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When I was in my 50's, I sold my motorcycles and switched to mountain bicycles to get my 2 wheel "fix". I rode trails & bike paths and avoided riding on roads. IMO, riding a bicycle on a busy road is even more hazardous than motorcycling. Now in my 70's, due to bad hips & knees, I switched...

I should be good for a month or so. 11KW diesel generator fueled by a 1000 gal home heating oil tank. 2 small gas generators with 2 - 5 gal gas cans, which I refresh every few months. Siphon pump to extract gas from the vehicles if necessary. Coal stove to back up the oil burner. Ductless heat...

Tragically, I have 4 friends who didn't live to get old due to motorcycle accidents. I gave up riding some 20 years ago, after the second friend died. All were seasoned bike veterans in their 40's and 50's. In every case, they were hit by vehicle drivers who "just didn't see them". None were...

Probably would if it's small enough. I'm thinking of a pipe sticking up a foot or more that's solid enough to not just shear off. Hitting something like that on one side would cause major damage

I wonder how they deal with surface obstructions on these monsters: Looks like it may have a rubber scraper They're mostly used on airport runways though, which don't have a lot of rough surfaces. I'd hate to see what would happen if it hit a solid object on one side. If the surface were...

I back drag snow with the bucket in situations like this. When a pile forms, I push it off to the side. Takes a bit longer but it's much easier on the FEL.

With the FEL, you can apply down pressure on the rake, forcing it to dig into the ice. No down pressure on the 3pt.

I use the rake on the 3pt with the scarifier down. That way, the weight of the rake causes the scarifier teeth to dig into the ice. The tines can then be angled to sweep the ice chips to the side. The down side is, you have to travel forward on the ice before it is broken up. Not a problem when...

Anyone who uses DeWalt batteries in non OEM devices should be aware that there is no low voltage cutoff in the battery. That circuit is in the DeWalt tools. There are many aftermarket devices on the market that will damage DeWalt batteries by over discharging. Other brands, like Makita, have...

Certainly a consideration, and important to know. To avoid this, I never leave the batteries connected to the camera and always use a freshly charged one when I use the system. A 5AH DeWalt battery will power my camera and / or monitor for around 3 days of continuous operation, more than is...

You can make a portable camera system from almost any wireless camera & monitor you have around. The trick is to power them with cordless tool batteries and use magnetic mounts. That way, they can be placed anywhere and even moved from tractor to tractor with no wire connections at all. In...

Years ago, we had an issue with the drains off the barn roof washing out the gravel driveway. Instead of digging up the road to add drain pipe, we laid down sections of old well casing on the existing surface and raised the grade by burying them with more gravel. May not work everywhere though.

Actually, I added the T&T kit after I sold the landplane. Yes, it likely would have helped. I probably should have kept the LP but I needed cash to buy the rake. I still like the rake for leveling the material ridges left on the road edges and raking plowed off material back onto the road...

The quality of the cells used in cordless tool batteries is critical due to the rough treatment these tools get. I might take a chance on a Chinese knock off battery for some less demanding applications but definitely NOT for a cordless tool! 🔥

I used a 72" landplane for several years behind my old Kubota L3010 to maintain my 1.25 mile private gravel road. The 30HP tractor had no trouble pulling it, but due to the numerous grade changes, I had difficulty adjusting it so it wouldn't move more material than was necessary. I eventually...

A Redtail Hawk once took the straw hat off my wife's head while she was gardening. Not sure if he was after the wife or the hat. ;)

I looked at forklifts for quite a few years and eventually decided they are a one trick pony that cost a lot and take up too much storage space. Instead, I bought a set of forks for the FEL on my Kubota. I can unload a 2K# pallet, which suits my needs. I carry the pallet over rough ground and...

The green glow was caused by algae in the stagnant pond.

Who knows? Anyway, it's an interesting phenomenon which created a festival that's helped a struggling town recover from the collapse of the coal industry.

I don't fully agree with the hoax theory myself. There are many folks around here who don't believe the lantern theory either. I personally know three different people who saw that flatbed truck, with a tarp covering something, leave the scene. I'm not a big believer in UFO's though, but I will...

Not on my property but nearby. Back in 1974, I was walking an abandoned rail bed that passed through an old strip mine. I came up on a crowd of people standing next to a flooded stripping pit. They were looking at a green glow coming from the bottom of the pond. Word spread that a UFO had...

