Recent content by MMC

I think this is a bit more common than some think. While it is possible to get bearings too tight and experience heat build-up, lubricants do expand as they get warmer and with no place to go except around seals and the cap, they can push the cap off. And like others in this thread, I have...

I agree with all this from my limited (sort of) experience. Deka is in my Generac and all equipment that's "important" around this farm. And I don't care what Consumer Report says, Walmart Everstart batteries are just nowhere close to their equal.

It might depend on what threshold their store sets on the machine as acceptable. It will obviously be something lower than 100% (but how low is acceptable?). Midtronics seems to be the gold standard for professionals, but I suspect any electronic device can get out of calibration. I know...

Those situations frustrate all of us. NAPA batteries normally have a good rep, but this is not good local service. Truthfully, depends on your parts needs locally and the relationship you need to have with these guys. Maybe an honest conversation with the manager stating some of the material...

I agree with this from some other previous research I have done (this small farm somehow has 35+ batteries scattered about). An automotive battery at 12.0v is almost useless. My rule of thumb is 12.8v is a fully charged battery at rest, without a surface charge present. 12.6v is 75%, 12.4v is...

I will offer only a couple of suggestions. First, I personally find value in the synthetics for small engines that we use here on the farm. Most any brand name synthetic that gets close to original weights should suffice and help with winter ops. Second, smaller air cooled engines appreciate...

I have an 8' Cammond "land plane" in use for over a decade. Mostly used on 1/2 mile gravel road. Heavy made, good welds, etc. Only had to replace the wear skids once and the company was helpful with parts direct. You can find their specs for all sizes under the name, "Cammond Industrial...

While others may scoff, I bought a HF Earthquake a couple of years ago. And yes, I have a 1" air impact I have to darn near drag across the shop to use. It has a lot of dust on it now that I got the cordless. I am sure the quality and life will not be as good as Milwaukee or Snap-On, but for...

All of these responses have merit, depending on the job and the money invested. I will say as an old guy that Kentucky tobacco ground in the past was prepared with a lot of different things being drug behind a (disc) harrow. Anything that's heavy and reasonably flat does the job. For many...

Lot of good information here and I can only add a couple of suggestions. A heavy equipment mechanic told me years ago not to let a battery go completely flat simply because it often will not really come back to "full" charge - usable, but not the same as it was. Discharge a new battery 3-5...

These discussions are some of the more valuable on the site. They remind us that we may not be paying attention to some important things. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't always share testing results with us common folk...uhh, customers. These additives are insurance policies against major...

Seems to me you do have a lot of experiential wisdom to choose from. These are interesting discussions and most people on here only seem to want to help. Some, like myself, are farmers and have heavier equipment. Frankly, in dirt or snow, weight contributes to tractive advantage and stability...

I was wondering when someone would comment on these. I have a FEL snowplow blade, rear blade, and a pull type 8' snowblower. And I'm in Kentucky... But, 10-12" snows can drift very high on old carriage roads in high winds and the county can take a while to handle the issues. I have the nice...

Farming has been, and always will be inherently dangerous. The thing that is missing today is the parental oversight of the child in a learning environment. I was taught to drive tractors and heavy trucks as a "child." Without an on-road license. It seems more of a sense of responsibility...

Pro Models only. Echo first, Stihl second. Well, dealer first, but Echo models seem to have less problems of late. Used to be only Stihl, but their carb solutions to emissions challenges soured me... Ah, the old 028 Farm Boss...still miss it.