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Hello gang, It's been a long time ... Today, I finally added a pressure gauge to my LW-8 Backhoe. You may remember that I got one from a friend, then fixed it all up and made a custom sub-frame for it to fit my 55HP Kama. This is the name of the thread about it: "Diamond Shape Sub-Frame for...

Hello fellow members. Boy, it's been a long time since I wrote a new thread. But I recently acquired a new (used) LW-8 Backhoe from my good friend Scott. It has quite a bit more reach than my Italian made Nardi 220 hoe, so I was very interested in getting it. It also weighs a lot more and has a...

I didn't get anywhere trying to get new control cables for the Cofle Joystick in my other thread. So I decided to go ahead and repair the broken ones. I had a cable break a couple years ago in exactly the same place and I saved it for a repair like this. Below are a couple photos of the...

Hi guys, Thought someone out there could help provide a link to a place where I can get replacement FEL control cables. I have a Koyker 195 loader with a Dinoil valve. It has a Cofle joystick. I called Koyker today and they no longer carry the cable I need, which is their part number 669296...

Hi guys, I just finished a little project which I wanted to share with you guys. It's a home made Chainsaw Cart made from all scrap materials except the tires some roller thrust bearings and some expanded metal I had to buy. I know I could've bought one for a little more than I got into this...

LOL ... wouldn't you know it, after working the Kama 554 for 14 hours on my pond project, the bearing in the water pump went out. This is right after I completed the engine overhaul, so it's a good thing I'm pretty good natured. My other thought was to take my 378 Weatherby Magnum with armor...

Hi guys, I've decided to tear the 554 Kama apart to deal with the excessive blow by I've had since about 500 hours on the machine. You might remember me trying several things to reduce (and hide) it in related threads here: Re-Route Breather Vent Kama 554 I've got 718 hours on the clock, but...

To make a long story short, I busted the 4wd on Loretta's 284. Ever since reading about how careful to be ... not using 4wd when using the loader for example, we have been using it sparingly and only when needed. Well, when I was using her 284 to rip trenches for the sprinkler systems, I needed...

No big deal...just sharing... Just to let you know, the PTO clutch on Loretta''s 284 Jinma was sticking. We were using the post hole digger. Sometimes pressing the clutch pedal in all the would stop the implement rotation, other times not. Being a dangerous tool, I thought it best to check...

Hi guys, I wanted to share a simple modification which made operating a little easier for me. My Kama 554 came stock with 2 rear remotes. Several years ago, I switched that valve so it operates 2 hydraulic side link cylinders when I added top and tilt. I also added another 3 spool valve so I...

I've been reading the other threads about all that rain in Texas and now Frost for the guys back East. Out here in Central California foothills we have the HEAT coming. Last week it got into the 90'sF and yesterday it was supposed to get to 102F. It's only mid May. We usually have a camp out...

Thought I'd share this chain/tool box addition. After installing one of Larry's ammo boxes on Loretta's Jinma, I had to install the other one on my Kama. Mounting it low on her tractor, and using it several times already, it was really easy to get chains in and out of these dual lid ammo boxes...

Hi guys, You may remember when I made my Quick Attach Gauge Wheels to fit my box blade, landscape rake and rotary mower? I had the receptacles on the box blade, which is the implement I have on the tractor more than any other. I wanted to be able to tow a small trailer while I had the box...

You may have read this thread about re-routing the breather on my Kama? Re-Routing Breather Tube on Kama 554 What this did is re-route some of the blow by from my engine back into the air intake manifold so it could be re-burned. Larry had mentioned that his breather is plumbed to his intake...

We are finally getting around to making some more improvements to Loretta's 284 Jinma. On the list are several items which include (not necessarily in order): -Add tool box(es) (including the ones Larry gave me a couple years ago). -Add a Filter Minder gauge for the air filter. -Add FEL...

Any members besides myself going to attend this year? I got a PM from MountainView and he'll be staying at my place while attending the fair this year. Hope to see some familiar faces there.

My stock oil sensor went out when I broke off one of the electric connecting posts. This happened when I was re-assembling the tractor after splitting it. I went to Napa and bought a mechanical oil gauge and finally installed it the other day. I installed a "T" into the oil sensing port...

Last year, exactly a year ago when we bought Loretta's Jinma along with Scott's tractor purchases, we ordered a bunch of implements. One of them was the WC-6 Chipper which is similar to the Jinma Chipper so many of you have. It was literally half price of the ones we could buy here since our...

