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The only obvious way to make a totally rational decision is to buy the one that has your favorite color of paint.

When I was in school to become an mechanical engineer (1970 to 75) my first two years we were required to use slide rules because hand held calculators were too expensive for the average student, and the affordable ones had just 4 functions, which couldn't do the same math as a slide rule. By...

I'm afraid we need a little more information than that, if it is help you are after.

I know it might appear that people like me are anti-tech, but that's not really true at all. Technology has made life so much more wonderful in many ways. But there is a place for it and a point where it becomes a hindrance rather than a benefit. As Mikester pointed out, "They work great...

Why are you limited to those two?

I think you are reading way too much into that graph, Harry. Sales are up because more people need tractors, not because they like tier 4. In fact most tractor buyers don't even know what tier 4 is all about. An injection system that breaks the diesel into finer droplets is a good thing...

I live in Washington. I ride a bicycle. I prefer to ride on bike paths as it is much safer. These particular paths were built with private funding. I pay probably as much tax as you do. However, I am not so "me first" to think that my taxes should only be spent only on the exact things that I...

I agree with what you are saying. Even two exactly identical tractors may be able to lift different amounts because the loader relief valve may trip earlier on one than it will on the other. So lift ratings on FELs aren't worth getting too excited about. It is just a ballpark number.

Hmmm. I see we have some disagreement on this subject. Both sides bring up good points. Perhaps we should just let people do what fits their situation. Adding steel certainly bypasses some potential problems, but isn't easy or inexpensive to do. Adding various fluids also works, but has...

I still hear of people having problems with Tier 4 emission controls. It is not uncommon at all. The Tier 4 systems are getting better, but it is definitely something else that can go wrong with your tractor that wasn't there before. And because that Murphy guy made laws regarding this, the...

Boy have you hit the nail on the head, Old Grind. I get so tired about people questioning if stuff is made in China or the third world. American companies, appealing to American's patriotism to get a sale, will lie through their teeth to claim it product is "American Made" when maybe 90% of...

Maybe this is a case for common sense and you use either A or B depending on the circumstances. If the guy behind has patiently been following you for a while, moving into the oncoming lane before turning left is probably courteous and not dangerous. If the guy behind you was going faster...

I belong to a Dodge diesel forum and frequently see someone asking "how do I make my truck blow black smoke?" This incredible level of immaturity of some people just drives me crazy. Why on earth do they consider this "cool"?

I think many of us could confess to overfilling their tractor with hydraulic fluid. It is not obvious in the sight glass when the level is completely above it, and it doesn't take much fluid to go from none in the sight glass to being full past the sight glass. And when you drain the old...

Shame on me. I was unaware one could damage a cylinder by back dragging with an FEL. I do it frequently and with the bucket at all angles and not using float. I often curl the bucket enough to lift the front wheels off the ground when doing it. After 1000 plus hours I have yet to damage...

Mine also requires more effort and more of a gentle touch as the range goes up. It doesn't seem to take an excessive effort to hold the pedal down once it goes down though. I think some hydrostatic pedals do it by wire (the pedal does nothing more than send an input to a computer controlled...

That does seem like a highly unusual failure. It would seemingly take some incredibly high pressure to make that happen. More than the hydraulic system could produce. Or perhaps it was a manufacturing defect. But the split like the one pictured would appear to me to be more apt to be caused...

I have had that same issue in the past and it was always the remote valve was not centered as K5lq stated.

The discussion I see missing in this thread is the application of common sense. If an engine is ran hard it probably needs changed more often than if it is not. If the tractor sets out in the weather it probably needs changed more often than if it sets in a covered, dry storage area. If...

Mike, the bold items in red are exactly why people say Linux is too clunky and nerdy. I have no idea what you are talking about with those terms. I would have no idea of how to change from one interface I don't understand (nor can even find a description of in layman's terms to describe what...

In the Palouse I hardly ever see a snake, yet alone a rattle snake. When we lived in the Columbia River Basin we saw rattlers all the time. The majority of the snakes we saw were rattlers. Wasn't too unusual to see one up next to the house. I'd just take a shovel or a rake and sling it...

Leveling your 60 acres, even just 20 acres, on a 50 hp tractor seems like a pretty daunting chore no matter what implements you use. Particularly on steep ground. If the soil is heavy clay base, the chore will be even harder. The biggest thing you will need is a lot of patience. Not trying...

I have a cub cadet similar like yours. Getting it off the ground to remove the blades or to change tires is indeed a bit of a pain. I got a feeling OSHA wouldn't approve your jack stands, Bob. I've done worse though :).

Mine has also done that since new. (When creeping, having to push the opposite pedal to stop it). It is more pronounced in low range. Also when driving along the pedal is very slow to come fully up when you remove your foot from the pedal. That tendency is more pronounced in high range. I...