Around here, the red dye is added to home heating oil at the distributor by law. I know this because I buy empty 55 gal drums from them. A while back, I bought one that was labeled "RED DYE #8". In the process of cutting the head off the drum to use as a burn barrel, I got some residue on my...

As this thread has shown, prices vary wildly by location and what works best for some, may not for all. Even if I could get ORD delivered free (150 gal minimum here) the price is always more than red. I would also need a second bulk tank. For me, it's hard to beat the price and convenience of...

Yes, it's flush but that would require removing the flue pipe, which I'm trying to avoid. Now, after the pipe has been removed, I just stick a plastic bucket in the chimney thimble.

Had (red) fuel oil delivered this week for $2.93/gal. $.48 cheaper than ORD and $.98 cheaper than taxed diesel at the pump. Use it only for heating, tractors & generator.

Galvanized carriage bolts thru a 4x4 treated post or metal T post, whichever I'm using.

I have one corner post where I had to use a larger 12' x 12" plate with 6 bolts. It's held well for several years now but I don't over tension the wire. Not sure how it would work with a heavy gate though.

I don't bother trying to dig holes in solid rock to hold a post. I use these square post anchors and fasten them to the rock ledge with four masonry bolts. 10 minutes with a cordless drill & masonry bit and their as solid as the rock their bolted to. Take advantage of the rock rather than...

I guess I should explain the reason I posted the thread in the first place. I used to light the coal stove in Nov and run it thru Apr with the occasional fire in Oct & May. I would remove the flue pipe in May and replace it in Oct to keep moisture out of the stove. This worked well for almost...

On my Maschio Girafetta offset flail, it allows the mower to drop down further on the right side than the left when mowing ditches. It works similar to the tilt function on a T&T kit. It can be removed on the Maschio if it isn't needed.

Here's the Messicks YouTube video on the subject:

This is true with wood ash. Coal ash + moisture = h2s04, sulfuric acid.

It's a masonry chimney that I can access from the roof but as you say, it's a hassle to do for an occasional fire.

I wonder what the cut looks like.

it's not the pipe that corrodes, it's the inside of the stove. It's a Harman Magnum Stoker and uses ordinary 1/4" sheet steel for the fire box. Moisture combines with the coating of fine coal ash and makes sulfuric acid. It's impossible to completely clean ash from all the recesses in the...

Interesting design. I like the way each mower is individually mounted so they can articulate. I actually thought of doing something similar on a smaller scale. I cut 7 acres with an 84" 3pt mower and it takes close to 3 hours. To shorten that time a bit, I've been thinking of attaching two 26"...

Thanks for the advice. I have a Kubota GL11000 11KW whole house backup diesel generator that is rated for electronics. I run it every couple of months for maintenance. I've had no issues with any of my equipment including TV's computers, smart devices, etc. Hopefully, the UPS units will be no...

Looks interesting but how do you get it in the flue without removing the pipe. Can't do it from inside due to the stove design.

During the warm months when the stove is not in use, dampness enters from the chimney and causes corrosion. I tried using Damp Rid and other moisture absorbing products, but there is just too much moisture for this to be effective. The flue has a damper but it doesn't seal completely and...

Keep a can of cooking spray handy as well. Spraying the blade surface every so often really helps keep the snow from sticking.

Thanks to all who posted. At this point, I'm going to take the advice of an earlier poster who suggested using UPS backup for the sensitive equipment and just use the house as a load. The UPS will cost close to the same as the electrical components I was going to use, and will help during the...

This also puts weight on the front tires adding traction.

The tube / rod level indicators show the bucket position relative to the tractor and the ground it's on regardless of slope. Bubble or pendulum indicators don't do this and are of little use on a slope. If you're trying to pick up a pallet off the top of a stack with the tractor on a slope, no...

It would be a good morning if it weren't -9F with snow on the way. It's going to be one of those days where I'm thankful to have a cab on the tractor! 🥶

What is the power bank for? Since you plan to get a passenger van, I assume it will not be used for camping. If you need extra power while driving, look at high output alternators and use an inverter.

The M12 Milwaukee batteries with adapter should work fine to power both camera and monitor. If you have a cab, there is usually a piece of iron a magnet will stick to: Monitor mounting on open station tractors is more difficult and there are also sun glare issues.

I posted this some time ago. It won't replace a good wired camera system but it's completely portable: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/portable-tractor-camera-system.434152/ There are many portable camera systems available but most use proprietary batteries and always seem to...

I find the rod level indicators on both my L6060 and MX5800 to be marginally useful. They have their faults but are better than nothing. What would be useful is a level indicator for working with forks at near max height. It's sometimes tough to judge with a cabbed tractor. There is no...

