ccmdvl1960
Active member
I finally got up to camp and put about 2 hours on the 1140 this weekend. The snow was so deep that I could really only drive it where I had plowed with the tractor. This was really the first time using it on our property aside from putting it in the barn when we got it in January. Still have yet to really "use" it (haul wood, people, etc.). That will come in the spring after some issues are addressed.
1. I bought a 2" rise Reese hitch and installed it, it fit without trimming. We have a 4x8 trailer for use around camp. The 1140 with this trailer is very long (compared to our old Mule or 6x4 Gator). The gate between the dump box and passenger compartment make it hard to see the trailer and back up (more so than our old Mule which also had a gate). Adding mirrors is a must.
2. It was -2 F on Sunday morning at 7 AM. The machine did not want to start. I tried 3 or 4 times with no luck. Although the battery seemed OK, I ended up putting a battery charger with the 'start' option on it, and the machine fired up after hitting the glow plugs for about 8 seconds. I let it run for about 5 minutes before moving it. Typical? Weak battery? Need block heater?
3. While I was in the battery compartment, I looked at the air filter. Filter was packed with dirt. I tapped it out, but I definitely need to get an outer filter before we start using this thing regularly.
4. When the weather breaks, I will thoroughly clean the machine and engine compartment. The manual says no pressure washer. Would it be OK to spray the whole area with degreaser and then use a regular hose to wash off dirt in the engine compartment?
5. Touch-up painting. The dealer did the bare-minimum to satisfy my request (they did the inside of the bed and the bottom of the brush guard). They did not touch the area under the cab which had some pealing grey paint. There are also little bits here and there that need attention. The only thing that will be a challenge is the outside of the tailgate the drivers-side bedside. There are a couple places where the paint has bubbled. I guess I will have to mask off the decals, hit it with a wire-wheel, prime, sand, then paint?
6. Shifting. It was interesting. I think because there was deep snow, there was always pressure when trying to shift. When I was in a plowed area it seemed to be a little easier. Sometimes mashing on the brake would make a difference, other times, not. Will have to (again), wait until spring to really figure it out.
In all, I am very impressed. The machine has 715 hours on it and its very tight. Generally good shape. It was maintained, but definitely used. A good bath and some paint TLC and I think it will really pop! Can't wait to get into it. (That windshield and roof would have been nice this weekend in the single digits!)
1. I bought a 2" rise Reese hitch and installed it, it fit without trimming. We have a 4x8 trailer for use around camp. The 1140 with this trailer is very long (compared to our old Mule or 6x4 Gator). The gate between the dump box and passenger compartment make it hard to see the trailer and back up (more so than our old Mule which also had a gate). Adding mirrors is a must.
2. It was -2 F on Sunday morning at 7 AM. The machine did not want to start. I tried 3 or 4 times with no luck. Although the battery seemed OK, I ended up putting a battery charger with the 'start' option on it, and the machine fired up after hitting the glow plugs for about 8 seconds. I let it run for about 5 minutes before moving it. Typical? Weak battery? Need block heater?
3. While I was in the battery compartment, I looked at the air filter. Filter was packed with dirt. I tapped it out, but I definitely need to get an outer filter before we start using this thing regularly.
4. When the weather breaks, I will thoroughly clean the machine and engine compartment. The manual says no pressure washer. Would it be OK to spray the whole area with degreaser and then use a regular hose to wash off dirt in the engine compartment?
5. Touch-up painting. The dealer did the bare-minimum to satisfy my request (they did the inside of the bed and the bottom of the brush guard). They did not touch the area under the cab which had some pealing grey paint. There are also little bits here and there that need attention. The only thing that will be a challenge is the outside of the tailgate the drivers-side bedside. There are a couple places where the paint has bubbled. I guess I will have to mask off the decals, hit it with a wire-wheel, prime, sand, then paint?
6. Shifting. It was interesting. I think because there was deep snow, there was always pressure when trying to shift. When I was in a plowed area it seemed to be a little easier. Sometimes mashing on the brake would make a difference, other times, not. Will have to (again), wait until spring to really figure it out.
In all, I am very impressed. The machine has 715 hours on it and its very tight. Generally good shape. It was maintained, but definitely used. A good bath and some paint TLC and I think it will really pop! Can't wait to get into it. (That windshield and roof would have been nice this weekend in the single digits!)