You are right, there is a lot of true benefits to holisitic medicine that get tends to get ignored by modern medicine. Unfortunately that is partially due to the large number of quacks involved in holistic medicine. They have no way to police themselves and purge the quacks. (Probably you...

Can you even buy mayonnaise in Italy?

I have a tractor similar to yours. About 10 to 12 years a go I did a complete overhaul (engine and chassis). This included replacing the rear rims. You can buy the outer rims and re-use the inner hub. I was able to get all my parts through an outfit called DW Motor Machine in Grandview...

Look on Amazon, There are lots of two way radios at different price ranges that should fit your needs.

Congrads. I am sure you will enjoy your new tractor. Looks like a nice set-up.

This is just one of several different types. This one traps the pod between two helical shafts turning opposite directions. The outer edge of the shafts are set up to have a gap slightly less than the width of the pod. The shafts have either cutting edges or wire brush edges that rip the pod...

I find it absolutely amazing that Microsoft is still the #1 operating system after all these years of pissing people off. Makes you wonder how the world works.

It is not usually done in the field, but done after harvesting. Here is a you tube showing a small machine that makes the process easy to visualize. Several companies make much larger machines for large scale processing.

Most tractors have enough safeties built in to where you can't lift more than what is safe with either the fel or 3pt. What I see done most frequently when it comes to abusing a tractor to do what it isn't designed to take is to use the FEL as a battering ram.

if you click "watch on you tube" it plays. Has some interesting stuff, like the mechanics of how multi-grade oil works.

Yesterday my Branson 4720CH just got it's 1,000th hour of use. I bought it new in Sept. 2016. Right after I bought it the alternator went out and was replaced by myself via warranty. This last winter a front wheel oil seal went out and the wheel bearing was a little loose, and both were...

In my experience, anything you try is hit and miss. One of the biggest factors is the wood itself. Some woods (redwood, cedar) will last a lot longer than others. Even if made from the same wood, some pieces of wood will last longer than others with ground contact. Old fashion creosote is...

Back when we raised cow calf pairs, we knew of some Laotian immigrants that lived in our town. During calving season they would drive by our place regularly, watching for new born calves. When the saw one they would come up to our door and asked if the could go out and try to find the cow's...

A friend showed me how to make grilled cheese sandwiches using mayonnaise instead of butter and Monterrey Jack instead of cheddar. It tastes nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich but is quite tasty. If you wanted to make it Italian I suppose you could add some salami and use a hoagie bun...

The only true rule about what food/condiment combinations are proper is that there are no rules.

Sometimes when it is dark outside you can shine a bright light behind the condenser and evaluate to a very good degree how clogged everything is without removing anything. You should do that before you do anything. You may in good shape from what your dealer did and would be wasting your time...

Only an idiot would think that scientific experts are 100% irrefutable. Even a credible scientific expert wouldn't believe that for a second. The definition of science is "the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical...

In my estimation, America losing it's industrial capacity to China had far more to do with the wages the Chinese people are willing to work for compared to wages Americans are willing to work for. American pollution control requirements is a contributor, along with other factors, but they are...

Your plan sounds reasonable. The existing pieces can be modified to make things right. I think zz is right about the top link. You might consider installing a chain for a top link, or maybe just use no top link at all while mowing and just attach one when you need to lift the rear off the ground.

Mine had that problem once. I had to push down on the hood hard before pulling the handle. I put some shims under the latch catch before closing it again.

You will never make it as a marketing person, Torvy. You make too much sense.

I have 2 pair of Redwing boots. An old pair I use for working and a newer pair I wear seldom to slowly break them in. The old ones have been soaked with diesel more than once and show no ill effects and still look as good as new except for a few scrapes. When they get grungy I brush the...

One of Branson's strongest selling points has been a lack of computer controlled items. I understand that the world is moving in that direction. Computer control definitely has its advantages, but at the cost of making self diagnosis and repair of some issues next to impossible, as well as...

I grew up in Grays Harbor County Washington. Blackberries were everywhere. Both Himalayan and Evergreen varieties. Every August my siblings and I would have to pick blackberries all month long to earn enough money to buy our school clothes. After a while between between the scratches from...

My wife grew up in that same area. Her family had a farm outside of Plankinton, which they lost when she was 16. We go back there every couple years for a class reunion with, Harvey, her only classmate in the one room school house they both attended. Harvey's family lost their farm too...

Is this a question of strictly money? Is it a question of you'd rather not do the work? Is it a question of you aren't capable of doing the work? Is it a question of something else like a lack of a storage spot or afraid of the tractor breaking down. People will answer your question all...

