[Richard-tx]

As the New Year approaches, I started thinking about the kids that will be born in 2012. Unless exposed by their Parents or Grandparents to the Joys of 2 and 4 wheel Gravely Tractors, they will never know a world where there is/are:

no backup switches on machines
no zero turn mowers
no non-vented gas cans
no electric mower clutches

What else can you think of?

 

[Gravely16G]

To be honest and truthful, I'd never heard of gravely until I bought my 16G. Only here and a few others...I had realized there was a such a large following! I was born in '83. I bought it because I thought it was built well. It don't take a rocket surgeon to know they are tanks. Outside materials alone show longevity.

I remember growing up and dad always changed the oil on his tractors (loyal wheel horse guy) *near the woods.
Also, I vividly remember his first four wheeler, a 1986 TRX 250.

 

[arcam8123]

Cast iron. How much do you suppose is in a modern big box mower?

 

[lt4xtreme]

Cast iron. How much do you suppose is in a modern big box mower?

Well I guess maybe the crankshaft. Even most rods are now aluminum.

 

[jepics]

I am expecting my first grandchild in 2012, and you can be sure he/she will know a great deal about Gravely's before getting old enough to operate one.

Adding to your list:
No OSHA required operator sensor controls
Tractors that will mow in reverse
Engineering that will last a lifetime or 2, 3, 4 or more
Engines with no plastic parts
Tractors with no electronic 'brain'

 

[Richard-tx]

Personally, given the level of complexity to the logic involved, I am surprised that there aren't more computer based controls on a modern tractor. Just the safety logic can be a daunting task to troubleshoot. Any of the 4 wheel or two wheel tractors are a breeze to troubleshoot. I suppose it is cheaper to install a bunch of relays and wire than a $50 controller. Gravely has kept it pretty simple on the zero turns, but other brands can be a nightmare.

 

[Fla Don]

Mower decks with spindles you can grease.
Parts not made in CHINA.

 

[Richard-tx]

One more item for the list.

Mower guards. The 40" commercial deck is an excellent example of what the next generation will likely never see.

 

[Fla Don]

Open saw blades, both chain saw and circular saw types.

 

[TheOneTrueStickman]

Don't forget gear drive transmissions and snowthrowers that can really throw snow.

As a third generation Gravely owner I can almost guarantee my kids will be well informed about all of the above, as well as How To Safely Operate Dangerous Equipment. :fing32: Don't get that in school, barring a shop class.

Personally, given the level of complexity to the logic involved, I am surprised that there aren't more computer based controls on a modern tractor. Just the safety logic can be a daunting task to troubleshoot. Any of the 4 wheel or two wheel tractors are a breeze to troubleshoot. I suppose it is cheaper to install a bunch of relays and wire than a $50 controller.

Cheaper and simpler, both. I'm a little surprised micros aren't used more, too, but darn glad. A typical $2 micro could handle all your interlock and control needs - and probably engine sensors as well - but why? You can do pretty much the same thing with those switches, relays, and wire that are off the shelf, simple, and proven. (Note I didn't say reliable. ) Using a micro you have the added costs, hassles, and potential failure points associated with ruggedization for vibration and temperature, weatherproofing, power supply stabilization, driving high-power electrical loads, etc. You don't even have much benefit to parts count - you still have to have all the same switches and wire. You do have the advantage of adding a password start feature by inputting morse code via presence control, though.

Anyway, off my hobby horse - my inner electronics geek is showing. I hope hard logic isn't one of the things our kids never see, especially on yard equipment.

Stickman

 

[jepics]

Another: open sprocket chain drive starters on Model L's with starter switch nearby.

 

[Fla Don]

Another: open sprocket chain drive starters on Model L's with starter switch nearby.

Along with the fan shroud with holes big enough to stick fingers in and the open fan belt near the fuel shutoff valve.

 

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

Being not only intersted in old tractors, but in old houses, old cars, old trains, etc, I have done as much as possible to teach my adult children and my grandchildren about older technology of all kinds.

We live in a house built in 1901, which we have lovingly restored retaining much of the original features - solid wood doors w/mortise locks, slate roof, original woodwork, original plaster walls, etc.

There is a lot of "nearly lost" technology out there in all these subjects - hopefully at least a few of the next generation will get the chance to understand just how well built a GRAVELY tractor was, or the craftsmanship that went into a home 100 years ago, or how complex a steam locomotive was.

And maybe learn that safety is a behavior not a complex accessory on a machine, or an unnecessary expense in building a home.

But what do I know, I'm just a hick with a pickup, a GRAVELY, an old house, some model trains, and now one MORE gun - the wife gave me a Ruger Mini 14 for Christmas - shooting lessons for all grandchildren in a few years!

Sheldon

 

[Kbeitz]

1. Tractors with no electric starters.
2. Seats with no padding.
3. Hoods you can sit on without damage.
4. Tractors under 4hp and still 2 bladed decks.

 

[Canary Al]

Cast iron. How much do you suppose is in a modern big box mower?

Isn't the bore sometimes in cast iron?

 

[Canary Al]

And maybe learn that safety is a behavior not a complex accessory on a machine, or an unnecessary expense in building a home.
But what do I know, I'm just a hick with a pickup, a GRAVELY, an old house, some model trains, and now one MORE gun - the wife gave me a Ruger Mini 14 for Christmas - shooting lessons for all grandchildren in a few years!

Sheldon

Now that the lawyers make everything, that will never be part of the future.

I had need to buy a chainsaw last year after not being around one for many years. It is nearly in-operable for all the complex safty fail safes built in. I refer to it as the chainsaw the lawyers built.

 

[Richard-tx]

There is one consolation. You will never see a statue erected to pay homage to a personal injury attorney.

 

[canadian.gravelynut]

Things that will never be seen again.

How about starter buttons with an open chain drive.

 

[Fla Don]

Now that the lawyers make everything, that will never be part of the future.

I had need to buy a chainsaw last year after not being around one for many years. It is nearly in-operable for all the complex safty fail safes built in. I refer to it as the chainsaw the lawyers built.

Get a Professional grade pole saw and the only thing on it will be the operator on the controls.