Steering is noticeably worse, but it’s not unmanageable at all. You just have to get used to timing your steering while the machine is moving. I think the bucket is pretty seriously overbuilt (all 3/16 plate) and that’s making the front heavier than it needs to be.
I have 115lbs of weight plates in a box behind the rear axle and that seems to be enough for moving mulch around my driveway and some light dirt moving, but I’d like to add another 50-75lbs. Definitely wouldn’t want to drive down a hill with anything heavy at this point. Planning to fill the rear tires when I get around to it.
I’d love to add power steering but sourcing the parts and tearing the thing apart again seems like a lot of work and mental energy when I have something that works. If I find a stupid deal on a super garden tractor w/power steering I I’ll consider switching it over I guess.
As I’ve gone through the process of the project, I’ve decided that I’m going to figure out a way to make a quick-attach system of some kind, and just build a mount for my snow blade. I’ll need to add a third-function for the power angle, and at that point I’ll build a lighter bucket with a removable grapple.
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