in CamRock (Moderator: TheMayor1)

Hi,

I've seen a couple of threads mentioning the DR mower is using significant oil.

A couple of ideas:

One is I am offering to rebuild the engine over the coming winter.
Two is buying a new engine and installing it.
Three is maybe we don't want to put time or money into an older piece of equipment?

Comments?

Walt

Thanks for your offer and inquiry Walt.

Our fearless leader was asking recently of a commercial riding mower would be an option for CamRock. Although in the past I would have answered no, I have recently changed my mind. I think the person operating it needs to have some knowledge of the trails, but if so then the answer is absolutely yes. One reason i changed my mind is that we simply have more trail. And most of the added trail is in prairies where it would be suitable. Second is that with the races at CamRock, as well as years of trails being ridden, more and more trail is open with less obstacles and would be suitable for a riding mower. And a riding mower can simply mow the same trail in about 1/3 of the time. So I think that is really something we should look seriously at. Maybe end of season sales or companies clearing out inventory?

With that being said we will always need a walk-behind. Some trails are too steep, rooty, rocky, etc to be suitable for a riding mower. So a really good option might be to get a good used commercial rider, and repair the walk behind that we now have. Although well used, it could make a really good second machine that both gets in the areas a rider can't, and serves as a back up.

As for repairing the DR, obviously Option #1 would be the least expensive. If you have the time to commit to that it would be great Walt.
Option #2 I am sure would be the second least expensive. Much less, but still a good time commitment if you take it on.
Third: I feel this machine can still serve as a really good back up. My only concern is that we make sure all of the safety equipment is operating correctly. This has to be a high priority. I can't imagine that the spring-loaded safety relays are that hard to come by, but we need to make sure they are in good working order for our volunteers using it. The problem we have had with this machine is that there is no serial or model number on it. Because of this when we take it in no one knows what parts to order for it.

Does the DR get used at other parks besides CR?  Are there ever any time conflicts between two volunteers wanting to use the mower at the same time? 

Except for the oil issues and, from what Chuck told me, the thing needs a little “me time” after a couple hours; everything else on that mower seems rock solid and easy to use (it could use a bottle cage bolted to it IMO).

If you fix the safety crap, im just gonna run with scissors when im using it anyway. 

my two cents after having run it exactly TWICE.

I rebuilt almost an identical model of engine before. The exact same series, just a 12 hp instead of a 10.5 hp. Walt, if you want help, I'd be happy to help you rebuild it sometime this winter.

The safety switches should be easy to find. I'm pretty sure I found the manual for the exact model of machine, but those switches are very universal.

Were you thinking of buying a garden tractor or ztr? I would probably recommend a garden tractor for the type of use and safety on slopes. You may not want a used one from the landscapers due to the abuse they get, and they don't use that type of machine anyway.

An excellent used machine would be an older Deere. The 318 might be perfect. Those things are built like a tank and incredibly durable. One in good shape is less than $2000. Parts are common. The transmission is hydrostatic and pretty much bulletproof. It has power steering and hydraulic deck lift, and some have a differential lock. Something like that should be achievable with the budget. Just put ag tread tires on it, possibly wheel weights, and you can go anywhere. Keep in mind the mower deck will struggle with taller grass.

 Otherwise, the old Kubota models are awesome little tractors. Attach a 4' bush hog and you can go through anything. You would be closer to $5000 for that option, but then you could add a box blade, loader...

FWIW: I started working on a grant that would be available for CamRock that could aid the process for fixing or buying. I will be glad to share some experience with mowers from being on Blackhawk's board. Our mowing and abuse of equipment is at a large scale, and we also have a good history of what's worked, hasn't worked, and good ways to replace stuff and get donations. I'd prefer this at a meeting or in a phone call with the person ultimately in charge of this problem.

I should be coming into possession of a DR Mower (17 hp model) this coming week. It something that's handy for us (Good Oak Ecological Services) to have on hand, cause when you need it you need it, but we won't use it very often. If CORP would like to borrow it for projects I'd be happy to lend it out as long as the gas tank comes back full. Maybe this could help fill in the gap between worn-out old, and new equipment.