Hi guys, Do you guys know where I can get, or do any of you dealers carry 8.3 x 20 R1 Ag tires for my Kama 554 fronts? These are tube type tires and I need (2) of them. How about the tubes for them? Thanks, Rob-

Is there a meter I can get to determine propane usage? I'm a routed customer and the tank gets filled periodically. I'd like a way to check the amount of gallons I'm charged for is somewhat close to what I'm using ... if you know what I mean. Thanks, Rob-

Hi guys, Almost a year ago I was asking about excessive blow by on my Kama 554 in this old thread. Excessive Blow-By Kama 554 As it turned out, the blow by is not too excessive after all. In fact, other owners said it was pretty standard. Someday I'll do an engine overhaul if it becomes...

Well, I got the tractor back to work after the throw out bearing repair. The creeping in neutral seems to have gone away. I guess it was normal after all so I'm not worried about it? I got a lot of little things fixed on the Kama before getting it out of the barn. But not before I painted...

Right after I re-set the valve lash on my 2005 Kama 554 I started doing some FEL work in order to get to a pile of logs that I wanted to gather for firewood. Wouldn't you know it, I pressed the clutch pedal in and felt it give way and the tractor kept going. I had to yank it out of gear to...

I know there are many threads about setting the valve lash and torquing the head bolts by now, but this one is for Loretta's 2008 Jinma 284 with the QC395T EPA conforming engine. Loretta helped me with the whole procedure and did several things herself. It might help some guys who have that...

This last week we had to do the usual road repairs at the ravine switchback. We decided to widen it and build it up another foot and also add more boulders around the sides of the land bridge. I had to dig into DG and get a bunch of boulders. I was driving up some steep embankments to get...

Now that we have a wood burning stove, Loretta and I wanted to make our own firewood cart. We're going to keep it out on the deck near the door, so we wanted it to be similar looking and sort of match our Log Home. The cart holds about a 1/2 rick of wood. In our area it's not as cold as in...

Loretta and I got a pair of 17HMR Savage rifles bare bones Model 93 R17GV 17HMR. The left hand one is GLV. Do a search since you can get them about anywhere. I think Big 5 has them for about $215 bucks on sale. They have wood stocks and the accutrigger which was the feature I was looking for...

With all this talk of getting my steering to work better, I was going to remove the power steering cylinder and dis-assemble it to check for nicks or whatever to see if I could find anything obviously wrong with it and repair it if needed. I noticed that the bolts holding the mount to the front...

Any dove shooters out there? Anybody else make opening day a yearly ritual like I do? Where do you hunt and is it with the same group?

For those of you who have the Olfe joystick with control cables, is there a website that explains, preferably with photos, the easy way to replace a broken control cable? Also, when turning in the brass collars onto the valve, what is the proper way to set the spring pressure? I just got...

About a month ago, I was cleaning up my bikes since we're moving them. I called my son Matthew up and he came over to help me wash and wax one of them. We changed the oils and battery on the 92' Sportster and got it running. Man that bike is nice with the 89" S & S stroker motor in it...

I've got a problem with how little Loretta's Jinma284 bucket curls. When she scoops up dirt or material, a lot of it tends to fall out of her bucket because the bucket does not curl back far enough to make sure it stays in there. Especially when carrying the load low, the material tends to...

I did some work at the property this weekend like bush hogging the meadow again. Man what a lot of dust and debris. I also did some other work and cleaned the tractor up a bit. I noticed I had gone over the 500 hour mark on the clock. Besides what my manual says to do for the maintenance...

I've read a lot about guys dealing with large rocks and boulders lately. In most of those threads, there is a reference to a liquid solution which you pour into drilled holes and it splits the rocks. Well, I got to experience it first hand with some boulders I had to split this weekend. Some...

Loretta finally got around to changing her injector pump oil on her 2008 Jinma 284. It is a good thing to check it frequently and change it once a year or sooner if you wish. Keeps your injector pump in good working order. Some reminders on how to do it. Refer to the photos below and use a...

About a year ago I bought a standard utility Carlson Trailer with ramp gate. It's my first trailer. It's 7,000lb dual axle 16' car hauler type and 8' wide on the outside. It's got a 1 foot tall steel railing around the bed, equalizer leaf springs, electric brakes on one axle and 2" x 6" wood...

