The Green Industry's Resource Center

TLS · #51 07-29-2012, 08:01 AM

No problem Stan. Just clarifying things. Your right in that it takes a LOT of typing to convey something. This is sometimes what makes my posts come off as being asshol-ish, when it reality, I'm just trying to quickly help others not make the mistakes I made 20-30 years ago.

You do have the JD height of cut tool that were all talking about? Bad back or not, you just slide it under the skirt and let it do the measuring.

StanWilhite · #52 07-29-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLS

No problem Stan. Just clarifying things. Your right in that it takes a LOT of typing to convey something. This is sometimes what makes my posts come off as being asshol-ish, when it reality, I'm just trying to quickly help others not make the mistakes I made 20-30 years ago.

You do have the JD height of cut tool that were all talking about? Bad back or not, you just slide it under the skirt and let it do the measuring.

I'm going to get one...anything to make the "stooping" part less painful.

Ridin' Green · #53 07-29-2012, 05:00 PM

Stan,

besides getting the JD gauge (a must have for anyone who mows), go to Harbor Freight and pick up one of their mechanic matts. I don't have much use for most of their stuff, but the matt has been awesome and lasted well. I just lay down on mine for blade changes, checking pitch HOC, etc. It takes the pain out of kneeling as well.

StanWilhite · #54 07-29-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ridin' Green

Stan,

besides getting the JD gauge (a must have for anyone who mows), go to Harbor Freight and pick up one of their mechanic matts. I don't have much use for most of their stuff, but the matt has been awesome and lasted well. I just lay down on mine for blade changes, checking pitch HOC, etc. It takes the pain out of kneeling as well.

Sounds like a good idea. At 58 I find myself really appreciating things that make jobs easier and/or quicker. I find myself doing things that I used to laugh at older guys for doing! :-)

I have an electric hoist in my shop that is great for servicing the deck or removing and replacing blades, but obviously isn't any help when it comes to setting deck pitch.
Thanks for the tip, Stan

Mickhippy · #55 07-29-2012, 07:30 PM

Those JD gauges are great, Ive had one for ages. Makes life a lot easier but you still need to get on the ground and a very level floor (no dips etc) to use it.

The SZ deck has a routine to go through to level the deck. Its a pita actually but if done correctly sets the deck just right. It involves setting the deck on 4 blocks cut at a certain length, undo everything and do it all up again. Not as easy as it sounds!

puppypaws · #56 07-29-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StanWilhite

Sounds like a good idea. At 58 I find myself really appreciating things that make jobs easier and/or quicker. I find myself doing things that I used to laugh at older guys for doing! :-)

I have an electric hoist in my shop that is great for servicing the deck or removing and replacing blades, but obviously isn't any help when it comes to setting deck pitch.
Thanks for the tip, Stan

Here is a link to a couple of different name brand gauges:

http://www.thefind.com/garden/browse-john-deere-gauges