RE: (ET) newbe sticker shock....

["Elie, Larry (L.D.)" <lelie ford com>]

Sticker shock, you bet.  One set of batteries can make one scratch your
head.  I suspect most 
original ET's never got a second set for just that reason.  People saw it
like an engine 
rebuild on a car, not like a new set of tires.  

Part of the problem with the deck design is the way the lift arms are
mounted on the decks; 
it would be hard to adapt to something else.  Many people have braced the
lift arm mounts.  
Also, I have noticed that most of the BELLY mount decks are in better 
shape;
the lift 
arms don't put so much strain on the sheet metal deck.  One CAN adapt a
belly mount to front 
with some new holes and braces.  I plan to do so soon.  At least all the
motor flanges fit.

Larry Elie


-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Chapin [mailto:tchapin umich edu]
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2000 9:15 AM
To: elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu
Subject: (ET) newbe sticker shock....


>Thanks for all the emails I have relieved on my request for and elec-trak.
I am looking into all my options at the moment, will be talking to a couple
of you that are close to me.  I am however surprised at the cost of these
20+ year old tractors.  Some of the better ones, people have emailed me
about, cost as much as the same horse power range NEW gas tractors.  One
thing I have noticed is the decks(like most mower) are a problem area with
rust and cracks.  Has anyone tried mounting up a donor deck from another
brand of tractor.  Something like the heavy aluminum decks from the 60's 
era
Sears or even a newer pressed sheet metal deck???
 
One of my problems right now is I have a very good running gas tractor.  A
1964 Sears 6 hp. with a donor 9 hp in it.  It came with the house I bought
11 years ago.  I finally broke down and put $40+ dollars in it this year 
for
a new belt and blades.  So I am use to putting about $4.00 a year in a
mower.... hence sticker shock....

Thanks again.  Most likely I will end up with a real fixer uper and will be
on the group all the time with dumb questions...