Going to Have to Change My Signature Line...

[NoJacketRequired]

Yup, my old signature line won't work anymore. My fleet has just expanded so I'll have to update my signature to include the "new to us" B2410, front mount snow blower and mid-mount mower that will be arriving next week.

These are interesting times as I've had my MF135 and rear-mount Meteor blower on loan to my father. He can no longer operate it as a result of physical limitations that come with aging. A front-mount blower seemed like the only viable option for him, and an HST driveline was a no-brainer since his artificial joints really make operating a clutch pedal hit-or-miss on bigger tractors.

The B2410 with front mount blower will be on loan to him in place of the MF135. It's a fairly high-time unit with 2500 hours on the clock, but has been well-serviced and last year had a pretty big dealer repair bill before it was traded on a new tractor. I'll be swapping its current turf tires for the R1 Ag tires now riding on one of my B7510's. That will give me a pair of B7510's on turf tires, much better suited to where I mow grass and blow snow. Dad will be much better served by R1's on his gravel driveway and hay fields.

I'm looking forward to seeing this new tractor put to work to help keep my father living independently on his rural property.

 

[RCW]

Very nice! Will be easier for your Dad.

Look forward to a picture or two!

 

[SDT]

Yup, my old signature line won't work anymore. My fleet has just expanded so I'll have to update my signature to include the "new to us" B2410, front mount snow blower and mid-mount mower that will be arriving next week.

These are interesting times as I've had my MF135 and rear-mount Meteor blower on loan to my father. He can no longer operate it as a result of physical limitations that come with aging. A front-mount blower seemed like the only viable option for him, and an HST driveline was a no-brainer since his artificial joints really make operating a clutch pedal hit-or-miss on bigger tractors.

The B2410 with front mount blower will be on loan to him in place of the MF135. It's a fairly high-time unit with 2500 hours on the clock, but has been well-serviced and last year had a pretty big dealer repair bill before it was traded on a new tractor. I'll be swapping its current turf tires for the R1 Ag tires now riding on one of my B7510's. That will give me a pair of B7510's on turf tires, much better suited to where I mow grass and blow snow. Dad will be much better served by R1's on his gravel driveway and hay fields.

I'm looking forward to seeing this new tractor put to work to help keep my father living independently on his rural property.

Sounds like the right thing to do.

I'm sure that your dad will be pleased.

SDT

 

[NoJacketRequired]

I let him drive one of my B7510's the last time he was here visiting. That was a "high risk activity" as I wasn't sure I was going to get him off the seat! He likes the hydrostatic drive, and the power steering. Since the B2410 has both of these, plus an upgraded seat I suspect he'll be quite pleased indeed.

The 2410 also has a sun canopy on it so I'll try hanging some clear shower curtains from it (an idea I picked up on this forum!) to give him a bit of protection from the weather, too. Should be a rather large upgrade for him since he really can't turn around to look at a rear-mounted snow blower and he's got a half a mile of driveway to keep clear.

I take my hat off to the man - at 84 he is still game to hop on a tractor and blow snow!

 

[NoJacketRequired]

Let's see if I can figure out how to post a photo of the B2410 which arrived today. This photo shows it in the back yard after having spent an hour cutting grass. Had to make sure the tractor worked well, and it does indeed work well. Later drove it 8 miles to the airport then spent another hour or so cutting "hay" with it there. So far, so good!

 

[mpham]

Picture looks great. Very nice of you to keep your dad active. My father in law is 81and still likes to work around the house.

 

[NoJacketRequired]

I told my father about the "new" tractor today. He certainly sounds excited about it. I spent another 5 hours cutting grass with it and it runs like a charm - no defects noted to date, so I'm quite pleased.

Now I need to find some sort of soft-sided "cab" enclosure that I can hang off the sun shade. I'm pretty much broke so I know I can't spring for a real cab, darn it.

I'm open to suggestions!

 

[PaulL]

For temporary cab (particularly winter/snow), shower curtain seems to be the recommendation.

 

[NoJacketRequired]

Paul - I've indeed been looking at the shower curtain solution. I'm not sure it will be flexible enough at low temperatures. I mean LOW, like near zero F. A lot of cheaper plastics go stiff as a board and crack when that cold.

Now for the latest development in this saga... This B2410 might end up staying here with me and I may end up sending my "bare" B7510 up to my father's. The 7510 is a lot newer, but that's not a big deal, given how well the 2410 is running. BUT the snow blower for the 2410 seems pretty light, especially compared to the one for the B7510. On that basis alone it might be better to ensure my father has the heavier-duty unit. I've got about 6 weeks to sort this out before the first snow will have to be dealt with...