Made It Myself Zero Turn Mower

Made it myself zero turn mower FARM HOME Lawn Mowers (31h,38) 15-3-29 "I designed and built it myself," says Robert W. Hesse, Ann Arbor, Mich., about his professional-looking "zero turn" lawn tractor that he uses both for mowing - with a 50-in. deck - and moving snow - with a 48-in. Case snow thrower. The 3-wheel hydrostatic-driven tractor is powered by a 16-hp. Kohler engine mounted on 3-point automotive rubber mounts that limit vibration. Front wheels are each chain-driven by a No. 7 Eaton hydrostatic motor. Roller drive chains are provided with constant lubrication and sealed ball bearings are used throughout the machine. Steering levers return to neutral when-ever hands are removed. Hesse notes that operators not familiar with operation of lever steer units often have trouble with jerking or surging on rough ground be-cause it's hard to hold the levers steady. "I was able to overcome the surging problem common with lever-controlled mowers by placing fiberglass rods at right angles on top of each control handle. All you have to do is place your forefinger across the top of them to hold them steady," says Hesse. Attachments mount to a rock shaft with an adjustable spring-loaded counterbalance that allows only enough pressure on guide wheels to make ground contact. The mower deck can be easily tilted to a vertical position for cleaning or blade work. Also, the hood and seat tilt up for service on engine or tractor Attachments are driven by a simple arrangement of two belts and one jackshaft. No gearboxes, twists or sharp turns in belt; according to Hesse. The cab, which is used with the snow thrower, attaches with one rod at back of seat. It pivots up and down atthatpoint for getting on and off tractor. "I've used it for 5 years with no problems at all," says Hesse. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Robert W. Hesse, 6060 E. Joy Rd., Ann Arbor, Mich. 48105.

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