Hi guys, Thought I'd share our next project for Loretta's 284 Jinma. We ordered a 48" Markham toothbar with 6 teeth instead of the standard 5 teeth on it. Reason being on the 5 tooth model, the 2 teeth next to the center tooth would interfere with the grapple jaw tips in case I reposition the...

There is a whole group of "the old gang" that I am still in touch with. These are guys I've known since I cam to America in 1957, so in my case, a lot of them from the 1st grade and ever since. We went to Junior High and also graduated together from High school...I've known these guys for 51...

While driving through a rural part of Fresno California, we drove by this place that had what appeared a bunch of old tractors and small bulldozers stuck up on fence poles. I just couldn't believe what I saw so I snapped some photos with my cell phone which did not come out that good. But on...

Thought I'd share a little story about changing out the worn inner blade on my trusty boxblade. You've seen the wear I've gotten of several years use on my hard decomposed granite roads and all the roads, trails and foundations I've built with it. The front of the side plates on the box itself...

I was messing around with Loretta's hydraulic system on her 284 Jinma this week. I took the valves off and decided to make a comparison of the stock ZL-20 FEL valve to her new Ranch Hand Supply aftermarket FEL valve. I have a couple questions that came up after comparing them. As advertised...

I'm nearing 500 hours (on the clock) on my Kama 554. I have a couple of questions. I've noticed excessive blow-by coming from the breather cap on the valve cover. It's become more apparent than before. I can see oil fumes (smoke) getting pushed out the little holes in the breather cap and...

Some of you may have seen Loretta's thread here My New Jinma where she got a brand new 284 in January. She just loves that tractor and plans to do all her gardening and farming with it. It came with the ZL20 loader and valve. We noticed the stock valve does not have a "float" feature and the...

This is pretty interesting. A while ago there was some discussion about the manifold heater on the Kama 554. It is a feature that works by holding the key in the counter-clockwise position for 20 or 30 seconds. That allows a heating element to heat up and ignite a few droplets of fuel inside...

You may have seen some of the work I've been doing with the Kama 554 these last couple weeks around the homesite and especially the road work in my Log Home Thread. Well, my power steering had been acting funny for some time now. Sometimes working just fine and other times it gets really hard...

Over the years new threads keep popping up seeking the answer to "What implement to use for...? or which implement is better for this or that?" Those that come to mind are boxblades, rear blades, road graders, rock grapples or bucket grapples etc., and the list goes on. I've learned a lot on...

I recently got a hydraulic dump trailer that has a single acting hydraulic cylinder on it. My Kama 554 has a 1/2 remote on it and supposedly, that is to run a single acting cylinder. Past research led to a couple possible answers, but I wanted to run it by the experts to confirm before I start...

Several months ago, I bought a 10,500 lb Mile Marker 2 speed Hydraulic Winch model 70-50050C. It came with a clevis that you can slip into a trailer hitch. I got it off eBay for $695 + $45 shipping, so I thought it was a pretty good deal. I wanted to mount it on my Kama 554 so it can be...

Well, here's another mod I've been wanting to do for the last two years. I had 2 sets of 100w halogen off road lights sitting around but never got around to installing them either. That is until Larry came to visit this last time. He came to get his injector pump he ordered from Scott, but...

You guys remember when Larry started his thread about the filter minder installation? Then several others did the same thing to their tractors. Well, when Larry first posted about his, he emailed me a link to bid on one for my tractor and I got one for like $8.85 plus shipping ... about $17...

Hey guys, It's been a long couple weeks to catch up on things. Not having Internet at the rural property really makes it tough getting all the pictures and stories together, instead of posting on a regular basis. You may have heard that Larry visited us in 3R in anticipation of the arrival of...

Some of you know how I have used my Kama 554 in land preparation for my new log home, garage and barn. I have just over 420 hours on the meter, but more actual hours than that since the meter was not working for a couple months when I first got it. From estimates I got for all the dirt work...

Hi guys, I've decided to start a new thread about the hydraulic quick attach gauge wheels I made. They started out as dedicated wheels for my Rotary Cutter, but at some point I came up with the idea to make them into a quick attach unit so I could use them on a number of implements as gauge...

It's a 2003 Arctic Cat 250cc dedicated 4x4 shown in my avatar. I snapped (don't know how) the right rear axle. I ordered replacement parts to fix it at camp. I'd like to know how to get the axle out of the rear end...any special tools or tricks needed? I don't have the service repair...

