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Results 1 to 131 of 131
  1. M

    John Deere 5400 3 point hitch lower links removal

    I second the torch part. Grampa used to call torches the blue flame ratchet
  2. M

    General lawn mowing with 54” deck

    Mine is a Cub Cadet zero turn and was doing the same thing. It wound up that this adjustment gear had worked loose and fell out. I had to get another one. See the photos - it could be something along these lines
  3. M

    Erratic and jerky hydraulics

    I recently had the same issue and it was the pickup screen in the bottom of the hydraulic oil reservoir. All the oil had to be drained out - get at least 4 clean plastic 3 gallon pails - or more depending on how much it holds - to catch this. My screen was covered and I mean covered in what...
  4. M

    Favorite farm life sayings

    I would holler up to the kids on Saturday morning "OK guys! Time to roll out! Daylight in the swamp! If that didnt work Id use my auction PA and say it again. Id tell them we had alotta work to do and when theyd ask "like what?" Id rattle off a dozen things in rapid fire being sure to throw in a...
  5. M

    Colloquialisms

    I dont chew my cabbage twice - and you aint heard the last of Earnest T Bass!
  6. M

    June Bugs, oh' wait.

    When I was a kid Dad used to take me in the semi - he drove for Michigan milk producer association - and at 5:00AM the June bugs were so thick the windshield was plastered with them as he drove. The wipers and washers almost couldn't keep up. Here in Michigan I hardly saw any June bugs this...
  7. M

    Hydrolics

    Good post - I recently had the same issue and it was the pickup screen. All the oil had to be drained out - get at least 4 clean plastic 3 gallon pails - or more depending on how much it holds - to catch this. My screen was covered and I mean covered in what looked like wood shavings from a...
  8. M

    How to rid huge barn of birds?

    Mine is very convincing - the head swivels and everything. $29 at the TSC store. After I put it up though I kept craving a tootsie roll tootsie pop
  9. M

    Driving over a septic tank

    It will be fine till it aint. Then you'll be kicking yourself
  10. M

    Rod size for euro hooks

    Thats what I did on mine to spread the stress out. A hot root pass of 1/8" 6013 chip and brush and then several passes of 1/8" 7018 on top of that. Been holding up for years now and will pick up the back of the tractor
  11. M

    Neighbor's tree fell on my property, now ???

    Not to mention another excuse to raise rates on one or both of you.
  12. M

    When did you become emotional?

    A sign of wisdom and maturity
  13. M

    Safest Payment Method?

    In God we trust all others bring cash
  14. M

    I Won't Operate My Equipment in Wet Weather

    I blow mine out at least once a year. Its crazy how much dust and chaff can get lodged in the fins. I could definitely see how this could cause the machine to run hot
  15. M

    When did I lose control?

    The things we do for love
  16. M

    Is my diesel still usable?

    If youre worried about it mix it 50-50 with fresh diesel. The modern gas is supposed to have a shelf life too and I just mix fresh gas in with it with no issue
  17. M

    I keep breaking 1/2 ratchets on my lug nuts.

    I have an old 953 John Deere running gear that is set up as a flat rack. I had not owned this very long but during the covid shut down I had some time so I decided I would grease the wheel bearings. When I went to take the the wheels off the lug nuts were stuck bad enough where PB blaster...
  18. M

    Which wheel rake?

    How many wheel rake is it?
  19. M

    Black Chicken meat for dinner

    You could have some blue potatoes with that and call it black and blue supper
  20. M

    Repair lawn after leash field replacement

    Chain harrow would be a good idea. They're not heavy and can be pulled around by a four wheeler or a rider mower like yours. They work pretty good for leveling dirt and leave an area that is prepped for seeding. They do a nice job on a driveway too
  21. M

    Trailer Tires

    I actually have Carlisle on my square baler. They seem decent.
  22. M

    What site do you use for weather forecast?

    I check my phones weather but also note conditions. Here in Michigan a southeast wind is an indicator of rain regardless of the time of year. In winter it will warm up and rain. A mackerel sky is also a sign of rain within the next day. Thunderheads too. I also check the barometer. Spring...
  23. M

    Now this is a tractor!

