Tractorin' -- Good, Bad, Ugly

[GrandpaDano999]

massey2615, I do plan to maintain my equipment. While I have a basic knowledge of the systems, I will be learning more and more. Can't get enough of that grease, can we? Thanks for the tip on FEL.

 

[k0ua]

massey2615, I do plan to maintain my equipment. While I have a basic knowledge of the systems, I will be learning more and more. Can't get enough of that grease, can we? Thanks for the tip on FEL.

I can't remember if we gave you the lecture already on checking wheel bolts/nuts and loader bolts for tightness as they stretch and the paint wears out from under them. The first 3 tightening intervals is the most important. Every 50 hours or so for a while. It doesn't hurt to mark them with lines from a sharpie either so you can check at a glance when you get off and on if they have moved or not.

While we are at it. Try NEVER to run out of fuel. if you practice this you will never have to go thru the hateful bleeding procedure that most diesels have. Although I suspect the procedure on that new 'bota isn't too bad. Still best to never run out of fuel though. Notice I call it "fuel" or "diesel" NEVER, NEVER call it "gas". Because people will get the impression that the engine runs on gas, and some helpful soul will actually pour gasoline into your fuel tank.. A big no no.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

James K0ua, very helpful, practical, and money-saving advice. Little things can make or break smooth operation, and not-so-smooth operators.

 

[bier1064]

I can't remember if we gave you the lecture already on checking wheel bolts/nuts and loader bolts for tightness as they stretch and the paint wears out from under them. The first 3 tightening intervals is the most important. Every 50 hours or so for a while. It doesn't hurt to mark them with lines from a sharpie either so you can check at a glance when you get off and on if they have moved or not.

While we are at it. Try NEVER to run out of fuel. if you practice this you will never have to go thru the hateful bleeding procedure that most diesels have. Although I suspect the procedure on that new 'bota isn't too bad. Still best to never run out of fuel though. Notice I call it "fuel" or "diesel" NEVER, NEVER call it "gas". Because people will get the impression that the engine runs on gas, and some helpful soul will actually pour gasoline into your fuel tank.. A big no no.

On the subject of fuel, one of the first things I did was buy a couple of yellow diesel cans. I believe this will help with the possibility of getting it confused with gas. TSC and other farm/ranch stores sell a replacement spout kit with vent that replace the newer CARB compliant fuel spouts that are a pain in the rear.

 

[joefromga]

Someone should make a screw in cap replacement that chanhes the shape of the filler hole so that a gas nozzle won't fit. Then sell the nozzle that goes on your fuel can to fit. No more issues.

Except when the smarty pants takes off their nozzle and replaces it with your new one and fills you up with gas.

 

[TripleR]

Can't really improve on the excellent advice given by others. You will find some very good "universals" while some work better in certain situations than others, seat time and experience will sort out the filled tires etc., safety issues are your constants. These may be worth reading:

"How To" Operate and Drive a Tractor: Part 1 - YouTube

Tractor and Skid Steer Attachment Videos

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/279095-mowing-slopes-tractor.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../177989-disengage-pto-before-idling-down.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/199464-slopes-tractor-tilt.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/104751-maximum-hillside-mowing.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMgylltsh8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSatF4QoqmI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH9Tmdtsgg

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/186929-using-loader-chains-etc.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/214590-how-use-box-blade.html

It's probably not a bad idea to just go out into an open field and just take a few hours getting more comfortable with the feel and controls and not try much work for a bit, I've been using tractors for 60+ years and still do a bit of this when I get a brand new tractor.

Best wishes and enjoy your new machine.

 

[Joe13]

I am also new to tractor ownership and want to echo some of the words of wisdom I see here. I've learned a lot in the year I've had my Kubota 4060.

1. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. It doesn't take very much to go from in control to in a situation. When filling the bucket, driving along a bumpy road, pulling something, etc. Just remember that the tractor has more power then it needs to get itself in trouble.

2. When you can, always hit a hill head on. Side hilling a tractor is a scary feeling. Your seat-of-pants meter will definitely keep you grounded, but a tractor is much more stable driving up and down a slope then across it.

3. Keep weight low. a load in the front, or rear should always be as close to the ground as prudent. in the event of a issue, you can get that load on the ground quick and usually prevent a accident.

4. Smaller bites usually are better. If you loader is anything like mine, a full scoop of most material (dirt, gravel, rocks, wood) will lighten up the rear end a lot. I live on a very hilly piece of property, so I usually load lighter and make a few more trips.

5. Load your rear tires and hang something heavy off the back. This will not only aid you in traction, but it will give you a lot more confidence in moving material.

6. Slow speeds in snow. I run a front mount snowblower for the winter clearing a half mile dirt road that is full of hills. Low range is my friend. I tried running a higher speed, but control in snow goes right out of the window. keep the speed low and you will keep your traction.

7. don't be afraid to ask question. I've never owned a tractor before, and they are quite a big investment. I cannot tell you how many times I've called my dealer with a dumb question or to get clarification. I apologized to them and he said to not worry about it. Its a lot cheaper to ask about something first, then it is to guess and break something.

Most of all, have fun. with each hour on the machine you will learn more and more. the first ding is the hardest, but these are tough machines that will give you plenty of use as long as you maintain them.

Good luck and keep all four planted!

Joe

 

[GrandpaDano999]

bier1064, thanks, I bought two bright yellers.

joefromga, good idea.

TripleR, amazing array of information, thank you so much! I learn best by watching, so these will help me greatly. Yes, I planned to simply drive around, getting used to the vehicle and me, good suggestion. With your experience, you must have begun young. I remember inching the tractor forward (and often killing it) during hay season on my uncle’s farm and got paid a whole nickel/hour at age 10.

Joe13, your recommendations sound especially useful because you’ve just completed a year of what I’m starting out to do. When younger, I believed I should physically carry as much as possible to avoid more trips, but now I’m content to make as many trips as needed, and carry only what I’m able — grateful I’m still able to do both.

 

[PHPaul]

I read through all the posts quickly, and didn't see any mention of PTO safety. May have missed it, but just to be sure:

Be VERY careful around PTO implements. Modern PTO shafts have integral guards which does lessen the danger, but IF that shaft grabs a bit of loose clothing, the results are as ugly as they are instantaneous.

Modern tractors have interlocks and safeties set up so that it takes several deliberate decisions to be able to have the PTO running without an operator sitting in the seat but it can be done. Think PTO-driven chipper for instance.

Short version: Keep well clear of rotating shafts, don't count on the guards to take the place of common sense.

In all cases, no matter what you are doing, pay attention to your surroundings and discourage "sidewalk supervisors". This is particularly important when operating rotary mowers. They will throw fair sized object a significant distance with considerable velocity.

Finally: Ear Protection. The tractor is louder than you think, and mowers and chippers are louder yet. You could ask me how I know, but I probably wouldn't hear you...

 

[GrandpaDano999]

I hear you loud and clear, PHPaul, or more precisely, I READ you clear and clearer (my hearing has already faded).

The PTO is intimidating. Sadly I knew a farmer who got tangled, mangled, strangled and dead by the very scenario you posed.

Ran my rotary mower today at the dealer and it is a loud beast, so your counsel of ear protection is well taken too. Thank you!