Hi guys, Many of you have read the threads about my food plot and life at my camp in general. Here's a link to a couple threads. I've been living out of camp for over 3 years now, waiting for my log home to be built. Driving to Your Property Food Plot Anyway, over the years I've had to do...

A little over a year ago while shopping at Harbor Freight, they had a portable bandsaw on sale for $49.95 I figured for that price I couldn't go wrong. This last weekend at the property, I found out I was right. It was the first time I opened the box! I also bought several other items such...

Hi guys, Thought I'd share this little detail with you guys. Somewhere in the mix of all the grading, pad building, rock moving and brush removal I managed to put a good sized gouge in the sidewall of my front tire. Probably when working in the rocks, the tire got pinched by the rocks. It...

Hi, You may remember from adding home made chain guards to my rotary brush hog mower that I saved a bunch of money by making them myself instead of buying them. I wanted to use that money towards making it so I could lower and raise the rear wheel as easily as my 3pt lowers and raises the front...

I used to be able to add a diameter and degree symbol in my posts. Now I get this when I add a degree symbol after a temperature: ｰ and this for the diameter sign: ﾘ Here are the ones for: cent: ｢ 1/4: ｼ 1/2: ｽ 3/4: ｾ and the plus or minus sign for tolerances: ｱ I noticed...

I'm thinking of adding chain guards to my rotary cutter for safety. In looking on the Internet, I found some that are made for my 6' Howse. About the best price I found for both front and rear guards was $150, not bad, but shipping was another $125. Several years ago I bought some 5/16" chain...

Well, we finally saw "THE BEAR" at camp this weekend...Friday night at 1:00am. Excitement is a mild way to put it. Here's what happened... When we got to camp we saw sign that he had been in camp and into the ATV shed. Sure signs of bear visitors. This is the back of the ATV shed where the...

Nearing the last of the 400 hour maintenance on my Kama 554, I changed the transmission and transfer case oils. For those of you contemplating this, here are a couple photos in case you have not done this yet. Here is the rear end of the Kama 554 from underneath. The transmission and rear end...

Hi, you may have seen where Loretta and I visited Larry and Esther for a 6 day vacation. Go here to read about it: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104215 This is a continuation of our vacation, but focusing on the new road Larry built with his new bulldozer. It was...

Hi, You may have known that Loretta and I spent 6 days and 5 nights at Larry and Esther's home in New Mexico. What a beautiful State and a fantastic experience we had. Larry and Esther accommodated our every wish with outstanding hospitality and welcomed us into their family. Thank you Larry...

After all those threads about our camp life on our rural property and the solar shed project, http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/81392-my-solar-shed.html and then building the solar power system itself http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/86406-solar-power-shed-project.html we...

I want to get Loretta her own shotgun for Dove season this year. She shoots left handed so I was looking for a left handed 12 gage autoloader. It needs to have a shorter stock ... about 12-3/4" to 13" pull length and a 26" multi choke barrel. She could then hand it down to Wesley who also...

No big deal here. Among my 400 hour tractor maintenance for my Kama 554 was to change the front axle gear oil. There are 3 drain plugs to get rid of all the old oil. One under the front differential and one on each "final drive" of the front wheels. Be sure to get all 3 drained and remove all...

You may have seen the thread started by Larry G about the 320 hydraulic pump? Hydraulic Pump CBN-320E 4 Spline Where Larry has modified the mount and added one to his Jinma 354. Larry made mention that this pump gave him almost twice the fel speed as before (75% gain) vs his 310 pump, and...

Among the other 400 hour maintenance procedures on the Kama 554 I did, one of the things was to change the fuel filter and clean out the fuel bowl again. I had ordered several fuel filters from Chip at Artrac for this very reason. First, be sure to close the fuel supply line going to the fuel...

Being that my Nardi Backhoe is mounted kinda tall on the big Kama, the stabilizer legs could stand to go down farther. On uneven ground they don't give good enough support 'cause they're too short. So I decided to cut off the feet to make them taller.:confused:

I installed a spin on suction filter bought from Northern Tool as recommended by Larry G. I had bought the unit last year and this is it. Spin-on Suction Strainer at Northern Tool for like 25 bucks. I had planned on submitting an entire photo/write up of the procedure on the Kama 554 for...