All an oil filter does is filter oil. It isn't rocket science. I have been using Fram filters as well any other brand that I happen to stumble across for the last 50+ years or so and have never had a problem related to the filter, dirty oil, or other lubrication issues. So these 'commonly...

Probably depends on how anxious you are to sell it. The best way to determine the value of your used tractor is to price it on the high side and see how many people show an interest. If no one calls it is too high. If you don't have time to do that then price it lower and take what you...

If you want to hear about 1000 different options, go to any motorcycle forum and do a search on lubricating chains. About 3/4 of those options will work fine.

Checks can have no money to back them. Cash can be counterfeit, as can cashier checks or other "safe" notes. Better just not sell anything and stay in bed with the covers over your head. Either that or use common sense and have a reasonable amount of trust in people. Going through life...

Intermittent problems like this short can be a real pain. I am glad they were able to fix it.

Good save Bob. I take my loader off frequently. It is about a 10 minute or less job once you get used to doing it. I always make sure my lynch pins are in the inside and are pointing downward in case one does become unsecured (but that has never happened). It seems odd that the big pin...

Yesterday I was out showing the Palouse to my sister who is visiting from Tennessee. Went up Steptoe Butte but you could only see 20 or so miles due to the smoke. Saw a several of fields of Garbs and lintels that have been considered a total loss and sprayed with Roundup.

The restrictor valves will definitely help. The flow rate unrestricted is much too high for fine control for most implements. The cable linkage on a Branson definitely takes some of the feel out of the controls. With time you get better, but they still lack feel. After a year you might...

I am sure you will enjoy the heck out of your tractor, and you picked a good one.

That sounds like a desirable outcome, and actually could be realistic, except maybe the 8 minutes parts replacement;)

NO!!! We could also avoid a discussion about the anality of absolute torque values.

I think a lot of people buy a 20 hp tractor thinking it will do things that a 40 hp tractor will do. It is just not going to happen, regardless of the manufacturer. As long as you use the 2505 within it's capabilities it will be fine .

I will second boiled linseed oil. It last longer than Thompson's water seal or any common furniture wood preservative (Polyurethane, etc) and actually preserves the wood.

My son was in college he used to hang out with Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors)and Aron Baynes (Toronto Raptors, now on Australian Olympic Basketball Team) back when they played hoops at WSU, and I met them. Nice people.

Tire choice is going to be different for everyone, based on what they do, where they use their tractor, and what is important to them. The advantage of turf tires is they don't damage the ground as much and ride smoother. The disadvantage is that they provide less traction under many...

Agreed, The simplicity of the Branson would move it to the top for me. It may not have the neat electronically controlled features of the others, but those features lose their neatness in a hurry, and then some, when they stop working. The simplified emission controls on the Branson alone...

Now that's one I never heard of. Clever!

I think there is a place for either shear bolts or slip clutches on brush mowers. For light cutting, shear bolts are fine, less expensive, and relatively maintenance free. For heavy duty cutting, slip clutches are definitely better.

I have a 3 acre pasture for my horse that was extremely bumpy when I bought this place two years ago. Early each Spring I have ran across it with a chain harrow when it still has a lot of moisture in it. It has not affected the pasture grass, in fact it is much healthier. And it is a LOT...

If Husqvarna stopped making everything in the home and gardening realm , I would not be overly upset. I haven't owned anything with their name on it that is high quality. (They do make a decent dirt bike, but there is no relationship in parent companies anymore)

Dude, your perception is the common perception, and is fortunately quite wrong. Read this on Wikipedia: Crime in the United States - Wikipedia You can find numerous collaborating reports. Two things happen that promote this delusion: The news media overhypes crime (as well as everything...

Quite a few years ago in our area some young people made a kite big enough for them to ride in. It didn't go well, a couple of kids were killed.

Wow Dc, your access for cleaning is worse than mine (which looks almost exactly like Slims). And I thought mine was bad and a pain to clean. It was necessary to pull the radiator to clean it on mine. It looks like a nightmare of a job but it really isn't that bad if you just look at it and...

They also make emergency radios with built in flashlights and USB charge ports that can be hand cranked to charge or solar powered. Maybe these fit the bill better...

I wouldn't worry about what brand. I have bought two different ones. I couldn't tell you the brand without looking. And I paid no attention when I ordered them. They both work fine. It isn't rocket science after all. They are just batteries. They are cheap enough to where if one didn't...

Space exploration and extraterrestrial technological advancement is one thing. Billionaires wasting boatloads of money to go on a joy ride is another. It is there money and they can do whatever they wish with it. But from my viewpoint, I can think of a lot more beneficial ways in which to...