I would back the tractor into the garage bay and lash a couple of 4 X 4's to the forks. Make the 4 X 4's long enough to reach the height you need with the forks rolled back. Make sure the forks are spaced so the 4 X 4's will clear the rafters. Put a couple of eye bolts on the end of the 4 X...

Then you have these:

Only one tire shop around here now and I won't go there anymore. Bought tires for the car there a couple of years ago and took it in last month for their "Free tire rotation". Having a suspicious nature, I put chalk marks on the inside of the tires. Sure enough, when I got the car back, the...

Every tractor owner has their own idea of how much light is required. It all depends on personal preference and work operation requirements. As previously mentioned, 12000 lumens on a truck is reasonable due to the speed involved and the wider frontal area that requires lighting. For a...

My error. I read the OP's post to mean the halogen lights on the tractor put out 12000 lumens. Halogen lights produce 20 lumens per watt. 12000 lumens divided by 20 lumens equals 600 watts divided by 12 volts equals 50 amps. Your math is much closer. LED's produce 90 lumens per watt, so 12000...

If 1 watt of halogen light = 20 lumens, then the OP's four halogen lights that total 12000 lumens would draw 600 watts or 50 amps. That's more than the 35 amp OEM alternator on his MF 1759 tractor can produce???

Yeah, I saw those reviews but bought it anyway. I actually have two, one for gas and the other for diesel. I've had one for 4 years and the other for 8 months. I use them every couple of months to pump 10 gal or so, and have had no trouble with either. The plastic tubing is the weak point...

I use this Tera pump to remove as much gas from the generator tank as possible: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HOXQ5E0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 I then add a pint of Tru Fuel just before the engine dies...

I don't do extension ladders anymore. I get up on the roof from the deck with this rig: It has a level diamond plate landing to make the transition to the sloped roof: The ladder unhooks and stores on the deck when not in use.

The broken bones weren't from the fall. The wife kicked him out to the curb for being so stupid. 🙃

I posted a picture of my hemorrhoids but it was deleted.

I bought 2 dozen when they went on sale last year for $6.99 Have yet to break one.

Yes, I've got a EU2000i as well. It is indeed heavier but much quieter. The 650 is so compact, my brother may take it to use as a backup to charge his EV if he ever gets stuck on the road. In an emergency, he figures a tankful of gas in the generator and a couple of hours charging time could...

Put it on a dolly with larger wheels.

The trouble with the sliding shelf trays in these cross boxes is, they are never on the side where you need them. It seems I'm always walking around to the other side of the truck to get something out of the tray. Yeah, you can make the tray long enough to reach from either side, but then it's...

It's a lot easier to use if you have a hydraulic top link. You can also put a FEL bucket on the 3pt adapter and scoop up a load of gravel for ballast. I sometimes do this when moving material around. I can carry a load with a bucket on the FEL, and another with the one on the 3pt. Saves a lot...

I use this 3pt to SSQA adapter to put my forks on the rear of my L6060. That way, I can pick up any pallet with a bunch of weight on it for ballast. https://palletforks.com/products/3-point-to-universal-quick-tach-adapter-skid-steer-tractor Since I have all my implements palletized, it also...

Some states have laws requiring doors to be removed from unused refrigerators to prevent children from becoming trapped inside.

These appliances can sit in a factory or warehouse for many months. It's hard to believe they could be damaged by being left unplugged.

Many "mystery" drones have been spotted over New Jersey lately: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drones-new-jersey-what-we-know/

Have your wife plant a garden! ;)

Is there a reason why larger liquid cooled generators don't need to be run more often than smaller gas powered units? The specs on my liquid cooled 11KW diesel say to run it every two months or so at least at half load.

It's funny but I used a similar ploy to convince my wife we needed a second tractor. She has a large garden and is always asking me to dig up this or that with the backhoe. Installing it on the tractor is always a hassle so I often resisted. I told her with a second tractor, I could leave...

We have UPC's on the computers but it wouldn't be practical to install them on all our devices. We have a dozen digital clocks with no battery backup that all need to be reset. Many other older devices are affected as well.

The generator power is clean and all the electronics work fine. It's the momentary power loss during the switchover that causes the problems. A dozen or more clocks need to be reset. The satellite receiver recycles and is down for 15 minutes during reboot and any recordings in progress are...