    We see them here in Michigan. There are some huge Dutch dairies here and they use these foreign made machines. I saw a three headed Krone Mower that looked to be cutting at least 8 mph. They're common too. I have an 8 ft three point Krone mower I use for cutting hay and its well made and fast
  24. M

    Mowed a section of land on neighbors property

    Thats usually something city folk do when they get property - posting no trespassing signs all over it
  25. M

    Mowed a section of land on neighbors property

    It may not be located wrong. In our township there is a 12 foot setback supposed to be factored in on fences. In other words a fence is supposed to be 12 feet inside the actual property line. Nobody here does it though because after 80 rods that adds up to a fair amount of land you cant use /...
  26. M

    Will my 8'x8' shed blow over in the wind?

    Those are good - they can be tough to get in but they are pretty good. Anything you can do to hold it down is better than just trusting gravity to do it. Good luck with it
  27. M

    Will my 8'x8' shed blow over in the wind?

    "ISTM UV would weaken that roof rather quickly given that you're in the south where the sun is strong." - Agree - My ridge cap was the clear plastic and while it let in alot of sunlight it was only about 6 years old before it started to leak. My Amish neighbor that builds pole barns told me that...
  28. M

    Will my 8'x8' shed blow over in the wind?

    I've seen larger structures than this get flipped. Anchoring now will save you from aggravation and regret later. I've always built on posts 42" down and we've had horrendous winds at times but everything has stayed put
  29. M

    Heat Guns?

    These are useful when a torch is too much. If the pressure relief valve freezes on the air compressor - it happens sometimes
  30. M

    Front loader capacity

    Loaded tires would be a start. Mines a 50 hp John Deere - a tad smaller - and will carry a ton on the front loader but ballast on the 3 point is a big help. Even a round bale on the 3 point spear will help. Hilly ground is also an issue and can make the back tires come up easier than flat...
  31. M

    Does anybody tow a 10,000lb trailer with a F150?

    That 1970 F100 was a different animal wasnt it?
  32. M

    Will I be happy with 3t (6300-6500lb) vs 3.5t, homestead/occasional use machine?

    There just dont seem to be any "deals" on anything these days
  33. M

    How to tell if grease is going into zerk on bushog wheel

    I've had them clog or even had a spindle on a flat rack that just wouldn't take grease. Get a coupling nut 3/8" or similar not too big- these are long nuts that are used to couple bolts together. Grind the nipple off of a grease zerk and braze the ground end onto the coupling nut. Back out the...
  34. M

    Trailer Weight Distribution

    I always block up the rear of the trailer with a few 6x6 blocks to keep this from happening. I have seen the back end of a truck get picked up when loading before
  35. M

    Tool Box / Storage

    Thats what I used on mine cept its green
  36. M

    Part name that acts as stop?

    They also work well for securing trailer latches since they wont freeze like a padlock. Lots of uses for these
  37. M

    Do you have norway rats infesting and destroying the garden??😥😥

    If I remember right these can be warifin resistant. An Amish friend of mine had rats in his hog barn - bad. He tried all sorts of poisons but nothing would fix it. Then he went out one morning and a skunk had been in the barn. The rats left after that.
  38. M

    Board fence ideas?

    I built mine with treated round posts put in to 42" deep - the frost line here in Michigan. No concrete just some pea gravel at the bottom and then packing the dirt as I fill the hole. The boards are 1 x 6 x 16 long ash which I stagger the ends on. Fence has been in 7 years now and is used for...
  39. M

    Loose fan pulley. No leaks.

    Get a good air blower and blow out your radiator while your at it. If you havent done it in awhile - or not at all you might be surprised how much dust and chaff a radiator can hold preventing air from the fan from being able to pass trough the radiator.
  40. M

    New Railroad ties used for structural support.

    I've done 12" on center and had the inspector require it on a 12 foot tall wall. You might get away with less. I went the extra mile on mine and know its solid
  41. M

    New Railroad ties used for structural support.

    If he is doing stud walls instead of post construction and those walls will be supporting free span trusses 2 foot on center - 2x6 walls on 12' center is not out of line especially since he mentioned 10' walls. Thats a bit of weight
  42. M

    Horse arena finish with just a rear blade?

    we use a small chain harrow for ours. It can be pulled behind a zero turn or a four wheeler
  43. M

    Cedar Porch Ceiling

    Looks very nice
  44. M

    What size are these hooks?