I mow a lot of stuff that is outside of my lawn and I am definitely a "slime guy" for my riding lawn mower tires. I am not picky if the tire has a tube or not. Without slime, tube or no tube, the tires will eventually get punctured and loose air. With slime it will get punctured, but...

Around here, purple paint would leave people to assume you are a University of Washington Huskies fan. In the Eastern half of Washington State that might be an un-wise move.

About 93% of the world ethanol usage is in the US and Brazil. The rest of the world uses it very little. Most of the small engines are made in the rest of the world. No small wonder the small engine manufacturers haven't addressed it. They don't have farmers being subsidized for raising...

You are right on about keeping it all clean, Slim. I have looked at several late model cabbed tractors and they are all pretty much the same stacked, close coupled design. Even with blowing my radiator/oil cooler / condenser out regularly, I finally had to take everything apart, remove the...

I agree that there is not one tool that will work in all cases. I have strap wrenches, chain wrenches, multiple sizes of end cap wrenches, fancy ratchet powered clamp on end wrenches. I have still had to resort to the screw driver driven through the filter approach at times. The one on my...

If you were worried about that you could put plastigage on both sides of the bearing. I will bet you find no difference in the reading. On a crank, if you are doing on journal at a time the other mains (if lubricated) will keep gravity from being a factor. If you do have a variance from...

I have found Amazon very easy to deal with. Through a misunderstanding on my part, they began charging me a monthly subscription fee for Kindle books, a service I do not use. I called them and they canceled the subscription and refunded what I had paid, and were friendly in doing it.

I bought a plow for the front of my Dodge 1 ton to plow the 3-1/2 miles of private road that belonged to my home owner's association. In the 7 years I plowed that road, I never earned enough to pay for the plow, but it sure made my life and the other homeowner's lives a lot more manageable in...

My arthritis is my version of a Vantage pro2, and it says no rain, more hot weather, more smoke for quite a while. (I just had it calibrated:))

Welcome to the forum Oldnbusted. You have quite an interesting assortment of equipment!

Not exactly sure of what you are describing. Here is a simplified diagram of how a relay works. It is essentially two circuits. A low amperage circuit for controls (such as the switch for the lights) has a coil that energizes a higher amperage circuit for the device (such as the lights...

You are correct Slim. The secondary or contactor side is the load side and usually will have the highest amperage. That's what a relay is for, to avoid running high amperage through the system' controls. However if there was a short inside the relay, it could overheat without the load side...

Not all of it is. John Deere gathering your gps data is certainly not EPA mandated, Computer controlled fuel injection systems are not necessary to meet EPA standards (Branson's don't have it and meet regs). On the Yanmar I looked at, auto throttle control, AB mode, and anti stall are not...

They do to a point. I have been told that if you run a Cummins diesel for extended periods of time over 1300F degrees (if egt is measured on the manifold, 1000F if measured downstream of the turbo) you will fry the turbo. Not sure what it is for a Branson. I have heard of racing turbos...

I don't think that anyone is arguing the fact that vehicles (cars, tractors, motorcycles, even bicycles) have improved tremendously because of technology. Technology can not only be good. It can be wonderful. However that doesn't mean that all technology is good. It can be overdone, and...

I read that article a few weeks ago. I really wonder if all the data collection ability that John Deere is building into their tractors (and therefore, according to them, is making them off limits for other people to diagnose and repair anything on their tractor) is really worth it to the...

what is it you are buying? I just ordered something this morning for $14 and it was free delivery.

Finding electrical problems can be difficult and require a good deal of common sense. Finding a wiring diagram might be the first step. Use the volt setting on you multimeter and start checking the up the positive circuit until you find where the voltage has stopped. Quite often the...

That is sad. Small engines don't do well with ethanol. My Echo gas trimmer is around 10 years old and the bulb is still good. It has only had non-ethanol in it all it's life.

The wind came up and cleared things nicely, but it was a foreboding sign of things to come.

Woke up this morning and the saw that the visibility outside is about 1/4 mile on an otherwise perfectly clear day. A little later I noticed my throat had developed a bad itch. The forest and brush fire season is starting early this year. Not too many years ago, a smoky day was a rarity. For...

Then, of course there is a petition going around to 'not let Jeff Bezos return to Earth' that has garnered a whole lot of signatures.

I would have a hard time thinking of an application where a straight weight non-detergent oil would be better to use than a multiweight detergent oil. Better yet, go to multiweight synthetic oil.

I think Harry is saying that isn't really the case. I am not a fan of numerous headaches caused by the new pollution equipment either, But I don't think it is as much of a deterrent as many believe it is. To me, the over computerizing of new tractors is an even bigger long term reliability...

Stop using gas that has ethanol in it and your squeeze bulb life will extend drastically.

