[snowmower]

Hi folks, formally known as the poster bwiswell. Changed computers and lost all my old passwords, so I'll start fresh with a new handle.

I have been watching all of the threads, particularly those about how hard you guys have worked your GT5Ks (and family of tractors) and am very impressed with its performance, and the great mods I have seen done.

I have a possible opportunity to start grading the parking lot here where I work. It is gravel, about 300' long by 100' wide. We have a contractor that comes in twice a year with a larger unit and does a mediocre job, takes our money, and disappears.

I want to offer to take this job over as I believe I can do a better job. Just wondering if a GT5000 would be up to snuff for the task. And if the craftman attachments would do a suitably good job. Also considering a JBjr if I can get one across the border.

Would love to hear your opinions.

thanks
Bill

 

[Argee]

Hi snowmower and welcome back to TF.com....

The GT5K has plenty of power and if you have been following Willie Nunez's postings, you can see that it's up to the task.

I would think a GT5K equipped with a JB jr and a good quality back blade would be more than adequate for the task at hand.

 

[bontai Joe]

I think you have enough tractor for the job, just don't think that you can blast through it in 20 minutes. A rear blade would sure be nice, a mid mount blade would be best, but you would have to make your own. Good luck on what sounds like a fun project and enjoy the seat time.

 

[jbetts13]

welcome fello canadian

 

[snowmower]

Thanks for the warm welcome back.

BTW, anyone know a good place to host pics on the web, my current location is dropping the ability to link pics.

thanks
SnowMower (aka Bill)
<jmg src =http://www.hpphoto.com/sessions/364871689538/34648833lg.jpg>

 

[snowmower]

Oh, back to the newbie question. Why doesn't my pic show? I changed my profile to allow it?
Update - now it is showing but it will disappear once my log in to the current picture site expires. So, again, anyone know a good place to host pictures.

thanks
Snowmower

<img src =http://www.hpphoto.com/sessions/849481689538/34648833lg.jpg>

(12 O'clock, 12 O'clock!!!)

 

[jodyand]

Originally posted by snowmower
Oh, back to the newbie question. Why doesn't my pic show? I changed my profile to allow it?
Update - now it is showing but it will disappear once my log in to the current picture site expires. So, again, anyone know a good place to host pictures.

thanks
Snowmower

<img src =http://www.hpphoto.com/sessions/849481689538/34648833lg.jpg>

(12 O'clock, 12 O'clock!!!)

Welcome back snowmower/bwiswell
Your picture isn't showing up because of hpphoto wont allow it anymore. You can go to www.photobucket.com and use them they are free.

 

[jbetts13]

why the new name ?????

 

[Greg]

jbetts,

He explained it in his first post.

Greg

 

[jbetts13]

got a link to it ?????

 

[guest2]

Jbetts
just scroll up to the first post here

 

[jbetts13]

l got egg on my face it helps if you read the hole thing

 

[aegt5000]

snowmower…

I have a GT5000 and just wanted to offer a note of caution.
The front dozer blade is great for snow but is not of much use
in dirt unless it’s nice and loose, also the blade does not grade
dirt well. So that leaves you with a back blade, but you’ll need to
break up the soil first and that too will be a rear attachment.
I have never regraded a parking area with a garden tractor but
have done so with larger tractors. Some parking area’s can get like
concrete. Small amounts of stone top dressing over a period of years,
work themselves down into the soil and the resulting mix of earth and
stone creates an extremely hard base. Ruts created in “Wet” area’s can
become as hard as curbs.

What I’m saying is it may take a lot more weight and attachments
that are a lot heaver than the GT5000 has to offer. I do business
with a guy who has a dirt / stone parking area about the size of one
you are describing. He uses a skidsteer to clear snow and occasionally
re-dress the area, but he still needs to hire a guy with a track machine
once every fall to re-level the parking area.

I think the GT5000 is a very capable tractor, but you need to be
pretty certain you’re not biting off more than it can chew. If the area is
loose dirt, you probably have a good shot, but if there’s small stone
mixed in down there, I’d take a good hard look before commiting.

 

[snowmower]

Thanks for the pic hosting advice guys.

I am still sizing up this opportunity. Not sure they can afford to pay me what it would cost to get this little venture off the ground. Right now I have an LTX1000, but she certainly wouldn't be suited to that kind of job. So I'm checking to see if the investment would pay for itself in say a couple years.

Jbetts13, as a fellow Canadian, I am sure you can appreciate that SnowMower seems a more suitable name than Bill. Mind you, I seem to get an awful lot of both.

 

[jbetts13]

l have a 212 for my snow and a allis 110B too

 

[Chris]

Originally posted by jbetts13
l got egg on my face it helps if you read the hole thing

or the whole thing
:furious:

 

[jbetts13]

same thing

 

[Argee]

Originally posted by jbetts13
same thing

NOT QUITE!!!

 

[jbetts13]

hole- as in hole in ground whole- as in the whole thing

 

[Argee]

There you go:thumbsup:

You were pretendin' like you didn't know!!