JD GT245 All Ready For Snow! - Machine Underground -Tractor & Commercial Equipment Discussion Forum

Wheely_boy · 11-06-2007, 06:49 AM

Cut grass for the last time and switched the GT245 over to snow blade duty. Got through the hard part of putting it together and installing it. The instructions were pretty good. The attachment is very costly but it has a feel to it that says it will last a very long time. The chains I bought at e-bay and were a very tight fit (PITA).

The machine barely fits in the same spot the Wheelhorse occupied for so many years. You can kind of see the rusts spot where the old blade used to lay.

Anyone ever use the rubber squeege strip on the bottom of this blade?

**Chris2520** · 11-06-2007, 07:38 AM

He looks like he is ready to do some work....

Chris....

**Ducati996** · 11-06-2007, 08:01 AM

Wheelyboy -
I really like that machine, and I bet you do as well -
How do you rate it over the Wheel horse and the Simplicity (I think regent?) and do you still have them? or is it just the GT245 these days?
Dont forget wheel weights (you probably didnt put them on yet?)

**JDFANATIC** · 11-06-2007, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheely_boy

Anyone ever use the rubber squeege strip on the bottom of this blade?

I've never used a front blade, or have experience with this exact model, but many of my friends have rubber strips on their blades. Some have bought the dealer squeeges, but several have used rubber stall mats that they cut to fit (much cheaper).

**Ducati996** · 11-06-2007, 08:38 AM

Exactly what Jdfan mentioned - the edge blade was removed and rubber piece installed, and then the edge put back on. You just have to find the mat or material which is the hardest part - but it works well with every install

Wheely_boy · 11-06-2007, 09:12 PM

I'll start looking for a stout piece of rubber. I wasn't planning on using wheel weights seeing that this machine is much heavier then what I was riding before. With the deck it is about 1000# with my fat butt sitting in the seat. The Wheelhorse and Simplicity Regent were both sold last year. Any ideas on where a piece of rubber like that can be found? I'd try Home Depot or Lowes except I don't think I'll like the answer when I ask where they keep the long rubbers.

**Ducati996** · 11-06-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wheely_boy

I'll start looking for a stout piece of rubber. I wasn't planning on using wheel weights seeing that this machine is much heavier then what I was riding before. With the deck it is about 1000# with my fat butt sitting in the seat. The Wheelhorse and Simplicity Regent were both sold last year. Any ideas on where a piece of rubber like that can be found? I'd try Home Depot or Lowes except I don't think I'll like the answer when I ask where they keep the long rubbers.

You will not like their reponse when they say "its in the hard wood area"

Mats like that are industrial type and something like Grainger, or other industrial supply spots....I will do a search to see where, I can find something

I think wheel weights will only improve on the performance, even with some suitcase weights

**Kennyd** · 11-06-2007, 09:53 PM

Do you have a TSC nearby? The sell 4'x8' horse stall mats that work very well for $45.00. That will give you a lifetime supply for your blade and some left over to put in front of your workbench.

**Ducati996** · 11-06-2007, 11:42 PM

Thats what you are looking for Horse stall mats - thanks kenny

Not sure if Gunmaker uses it on his blade -?

**gunmaker** · 11-07-2007, 08:21 PM

No, I use the metal cutting edge. Mostly because I'm always out looking after some of the older neighbors, must of whom have dirt or hardpack drives. The rubber edge sounds like a great idea for paved drives or the like.