Wow, the diversity of advice you are getting is amazing! Personally, I would run stainless steel tubing (just kidding). In all seriousness, anything will work, but pvc would be my last choice.

It happens. Look at Big Band Music. That once dominated the American music scene but is about as dead as can be these days. Music is trendy, and trends change. So goodbye Rock and Roll and hello Rap. (which I personally hope is a very short trend!)

If you look closely, History is almost always biased to favorably reflect the society who is presenting the history. The American Indians, the American Hispanics, the African Americans and the European Americans all have a different vision of American history. They may share certain historic...

If you are doing a small area, an electric trimmer is fine. However if you have a lot of area to cut, or extremely thick brush, have a gas trimmer available. I have an Echo gas trimmer that I have ran for around 10 years now with no problems. It gets a lot of use! I think when it comes to...

I think you may be over thinking it. First, use a herbicide that is less susceptible to volatization. Dicamba (as in Dianat, Banvel, Diablo, Oracle and Vanquish) is the probably worst for volitization, and aminopyralid (i.e. Milestone) may be one of the best, and 2-4d is in the middle (although...

Oosik If a wildfire came and your Taco wagon and Kubota burned up, along with your house, it wouldn't be the end of the world. All that stuff can be replaced or lived without. I would worry more about you and Brownie getting out. Best insurance is to keep the brush down around your...

There are so many unknowns it what was presented that it is impossible to give an intelligent answer.

When you are paying a pitcher millions of dollars, you have to protect that investment. It isn't good business to pay guys to be on the injured list. It wasn't that long ago that a 90 mph pitch was considered a pretty decent fastball. Back then very few pitchers could throw in the high 90's...

I too have not been following any of these hallowed procedures for the last 60 years. I just connect the jumper cables from whatever has a good battery to start whatever has a bad battery. Never had a problem yet. Either I am extremely lucky or this thread is overthinking jump starting. I...

I wonder if it is possible to do a permanent, high quality repair to a plastic radiator? The cores are metal, perhaps they could replace the plastic top and bottom with metal ones. (??). There are 5 radiator shops within 70 miles from me and I live out in the sticks.

That is exactly why many people buy Branson's these days. They are about the least computerized tractor on the market. Unfortunately they don't make anything in the large tractor market though.

If you have fertilized the pine trees they will grow too fast and become quite weak.

This whole issue paints a picture of incredible corporate greed and a placing their profit margin above the good of society. John Deere is not a company I wish to support by purchasing any of their equipment. I think that have been taking lessons on how to run a business from Monsanto.

Not one of those towns have 500 people! Just wondering Oosik, do you carry your camera in your tail bag or do you just leave it open for a place for Brownie to ride;)

Why are you stuck on Kubota? No doubt, they are good tractors, but there are lots of other good tractors too.

Congratulations on getting it fixed, and having the common sense to figure it out on your own. Please ignore all the post repair advice. Whatever works, works. What works for some applications don't work in others. I have never found JB weld to be overly satisfactory in applications where...

I use a citric cleaner called "Oil Eater". You can order it through Walmart. I really like the stuff. Been using it for 15 years or so.

Not sure I'd buy into that philosophy. Did you replace/rebuild the oil pump? Does the oil pump have a pressure release that may be faulty?

With the tractor being that new I doubt it is the brushes worn. Probably more like a diode de-diodified.

I went to Pasco today to help my son move. 114 degrees there! I see that it is going to be 86 degrees in Fairbanks by Friday with high level of Mosquitos. I'm not sure which one I would prefer less.

The sellers of a house I purchased years ago left a roll of reclaimed utility power line in the shop. They told me I could have it. They said it was copper or brass. It looked like copper or brass, and copper was at an all time high at the time. It was really heavy (I think that is why...

Mine never lighted the battery warning light when it failed either. I know the bulb is good because it comes on when I first turn the key on. Don't know what is going on with that(?)

As I read through this thread, I continue to be amazed at how often people present inaccurate information on forums. If you want to know facts about herbicides take a class on herbicides, Most State's pesticide licensing class is a good place to start, learn how to read a herbicide label (they...

What I worry about most is the idiots and their fireworks on the 4th! Right in the middle of a hot dry spell.

Better give Brownie another haircut, Oosik.

I had a ceiling fan that started burning out its candelabra bulbs when I changed them out to high output LEDs. Turns out that you can't mount high output candelabra LED bulbs in places where the socket is on top because the bulbs overheat. Do you have them, or regular bulbs? Try a lower...

The good (??) news is that it will probably fall apart on its own after a few uses.

I agree, your warranty should cover it. 2nd choice, take it to an alternator shop and have it repaired. As the tach does depend on the alternator, getting something that "works" at a automotive parts house would be my last choice (pully gear ratios and electrical connections would have to be...