    3/8 is a good all around size. I've had 5/16ths and it doesn't take much to stretch it. The 3/8 is a bit clumsier but is almost always up to the job
  45. M

    Not Enough Babies?

    It goes back to "they say". They say allotta things and if you live long enough youll see them flip flop on some things
  46. M

    New Railroad ties used for structural support.

    I live in a barndominium and the previous poster is right about getting free span trusses. They cost a bit more (heavier build) and will probably have to be run on 2 foot centers. You mentioned 2 x 4 walls - those trusses will be a load to carry - 6x6 posts every 8 feet with double 2 x 12...
  47. M

    What Caused This Wood Deck Failure?

    With a layer of visqueen underneath it might be. It is amazing how much moisture can surface on concrete especially when it warms up - even with a layer of visqueen
  48. M

    Suggestions for a Bush Hog for Ford 1220

    Fencing and grazing this would be way more profitable in the long run. Hogging this with a 4 foot brush hog is gonna take forever
  49. M

    Tractor Manual

    If you do find a source of a manual make sure they dont offer 2 different manuals. An operators manual - which offers limited info on servicing the tractor and focuses on the operation of the machine - and a service manual which tells you how to work on the tractor in detail
  50. M

    Ireland

    No - Guinness IS better in Ireland and it comes in pints over there
  51. M

    Single axle, dually equipment trailer

    Someone came to one of my auctions some years back and bought a farmall. They had a trailer similar to this and tilted it back and drove the tractor right up on it. When he drove it far enough on it tilted back to the flat position and his friend latched it into place. It looked dangerous...
  52. M

    Trailer wood deck treatment: Brush on used oil, linseed oil, sealer stain, unicorn tears...?

    Used motor oil use it on the flat racks and the trailer. Do it on a warm sunny day in direct sunlight. If you have to do every few years it only costs you the time to apply it.
  53. M

    Solar Eclipse...

    He once starred at the sun with a pair of binoculars for over an hour
  54. M

    Why so much tongue weight on 22' car hauler trailers?

    OK thats right but the difference in handling is like night and day
  55. M

    Why so much tongue weight on 22' car hauler trailers?

    The new 1/2 ton trucks are weak and poor load haulers, they are known as grocery getters for a reason. Aint it the truth
  56. M

    Why so much tongue weight on 22' car hauler trailers?

    If you have too much weight behind the axles it can - more than likely will - cause you to lose control swerving all over the road. I had one about 30 years ago with the axles in the middle and it did that to me with a heavy load on. I talked with several of my friends who said there was too...
  57. M

    rear hydraulics going wonky

    Might need a filter change - start with the simple easy stuff first
  58. M

    Perhaps, a Dumb Question

    Resistors / arresters - also called check valves - definitely a must. One downside to using propane or map gas is that the preheat time for torch cutting is noticeably longer. And though you may not ever need to weld with the torch its good to have options. Whichever you decide go with be safe...
  59. M

    Land plane for grading lumpy land (not a driveway)

    I have a 7 ft Woods land plane that I used to level mounds of dirt pulled off the edge of the pond (to put a shoulder on the edge instead of a drop off) and some of those mounds were 3 feet high. My tractor is 50 hp and weighs about 4500. It did an excellent job leveling the mounds. And they are...
  60. M

    You Know You Are Old When

    Not necessarily - some kids that age have been raised with culture and are aware of these older types of music and movies because of the miracle of re-runs
  61. M

    What to drag behind a disc?

    Definitely mow or brush hog it first. You could disc it then and get decent results. I use a chain harrow on mine after discing. It is like giant chain link 1/2'' material with 2'' points that rough up the ground. Its about 8 foot wide and 12 feet long and mounted to a three point frame so that...
  62. M

    Hitch ball / coupler near disaster

    What he said. Just about anything mechanical needs lubrication from time to time
  63. M

    Where Does Your "Handle" Come From?

    Shes still the girl for me
  64. M

    Roof Beam replacement.

    It does seem small - usually they're 2 x 8s. Then again i've seen worse,, you probably have too
  65. M

    Add this to the list of reasons I’m going to sell my Kioti

    "The Kioti manual tells you NO fuel additives". What about anti gel in the winter?
  66. M

    Where Does Your "Handle" Come From?

