AAAHH! Got my shed w/Ramp, Can't get Tractor in!
andrelaplume2
16 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (46)
machiem
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Advice on building a stone ramp into my shed.
Comments (9)John, I had the exact same problem with my shed. I set up forms and POURED A CONCRETE RAMP. It goes right up to within an inch of the door jamb. I left that open to allow for air circulation so the wood would not rot. Once the ramp is set up, you can set/mortar stone or brick pavers over it. To make the forms, I ran string down from the doorway out to the ground at an angle I felt would be gradual enough to allow a safe run up into the doorway. Measure the angle where the string meets the ground, measure the lenght of the string. Be sure to allow for the height of the flagstone you want to set on top. Transfer the measurements to a piece of 1/2" plywood and cut the forms (2, one for each side). I anchored them by driving in wooden spikes to the outside and set another piece of plywood against the shed to allow for the 1 inch air gap. I removed only the grass and first inch of topsoil to prepare the ground, then laid in a layer of small stones/rocks that I gathered from around my property. It took me 6 bags of Quik Crete, which I mixed by hand in a wheelbarrow. It was work, but it wasn't really all that hard and the results are GREAT. I have a sturdy permanent ramp that isn't going anywhere and requires no maintenance. And if I take down or move the shed, I'll get somebody to whack it apart with a sledgehammer....See MoreShed size
Comments (11)I purchased a 10x12 (pre-wired, anchored, rated to 130mph winds, 3/4in pt floor, etc) because that was the max size not requiring a permit. As I understand it (and this may not apply to where others live), anything greater than 120sf requires a permit. A permit triggers a visit from the property tax assessor. I live in Floride where we have a homestead exemption. I have lived in the same house for more than 10 years, and the market value has risen faster than what the homestead exemption allows the assessed value to rise. That means re-assessment would result in a (in my case) significant increase in property taxes. I should mention that a portion of the value of the improvement (shed) was added to the assessed value of my property, but the rest of the property was not subject to re-assessment. More germaine to your question, well planned shelves make a small space a much more efficient storage space....See MoreWhich affordable Lawn tractor should we get?
Comments (22)what specifically makes the GT better than the LT as far as durability and build for the person who will only ever use it for mowing a flat 1 acre of land? I don't think a person who is mowing a flat acre really needs a GT. What they need is a good lawn tractor. The problem is that most lawn tractors are built on the cheap. In my opinion, the cheapness will show up in unlikely places. Wheel bushings will be of lesser quality... seats will be made from cheap fabric... transmissions will be light-duty units... plastics will scratch or crack easily... These inferior materials/components are used so the manufacturer can offer the product at a low price. They do the best they can, but they have to cut some corners to stay within budget. Which corner gets cut will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Good lawn tractors, like JD's X300 and Kubota's T class (I mistakenly wrote GR above) are well-built, but they are just as expensive as some of the competitor's entry-level garden tractors. That makes them a tough sell. Only a brand with strong reputation can compete against low price. Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a budget-priced lawn tractor. They aren't junk. It's just that the owner needs to be diligent about maintaining it. They have to accept that some parts may wear out prematurely. They should know the tractors limits and stay well within them. A wise owner can make one last a very long time. If they don't have "tractor smarts" or a very good service center, I think shoppers should upgrade to something more durable and less likely to fail. However, that needn't be a GT....See Morenew rider can't go uphill. whats wrong?
Comments (26)Thanks Fisher, I'm going to try that right after the suggestion you made about the disengage switch. It sounds to me like a slipping belt is the most likely problem. So if someone could give me some specifics on what I'm looking for here, that'd be awsome. How much play should be in the belt? Obviously, I can tell if its damaged cracked or contaminated, but I need someone to help me figure out how much tension should be there and how to adjust it if its not the right tension. V-belts on cars typically call for 1" to 1.5" of play in the center of the belt. Is this true of a mower drive belt also? This thing has got to be a big belt, running from the center of the motor back to the center of the transaxle, I'm guessing its nearly 6 feet in diameter...so 1" of play would be incredibly tight over such a large diameter...I don't want to try tightening it to that point if its not supposed to be that snug and I'll destroy something with too much tension. I'm mechanically inclined & all, and if this were an old Chevy or a VW I could have it running like a champ overnight, but I have ZERO experience with these things, which is why I need y'alls help getting my feet wet. I need some specs if I'm ever to diagnose this thing properly. Just gotta learn what I'm supposed to be looking at......See Morejohntommybob
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotmajor
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotmajor
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agosadixon49
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomachiem
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agotmajor
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoohio_don
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomickhippy
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agow3nzl
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agodocspanky
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agojimtnc
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agowheelhorse_of_course
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agograssmaster
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agojimtnc
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomickhippy
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomachiem
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agojavert
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoold_nodaker
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agomownie
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoandrelaplume2
16 years agolast modified: 9 years agoboomer6303
3 months agoKR KNuttle
3 months agoboomer6303
3 months agoKR KNuttle
3 months agolast modified: 3 months agoKR KNuttle
3 months agolast modified: 3 months agoAndre Laplume
3 months agoKR KNuttle
3 months agolast modified: 3 months agoKR KNuttle
last month
Related Stories
OUTBUILDINGSA Modern Tractor Shed Stakes Its Claim in the Landscape
Standard materials used in an artful way create a sophisticated outbuilding and a stylish welcome home
Full StoryLIFEDecluttering — How to Get the Help You Need
Don't worry if you can't shed stuff and organize alone; help is at your disposal
Full StoryMOVING10 Rooms That Show You Don’t Need to Move to Get More Space
Daydreaming about moving or expanding but not sure if it’s practical right now? Consider these alternatives
Full StoryPETS5 Finishes Pets and Kids Can’t Destroy — and 5 to Avoid
Save your sanity and your decorating budget by choosing materials and surfaces that can stand up to abuse
Full StoryPETSSo You Want to Get a Cat
If you're a cat lover, the joys outweigh any other issue. If you haven't lived with one yet, here are a few things to know
Full StoryBARN HOMESAn 1850s Barn Gets a Family-Friendly Makeover
Game night is on — and guests can spend the night — in an attached barn redone with respect for the past
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARDTo Get the Food They Believe In, These Urbanites Grow Their Own
Home gardeners farming on their city lots find that local, organic food isn’t the only reward
Full StoryBATHROOM WORKBOOK12 Ways to Get a Luxe Bathroom Look for Less
Your budget bathroom can have a high-end feel with the right tile, stone, vanity and accessories
Full StoryMOST POPULARBudget Beach House: A Trailer Gets Ready for Summer Fun
Punchy prints and colors star in a creative approach to Jersey Shore living
Full StoryPETSWhat Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design
Who knew these tiny dogs could be such a huge fount of design tips? Houzzers did
Full StorySponsored
More Discussions
andrelaplume2Original Author