Not sure how good price checks are in a forum like this. We don't know your location for one. If you are in Alaska it might be a bit different than in, say, Dallas Texas. How much local competition is there? What grade of implements are they providing? (i.e. Rhino cutter versus...

You may want to pay more attention to your sand, all sand is not the same. In fact few natural sands are the same. Some are soft and not very abrasive, others are quite hard and very abrasive. Man made materials such as aluminum oxide and silicone carbide will work so much better that most...

Here is a utube on the reversomatic. Looks like it just goes back and forth.

I know of a case where the slip clutch was adjusted too loose and was constantly slipping, overheated drastically enough to catch some flying grass on fire and burn a field down. I agree with the grade 8 bolt and checking out the slip clutch as needed. When done and you start using it, stop...

We have been vacationing on the Oregon Coast. 68 degree high today. Next week we are going back home to Eastern Washington, the weather channels says 108 degrees on Tuesday! Unheard of! Maybe we should just stay here.

I think if you are asking for something that will cut deep thick grass smoothly, evenly, easily and cleanly on a single pass you are going to have to invent something, because it doesn't exist.

Is a cab better for allergies than an open cab? Definately! Is it 100% effective? No. Not many things are 100% effective, but can be much, much better than nothing.

I doubt if I ever get as close as I think I am to rolling my tractor over on a side hill. Like Oosik, the pucker factor makes me back out of the situation. I do know I can go up and down a steep hill I would never go sideways on.

But Oosik, you live on fairly flat ground! Bring your tractor over to my place and I bet you would use the parking brake a lot more.

My neighbor has A DR pull behind mower that he pulls with his ATV. It, unfortunately, is a real piece of junk. Twice I have rewelded the unit's main frame that broke in two, and it has had numerous other problems in the three years he has had it. (electrical problems, fuel leaks, etc)...

I have mixed emotions about this. It is hard to argue against safety features. Who doesn't want to be safe? But these days safety features are dictated by lawsuits and lawyers rather than common sense. Some things like PTO shaft covers are poorly designed so as to make it impossible to...

I use nothing in my gas, and nothing in my diesel. I tend to think most additives are snake oil. For my small engines I do use non-ethanol fuel. We don't have much biodiesel around my neck of the woods (thank goodness). I haven't had any fuel issues in decades. (soapbox time) I love the...

if I am lookin at the picture correctly, It appears the blades have double bends, one to lower the blade right after the mount, and a second bend in the opposite direction further out to bring the cutting portion back parallel to the ground. Is that a correct description? If it is I would say...

This isn't directly comparable to your problem, but might be worth mentioning: I had a leak in my Branson's plastic diesel fuel tank. It was a pin-hole leak that I have no idea on how I got it. After mulling how to fix it I finally took some RV sealant and just rubbed it in as hard as I...

If two people agree on everything, rest assured that only one of them is doing all the thinking.

Good luck on that one. On my '94 Dodge Ram 3600 the cruise control doesn't work on rare occasions. When it doesn't work the ABS and parking brake lights are also on. The problem is intermittent and when I am in a mood to address it, it is always working fine.😕

I am not sure why you are saying that a leaking head gasket, cracked head, or block don't make sense, Texasmark. Could you explain? White smoke is usually a sign of water getting into the combustion. Those are the most probable sources. I wouldn't rule out water in the fuel, but I would put...

Microsoft "upgrades" continuously to add features and fix issues that 99% of us don't use or experience. I often wonder how (or maybe more correctly, why) we ever let Microsoft become the standard OS in the first place.

I put a set of Les Schwab's house brand tires on my wife's Hyundai Kona this spring. She has complained about her tires ever since. Her gas mileage has decreased, the tire noise is much worse (I can attest to both of those) and she says she has less traction (I won't even ask how she knows...

Could be the washers are tapered? Unlikely but possible. I agree without taking one off I wouldn't be to quick to shoot arrows at anyone. If I was the one looking at this in person I'd certainly bring it to someone's attention so they could do that. If it is wrong it should be corrected.

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Pedro. Those wet brakes are pretty tough and you would have to really do some serious abusing to wear one out. Usually you can tell if the parking brake is still on because your tractor doesn't have enough power. Sometimes in low range I leave the brake on...

A college economics professor that I had told us in his class that the only thing that you should ever borrow money to buy are things that appreciate, or things that help make you money. But it is much wiser yet if you don't even borrow for those kind of things. For everything else (cars...

Knowing my wife, I would really be the butt of old man jokes if I started wearing bibs...... Maybe I will get some :)

I went to my clothes drawer this morning to get a pair of jeans to wear, and I pulled out a pair that has all three belt loops broken on the rear. :confused: The jeans are close to new. I have to wear suspenders with them 'cause a belt just doesn't work very good without belt loops. My wife...

