Tractor Lift for Wheel Horse Tractor

[heysavoy 16]

I have a 1990 wheel horse classic model # 31-12KE01. The older I get the more difficult it is for me to remove my deck in order to sharpen my blades each year. I am wondering if anyone has used a tractor lift and if so what type? I really don't wish to spend $300 for one (e.g. Craftsmen @ Lowes) but I'm not sure if the "budget option" from Harbor Freight for example will do the job as its maximum weight is 300 lbs. (Not sure how much my tractor weighs). Anyway any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

Edited yesterday at 03:18 AM by heysavoy

[SylvanLakeWH 26,104]

Here's what I use... Harbor Freight pick up lift mounted on a winch plate. Removable 2" hitch mount...

 

 

[squonk 41,604]

You're only picking up part of the tractor. So you don't need the Biggest and best. Use jack stands under the wheel baskets for safety.

[Racinbob 11,278]

I use this one every time I mow. 

 

 

[Ed Kennell 39,068]

8 hours ago, heysavoy said:

 The older I get the more difficult it is for me to remove my deck in order to sharpen my blades each year. .

 

Age has a habit of making our chores more difficult and at times dangerous.   I still like to remove my decks and turn them over for cleaning, coating, lubricating and sharpening before winter storage.    I use a small jack to raise the front enough to get the deck carriage to clear the frame.  Then use the hooked end of a wrecking bar to pull the deck out from under the tractor.    I would not attempt to sharpen or remove blades while laying under a suspended tractor.

 

[heysavoy 16]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

I use this one every time I mow. 

 

 

 

I like it! What kind of lift is this? Do you use it when you remove your blades? What keeps the tractor from roling backwards out of the wheel holders? Thanks

[JCM 9,530]

1990  312-H  12hp  Kohler with Eaton 1100 shipping weight 737 lbs. Great year for that model.

[heysavoy 16]

2 minutes ago, JCM said:

1990  312-H  12hp  Kohler with Eaton 1100 shipping weight 737 lbs. Great year for that model.

I was asking about the lift? What model / manufacturer is it?

 

[JCM 9,530]

10 hours ago, heysavoy said:

I have a 1990 wheel horse classic model # 31-12KE01.  (Not sure how much my tractor weighs). Anyway any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

 

[rjg854 11,549]

2 hours ago, Racinbob said:

I use this one every time I mow. 

 

 

Same one I have as it looks the same anyway.  The tires fit well into those pockets; I don't worry about them coming out. And it locks in place once you have it raised. Saves having to remove the deck just for cleaning.  When I remove the deck for winter, that's when the blades get sharpened and a good used oil soaking before storing.  I think it came from Horror Freight.

[lynnmor 7,361]

I had the lighter version from Harbor Freight, what a piece of junk!  The mount holding the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder bent and tore till the cylinder was pushing against the ground.  I welded i up and sold it to a neighbor with a disposable tractor.  If you buy from HF, at least get the $280 heavy duty version.  Keep in mind that the base of that type of lift will interfere with the mower deck which makes installation and removal difficult or impossible.

[Racinbob 11,278]

3 hours ago, heysavoy said:

 

I like it! What kind of lift is this? Do you use it when you remove your blades? What keeps the tractor from roling backwards out of the wheel holders? Thanks

 

That's the cheaper of the two that Harbor Freight sells. The tires are well cradled and there's no real chance of them rolling off. I clean the grass clumps that hold moisture off after every mowing. The tractor is a 2005 Classic 15hp. The deck is a 1970's 48" that I purchased new. 

[oldlineman 1,485]

Set the parking brake and leave an 8 speed in a low gear

 

[Racinbob 11,278]

2 hours ago, oldlineman said:

Set the parking brake and leave an 8 speed in a low gear

 

That's a good idea but don't lift or lower it like that. The rear wheels need to roll as it's lifted/lowered.