On a smaller scale, I have a similar rig I use to discharge my e-bike batteries: Come to think of it, I do have a dozen old 600W incandescent bulbs I used to use in the barn before I converted to LED. They would give me a 7200 watt load with a setup like this. Thanks for the tip!

I have a rear mount blower that I used for years behind my old gear tractor. When I traded up to an HST, there was a noticeable improvement with the ability to infinitely vary the speed. I eventually bought a FEL plow, and haven't used the blower since. I don't miss the stiff neck I used to...

That's why they call them "Massholes"

That's a possibility. I have an old water heater with a rusted out tank waiting to be recycled. I could take the elements out first. Thanks for the suggestion. The advantage of using a portable space heater is, I could put it in the shop to warm areas where I'm working. It's bad enough...

At least you had the one 5 gal bucket and one gal jug correct! :)

Correct. Dummy loads are used for RF applications.

How do you guys put load on your generators during maintenance runs? I usually just use the house as a load but the momentary loss of power during the changeover causes problems with household electronics. I've been thinking of getting a couple of cheap electric heaters, but I'd like something...

Kubota lists the HST oil capacity of the L3301 as 6.2 gal. So one 5 gal bucket + 1 one gal jug is correct. https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/default-source/sales1source/l3301-tractor-specifications.pdf?sfvrsn=14e34491_2

It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to do an oil change on two HST tractors. The manuals for both say 12 gal, so I figure I'll need 5, 5 gal. buckets. As you say, the price does vary by container size. It also seem to vary somewhat with the market. I hesitate to buy from Amazon though...

Both my Kubota's are due for an HST oil change. I got sticker shock when I found the UDT2 oil alone was going to cost $700! Add the price of the filters, and I'm close to $1K, even if I do the work myself!

Yes, they all use the same 433 MHz frequency. Unfortunately many other brands do as well. Best check before you buy.

I use this one from Accurite...

Do you really need "soft" water for the whole house? If it causes staining on plumbing fixtures or clothing after washing, pipe damage, etc., you probably do. In our case, we were able to tolerate the minor effects of our hard water for most usage. For drinking & food prep, we installed a...

They're all headed for the "fat farm" where the real weight loss occurs.

Or pick up an egg?

Thank you for posting this. Very few images rouse my patriotic emotions, but that one did. Another that made the rounds after September 11th was this one: I posted it on the office bulletin board on September 12th, shortly before I retired. My boss took it down saying the image dishonored...

I had a Fressori spreader on my old L3430. I had trouble reaching the control lever after I installed Pats, so I made an extension with a bent piece of rebar and clamped it to the lever. Still works with the cabbed tractor if I open the back window.

It took several decades for the horror of December 7th to fade. Unfortunately, the holocaust of September 11th, which killed more than Pearl harbor, is fading at a more rapid rate. I'm afraid the younger generations are more concerned about the present than the past or future. If we don't...

Nice looking building! All you need now are a couple of tractors to put in it. ;)

My high school always observed a moment of silence in honor of Pearl Harbor. Now, December 7th is just another day on the school calendar. All should be aware that there are enemies out there who could perpetuate a repeat attack. We need to be forever vigilant.

Not a bad idea but many of those particles are stainless steel & brass which a magnet won't pick up.

My take on this so far is, many of these tariffs are proposals used as threats against other countries. Instead of getting upset and discussing what MAY happen, let's wait and see what actually DOES happen. Sure, if you're currently in the market for an expensive foreign made product, it might...

I mounted a third plow shoe under the center of the plow frame. It keeps the FEL arms off the ground when in float so they don't dig in.

I bought a new humidifer. The 8 year-old one conveniently died on good Friday, so I was able to get a sale price. https://www.homedepot.com/p/AIRCARE-5-Gal-Evaporative-Humidifier-for-4-000-sq-ft- HD1409/204364015 It's the same model as the old one so I can use the supply of expensive filters...

For the brand of oil, yes. But they can void a warranty if the brand you use doesn't meet their specs.

For parts, yes. For fluids or additives which may not meet the necessary specs, this law does not apply. You can't run peanut oil in your crankcase or put gas in your diesel and expect the manufacturer to pick up the tab when it breaks.

Still have my old Honda EX650 from the 1980's. One pull and it runs like a top. Great for camping since it can barely be heard 50' away.

Same issue in one of the barns. I've had the best luck with one of these bucket traps...

If there is an expensive failure under warranty, the dealer, or tractor manufacturer, can test the oil to see if it meets specs. I change my own oil but buy OEM product from the dealer and keep the receipts just in case. After the warranty expires, I use other brands that meet spec.

