[AJD] PURCHASER OF # 5 MOWER?

[Duane Ledford]

Mike,

Jim's story about his father prompts me to put my $.02 in. Before you use 
any equipment with your new tractor, become very comfortable with using the 
hand clutch and driving the tractor in general. Have heard and read more 
than one story about someone new to the hand clutch getting in a tight spot. 
Instead of reaching for the clutch lever, they will push in on the left 
brake as if it were the clutch. The end result was usually not good. Using 
the hand clutch needs to become second nature. Pushing the brakes might slow 
you down a bit, but most likely will not stop you. When you start using 
things like a sickle mower, the need to be comfortable with the hand clutch 
is that much more important. The risks of injury are much higher once you 
start using implements. You have to be able to watch what your implement is 
doing as well as where you are going. Basically you are running two machines 
at one time. You need to be prepared for the unexpected.

This summer I was mowing a field with my JD B and #5 mower. Just got started 
making the first pass, so I was close to the edge of the field. There were 
large bales stacked along the outer edge from another cutting. I knew they 
were there and thought I was watching to be sure I didn't get too close to 
them. Got into a tough patch of grass and was paying attention to the mower 
when all of a sudden the tractor's left side started going up. Had ran the 
left rear tire up onto a bale that was sticking out more than the others. 
Wasn't going too fast due to the cutting conditions and was able to pull the 
clutch lever in time to prevent the tractor and myself from rolling on over. 
Was able to carefully back off of the bale with no harm done except a large 
dent in the bale and a ruined pair of shorts. Slow ground speed, practice 
with using the hand clutch and the good Lord saved my bacon that day. If I 
had stomped on the left brake as if it were the clutch, I probably wouldn't 
be typing this message today. Practice, practice and practice some more.

Duane


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim Robinson" <jjranch at nebnet.net>
To: "Antique John Deere mailing list" 
<antique-johndeere at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 10:19 AM
Subject: Re: [AJD] PURCHASER OF # 5 MOWER?


> Mike,
>
> Just another tip to pass along if you intend on using the mower and have
> never ran one before.
>
> Always use the shields, shut of the tractor and disengage the pto before
> dismounting, wear gloves (mowers can be finger cutting / pinching son of
> guns), never try and mow where you shouldn't, and always think before you
> do.
>
> My father had one of those small "red " tractors flip over about 40 years
> ago when he was mowing around a bale pile and ran over a bale that was on
> the ground and hidden. Thank God the bar folded up and held the seat up 
> off
> him so he wasn't crushed. Happened in a second with no chance of getting
> clear!!!!
> I am sure other members have had experiences with mowers that they can
> advise you about.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
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