Re: (ET) Looking for an Elec-Trak in eastern PA

["Tim Humphrey" <hump evgrin com>]

Here's another man's opinion......

I've used over the years, many different brands of mid-mount gas powered 
tractors. I now have a front mount ET (I-5).

If possible, I'll never use/own a mid-mount model again.

Stay Charged!
Hump



>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: elec-trak-bounces cosmos phy tufts edu
> [mailto:elec-trak-bounces cosmos phy tufts edu] On Behalf Of Chris 
> Tromley
> Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2006 12:51 PM
> To: elec-trak cosmos phy tufts edu
> Subject: Re: (ET) Looking for an Elec-Trak in eastern PA
>
> On 6/21/06, Rod Hower <rodhower ameritech net> wrote:
>> Chris Tromley is in your area I think.
>>
>> --- Mailing_lists <mailing_lists russorourke com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > Hello,
>> >
>> > After several months of trying to learn as much as possible before
>> > taking the plunge, I've decided now is the time.
>> >
>> > The big question I still have is the performance difference (if any)
>> > between the mid and front mounted mowing decks.
>> >
>> > For the past few years I've been mowing our 1/3 acre lawn with a
>> > cordless push mower, so from what I've read, just about any sized ET
>> > should be able to handle the task.
>> >
>> > If anyone has or knows of an ET available in the eastern PA
>> > (Philadelphia / Allentown) or NJ area, please drop me a line.
>
> Hi Rod, Russ,
>
> I'm in the area all right, but can't really help with a tractor.  I have
> mine and hope to keep it a *very* long time.  I'd be happy to chat on or 
> off
> list about it (please use my gmail address), but I'm only a two-season
> 'Trak-er (actually EGT-150 New Idea-er).  The man to see in this area is
> Harold Zimmerman.  Just look in the archives for Clean Power.  Harold 
> gave
> me a good deal on a good tractor and really helped this newbie figure out
> what I needed.
>
> I was also concerned about the difference between mid and front mount 
> decks.
> I ended up getting a mid mount.  The differences you'd expect are that 
> you
> can get under stuff easily with a front mount and flip it up to hose it 
> out,
> but having the deck way out front also poses some problems.
>
> Keep in mind that your tractor (or any non-leaning, front-steering
> vehicle) turns around the rear tires.  Having the deck way out front 
> means
> that your rear tires will always be inside the tightest circle you can 
> mow
> around.  If you have tight curves around flower beds, trees, walls, etc.,
> that might be an issue.
>
> Most large frame ETs have a really tiny turning circle which is a 
> benefit in
> some cases.  The mid mount decks only fit on special long wheelbase ETs 
> (the
> M in E-15M, etc.) that can't turn anywhere near as tight.  I posted some
> numbers maybe two years ago, but don't have them on this computer.
>
> Anyway, I've sometimes wished I had a tighter turning circle.  I also 
> wish
> my mid mount deck wouldn't hang up so easily on roots, stones, etc. when
> backing up.  (I've had to unfold my deck on a few
> occasions.)  I'm not happy about having to unhitch the thing and haul it 
> out
> to clean it.  But I really like having the deck right near the rear 
> wheels
> so I don't run over what I'm trying to mow around.
>
> Remember that I have virtually no experience with a "normal" front mount 
> ET.
> This is just one man's opinion.
>
> Chris
>
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