I am a retired Electronic Tech. Air Force trained (F-111D). Although the world of modern electronics passes by me rapidly, electricity remains the same. Not a lot of Electric Motor knowledge (Mostly microprocessors) but basic AC/DC motor stuff not much of a problem with some re-education.
As with a lot of retired, money is always an issue but I thought I'd like to delve into an electric project. I'm pretty good with both elec & mechanical. Spent my life fixing rather than paying others. Of course, getting down on the ground is not quite as hard as getting up, but any retired guy will likely say the same.
I share 25 acres with my daughter, son-in-law. About 1/2 woods. Rather hilly with some small creeks. Grandkids are 13 & 4. We seem to spend a lot of time between sheds and garages gathering tools that we borrow from each other. I do need the exercise but some days more time is spent looking through 5 sheds and 2 garages than the project takes. I thought a couple of yard transports seemed like a fine idea. Something woods capable play things would be a plus.
We have a small Kubota BX25 with attachments. A couple of new lawnmowers. All of our yard tasks are achievable. Love my baby tractor! It is like having an extra worker that can lift and move a lot more than a old man and it does what it is told
But, we also have a couple of old mowers. A Cub Cadet with a 20hp Kohler that is running but steering is shot. Also a John Deere 345 w/ 18HP water cooled Kawasaki. The Cubby is now deckless and running but boy is it loud. The JD was pulled out of the weeds yesterday after about 6 yrs parked. I changed the camshaft in it but there was a oil leak issue that caused it to be parked while I went off driving commercially for 4 years. At that time, I got my wife a new lawn mower.
Planning to take a look at the JD this week. I suspect lower seal is bad. Not a hard fix as I've had the motor off and on a few times. Getting the motor off is the hard work. After yrs of sitting idle I want to determine if investment is sensible.
Interests: Evaluate JD. Fix motor or move on and convert to electric. Increased ground speed would be fun. Hood broke many years ago. $400 to replace it. I'm sure a hood would quiet it down though. It had power steering which would be grand to have again.
For the Cub/Kohler I'd love to quiet it down. Extend exhaust? Soundproof the hood? Steering is certainly repairable.
So, at this time I'm just wandering through choices and hobby projects. This group seemed like a nice place to spend some time.
Great Day!
As with a lot of retired, money is always an issue but I thought I'd like to delve into an electric project. I'm pretty good with both elec & mechanical. Spent my life fixing rather than paying others. Of course, getting down on the ground is not quite as hard as getting up, but any retired guy will likely say the same.
I share 25 acres with my daughter, son-in-law. About 1/2 woods. Rather hilly with some small creeks. Grandkids are 13 & 4. We seem to spend a lot of time between sheds and garages gathering tools that we borrow from each other. I do need the exercise but some days more time is spent looking through 5 sheds and 2 garages than the project takes. I thought a couple of yard transports seemed like a fine idea. Something woods capable play things would be a plus.
We have a small Kubota BX25 with attachments. A couple of new lawnmowers. All of our yard tasks are achievable. Love my baby tractor! It is like having an extra worker that can lift and move a lot more than a old man and it does what it is told
But, we also have a couple of old mowers. A Cub Cadet with a 20hp Kohler that is running but steering is shot. Also a John Deere 345 w/ 18HP water cooled Kawasaki. The Cubby is now deckless and running but boy is it loud. The JD was pulled out of the weeds yesterday after about 6 yrs parked. I changed the camshaft in it but there was a oil leak issue that caused it to be parked while I went off driving commercially for 4 years. At that time, I got my wife a new lawn mower.
Planning to take a look at the JD this week. I suspect lower seal is bad. Not a hard fix as I've had the motor off and on a few times. Getting the motor off is the hard work. After yrs of sitting idle I want to determine if investment is sensible.
Interests: Evaluate JD. Fix motor or move on and convert to electric. Increased ground speed would be fun. Hood broke many years ago. $400 to replace it. I'm sure a hood would quiet it down though. It had power steering which would be grand to have again.
For the Cub/Kohler I'd love to quiet it down. Extend exhaust? Soundproof the hood? Steering is certainly repairable.
So, at this time I'm just wandering through choices and hobby projects. This group seemed like a nice place to spend some time.
Great Day!
