As a regular member of the TBN forums, I wanted to post my review of the following book. This is my review and opinions, so everyone is certainly entitled to their opinions.
'How To Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm'
This book has potential...
However in its current state, I am disappointed in my purchase of this book. From the description of this book, it states that this book is a 'How to' that provides detailed information. In fairness, the book does cover a lot of implements. Unfortunately, at times the author only provides a very brief overview of the implement. You will need another source of information (owner's manual) to be able to actually use the implement. Warning, be sure that you understand all of the safety risks associated with the particular implement that you are working with. In a mili-second your life and well being could be jeopardized.
A few suggestions to the author on how this book could be made better:
1. Top priority - include the necessary safety points and cautions for each of the implements or group of implements. The 2 page safety introduction is in need of much expanding. Within those pages, the author even fails to mention the need for a ROPS along with the need to always wear a seat belt. Readers, thousands of people are killed each year because their tractors didn't have a ROPS and/or no seat belt was being used.
2. For each implement or group of implements - please provide detail part drawing(s) of the implements. A picture alone doesn't give the reader any ideal of how the implement would function. Drawings of moving parts, bearings, etc would really give the reader the proper information. Along with the drawings, the author could indicate the maintenance items of the implement.
3. Show, by either using a picture or drawing, how to attach the implement to the tractor. The 3 point attachment system has been the standard since the late 50's on tractors. Please give the reader a clue of how the implement should be attached to a typical 3 point system.
4. Once the implement is attached, then explain how it should be used. Once again, a drawing could go a long ways toward explaining this to the reader. For example, the author provides a one paragraph overview of a moldboard plow. Questions that readers may have, so how do I attach it to the tractor, what speed should I use with the plow, and/or how should I actually start plowing in my field?
In the book's current state, it simply does not provide the 'How To' information that its target reader will need to know. I also have a huge concern that the book doesn't go far enough to warn newbies of the dangers and safety risks associated with the implements.
Guys be careful out there, and make 100% sure that you know how to operate the implement in a safe manor.
'How To Use Implements on Your Small-Scale Farm'
This book has potential...
However in its current state, I am disappointed in my purchase of this book. From the description of this book, it states that this book is a 'How to' that provides detailed information. In fairness, the book does cover a lot of implements. Unfortunately, at times the author only provides a very brief overview of the implement. You will need another source of information (owner's manual) to be able to actually use the implement. Warning, be sure that you understand all of the safety risks associated with the particular implement that you are working with. In a mili-second your life and well being could be jeopardized.
A few suggestions to the author on how this book could be made better:
1. Top priority - include the necessary safety points and cautions for each of the implements or group of implements. The 2 page safety introduction is in need of much expanding. Within those pages, the author even fails to mention the need for a ROPS along with the need to always wear a seat belt. Readers, thousands of people are killed each year because their tractors didn't have a ROPS and/or no seat belt was being used.
2. For each implement or group of implements - please provide detail part drawing(s) of the implements. A picture alone doesn't give the reader any ideal of how the implement would function. Drawings of moving parts, bearings, etc would really give the reader the proper information. Along with the drawings, the author could indicate the maintenance items of the implement.
3. Show, by either using a picture or drawing, how to attach the implement to the tractor. The 3 point attachment system has been the standard since the late 50's on tractors. Please give the reader a clue of how the implement should be attached to a typical 3 point system.
4. Once the implement is attached, then explain how it should be used. Once again, a drawing could go a long ways toward explaining this to the reader. For example, the author provides a one paragraph overview of a moldboard plow. Questions that readers may have, so how do I attach it to the tractor, what speed should I use with the plow, and/or how should I actually start plowing in my field?
In the book's current state, it simply does not provide the 'How To' information that its target reader will need to know. I also have a huge concern that the book doesn't go far enough to warn newbies of the dangers and safety risks associated with the implements.
Guys be careful out there, and make 100% sure that you know how to operate the implement in a safe manor.
. Every now and then I realize there is more to learn 