In every tractor I have owned I have experienced the loader not staying perfectly in the position you leave it. Sometimes it is the lift that drops, sometimes it is the curl that drops. Sometimes it is both. Unless it is a lot over a short period of time, it is nothing unusual. If it doesn't...

We live very close to Washington State University and attend a LOT of college sporting events over the course of a year, both men's and women's. Our favorite sports are in this order: Women's volleyball, women's soccer, women's basketball, men's basketball, men's football, men's baseball...

Actually one of the biggest time savers for you would be an engine oil analyzer. If you are like most people, you change the oil, especially in small engines, way more often than is necessary under the not necessarily true premise of being conscientious. What could possibly save you more time...

If one is 7 foot tall and earns $20,000,000 a year, I could understand that.

So California made that law because there was a problem of discrimination of +40 people. And it did have unintended consequences. If enough employers did the right things in the first place we wouldn't have these stupid social engineering laws that don't work. But that ain't gonna happen...

You are right Willie. One of the straight fittings on the brake linkage on my Branson was next to impossible to use because a frame member is in the way. I saw the box of 32 assorted metric zerk fittings at HF for $10. Their size listing is incomplete (only tells wrench size) but I bought...

I think it is a case of wage disparity resulting in too many jobs that aren't worth having. You can't even support yourself, yet alone your family on the wages. That eventually evolves into a work ethic that is dismal, possibly associated with drug use and/or a "I don't give a damn" attitude...

The problem is the world is becoming overwhelmed with sport trucks and few work trucks are available. The same with homes, not much affordable housing available anymore. Not a problem if you have money, but far too many people don't have the money for anything that is available. Face it...

Back when Harbor Freight used to give out coupons for free tape measures with any purchase, I got in the habit of getting a free tape measure every time when I went to their store. I ended up with dozens (literally) of them. I have one by each cutting tool in my shop, the kitchen junk drawer...

That points out an advantage of being hard of hearing;)

My '96 Dodge 1 ton 4X4 is the truck I will own for the rest of my life. It's diesel is before all the electronic controlled diesels, and before all the emission controls ... I won't say it is the best truck ever made, but it rates right up there. It is a just a tough old, reliable truck...

I'd suspect the problem is on the air side before I'd suspect the liquid side. But flushing is easier than removing the radiator, so I don't totally disagree. And check the old thermostat in hot water before replacing it so you can rule it out as the problem rather than guessing.

Most often I just hose my tractor off, but when my tractor gets ultra groady and I am going to work on it I might use a pressure sprayer to clean it. But I don't get too close with the tip and I avoid spraying greased joints, seals, decals (unless I want them gone) electrical connections or...

My first suggestion would be to check the radiator to see if it is clogged. If it just "looks clean" after blowing it off, it still may not be clean. You need to be able to see light through the radiator's core in all areas of the core. That may not be possible to see when it is mounted on...

I remove the entire FEL when I mow with the bush hog for a smother ride. It takes about 5 minutes.

Yep, that was it.

Just for the heck of it, while I was shopping for other stuff I checked around in my little town of 2,880 people for 8 X 1.25 metric zerks. 3 stores had a full range of metric zerks, The auto parts dealer, the Mahindra/Case tractor store, and a farm supply store. However two of the stores...

This reminds me of a movie I saw years back about some old guy who lived by himself lost his driver's license because of his age and health. He wanted to visit his daughter on the other side of the State so he made a trailer for his lawn tractor, loaded it with gear and took off, having...

Spray it down with penetrating oil and let it set overnight before trying to use an easy out. It might help. I have several Stihl products. They are OK, but not that much better, if any, than other top of the line products from other companies. Like everyone else, their products are getting...

I think it depends on your locality. Around here Craigslist is still going fairly strong. Other places I have been recently, not so at all. Competition amongst selling platforms is great but it is a little frustrating to have to constantly change the way you buy or sell things to stay up...

What did we do before we had all this ability to stay in touch with anyone at any time under any conditions? Some people view this as progress and a much needed convenience. I can see that at times , but there are other times when I wonder if it really is nothing more than an effort to...

Out of curiosity, what kind of lawn mower is it? Push, zero turn, lawn tractor? I am wondering if the float level in the carb is set too low, or the carb is mounted tilted in one direction.

I am wondering why you limited your comments to non-cabbed tractors? My cabbed tractor has the same problem. I fabbed a sweep to put on mine to blow upwards and outwards if I am mowing weeds that have gone to seed (which I try to avoid doing). I leave it off otherwise as it traps water and...

