'64 Gravely L8 Super

TKE850

New User
I just purchased an L8 (1964) from my local Craig's list over the weekend. Seems to be a super machine. Here are a few questions I have:
1. Should I be mowing brush/heavy grass in the low axle speed with the low control gear?
2. I will be mowing horizontally on steep banks. Will I be loosing oil pressure (causing problems) with this machine?
3. Where can I find a front fender chain guard for mowing brush? My brother n law is a welder/fabricator and I think he could make me one
4. Any additional tips with this model of gravely would be much appreciated.
Thanks
 
1. I prefer to mow with low axle speed, high PTO speed. It depends on conditions.
2. The Gravely engine has an oil pump, so pressure should not be a problem. For safety reasons, you should always mow up and down steep banks--especially if you don't have dual wheels.
3. https://www.partstree.com/parts/gravely/accessories/15686-gravely-chain-guard-for-2-wheel-tractor/chain-guard/ Prepare for sticker shock!!
4. Read the manuals http://gravelymanuals.com/docs/walkers/index.html Remember that your machine is over 50 years old, and a bit primitive by today's standards. If it is electric start, remember that there is no charging system--you need a battery charger to keep your battery charged. Always hold the kill switch until the engine completely stops. A kick back against the starter chain can throw the crankshaft out of alignment.
 
<< "For safety reasons, you should always mow up and down steep banks." >>

Sorry.. But I cringe every time I hear or read something like that.

Watched a guy mowing down hill with a Gravely walk behind fall and roll in front of his tractor.. Saw enough blood and gore that day when he lost his hand that I would never mow up and down a hill with any type of walk behind after that.
 
Thank you both for your replies. Yes, the machine does have dual wheels. And yes I found a front chain guard on eBay and yes I'm still choking from sticker shock. Again, I believe a new one could be fabricated for 1/10 the cost. I do plan on putting a pig tail lead to the battery to have trickle charge. Looking forward to seeing what this machine can on my property. Also, any tips on taking of the hog blade to raise the mowing height? I assume a heavy pipe wrench will work the best......
 
First place you want to look is ( Gravely tractor club of America).
They have a fantastic site. Look on the right and find manuals, next
page will have anything your little heart could desire. Find a mower
junk yard or old Gravely dealer and pick up an oil gauge. I got one
off a used machine years ago and it is a snap to put on. The gauge, a
little brass splitter, and the little tube and fitting going into the
machines pump. Took all of maybe 10 minutes. Get back to us after you
have looked at the manuals so you can ask pointed questions. Your
serial numbers are right there on the gas tank plate. The type of
mower is cast into the side. Remember that these are a Beast of a
machine and don't EVER forget it. You guide a Gravely around and never
try to rassel it.
 
I was a gravely mechanic at a dealership 45 years ago. That doesn't have anything to do with your question except that I know them well and have several that I use today. I brush hog all the
time with the L8 on steep hills in the PA mountains at my place. Oil gauge is good advice and your L8 should have come with one when new. Is it a 7.6HP (small spark plug)? Anyways, before
Gravely had a gauge you checked oil flow by removing the fill cap while the engine is running. Should see a nice stream of pump return flow into transmission. As for brush hogging, use low
range and low gear. Those 30 inch mowers are NOT finish mowers. Usually I take the first cut in low low then go over it again in high gear low range. It's amazing what a little more horsepower
will do though. I can almost run my Gravely 430 rider with a 50" belly mower through the same stuff (12HP Kohler though). Keep your transmission clutches tight and if things are still
slipping, someone has let them go without adjustment... (unfortunately, new clutch time) Also the thin actuating rods flex and won't hold enough clutch pressure. Gravely went to much beefier
rods on the commercial series. That's what I use and they show up from time to time on ebay. Enjoy your Gravely...Great machines.
 

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