The newer age of FEL machines

[JoeM 7,874]

Something growing in popularity over the last half dozen years. 

Seems very useful.

 

[ebinmaine 67,506]

That is very cool. Not something I recall seeing before on a zero turn.

[ri702bill 8,322]

Oh, Boy!! I can see one soon hanging upside down at the @Pullstart Stable!!!  

 

Using a Zero Turn instead of a garden tractor certainly give better maneuverability in compact areas....

 

Edited March 19 by ri702bill

[Pullstart 62,884]

I’ve seen snow plows, not FELs.  Pretty cool, but it seems like it needs some counterbalance on the back, did anyone see those rear tires hopping?

[ebinmaine 67,506]

8 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

I’ve seen snow plows, not FELs.  Pretty cool, but it seems like it needs some counterbalance on the back, did anyone see those rear tires hopping?

 

 

I had that same counterbalance thought.

 

Very similar to any other machine on the market. It has its limitations just like a 40,000 lb excavator and people have to follow them, but likely they'll be pushed hard.

[ri702bill 8,322]

And since the newer machines are constructed of stamping made of cost-reduced materials, I wonder what breaks first?????

[WHX?? 48,815]

40 minutes ago, Pullstart said:

 anyone see those rear tires hopping?

Or hear a belt squeal in the first part where the dude is laying down gravel over fresh mowed grass? Thought he woulda grubbed top soil off first? 

 

I could see it if done proper. 

Light work around  the ranch or such be the cat's meow 😻. 

Trannys designed for torque and not speed. Proper foot wear,  frame stiffening. Foot bucket control. 

Some ZT frames flex alot I know mine does. 

Be a poor man's skid steer. 

 

[WHX?? 48,815]

4 minutes ago, ri702bill said:

And since the newer machines are constructed of stamping made of cost-reduced materials,

Note I said done proper Bill.

So a cheap ZT... 25-35 k

A well done ZT FEL... possibly 6-7K... the price of a premium ZT mower.

A Bobcat or Gehl. SS... 20k+ for even a small one? 

[ri702bill 8,322]

And - a LOT has to do with the care and skill the operator uses (or lack thereof) during use...

[Pullstart 62,884]

21 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

Proper foot wear

like Jesus cruisers @Achto?

[WHX?? 48,815]

I meant loaded TIRES dingus!!!!

 

[T-Mo-(Moderator) 4,496]

That zt is a residential one and has the smaller tires and wheels.  Not the best choice to put a loader on.

[squonk 41,118]

Zero tuns get stuck on wet leaves. Better hang a 48 Chevy off the back for weight. 

[Sailman 1,291]

On 3/19/2024 at 8:33 AM, ri702bill said:

And since the newer machines are constructed of stamping made of cost-reduced materials, I wonder what breaks first?????

 

My guess would be the bearings on those little front tires. Never meant to handle that extra weight. I built a similar "johnny bucket" for my GT 14 and can definitely tell the extra load on those front wheels....  

[kpinnc 12,061]

Neat little loader. ...mounted on casters? 

 

I have a Scag Tiger Cub, and it's got a welded steel frame, and no plate on it is smaller than 1/4 thick. It has huge front spindles, and real pump and motor hydraulics. It weights more than any Wheel Horse I have. 

 

...And I would never put that thing on it. Zero turns are not built to handle extra weight like that. They are exceptional mowers, but that is ALL they are built for. 

 

Edited April 21 by kpinnc