Newbie question- Pre-start checklist

[GolfGolf]

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

Kebo, my tractor has two fuel filters with petcock valves at the bottom. The previous owner said to open them until fuel flowed out then close. So that is what I do every time before operation.

Golfgolf

 

[GolfGolf]

GolfGolf... you strike me as a true beginner. Good for you! your in for soooo much fun!! Just a couple words of caution.. That machine is a great deal more powerful than anything you can imagine. One of the most common (and FATAL) mistakes is to get off the tractor while the PTO is spinning, or let anyone near it for that matter. Don't force things, if the tractor doesn't lift, move it, or turn it on, there is something wrong. Breaking the impliment is the least thing that will happen. Lastly, watch out for hillsides, go up or down them, not sideways. Leave the ROPS on. That thing will roll over quickly and usually fatally. Have a ball! Many of us have a lifetime on these things and love to help!

Mbohuntr, I AM a very new owner!

Just retired from the military after 24 years of service and got me a little place with over 30 acres of land. Most is grown up with underbrush and I would like to eventually clear it all out.

I have the ROPS and a canopy on top and I always wear my seatbelt. I have only put 3 hours on the tractor so far as I am getting used to it little by little.

Thanks for the advice

Golfgolf

 

[GolfGolf]

Great advice so far but less not forget about the operator,check for loose clothes/boot strings etc. which may get caught while operating tractor fuctions.

Thomas this is not a problem as I run my tractor in the nude!

Just kidding!!

 

[Soundguy]

No pics! :0

soundguy

 

[GolfGolf]

No pics! :0

soundguy[/QUOTE

soundguy---The last time we tried to take pics the camera broke. Not sure what that implies, but I'm sure it wasn't a pretty picture

 

[banjodunn]

Good stuff buddy and welcome to the world of machinery all the above are all excellent ideas but dont forget the grease gun never seen anything fail due to too much grease

 

[Thomas]

Thomas this is not a problem as I run my tractor in the nude!

Just kidding!!

Ditto on Soundguy request.

 

[patrick_g]

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

I didn't see a response to your question, Kebo, of sucking air into the lines while draining fuel from a filter or bowl or...

So... Take for example the fuel tank mounted above the filter so fuel gravitates toward the drain point. When you open the valve, fuel will drain out as it is replaced by new fuel flowing in via the line from the tank.

These drain petcocks and such are expressly installed where they are, on purpose, to allow draining from the bottom of a sediment bowl, water trap, fuel filter canister, or whatever without putting air in your fuel lines (anathema to a diesel.)

Not to worry, drain till clean fuel runs out. You can drain into a container (soup can, peanut butter jar, or... I prefer a clear plastic jar) and then if you want to be frugal, green, etc you can save the clean part (on top) and discard any water-gunk.

Pat

 

[jpm1]

All but the first item are good ideas to check especially on a new to you tractor. I check all fluids once a week includiing tranny but mine is a hydro so theres a bit of difference there. If you see no leaks on the belly and you know theres oil there your most likely good to go. A couple of minutes of fluid checks can save many hours of repairs and hundreds of you dollars too. One thing to be concerned about is any chain, rope or cable on the tractor drawbar while the Bush Hog is attached. (or any other PTO equiptment) This is DANGEROUS and possible DEADLY to by standers or buildings in its path. Anything that a spining PTO shaft can get a hold of has a good possibility of hitting you in the head and neck when your back is turned! Guess what? you loose! I've been on a tractor for 49 years and with thousands of hours under my belt have loved every moment of it. Use common sense and enjoy yourself------John

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto that.. I use a mayo jar with a lid on her to keep her clean.. I let it run thru a red shop rag.. the water always seems to stay in the rag as the fuel drips thru.. then it goes back intot he tank for another trip!

loose a lil fuel this way.. but better than tryin to burn water!

My excess diesel lost this way usually goes into a metal bucket I have that doubles as a poor mans parts washer

soundguy

Not to worry, drain till clean fuel runs out. You can drain into a container (soup can, peanut butter jar, or... I prefer a clear plastic jar) and then if you want to be frugal, green, etc you can save the clean part (on top) and discard any water-gunk.

Pat