on the ramp. Hanging over on side. This gives me plently of room to work (very simple).

[1stclasslawns]

I have used a hoist and its a pain, Has anyone else thought about a set of auto ramps?? They work great!

Jim

[RON66106]

I have a KUBOTA ZD21 that came equiped with a jack that takes care of this problem.

[ohiolawnguy]

SLS thanx for making sense of it to me. the picture didnt do it much justice, especially with that fellow in the way.

[HOMER]

One car ramp works for me just fine.

[BufalinoLand]

I just drive my tiger onto some car ramps that one of my friends left in my garage. Best thing anyone ever left at my house