Do I really need them?

[Roscoe294]

The front covers for the foot pedal clean out. If I'm operating in conditions where debris will not enter the exposed holes do I really need them? Just seems with them off debris from the top will fall through and not accumulate.

 

[farmshop]

Most of ours have them off. But sadly the stuff still doesn't fall out but it's quicker to clean it out

 

[lesgawlik]

Most of ours have them off. But sadly the stuff still doesn't fall out but it's quicker to clean it out

I was told they keep snakes out. I don't know if it's true, though.

 

[Tazza]

I was told they keep snakes out. I don't know if it's true, though.

If a snake really wants in, it will get in other ways. It may help a little with rodents, but again, they will find a way if they really want in too.
Having them on will help prevent dirt or other items getting in there when digging.
We have a family friend that has a fairly rare 4wd tractor that didn't have a plate infront of of the controls. The bucket was up when pushing trees over, one got in and broke off a hydraulic stem. As this machine is an orphan in the country, a new control was about 2k. If there was a plate in front, this damage would not have happened.
The drive motor covers are one of these points that potential damage could occur if they are not fitted.

 

[SkidRoe]

The covers on my machine were removed and discarded by the dealer when it was relatively new. We were told that they did too good of a job of holding debris in rather than keeping it out.
Haven't really missed them at all.
Cheers - SR

 

[Tazza]

The covers on my machine were removed and discarded by the dealer when it was relatively new. We were told that they did too good of a job of holding debris in rather than keeping it out.
Haven't really missed them at all.
Cheers - SR

I kinda agree with that, the covers can keep some dirt out, but it also traps what dirt does gets in.

 

[Lowe.Buuck]

I kinda agree with that, the covers can keep some dirt out, but it also traps what dirt does gets in.

I keep mine on, but I also clean out the pedal wells when I notice debris starting to collect.
I know one guy who should have removed them. I was at a friends shop helping him remove a couple wheel hubs. I got in the machine to move it and could barely move the pedals. The machine was owned by a concrete company and the pedal wells were brim full to the bottom of the pedals with concrete, gravel and dirt...

 

[reaperman]

I keep mine on, but I also clean out the pedal wells when I notice debris starting to collect.
I know one guy who should have removed them. I was at a friends shop helping him remove a couple wheel hubs. I got in the machine to move it and could barely move the pedals. The machine was owned by a concrete company and the pedal wells were brim full to the bottom of the pedals with concrete, gravel and dirt...

The only time I wish my machine had them is when I'm using my brush cutter. I accumulate a lot of twigs, leaves and everything a mouse would love to nest in.