    My initials and a phone number that I just cant seem to forget
  67. M

    Roof Beam replacement.

    Every four feet is a good rule but the purlins in this building are set on edge and appear to be 2x6s so that you can space the trusses farther apart. Ive seen it both ways and both are tried and tested - boils down to preference I spose. The trusses on the other hand look like they used way...
  68. M

    Which paint for covering up smells

    OIL Based kilz is best
  69. M

    Stuck in the pond

    Like Clint said - A mans got to know his limitations
  70. M

    Can I grease too much?

    A little often is better than allot once in a while - I can think of a few other things that are that way too
  71. M

    Tree cutting accident

    Safety glasses are cheap and more comfortable to wear now than they ever have been. Only problem for me is they fog up on me sometimes. But I still use them
  72. M

    Tree cutting accident

    Our ash has gone the way of our Elm trees - hardly any of them now. The elms stood for a long time after dying and were much safer to cut down. These ash on the other hand rot at the base and tend to fall down sooner and rot quicker. It pays to be careful and be a bit of a sissy when working on...
  73. M

    Bolt size

    Might have to get it from a dealer. Last time I needed one like this it was $120 from the JD dealer
  74. M

    How hot is it?

    I've spent a good amount of time outside year around for decades - the weather here in Michigan is anything but typical this year. I studied weather and know how to look for signs of rain and fair weather without any media - dont watch TV. Somehow the idea of being lumped in with "the masses"...
  75. M

    How hot is it?

    It seems the weather is all over the place here in America this year. We (Michigan) started out very dry this spring - dry enough where the first cutting yield was less than normal. July was unusually wet and cooler affecting drying times and produce (vegetables) was behind a good three weeks...
  76. M

    Selling a house, real estate commission

    Careful not to lump us all in the same boat. my vehicle is a 2010 chevy truck and I think its ridiculous the way prices are. But to criticize a Realtor for getting good money for a listing - thats what were paid to do,,,. If the appraisal says its worth it based on the market I dont see how we...
  77. M

    Neighbors Sue for Horse Manure Pile Smell

    These forms are required in any real property transaction whether a real estate agent is involved or not. Its a state law and is in place to protect buyers and sellers of real property. I sell real estate in Michigan
  78. M

    Neighbors Sue for Horse Manure Pile Smell

    No - when people buy they sign the form as an acknowledgement that they are aware of farming in the area. This is proof that they knew going in that the property is near farm operations that include noise dust odors etc. This law is to keep people from shutting down farms over natural effects of...
  79. M

    Neighbors Sue for Horse Manure Pile Smell

    No - that would fall under township ordinance. I had a neighbor playing obscene rap "music" while my grandson and I were working on our fence. When I went to talk to him bout it he went ballistic and said nothing was going to change. I thought we might be able to reach an agreement without...
  80. M

    Neighbors Sue for Horse Manure Pile Smell

    Under Michigan disclosure law it is required for the owner of a property that is within vicinity of farm operations to disclose this on the seller disclosure form - which the buyer of the property (the new neighbors) are required to sign. It serves as their acknowledgement that the property may...
  81. M

    What spray lube do you like?

    WD seems to work pretty well. I used to use PB Blaster but think the WD is as good. If something is stuck that bad I generally use a blue flame ratchet to get it loose
  82. M

    Moving from 1/2 ton truck to HD truck

    Those 6 liters were bullet proof - many go past 300,000 miles. My 2010 has 276,000 and still has power. Hard on gas sometimes but the payment is right
  83. M

    trailering your utility tractors

    Mines 4800 lbs with the front loader- I use 3/8 chains and ratchet binders
  84. M

    reading a dial caliper

    Still a valuable instrument. We had a digital height gage when I worked at the shop and people were constantly borrowing it. I requested a new one but with the vernier scale. Problem solved
  85. M

    reading a dial caliper

    You might know this you might not. To convert a fraction to a decimal you divide the numerator (top number) by the denominator ( bottom number) Ex - 3/4 3 divided by 4 = .75 Also to find half of a fraction you double the denominator Ex half of 3/4 is 3/8 half of 3/8 is 3/16 half of 3/16 is...
  86. M

    Box Scraper Land Planes / Grading Scrapers

    I bought a Woods GSM84P land plane in 2020 for $1800 and I see they cost about $500 more now. Good tool that weighs just over 700 pounds. I used it to level dirt that was dug off of the pond edges so that there was a shoulder instead of a drop off. There was a fair amount of dirt to move but it...
  87. M

    Disc Mower for Compact Tractor???

