I have seen all kinds of posts about how to fix tractors, or what tractors to buy, or whether or not Harbor Freight tools are a good thing to buy. I was reading a post someone was answering for a new tractor owner and I wondered, what tools or equipment have the most of us felt was something we do not know how we could live without when it comes to working on or using our tractors. In another post I mentioned that an Air compressor is something I consider mandatory. I also think an air powered impact wrench is something that I would not imagine not having. I have several others but am curious to see what other people find the most useful.
I believe this post has been covered before.. but here's what i like
large set of basic tools.. sockets or wrenches.. usually 1/2" drive covers stuff up to CUT's and small utilities.. but a 3/4 set really opens up the possibilities for ya.. I've had a 4' pipe on the end of my 3/4" drive breaker bar jumping on it to torque down 2" nuts before..
A nice maul, both steel and copper or brass.. the copper/brass mauls won't mar steel or cast surfaces. Get a good set of drifts and punches to go with that maul.
A heat source of some kind.. whether o/a bottles.. or mapp gas.. or even a small plumbers propane torch.. anything that makes heat can help to get a stuck 'thing' off. Add to this an angle grinder and a welder of some sort.. even a cheap stick welder... being able to cut something off and then hot-glue it back on is a real plus... especailly whn the machine is broke down and not easy to trailer.
penetrating oil.. anything fom expensive 'kroil'.. to regular 'pb blaster' to home-brew stuff like kerosene mixed with atf fluid in a squirt bottle.
A few prybars of various makes and sizes.. tire irons do double duty for this.
big jacks, bottle, floor and hi-lift tractor jacks.. to go along with this.. a variety of jack stands, and good timber cribbing.. absolutely no hollow cell concrete blocks.. solid concrete pillow blocks as a last resort.. but nothing hollow cell.
An oring assortment pack, couple tubes of thread pucky and generic gasket goop.
an air compressor
Now.. those are the tools to have in the shop.. the stuff you need on the tractor in your limited space tool box:
Big crescent wrench.. (makes a great hammer.. in a pinch.. probably an adequate wrench as well )
ball of bailing wire
gas pliers that adjust small / large and have the wire cutter piece at the base of the jaw... sure.. you'll probably have to replace all the bolts and nuts and fittings you use these on.. but when you are out int he field stuck.. it sure beats hitchhiking back home for the correct 'whatever' tool.
Big flat blade screwdriver .. makes a great prybar.. might also back a standard head screw out if needed... have a small philips on hand as well as a couple extra hose clamps and extra lynch pins, and a shop rag.
Last time I broke down in the field 4m away from home and had to remove and blow out my fuel strainer, and lines from the tank to the injector pump.. those tools were so helpfull.. the gas pliers, big wrench and shop rag.. beat walking home...
soundguy