Another issue with the FEL is the possibility of crushing your foot with the FEL arm when disconnecting an SSQA implement. I have a bad back and instead of leaning over, I sometimes stand too close when lifting up on the SSQA release levers. The arm can drop to the floor suddenly if you aren't...

In some cases, the only difference between OEM oil and others is the warranty. With new machinery, it's best to check the fine print to see if it's voided by the used of non OEM under spec products.

I don't stir it. I just dump the oil that forms on top and use the thick stuff in the mouse traps.

It's a coincidence you mention this. My first hard hat actually was yellow in 1966. The Bell System didn't adopt the blue & yellow stripe theme until 1969.

I was a lineman for the Bell System back in the 1960's. This opener has always been my favorite: There are many around, but not with the old Bell logo:

I use these zinc strips along the ridge...

How deep is the water and how swiftly does it flow? Since the streams are dry part of the year, why not a shallow water crossing using crushed stone?

Reminds me of the Neil Diamond song "Signs": "Some are born who would defy them, Others still who would deny them Some are born who never need them, Others still who never read them"

Nice build! I was in the same boat 10 years ago when I bought my Woods SS74 blower. They wanted $675 for the hyd. chute rotator and deflector package. I had an open station tractor at the time and it wasn't a big deal to reach back and work the chute manually, so I passed. Fast forward a...

Anyone interested in the 58 gal version of the Vevor fuel transfer tank, Amazon has a Cyber Monday deal going for 20% off: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BL78RDVH/?ref_=pe_137524890_1161517190_AGH3Col0305IMG_pd_ot_dealz_dotd_2p_5_lm&th=1

I agree, it does work in some locations. On the Massachusetts Turnpike, not so much. They don't call drivers up there Massholes for nothing.

I think it was the discussion of governors that did it

Not sure about other brands but I find getting on and off is easier with my cabbed Kubota tractor. It has a heavy duty handrail on the door, which swings 3 feet outward and is a convenient place to grab when getting on and off.

Not quite the same thing but the uncaring and unknowing drivers that really get me are the ones who block a lane of traffic waiting in line at a fast food drive thru. We have one in town where a single lane road is often blocked by these idiots, causing a traffic jam. I got caught in the...

Some jackshaft openers have a safety brake to prevent rapid door closures from spring or cable breaks. They are usually the higher priced commercial units though. It should also be noted that most failures on newer garage doors involve a broken torsion spring. When that happens, whether it's a...

Does happen, but IMO, it depends on where you drive. Around here, I seem to encounter more of the really aggressive idiots who just stick their fender in front of you and dare you to hit them. I suppose I might if I were driving a junker but the time, $$ and inconvenience involved with...

I generally don't get sucked into buying something I don't need on Black Friday but I couldn't pass up this 50% off sale at Duluth Trading...

None of the signs, or laws for that matter, take into account that there are always idiots who want to get ahead of everyone else. There always seems to be some joker who passes everyone who is merging. They get to the merge point and force their way in line causing others to stop, thus...

If the pallet is 10' wide, it will likely be loaded on the truck end wise. Unless it's a flat bed truck, that means you will have to lift it from the end. With that much weight forward, I doubt you will be able to lift it with your forks. I have done what others have suggested. I pulled the...

I have a hard mount Landpride 8' SSQA plow on my L6060. I added a third plow shoe under the center of the frame to keep the FEL arms off the ground and use the FEL float setting. Not quite as good as a floating blade but it does the job.

At one time, I was a lineman and worked for an electrician, so I totally agree. In my state, it's against the law to back feed into the grid. I have isolation relays to prevent this which activate prior to starting the generator. As you imply, putting together a system like this should not be...

Thinking stronger was better, I bought 6000# 48" forks which weighed close to 500#. This reduced the lifting ability of my FEL from 2200# to 1700#. This meant I wasn't quite able to lift some of my palletized implements. None of my pallets exceed 40", so I bought a set of lighter duty 4000#...

Tractor & generator noise is certainly an issue for some, depending on where it needs to be located. In my case, it had to be in the driveway around 50' from the house and within reach of the main breaker panel. My 12 KW unit was not able to power the central AC, so we had to keep the windows...

Consider the weight of the forks you buy. It will reduce that 2600# lifting capacity. Don't buy anything stronger, longer or heavier than you actually need.

Unless you're like me and have to stand on the deck to line up the SSQA attachment. Doing so kills the engine when I touch the HST pedal.