    I use an 8 footer to cut my hay - similar result to what a sickle bar mower would do. These are fast but are heavy. My John deere is over 50 horse but when you have the disc in the upright (transport) position you want to take off slow or youll pull the front wheels off the ground. I see some...
  88. M

    Dropped 20 acres last night

    Same here in Michigan dry dry dry
  89. M

    Snake ID in the northeast

    If they get that big they are eating their share of mice and such. Ive seen different color variations of these with some of them having a red tint
  90. M

    It only took a decade...

    "It only took a decade" - no one will accuse you of running right out and buying the first thing you looked at. Those hours will taper off after the novelty wears off a bit. Ive seen folks use their new tractors to haul trash bags to the road or even get their mail
  91. M

    Jet pump question.

  92. M

    Removing Bush Hog blade?

    Blue flame ratchet is the way to go. Why are you sharpening the blades though?
  93. M

    Electric Riding Mowers

    Im just gonna say it - we dont need no stinking lectric mowers!
  94. M

    What Do You Do For Exercise?

    When I was working construction I noticed that now and then a strong looking fella would show up wanting to work on our crew and, as we would work through the day he would usually run out of gas well before the day was out. Most of us were of average build but hardened up to work. That has to...
  95. M

    Install Winch to Compact tractor

    I spose - but doesnt the tractor make a pretty good winch by itself?
  96. M

    Why do tire chains work?

    V bar chains work well. mine are heavy and a pain to put on but make all the difference on an icy slope
  97. M

    prep work to silver solder braze loader hydraulic line

    Silver solder is perfect for high pressure lines. I used to solder hundreds of stainless lines into junction blocks. The trick is to have the steel clean and not to get it too hot where it scorches (turns black). If you do scorch it let it cool down and clean the steel with emery cloth or a wire...
  98. M

    Posthole digger/auger

    TSC carries the County line brand. I got one new for $600 with a nine inch auger. I've set lots of post and have more yet to set. As old and tired says they are a bit of a pain to put on - a stand of some sort would make the job easier but they save allotta work
  99. M

    Picking up lots of big-ish rocks

    " I decided to do what the pro's do and rented a mini ex. The reach and lift ability are far superior to a CUT backhoe and the whole operation can be done from the same seat. " There you have it folks - living proof that a man can love a machine. Ive used one of these for picking up rocks and...
  100. M

    Hauling Round Baler

    #2 as well. Especially if you haven't hauled larger things - there's always a learning curve and it usually translates into more money spent. Just talking from a few miserable experiences
  101. M

    Selling a Tractor Back to the Dealer. Is this a possibility?

    Remember the old saying about a bird in the hand?
  102. M

    John Deere 6400 Water Pump replacement!

    Consider rebuilding it verses replacing it. They wanted $650 for a rebuilt one at the JD dealership - not that Id go there unless I had to - but the rebuild kit was only $53.
  103. M

    Squatter's rights;

    This is what we are taught and have been taught for years in our continuing education classes. But - just because its law doesnt mean a judge wont decide differently. That part needs to change otherwise someone can legally steal land
  104. M

    Squatter's rights;

    Well that brings up a good question - who paid the property taxes all those years? In Michigan the law says that the people had to aggressively use or occupy the property AND also pay the taxes. That doesnt mean a judge will render in favor of what the law says though. It seems more and more...
  105. M

    How do you know Spring is just around the corner, or here already?

    Redwing blackbirds are a sign. I heard two of them today
  106. M

    Noticeable, regular "lurch" felt on smooth roads.

    If the tires are filled that can account for some movement at high speeds
  107. M

    What size earth auger bit do you use for a 4x4 fence post?

    Ive set hundreds of posts with and without an auger. We never use concrete or foam. Just pack the dirt or maybe pea gravel in the hole first (bottom 6" or so) then pack the dirt. Use a dirt packer - 5 foot 3/4" steel rod with a 3" round steel cookie welded to the packing end. It will firm up...
  108. M

    This one was bold and nasty. Emphasis on "was"

    Worms gotta eat same as buzzards - Jose Wales
  109. M

    Getting clay mud off tires easily

    I drive down our road (gravel) in transport gear. But you gotta watch out as sometimes those chunks will come flying right at you
  110. M

    Adding grab hooks on front bucket, 2 or 3 hooks?

