Owning a small tractor is a blessing.

sunandsand · Aug 17, 2025

Sandman, thank you, I feel better now.

For some years, I was the unofficial BMW motorcycle dealer in Miami. People brought me their bikes and I either fixed them or bought them and then fixed them. At one point I had 27 BMW motorcycles (1952 through 1969), which I thought was a bit excessive, even for me. I came to this conclusion when the only remaining available space to park an R25/3 (250cc single) was on a brick mantlepiece in my house. I figured OK, that's enough.

Down to three now . . . or maybe four . . .

Tractors and motorcycles are like money. Some is good, more is better, and too much is just enough (maybe).

Best Regards,
Mike/(also) Florida

sandman2234 · Aug 17, 2025

sunandsand said:
Sandman, thank you, I feel better now.

For some years, I was the unofficial BMW motorcycle dealer in Miami. People brought me their bikes and I either fixed them or bought them and then fixed them. At one point I had 27 BMW motorcycles (1952 through 1969), which I thought was a bit excessive, even for me. I came to this conclusion when the only remaining available space to park an R25/3 (250cc single) was on a brick mantlepiece in my house. I figured OK, that's enough.

Down to three now . . . or maybe four . . .

Tractors and motorcycles are like money. Some is good, more is better, and too much is just enough (maybe).

Best Regards,
Mike/(also) Florida

I am rapidly getting there, but not sure if I am on the upswing or the downswing, lol! I sold about 30 Allis Chalmers B, C, CA and one D12 III a couple years ago. The buyer picked most of the stuff up, but not all of it. I pulled 2 Allis Chalmers across the street b4 he got here, and strangely enough a couple more have mysteriously found there way here, so that makes 4 of those.
I also forgot the Farmall Cub that I brought back from Arkansas!
Too many, and I am going after a FEL for the 1210 in the morning.
David from jax

Razzmatazz · Aug 17, 2025

I used the boom pole on my YM1700 to change the blades on my Hustler Raptor ZTR. I also used jackstands. Recently I upgraded to a Yanmar SA425. The drive belt on the Raptor broke. If you ever tried to push a ZTR, you know why I towed it with the SA425. Pulled to a shaded area, picked up the rear of the Raptor with the bolt on pallet forks, and set it on concrete blocks. Chocked the front wheels and set the jackstands. Got the belt changed, using only a few bad words.

Yander · Saturday at 4:32 PM

My buddy bought a safe a few months ago and had no idea how he would get it up the four steps to his house. It was a several-hundred-pound safe. I went over and we put a dolly on it. I'm nearly 60, and he's almost 70. One quick attempt to get it up the first step, and I said, "NOPE!"

I went home and got my tractor with forks and lifted it up, and he still talks about how amazed he was. He was at a total loss. I just told him not to worry. It took about 20 minutes once I got there, and the safe was in his house. No one had a sore back.

big bubba · Saturday at 4:40 PM

apparently your bud has not been around tractors or machinery much in his 70 yrs

JasperFrank · Saturday at 6:16 PM

tacticalturnip said:
You are absolutely right, using jack stands would have been the smart thing to do, and I have them.

It only takes one mistake; I was not thinking, and that's said by so many others in a bad way after the fact- assuming they are still around. I don't mind taking this scolding because I knew better, and still let convenience lead my way.

That is the fun thing ABOUT having a small tractor with FEL. I do the same thing with my Cadet with the Ford Tractor. I just lift the whole Cadet up. But I do use stands. I've lately just started picking up the front and back of my car to work on, also with stands to set it on. But the FEL sure beats moving the jack around.

Runner · Saturday at 6:37 PM

You can move furniture with them too!

SPYDERLK · Saturday at 8:25 PM

careyo63 said:
Small tractor was my first. The YM2000 and then I double the size with the
Ford 2000. The Yanmar is my FM pretty much and the Wooded area is what the 63 Ford FEL. is used for. Old as I am and seen it on CL. All intact with correct Era FEL.. I had to do a split and other things but I glad I did it and put it all back in working order.
[[[No matter what I never rely on just a Hyd. jack.]]] I always use Jack stands. Esp. when I Am servicing the mowers. I don't rely on just the Hyd. Lift. I've had no choice before but I make it quick if I'm under something. I'll use all 4 with 1 on each wheel and the 3Pt. still holding it up. The couple minutes to set them is worth it knowing your pretty safe. Still don't mean you can't have problem though.

[[[Some degree of reliance would constitute a form of realism.]]] I wont put my body under, but I will reach in to get something. Just recognize risk dont get complacent.