This posting is going to address 2 subjects.
1).. Defining the criteria/perceptions of turf strips
2).. Communication of a boo-boo that I made in attempts to keeping other from repeating it.
Here's the facts..
I recently decided to extend my 2000' grass strip an additional 500'
(basically, to the end of my property line)
My original 2000' is 3 years old. I used a motorgrader to level and grade-slope the strip. I planted Fescue and Centipeed grass. (which the centipeed has choked and covered the fescue well). It appears to be much smoother each year. All I have personally flown in/out of the strip has been a C-150, and it feels smooth. At least smoother than most grass strips that I landed my C-150 in comparison. (however, the gear of an RV would probably feel the slight bumps moreso)
Phase 2.. the 500' extension.
I had to excavate the trees/woods, disc, and again motorgrade the 500'
No problem, other than a couple wet spots requiring drainage. When it come time to seed, I decided to use my lawn mower (and bumper-buddy 12V seeder.. works GREAT) However, I decided to perform the annual service on the JD GT-235 first.. Oil, fuel/air filter, etc.. This year I decided to change the spark plugs as I noticed a slight occasional 'skip'.
(this is where the boo-boo begins)
Just after servicing, it ran great so I started seeding. After about 15 minutes, the 'skip' returned. It got worse, and eventually to the point the engine began backfiring with black puffs of exhaust. (obviously RICH)
So, I stopped, and pulled the plugs.. both were fouled.
I decided to put the old plugs back in. It restarted and ran fine... at least for about 15 minutes, and then the same backfiring. I stopped it, and went to town, got 2 new plugs and replaced. This time, I checked the ignition firing with the plug grounded to the case.. Fires great.. Started seeding, and sure enough, 15 minutes later.. Bang-Bang-Bang.
At this point, I was close to finished seeding so, I went full throttle and pushed my luck. The next day, I took the lawn mower to the John Deere dealership. (Any guesses on what they found?)
As I descibed the symptoms to the JD mechanic, he grinned and said "No problem, I'l have you fixed up in a minute". I watched as he drained out 8 - 10 ounces of oil, then dropped the plugs in the ultrasonic washer for a 30 second wash, then replaced the plugs. In less than 2 minutes he had it cranked and running smooth. Go figure !!
Lesson learned.. when servicing a gas engine that holds 1.8 quarts of oil, do NOT estimate on the second quart.
It has run fine ever since.
So, back to the original subject.
What consitutes a smooth, semi-smooth, rough grass strip?
At what point do you avoid landing at a grass strip in fear of possible plane damage?. I know that there are tons of RVs enjoying the grass strips considering they possess the performance to do such.
Any particilar preventive concerns/procedure do you use before deciding to use a turf strip?..
Your thoughts?
1).. Defining the criteria/perceptions of turf strips
2).. Communication of a boo-boo that I made in attempts to keeping other from repeating it.
Here's the facts..
I recently decided to extend my 2000' grass strip an additional 500'
(basically, to the end of my property line)
My original 2000' is 3 years old. I used a motorgrader to level and grade-slope the strip. I planted Fescue and Centipeed grass. (which the centipeed has choked and covered the fescue well). It appears to be much smoother each year. All I have personally flown in/out of the strip has been a C-150, and it feels smooth. At least smoother than most grass strips that I landed my C-150 in comparison. (however, the gear of an RV would probably feel the slight bumps moreso)
Phase 2.. the 500' extension.
I had to excavate the trees/woods, disc, and again motorgrade the 500'
No problem, other than a couple wet spots requiring drainage. When it come time to seed, I decided to use my lawn mower (and bumper-buddy 12V seeder.. works GREAT) However, I decided to perform the annual service on the JD GT-235 first.. Oil, fuel/air filter, etc.. This year I decided to change the spark plugs as I noticed a slight occasional 'skip'.
(this is where the boo-boo begins)
Just after servicing, it ran great so I started seeding. After about 15 minutes, the 'skip' returned. It got worse, and eventually to the point the engine began backfiring with black puffs of exhaust. (obviously RICH)
So, I stopped, and pulled the plugs.. both were fouled.
I decided to put the old plugs back in. It restarted and ran fine... at least for about 15 minutes, and then the same backfiring. I stopped it, and went to town, got 2 new plugs and replaced. This time, I checked the ignition firing with the plug grounded to the case.. Fires great.. Started seeding, and sure enough, 15 minutes later.. Bang-Bang-Bang.
At this point, I was close to finished seeding so, I went full throttle and pushed my luck. The next day, I took the lawn mower to the John Deere dealership. (Any guesses on what they found?)
As I descibed the symptoms to the JD mechanic, he grinned and said "No problem, I'l have you fixed up in a minute". I watched as he drained out 8 - 10 ounces of oil, then dropped the plugs in the ultrasonic washer for a 30 second wash, then replaced the plugs. In less than 2 minutes he had it cranked and running smooth. Go figure !!
Lesson learned.. when servicing a gas engine that holds 1.8 quarts of oil, do NOT estimate on the second quart.
It has run fine ever since.
So, back to the original subject.
What consitutes a smooth, semi-smooth, rough grass strip?
At what point do you avoid landing at a grass strip in fear of possible plane damage?. I know that there are tons of RVs enjoying the grass strips considering they possess the performance to do such.
Any particilar preventive concerns/procedure do you use before deciding to use a turf strip?..
Your thoughts?