I expect there is some efficiency to be gained in switching from a PTO to a dedicated generator. In my case, the fuel consumption of an 18 HP dedicated unit is considerably less than the 60 HP tractor. So far, with my test runs, I'm saving around .8 gal/hr. while generating the same KWH. This...

Just the opposite for me. I sold my 12KW PTO generator and installed an 11 KW standalone unit, which is considerably quieter than the tractor. No surprise though, the tractor is 60 HP compared to the 18 HP of the new generator. I have to agree though. There was something comforting about that...

Great idea for 3pt attachments but not possible when adding a SSQA implement to the FEL.

My Baumalight 12K PTO generator had a low gear whine but it could not be heard over the tractor engine noise unless you put your ear close to the gearbox. Compared to the tractor, the PTO generator noise was negligible.

Check the 3pt lever. If it's in the extreme up position, it can sometimes make the hydraulic system go into partial bypass. This can limit the hydraulic pressure to other cylinders. This happened occasionally on my old L3430.

My 10' doors also have some flex, so the center can have a gap but the sides are snug. I added a section of angle iron to stiffen the top edge. It doesn't have to cover the entire door width. An 8' section works on my 10' doors. The flexible vinyl molding around the door edge seals any...

On all my doors, the top rollers on each side can be adjusted to eliminate this gap.

I had 5 overhead door openers, all over 15 years old. The older I get, the more of a chore it is to drag out the step ladder and work on them. All mine are Craftsman openers and parts are getting hard to find. When one of them acted up a few months ago, I decided to just replace them all while...

I added a WiFi extender for other devices I use in the barn. It provides a good strong signal.

I looked at this product on Amazon but was unable to find it's operable temp range. I need to put it in an unheated barn. The link you provided gave me that info. Thanks!

During a power outage, I'm always concerned about overloading the generator. The one I have is 11KW and it will handle most of what I need but there are times when I'd like to know the actual amp draw I'm using. There are several products on the market that let you do this with a smartphone...

I use an 8' York rake and T&T kit which gives the blade a 15 degree pitch. I offset the 3pt as far as I can and it does a good job on the ditches. The only downside is, dragging the spoils back up onto the road requires regrading the surface. The mud & grass can make quite a mess. My old...

Buy a cheap inspection camera for your smartphone like this one...

I'm not sure what reason you have for bypassing the switch. If it's for off tractor use, like a generator or chipper, many Kubota's let you fold the seat forward which automatically bypasses the switch. Not sure about the L4060 though. I have an air ride seat on my L6060 which does not have...

That's a possibility, but for me anyway, it's not that much extra effort to skip the Pat's.

I've used Pat's on my smaller Kubota tractors and they worked well. I don't use them on my larger MX5800 and L6060 though. I have T&T kits on both tractors and the Pat's extends the lift arms around 4". This reduces the lift range of the top link cylinder. Not worth buying a longer hyd. top...

13.5 inches of heavy wet snow here. It brought down several trees across my 1.5 mile private road which hindered the plowing. Took most of the day with the chain saw to cut & plow my way out to the hard road. Power went out briefly but came back on before I could start the generator. We...

Do you have your heart set on concrete? If all you want is a fairly smooth stable floor, you could do what my FIL did. He had a 20' x 30' steel building on a fairly remote section of the farm. It was accessible only by tractor and used to store implements. It had a level stone floor but he...

Yesterday, the forecast called for a 2" snowstorm the following day. 2 inches is barely worth plowing, but I put the plow on the tractor anyway. I normally don't put chains on unless a big storm is predicted but it was a nice afternoon, so I decided to get the dreaded chore over with and put...

I don't know about the "old wives", but the so called experts predicted a very mild Winter here with a season total of 9 to 18 inches of snow. We are currently in the middle of a snowstorm with 10 inches on the ground and more to come. So much for the experts. The old wives predictions would...

In most cases, these transfer pumps don't have to lift or pump fuel to any great height. The pump tank is usually at or close to the same height as the tank you're filling. The actual pump amp draw is usually far less than it's rating. Even if a 5AH battery wasn't sufficient for how much you...

I would look at it this way. What do you stand to gain in the end? Assuming you can get this guy legally banned from using your driveway, is it really worth the effort? How are you going to enforce it? Even if you got a court order, how are you going to keep him out if you can't put up a gate...

I doubt you'll damage the pump for the short period of run time it takes to fill a tractor tank. I was doubtful about the capacity of these 5AH tool batteries at first. I was surprised to find I could empty that 30 gal. barrel and still have half a charge left. I have a couple of 12AH...

