All newbies, FAQ:

[ray66v]

Too bad we can't have a permanent thread kept at the top, for all new compact tractor owners:

The steering wheel is not attached to the wheels mechanically so it does not stay in the same place.

Don't use the steering wheel as a grab bar to pull your mass on to the tractor, You will damage the steering controller.

Your oil will turn black, it's a diesel, they do that.

You should immediately get out your grease gun, and find the grease fittings that were not greased during the dealer prep.

The reason it won't start, is probably because you bumped one of the levers, and have not realized it yet. Check all of them.

They did not make the ROPS 2" too high to fit in your garage, just to piss you off. The government did that.

About 1/2 of us, (my perception), are using synthetic oil in the engine, transmission, and front axle.

Yes, you can use gear lube, instead of hydraulic oil, in the front axle.

If you put in generic hydraulic fluid, and you notice things are different, it is the hydraulic fluid. About 50%, (my perception) of those who use generic report issues. The rest love it.

You can run around in 4wd all the time, but it will wear out your front tires faster.

There are some generic engine oil filters out there, no generic hydraulic filters, (for MF), as of this date.

You have to use more glow plug time, and open the throttle, before you will get a good start in cold weather.

If you put in gasoline by mistake, it is not the end of the world. search for a thread pertaining to this, and follow the instructions.

If you run it out of fuel, you usually need to bleed the air out before it will start. search for a thread pertaining to this and follow the instructions.

Your dealer lied to you. (just kidding), (but he might have).


Anyone have any I forgot?

 

[smstonypoint]

Too bad we can't have a permanent thread kept at the top, for all new compact tractor owners:


Anyone have any I forgot?

Before we use any tractor, let's take a moment to talk about safety. Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your tractor. Knowing how to use your tractor properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury.


Norm

 

[bakerg]

How about if you push the pedal to go forward and you go backwards, you have pushed the wrong pedal.:laughing::laughing:

 

[Jaylegger]

Anyone have any I forgot?

Yup, just one. If drive power seems a little sluggish disengaging the emergency brake is an effective remedy.

 

[JMynes]

How about if you push the pedal to go forward and you go backwards, you have pushed the wrong pedal.:laughing::laughing:

I only have one pedal. Stepping on the back of it is pretty easy when sitting side saddle and snowblowing backward. I have to think the two pedal setup would be tougher to reach.

 

[rjmack]

gc2410 does not require bleeding after being run out of fuel.

also, running around in 4wd is going to wear out driveline components faster as well... i am particularly concerned about the (tiny) front driveshaft slipyoke.

don't be surprised if you have an oil bath in the area of the loader quick connects... two dealers repair attempts, plus one of my own, still leaking.

top end of cb05 backhoe main boom cylinder can be more easily greased with the weight of the boom resting on the ground.

 

[Wacky]

Don't forget "Double check your parking brake":thumbsup:!!

 

[ray66v]

Don't forget "Double check your parking brake":thumbsup:!!

I knew you would want to suggest that one yourself.

 

[blueriver]

Geeez ... ya'll are a little pissy ... was everyone born with the know it all ... never had your first tractor, never even turned the key on a tractor, have no idea about PTO, HP, HYD ... quess it should be against the law to ask a question on TBN ...

 

[ray66v]

Geeez ... ya'll are a little pissy ... was everyone born with the know it all ... never had your first tractor, never even turned the key on a tractor, have no idea about PTO, HP, HYD ... quess it should be against the law to ask a question on TBN ...

No, your going way too far. You call helping people getting "pissy"? You seem to be the one doing that.

I thought it would be helpful for new owners in our forum, (MF), to have a one stop place to get the answer to their question. Rather than posting it, and waiting for an answer. Since the same questions get asked over, and over, it is an obvious solution to the problem.

That is why almost every where you go on the internet, they have a FAQ, frequently asked questions, section. Guess they are all "pissy" trying to help people too.

 

[Jaylegger]

Geeez ... ya'll are a little pissy ... was everyone born with the know it all ... never had your first tractor, never even turned the key on a tractor, have no idea about PTO, HP, HYD ... quess it should be against the law to ask a question on TBN ...

