Howdy Family

Howdy family! Hope y'all remember I am orange to the bone no matter what happens. I have been contemplating getting a '45 with PS and a side mounted sickle to trim fences with. Had one back in the pre '93 days as did my neighbor. My friend has modified one of those mowers [can't remember what the model is; 80 something?] so a roller chain now drives it from a pto sprocket. He says it will not slip a belt anymore. Thoughts? Louder? More vibration? I'm practically deaf anyways lol and never run without ear protection. Is it an 80R? Does the 80 mean inches? What does the R mean? I have checked onto the forum only a few times this winter because of my job schedule, not because of lack of interest. If I tallied up my hours of training since the snow started falling in December y'all would call me a liar. First came my Multi engine and Jet Flight Instructor renewal in December. Next came the need for writing a completely new Company Operations Manual and Pilot Training Manual. Huge deal. Expensive. After approval came company training for the new way to do business. Huge deal and expensive. Then came emergency training. Expensive. Then came my 6 month recurrent training for the jet. Huge stressful deal and very expensive. Next will be annual Security Training.   Of course all this in between flying many trips to and from Florida, the Bahamas, the Caymans and many domestic trips. Thank God the lawns and fields haven't needed attention! So whatch'all think about a cherry '45 with power steering and the mower? Or should I go with a 185 D and a side disc mower for trimming? I like simplicity...
Blue Skies and Tail Winds, Captain Dana

Hi Dana - great to find you on here! I know nothing about the 185D, but the WD45 sounds like a great option, though I'd suggest a D series. A nice D14 with ps oughta run a sickle mower just fine! Might want to focus on availability of implements - could be different for the different series, and more availability would certainly be a factor if I were making the decision.

Fred, I have almost that exact setup, mine is a 1956 WD45, nf, factory power steering, 82S.  FYI, I used to mow with a #7 with no problem, but when I went to the 82S, it has a completely different center of gravity and I almost tipped it over, so I put 2 300# weights on the left rear tire to hold her down.  You might want to consider something similar if you are mowing any pond banks.

CAP!!  Good to hear from ya brother!  Sounds like you've been a busy guy. Don't worry, the grass hasn't been growin' with all the snow on top of it, so yer' alright for now.. Hang in there buddy. Great to hear from ya!! A 45' w/P/S sides great. Go for it!

Captain,

Cap'n, so glad to hear from you.  Sounds like you're trying to singlehandedly help with the economic recovery stimulus. 

Capt. - was wondering if you were still breathing, LOL.  I have a 185 and love it! I do have a 3 pt. 80R mower that I use on it to cut hay. Does a great job, but is a little over kill. If you just want a tractor to mow fences -- I'd go with a D-14 or D-15. I also have a D-14 with a snapcoupler 80R, and some thing like that should work fine. (wish I had a WD-45 with power steering - that would be fun.)