The trick to using a battery is to keep it charged. Most of us with tool batteries always have one around with a full charge.

If you mean a fuel gauge on the generator, yes. I have a security camera set up to view it, so I can check the fuel level on my smartphone. I may be a person who doesn't run out of fuel, but I'm also a person who likes to be prepared.

Yeah, I could have gone that route but since I had both AC and DC pumps, as well as the DC converter, it seemed simpler to go DC.

I could have used a 120 VAC pump I have laying around, and it would have been much simpler. The only problem with that is, if the generator runs out of fuel, I have no AC to power the pump.

I used this regulator: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DBQQWQSF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It will convert any DC voltage between 18 and 60 volts to 12 VDC up to30 amps. I like it because it lets me use either my 60V or 20V DeWalt tool batteries.

Battery adapters for most cordless tool brands are available online: Dewalt...

I wish I could do the same with my 1000 gal. tank. The generator is out in the barn and piping fuel out there isn't practical. Instead, I built this caddy with 4 pneumatic tires that will roll over rough ground. It's a 30 gal. barrel with a cordless tool battery powered pump:

Yes, DeWalt batteries, I have a dozen or so. Wheeled fuel caddies have been around forever, but most I've seen have just two. They're moved like a hand truck and have a balance point. I saw one full of used motor oil get away from a guy at a gas station once. It fell backward on it's side...

It's pretty much the same here but blends can vary by location. As suggested earlier in the thread, it is always a good idea to ask.

Definitely the safest way to do it.

You can always go to the skateboard park: or lift forks: Impress your girlfriend: Or even lift another forklift:

IMO, you would be fine if you store your tractor in a closed unheated building. If not, fill a soda straw with fuel oil and crimp the ends with a couple of clothes pins. Leave it outside in the cold and see if it gels.

Gelling is more common around here for storage tanks located outside and above ground. Mobile homes often suffer this malady and use a blend of fuel oil and kerosene. I've found that the temperature is buffered enough inside unheated out buildings to prevent gelling, at least around here. It...

Just about all fuel oil is ULS these days, at least it has been here for years. I've been using it for 40 years in my Kubota tractors with no issues. I store them in an unheated barn but have had no problems with gelling.

I came up with a way to fuel my standby diesel generator, which is installed in the back of the barn. Presently, I fuel my tractors from a pump on the 1000 gal. fuel oil tank at the house. I can't use it for the generator, so I built this fuel caddy to transport fuel out to the barn: I...

I reported 22 of the ones I saw. Looks like they pulled the plug on the poster.

How long does it actually take to drop? Even when new, my Bri Mar 12K dump trailer would take more than 2 minutes to drop when empty. Sometimes, even longer in cold temps. When loaded, it would come down in 10 seconds. I replaced the 10W hyd. oil with automatic transmission fluid which helped...

Interesting. I just sold a LandPride 72" rotary cutter on Marketplace to a guy from North Jersey. Got $1K for it. I'm in northeast PA and he drove up to get it. It was listed for 14 days.

Not yet. around half load so far. Working on a way to get fuel to it right now.

I have two tractors and I did that for awhile. There always seems to be a reason to use both for tasks other than powering a PTO genny though. I suppose I could have bought another used tractor to dedicate to generator use but I decided to spend a bit more for a standalone unit. I like the...

If you heat with fuel oil, you usually have a sizeable supply on hand. Mine would run my diesel generator for a month if necessary. Any longer than that, electricity will be the least of your problems.

I'm in EXACTLY the same situation. After my 12 KW PTO generator became too difficult to repeatedly set up at my age, I spent quite a bit of time deciding on the best replacement. Any backup generator is only as good as it's fuel supply you have on hand or can reliably get during an extended...

Too bad you didn't post earlier. I just sold my Baumalight TX12, 12KW PTO generator 2 weeks ago; It served me well, but I'm getting older and not as able to hook it up for every outage we get around here. I decided to replace it with a standalone Diesel generator: It's far more...

For security reasons, I'm surprised Air Force 1 would even show up on FlightRadar 24.

I use this oil extractor / dispenser to adjust the hyd. fluid level...

I use PEX extensively. I particularly like the fact that it can freeze with no damage. I had an old copper waterline from the barn out to a hydrant in the pasture. It was only buried 24" deep due to rock ledge. We rarely get 24" of frost here anymore but occasionally, the darn thing would...

