Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I picked up some older OPE today:

1. Homelite/Jacobsen Tractor, 12hp K301 Kohler, hydro trans, attached to it is a funky vacuum attachment with a brand new 5hp Briggs Stratton. Collection box is a "coffin-like" steel unit. I'll get the vacuum name off it Thursday. Tractor had to be jump started, but runs pretty good. Hydro is a bit noisy & needs pedal adjustments, starter drags & is noisy/squeaky, needs battery, has electric PTO, hourmeter, 42"(?) deck with two new quills & belts, 2 new rear tires/tubes, needs a seat (badly!) & headlights (burned out).

2. Roto-Hoe model 990-5 rototiller with a model 809 chipper/shredder attachment. Has an 8hp Kohler on it, 5 fwd speeds, 1 reverse. Runs fantastic, needs one belt & is VERY clean!

I loaded up the tractor solo - what a mistake. It was pouring here in NJ earlier Wed am. Moved it up the ramps under power - ok so far, but then fuel ran out & it stalled. So now I have it barely on the tailgate, I'm holding it from rolling backward, and now I have to supply the power to move this behemoth the rest of the way up the ramps! I start pushing HARD & have my hand operating the brake - but while pushing it forward, my hand slipped off the brake & down the ramps she went. It almost rolled over me until my thigh stopped it. Needless to say, I had to ice my leg all afternoon due to the swelling. Man, that Homelite is far from it (light that is!). If that weren't bad enough, while unloading it, I failed to keep the tractor's front wheels straight & she fell off the ramps. Now, I had backed up my truck so the rear wheels were at the EOD at the curb apron - to minimize the angle of the ramps to the tailgate. I had my street blocked totally. I couldn't lift the tractor, so I had no choice - I moved the truck forward & let the ramps slide off the tailgate. WHAM/BANG!! - down crashed the poor Homelite HARD onto the pavement (POOR HOMELITE??? MY FOOT!!! I had called this confounded thing every name under the sun earlier, and I was NOT kind!!!). I then had to jump it again to get it started because there was NO WAY I pushing this thing all the way to the shed in the mud! Well, it ran for 15 seconds or so & stalled - out of gas Marty, remember? I walk into the shed & my 5 gallon gas can is EMPTY. So I begin pushing it thru the yard on its journey to the shed. Did I say it was pouring? Thats an understatement. I get it to the shed's front - pushed it an easy 250-300 feet in the mud. I get it over the step & guess what - IT WON'T FIT IN THERE! Made up some MORE new names for the poor Homelite. Out she comes - threw a tarp over it. Called it a day...

Marty

Thanks ALL for your concern!!!   We're doing fine in the healing up department!

I actually went back & re-read my original post. I'm no kid anymore, but I yet I still persist in pulling stoopid stunts like this. I guess it keeps my life interesting. My wife & I are, and will always be childless, so I have no one to share my OPE stories with except my buds here. Being childless is another reason I why I will go to lengths for "new" OPE - its my hobby, I dig it, & it keeps me from being tempted with other possibly destructive behavior (like my tractor stunt wasn't possibly destructive? ) My OPE sickness also keeps my mind busy instead of thinking/worrying about the loss of my 6 month, pre-born son 2 years ago. My OPE hobby is helping me move on.

Anyways, I got the tiller/shredder all squared away. Some touch up & cleaning will be on tap for Friday. The 8hp Kohler performs flawlessly after a carb cleaning/adjusting, but I erred on the main power unit belt size. I actually needed a slightly longer belt & there isn't enough adjustment anywhere to obtain any more slack. It will have to do for now unless I can move the engine rearward to gain another 1/2" or so. Hopefully I can have some pics up during the afternoon...

Marty

Marty--Glad you are okay and didn,t  hurt yourself seriously.  It can happen so easily and quickly---Keep us posted and we will talk later----Will

Here's the tiller & shredder.........  Marty

Marty, I am truly sorry for your loss, I can't imagine the loss of a child. Take comfort in the fact that he is in the kingdom of heaven where all is beautiful and great. I have great respect for you.

Thank you for the VERY kind words Marshall!  

Marty

Marty

I am so sorry. 

Paula

My wife and I have tried to have children (she has a daughter from before) and it wasn't meant to be. Keeping busy is probably as good a therapy as any. I do like your tiller/chipper unit! Nice machine.

boy- that Roe-Hoe sure is clean! looks to be a work horse too. good find. just a note to bontaijoe( hope this is ok). Consider Adoption..after 13 years of trying for our own, we did- Best decision ever ( after total of 17 years..she conceived!!) works everytime. sorry to put this here but want B...to not give up hope. thanks for the pics- wish those were in my garage.   Geno

I see you have the Roto-Hoe for sale on Ebay. I hope you make a decent profit to allow you to buy the next interesting piece of equipment.

Marty---I am so sorry to hear of your loss of a child.  Marshall made a statement  that is so true--that child is in the glories of heaven right now.   I know it must have tore your heart out.   As one stated, keeping busy is probably the best therapy you can have. .  Wish you the best and May The Almighty God, be with you and your wife, now and always--Will