Author w/ Question about a John Deere, Model 850

[JimRB]

While you got a number of correct answers, you would be well served to go to a tractor dealer for a hands-on demonstration. An 850 tractor is not really much different from a more modern small JD tractor that has a clutch. At the dealership, you put the gear selector in neutral and turn the key. I do not play with the throttle as my tractor starts up easily. I rarely turn the key to the left to warm up the air intake which one does when it is way below 30F outside. No worries about a dead battery of flat tires at the dealership. I have a JD 870. I put the gear selector in neutral and I can start it while not sitting on the seat. I live on flat ground so even if I did not set the parking brake the tractor will not be rolling away. I have never used blocks on the tractor or a car even unless I am working on it.

 

[IGotAQuestion]

Thanks, JimRB. I thought the same thing. To get the hands-on experience.

 

[Rock knocker]

Assuming the 850 is the same as my 750 was, that would mean turning the key to the left and holding it for a 10 count or so before turning it to the right to kick the starter in.

Trans in neutral and clutch down is important. Differential in neutral is unnecessary. May need to ensure the PTO is out of gear too, there's another safety interlock associated with that.

My 950 doesn't have glow plugs and the transfer case has to be in neutral. There is no transmission or clutch safety, and I am not sure if there is a PTO safety or not.

 

[Leejohn]

There goes the leaning barn!!!

 

[IGotAQuestion]

I'll give the barn Viagra. That should stop its leaning problem.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Please post about the title and publisher of your novel when it's completed. I think there are a few of us that will be interested.

 

[JimRB]

Some books are proofread for grammar, punctuation and other things a language major might know. Other proof readers read for technical accuracy. That could be forensics, ballistics, automotive or truck info. I guess one could include farm techniques and tractors. Nothing drives an expert more crazy than for an author to get the facts wrong. There are few things I am an expert at but sometimes I find errors in books I read. Sometimes I just wonder if something is true or possible.

What GP could have been suggesting (maybe not) was you do have a collection of proofreaders or fact checkers here available. There is an amazing depth of knowledge at this site.

 

[IGotAQuestion]

Please post about the title and publisher of your novel when it's completed. I think there are a few of us that will be interested.

GP: I plan to.

 

[GPintheMitten]

GP: I plan to.

I hope there is a dark and stormy night somewhere in the novel........... or at least a sinister feeling dark night.

 

[IGotAQuestion]

JimRB: True. I feel that any info should be as accurate as possible. The tractor info in my story is only a few sentences but it's needed. I'm sure I could skirt the whole scene by having the tractor gone, delete it, but the tractor plays a role, very small one, with the character. It's important to the character.

Yes, I've been given a lot of help here. And I truly appreciate it.