    Its a privilege denied many
  111. M

    Adding grab hooks on front bucket, 2 or 3 hooks?

    Do the hook in the middle of the bucket as well as the ends. Put a plate of steel on the bucket instead of welding directly to the bucket- this will spread out the stress. Lifting heavier things - or trying to with the side hooks could rack the loader frame if you aren't careful. Get a 3 point...
  112. M

    Parking - in the new day an age - Rant

    And at times like this I'm grateful for my old truck
  113. M

    Road Rage, revisited.

    I refuse to let them "pinch "me and speed up when they are trying to
  114. M

    Road Rage, revisited.

    I saw many of them in Ireland - but they drive on the other side of the road there. There I was shifting with the left hand and steering with the right and then came up to a round about. That will test your skill as a driver. The round abouts seem to work very efficiently there
  115. M

    Newbie to haying

    I use a Krone 8ft disc mower to cut our hay. These things are FAST! It was $11000 new but I was spending as much time working on my HN haybine as I was actually cutting. To get a discbine (with the rollers) is quite a bit more $ and I reasoned that my Amish neighbors dont have a conditioner...
  116. M

    What they said isn't what you heard

    The Rolling Stones - Angie - when I first heard this I thought he was saying "I aint Jed". The Beverly Hillbillies were on in those days so it just fit
  117. M

    I thought Sthil made a good saw?

    And - as Mr Haney would say - its GUARANTEED! not to rust,,
  118. M

    Removing the Chains of Bondage...

    Our mud was starting to dry out few days ago but it snowed and thankfully our mud is nice and sticky again
  119. M

    What have you done in preparation for the 2020 hay season?

    I put new beams and cross members on this Oliver 5003 3 ton running gear. I stretched it out 1 foot as well. The one front zerk would not take grease and the front end was really stiff. I tried one of those gadgets you fill with oil and then drive the oil into the zerk but it wouldnt work. So I...
  120. M

    Saw Haul Overhaul

  121. M

    Preventing post rot after the fact?

    I never set posts in concrete. I auger out the hole then clean out the excess with a hand post hole digger. Set the post in and tamp the dirt in with a steel tamper (this is just a piece of 3/4' round stock 5' long with a 2"round 1/2" thick steel cookie welded to one end) until the dirt is...
  122. M

    Does Maple make good posts?

    Tcreeley has a good point. I have used utility poles and railroad ties for corner posts for years now with good results. You cant buy a treated post today that will last as well - no doubt the ones that lasted better were bad for the environment or something. That's not to say i don't use modern...
  123. M

    County Line Post Hole Digger - Watch which one you get!

    I bought one of these diggers last year and dug many holes with it. I dig at an idle and it seems to work pretty good. Dug hundreds by hand over the years so this is a treat to have
  124. M

    Looking for suggestions - old tractor for running round baler

    As the name of the thread implies I am looking for recommendations for an older tractor for running a round baler. Something along the lines of an IH 886 or MH 185. Looking for machines with a dependable reputation. Open to suggestions. Thanks in advance.
  125. M

    28 acres worth a hay operation?

    I forgot - some of these folks might not know Mr Kimball.
  126. M

    Mr. Spock - RIP

  127. M

    What to do with my pastures

    This has no doubt been discussed before but, I'm looking for suggestions on what to do to recondition my pastures. They are hilly on the one side and the other (low) side tends to hold water. There is a small ditch that leads to a tile but sometimes the water takes its time. The pastures are...
  128. M

    Steering knuckle slop

    Some time ago I noticed quite a bit of slop in the left side steering knuckle on my JD 5205. There is a 1/2 " grade 8 bolt that is supposed to help keep the knuckle tight. I tightened it and it broke before it even started to close the gap in the knuckle. So I took it off ( yes I marked it...
  129. M

    Brush Hog question

    I bought a used brush hog Saturday and took it out and used it on a about a five acre field out back that was overgrown and had saplings growing on it as well. It worked pretty good but I noticed that the wheel on the back didn't really roll but more or less dragged sideways much of the time...
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