Tractorin' -- Good, Bad, Ugly

[Coyote machine]

The only place pulling should be done from is at the drawbar mounting below/at the rear end, down low, where center of gravity is lowest. Bucket hooks get installed exactly where they do not belong. Your owner's manual will tell you to pull from the drawbar, not the 3PH, or bucket, with exception of implements made to be drawn, like a plow, or box blade, using the 3PH. If you have quick attach bucket/grapple, etc. make absolutely sure you secure the locking lever(s) before moving away after installing the bucket, etc.

Congrats on the new tractor! Remember to always set the brake, turn OFF the engine, and set all implements and the bucket on the ground before detractoring* from the tractor.
NEVER use your hand, always cardboard or wood scrap, to seek out hydraulic fluid leaks.

Grease ALL zerks frequently.

Go slow. Mistakes can be avoided with time to make corrections; not in all situations, but most benefit from the extra time to correct....

Am I supposed to use a larger font for guys 70 and over?! I'm only 64, and need glasses to do just about everything.:confused3:

* I made up this word: detractoring: (just like deplaning)

 

[redman135]

One thing nobody has said, READ-THE-MANUAL. It will go a long way to keeping you out of trouble that you don't YET know exists. The manual also saves big on the "ignorance tax".
You haven't said if you are on flat ground or not. If on slopes have the wheels set wide, and load them. Large stability gains for small cost.
Be aware that you can still roll on flat ground if you do a sudden sharp turn at speed, something many people don't understand.
If in doubt ask.
Lastly, Have Fun!

 

[dadster4]

Ya hey dere cheesehead (from a former flatlander) When on hills, keep the heavy end of the tractor uphill. If you have a full bucket in the loader- back down the hill or forward up the hill, other way around if the load is on the back end of the tractor.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

K0ua, your solid explanations help my brain give these the respect they deserve, thanks.

RaydaKub, good points. Will carry toilet paper in tool box until my butt tunes to machine and property. I did not plan to get this large of unit, was set on the L-series, but the dealer had this 2015 demo with ten hours on it, that had been sold to another guy. But that guy backed out on the deal, got a skid steer instead, and the dealer was offering this at a good price. They’d already tricked it out with quick-attach, extra front and rear hydraulics, wheel weights and some things I still have to learn about. Made sense to me financially, but also physically. When I drove each, I “felt” more stable and a better fit with the larger unit (perhaps my first experience trusting my pucker factor?)!

2458n, thank you, smiles already emerging!

Coyote machine, These “basics” are akin to a solid foundation for a house — with them in place, the rest goes much, much better. Thanks. (Larger font)

redman135, The manuals will be my new bible, and your wise counsel cements that in my brain.

dadster4, Thanks, that was new, important information, and yes, I do have some slopes here.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Do yourself a favor and take off and put on your loader now. Read the instructions in your loader manual. As long as you are on flat ground it is incredibly easy and about 3min.

There are times when you will be more agile with better visibility without it (like mowing arround things). If you know how easy it is then you are more likely to take it off.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Do yourself a favor and take off and put on your loader now. Read the instructions in your loader manual. As long as you are on flat ground it is incredibly easy and about 3min.

There are times when you will be more agile with better visibility without it (like mowing arround things). If you know how easy it is then you are more likely to take it off.

Great suggestion. Watched a video of a guy doing this and was -- am -- amazed at how quick and easy. Your point is well taken, having done it before needing, makes me more likely to do it when needed. Thank you.

 

[rd_macgregor]

I added hooks to the ouside edges of my loader bucket. I didn't put one in the middle because I have seen buckets buckled from too much stress along that unreinforced edge. I wish I had had the top edge reinforce and then added the third, middle hook (or, maybe, a 2" hitch receiver with hook points?).

The first summer of use will likely teach you that it is important to remember to raise all attachments/implements off the ground before you drive away from your parking spot.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

rd_macgregor, thanks for tweaking advice on loader hooks, will consider carefully. I raised horses in Colorado before moving to Wisconsin. Driving off with the horse trailer loaded, but with the front "wheel" still locked to the ground, DID train me to check it all, then to double check. Good advice.

 

[kevin37b]

All very good advice . Be especially observant working on or around trees . Dead branches can fall on you . Live branches can load up a bunch of energy and unload it very quick as in pushing piles around . Watch what you are running over as trees are hard on the underside of a tractor . If ever in doubt about what you are about to attempt , rethink it or get some help . If you are working alone think about a plan if something goes wrong . Just trying to help , enjoy that new machine , Kevin .

 

[GrandpaDano999]

All valid comments, Kevin, and I'm grateful for your help. Considering "energy" in all forms, and how it becomes a force working a machine, is vital. Thinking and reconsidering is especially important for a newbie my age.

My son-in-law always alerts me when he's hunting on my place, even though he knows he can come and go as he pleases. He told me it was so that at least one person, me, knows where he's at, in case he doesn't show up for supper. Thanks!