I don't grease the Fel everytime I put fuel in tractor (gets too messy), but do once a month or so. I agree that this is imperative maintenance that is way too often overlooked. Most any competent compact tractor dealer will likely have metric zerks that fit in stock, but good luck at an auto...

Seems like some of the new shower heads with little rubber nubbins for the individual holes work really well for mineral build up and probably for small contaminates too. When they plug with mineral deposits you just rub them a bit with your finger to unplug them.

I am wondering if I am the only one with this problem... Nearly every pair of jeans I own have the one of back belt loops broken. It happens sometimes when I get out of my 4720CH cab and the belt loop catches on the latch pin for the door. It is such an imperfect world:).

I don't think one device is that much more superior or inferior to another device. I have multiple types and they can all be a PITA if they are not cleaned and kept lubed. (They are still a PITA sometimes even if clean and lubed) Keeping them lubed is the secret. There is not much you can...

If it helps I will pass on more of my experiences: If it is indeed overheated it will very quickly boil out the radiator fluid. If you shut the tractor down you can clearly hear it boiling without even opening the hood, and there will be a puddle of fluid on the ground. (I know this from...

I have had two problems similar to yours. First, Mine used to overheat while mowing or going up steep hills. I cleaned the radiator with air and water several times but it didn't seem to help. It is difficult to clean it with all the shrouds on the backside and oil cooler on the front...

I have had good luck with Scott at Cascade Tractor in Spokane. He seems to know Bransons well, and will tell you their shortcomings as well as their advantages. I call him with questions whenever they arise and usually has an answer. He has been good with what little warranty work has needed...

I bought a 16 gallon spray tank for mounting in the bed of my UTV from them this spring. Was made for an ATV and took a wee bit of modification. It has been a good unit and was competitively priced.

One thing I have noticed about cabbed versus non-cabbed tractors: If you are on the tractor for long hours out in the wind and weather, the cab makes it much less fatiguing. 8 hours on a non-cabbed tractor will leave you dehydrated and physically wear you out, but is much more manageable with...

I had a grey market Yanmar similar to yours. It was a very good machine. It was 15-20 years old when I bought it but it looked like new. I put a lot of trouble free hours on it. I used it for about 15 years and when I needed a bigger tractor I sold it to a neighbor who is still using it...

Sorry, I just can't find it humorous or entertaining, enlightening or even watchable when the presenter's language is so incredibly vulgar.

This is good advice. I have seen quite a few odd things that I can't explain over the course of my life. It is easy to blame them on things such as UFO's. especially if you want to believe in them. However that isn't proof. But paradoxically also it doesn't mean UFO's don't exist. The same...

Without seeing the switch or knowing the tractor it is hard to tell what you need to do to access it. I would suggest you disconnect the positive terminal on your battery first and just dive in. Usually there is a circular nut holding the switch to the dash that you unscrew to loosen the...

Looks to me like you are ready to go! Branson has updated their cab since I have bought mine. The new ones like yours appear to be much nicer.

Debating what oil is best is so mostly based on unsubstantiated opinion. The truth of it is, most any brand of engine oil that meets the manufacturer's specs will work just fine, as long as you change it when it needs changed.

On my 4720ch, when I lost my tach it was because the alternator failed. What it does is count the ac waves generated and converts it to engine rpm by multiplying it times the gear ratio of the engine to the alternator. Not sure if yours is the same.

Something you should realize Arrow, is that "calling someone out", weather they deserve it or not, makes you look as bad, if not worse than the other guy.

Even with an indicator rod, some loaders seem to be much more touchy to keep level than others. I have had ones that work great, and others that when you think you are level you are either digging a hole or not picking up anything. I am not totally sure why. It may be the shape of the...

If you have a snow blower on a cabbed tractor, be sure to carry along a squeegee to clean the snow off your cab windows so you can see again. Wipers help, but you need better visibility than the wipers provide. You will find that you pay close attention to what way bower chute is pointed and...

John Deere is not one of my favorite companies for numerous reasons, and I wouldn't work for them or buy their products, but that is probably besides the point. All companies are having difficulties in hiring. Depending on your political inclination you will likely blame it on the causes that...

You need to come work for our local Mahindra dealer. The sales people there are clueless.

Magnetic drills have their purpose and are great for that, but would appear to me to be a poor substitute for a drill press. If I owned one it would set around in my shop, seldom, if ever used.

You all have mentioned my main complaints with all non-industrial grade drill presses I have seen: 1) They don't go slow enough 2) the belt tensioner is crap. Unlike mills, used industrial grade drill presses are not readily available, and too expensive for the average guy. Maybe Lou is...

That is something I have noticed. Any HST with a cab will be much noisier than the same rig without a cab. (But I am keeping my cab!)