I keep temp sensitive items in my unheated garage. It's adjacent to the house and never gets below 40 or above 80 degrees. I put items that need to be kept above 40 in my large gun safe. It has a Goldenrod heater / dehumidifier, and stays above 50.

All good info here. (y) I would probably bring batteries inside, but all mine are in equipment I use year round.

Good idea on the heat sink for the flex pipe, I'll look into it. It can't be seen in the pics, but the engine radiator fan blows cooling air upwards out of the housing around the flex pipe. Yes, it's warm air, but it is still much cooler than the pipe, and will certainly have some cooling...

Yeah, an auto transfer switch would be nice, and I would have gone that route if it weren't for the expense. My main breaker panel and meter are on a wall surrounded by concrete sidewalk and decorative landscaping. Much of it would have to be torn up to install a transfer switch setup. Going...

The generator is around 100' from the house in the back of my barn. I have it set up so I can control it from the house without going outside. I monitor it with a security system camera that I can view with my smartphone or PC.

Ran it for an hour today with temp around 70. The inner pipe was blistering hot. The outside sleeve was warm but the wood and vinyl stayed cool. The port is well designed. As you suggest, I'll check it on a hot day to be sure.

Finally finished my home backup generator project. It took longer than I estimated and I was getting a bit nervous. I sold my PTO generator a few weeks ago and power outage "season" is approaching. It's a Kubota GL11000, 11 KW unit which I put in an unused space in the rear of the barn. It's...

I've been fighting with ROPS lights for years. I've busted a few in the woods, both over and under the ROPS bar. I also got tired of swapping them between tractors, so I made a set that attaches to the ROPS which is easy to remove. I mounted 4 LED flood lights, two front and two rear, to a...

Yeah, much conflicting information here, but I've learned a lot. It's caused me to rethink my current home backup generator project. Instead of using an auto transfer switch, I'm changing to manual start for the diesel engine. The auto transfer switch allows only a 4 minute warmup before...

I use poly tanks as well for all the above reasons. The only issue I have is, I use red dyed fuel and over time, it stains the inside of the tank making it difficult to impossible to see the fuel level.

The answer is yes. I always pay my balance in full each month and occasionally carry a large one. Every time I do, my FICO score drops 30 or more points, depending on the amount. I questioned my bank about this and was told it is standard practice.

Do those LED lights actually draw 60 and 120 watts, or is that the light output equivalent? For example, a 100 watt equivalent light bulb uses just 14 watts of electricity...

When I was laid up after hip surgery and had the time, I used my old stereo equipment and PC to digitize some of my vinyl record collection. It was a time consuming process though. I didn't get halfway through before I decided my time was worth more than the cost of downloading the same music...

A light coat of grease on the terminals after they're connected can help prevent the corrosion from retuning.

Anyone have an opinion on using a magnetic oil pan heater? I know they can be a headache to use on vehicles, but I don't see a problem using one on a stationary diesel generator. I know some engines have cast aluminum oil pans, so some other means of holding it in place would have to be used.

I always warm up my tractors as well. 20 minutes or so on a cold winter morning gets the cab nice & toasty. A generator is a different animal though. The automatic transfer switch doesn't give you much flexibility in setting a warmup time. I may just convert it to manual start. That way, I...

I agree. I may experiment with an old magnetic oil pan heater I have laying around. It only uses 200 watts. I may hook it up during the winter months. Better than nothing I suppose.

Although I agree with you, the generator manual says a minimum warmup time of 10 minutes at temps above 32 F. No high limit is stated. Personally, I think this is overkill and just an abundance of caution. The load factor is also a consideration. In my case, I can't ever imagine a situation...

Yes, it's a house backup generator. If I have trouble starting it in cold weather, I may do as you suggest.

I'm considering a block heater for my new diesel generator but I question the economics. The OEM block heater would draw 500 watts continuously, and based on current electric rates, will cost almost $500 per year to operate. The manual says if operated correctly and warmed up before use, the...

If you want to experience time change chaos in Arizona, try driving between Phoenix and Page during the summer. The time changes 5 times during the drive. The state of Arizona doesn't recognize DST, but the Navajo Nation does. The town of Page, that does not recognize DST, is almost completely...

Agreed. Just wait till spring when you have to give up that precious hour! :rolleyes:

I retired in 2003, along with 22,000 other employees, from a major telecom company under a corporate buyout plan. Most were between 55 and 65 years old, I was 58. I still keep in touch with many of my former coworkers and the only ones who are struggling are those who chose the monthly pension...

Have you looked at an offset flail mower with hammers?