This would be the written equivalent of what happened to Serene Branson as she reported on the Grammy Awards a couple day ago.

 

[mack101]

Can a moderator stick this at the top of the forum? Great FAQ by the way.

 

[jimmyj]

Spectacular list! I resemble many of those questions!!!! :thumbsup:

 

[/pine]

That is why almost every where you go on the internet, they have a FAQ...

What I see much more often is a "sticky" that asks a few simple questions and explains a few other items for noobs...

Such as:

Did you SEARCH before posting a question to see if the topic has already been discussed?

Or:

When posing a question be sure to use a succinct description of the nature of the query...rather than something like "I need help"

 

[Wacky]

I thought ray66 had a good idea myself, he has been more than helpful to me and my questions. Could save alot of time, and sounds pretty informative too me. :thumbsup:

 

[Wacky]

This would be the written equivalent of what happened to Serene Branson as she reported on the Grammy Awards a couple day ago.

:laughing::laughing::laughing::laughing:

 

[Jeff Lary]

I agree with you i have been around equiptment all my life but not everyone has. A trouble shooting guide at the top of the page might be pretty helpfull. Sometimes i see questions that are just so simple to that i can not believe everyone does not know or undestand. Then i end up having a question myself. This place is unique in that there are heavy equiptment operators,Diesel Mechinics (sp) Pro Welders,Woodsman, Farmers and guys that just want to mow the lawn.I have never seen a place like this there is alot of knowlege out there. And all worh hearing.An older teacher of mine once told us in Vo-tech school "Boys you can learn more by listening than talking try it you'll be suprised". I have never forgot that it is always been true.

 

[bushog]

Hey members, a newbie owner here. For future reference, I just wanted you all to know that I started here, have read all the posts, have taken notes, and so long as I can find the emergency break on my new tractor when i get home, I will sincerely try not to repeat one of these questions in the near future That being said, I've purchased my first tractor this past weekend, a 1974 MF135, Perkins Diesel, Pwr Steering, Standard tranny. Tractor is in good shape except for a leaking steering gear which I hope to address shortly. Will probably need some help with that, but I'll search the boards for info first. Anyway, just wanted to say hello.

 

[ray66v]

Hey members, a newbie owner here. For future reference, I just wanted you all to know that I started here, have read all the posts, have taken notes, and so long as I can find the emergency break on my new tractor when i get home, I will sincerely try not to repeat one of these questions in the near future That being said, I've purchased my first tractor this past weekend, a 1974 MF135, Perkins Diesel, Pwr Steering, Standard tranny. Tractor is in good shape except for a leaking steering gear which I hope to address shortly. Will probably need some help with that, but I'll search the boards for info first. Anyway, just wanted to say hello.

Welcome. The "list" is meant for new owners of MF compact tractors, which is the majority of those whom regularly post in this forum. Most of it will not necessarily pertain to your 135. There are some older model tractor owners who should be able to help you though.

 

[Johnbro]

This is awesome. Some additional I thought of (sorry if any are dupes):

1. Lifting heavy loads with your bucket can cause your tractor to flip. Be careful.

2. You need to balance the weight of the tractor at each end. If you have a load of gravel in the FEL, you'll need something heavy on the 3PH. And vice versa.

3. It's easiest to back up hills with a 4WD tractor.

3. If you get stuck, you can often push yourself out backwards by using the FEL.

4. Use plenty of throttle. You do more damage by lugging the engine than by working it.

5. Always let your tractor warm up before working it.

6. ROPS are of no value if your seatbelt isn't fastened.

7. Don't be shy about using grease.

8. To connect or disconnect hydraulic couplings, make sure you first shut off the tractor and work the valve lever back and forth to remove any pressure.

9. If a hydraulic component stops working, try disconnecting and reconnecting all the hydraulic quick connect fittings. Sometimes that's all it takes.

10. If you haven't done it before, go SLOW. If you have done it before and it's dangerous, go slow anyway.