I got my new seat in already. Bought it from Agri-Supply on special email sale for $69.99. Man, is it ever nice or what? Here's a side shot and some photos if any one is interested. Notice the nice thick padding and the separated back and arm rests. I wanted a separated back because with...

I am approaching the 400 hour mark on my Kama 554. I will be doing a semi-major maintenance on it including changing out all the oils and filters, setting valve lash and head bolt re-torque, and of course a general check over on the battery and all nuts and bolts, tires, belts, running gear...

After the heavy rains my dirt road gets beat up with ruts. Each year I have to smooth them out again. I do all of it with my heavy duty customized boxblade since I don't have a real back blade like many of you guys. With Top and Tilt installed on the tractor, I've gotten pretty good at...

While building my barn pad, all the strenuous digging, ripping, fel and boxblade work has caused my shuttle shifter to not work. I bumped into a rock pile in reverse with the boxblade and the shifter got stuck. First time that's ever happened after 345 hours. After wiggling it I finally...

I was digging around the roots of an oak tree in my granite soil. This is in Central California in the foothills of the Sequoia's. Got down about 3 feet and noticed this grub crawling around the bottom. It is HUGE! It's about as big around as my finger and as long as a mousetrap. Any ideas?

I've been wanting to make a "Thumb" for my backhoe for quite some time now. Among other things, I thought it would come in especially handy for placing rip rap rocks in my gutters just before the culverts. Many of the culverts are dug down beside the road and I could reach in there to place...

I've always wanted to ask this question about multi viscosity oils...for example 5w40 oil. I've read where at colder starting temps it's easier because the 5w viscosity and then when it heats up pretty hot you still get protection from the 40w viscosity. So how exactly does this work ... the...

Last weekend Loretta and I went up to the property for 4 days. We were going to spend Thursday and Friday looking for windows and doors and meet with the contractor. We were also having a neighborhood street cleaning work day to maintain the private paved road we share. We got everything done...

I got stuck this weekend while trying to push in some new trails. In doing so, there were a million rocks and boulders I loosened up and had to get out of the way. With bucket full of dirt and rocks, I backed out over some smaller boulders when suddenly I lost all steering? I looked down to...

This weekend I decided to mount another rifle scabbard to the tractor. The "glove eating critters" ate the first one. I bought a pretty nice saddle type rifle scabbard from Sportsman's Guide, one that can hold a scoped rifle. I like to take a rifle along when working in the woods in case I...

This weekend was the start of my first "real" farming attempt using my tractor in the food plot preparation. I have used it for a million things other than plowing. I have to tell you up front how jazzed I am about it....both Loretta and I. Last year's food plot was very small, maybe a 30' x...

I finally got enough time to start a thread and upload some pictures of my latest project, adding hydraulic side links. I got quite a lesson about hydraulics in my last project so I thought to start this one now. Couple of things I wanted to accomplish were to have beefy hydraulic cylinders...

Some of you may recall this thread Solar Power Shed where I built the shed. This is a continuation and will show the progress we're making. After much delay, we finally got the electrical materials in and started to install them. Here is a picture of some of the wires that are going to be used...

Anybody know what threads are on the rear remotes on a KAMA KM554? I want to remove the rear remotes QD and thread the hose ends into another fitting. They appear to be 22mm x 1.5mm pitch but I'm just guessing. Where would I get a coupler to go from that thread to say a 1/2NPT? Also, what...

I told you guys it was a busy weekend for us. Among other things, we finally got our address for the rural property so Mrs. 3RRL ran down to the Fire department to order the address plaque. They are blue flourescent so they can be seen easily by emergency vehicles. When it came in this...

Well, I thought to use this space to post my recent adventure with the 6' Howse Brush Hog. It might not exactly be "working in the fields" but to ME it sure was. With that in mind, I have a couple of photos to share which shows just the meadow and gulley near the campsite of our...

Anybody see Tiger Woods win the Buick Open? He won to make it his 50th win on Tour. He's only 30 years old...youngest ever to achieve that accomplishment. Here's a list of the all time PGA winners. Some great names. Career Wins on the PGA Tour Sam Snead - 82 Jack Nicklaus - 73 Ben Hogan - 64...

Hi, I want to get a decent metal detector in the $150 to $200 range to use for general purpose and also to locate burried pipes. Can you advise me what Brands and models will detect deep enough to use? I imagine about 24" deep or so would be good enough...then again, I'm not sure....maybe a...

I wanted to start a new thread about installing the Andy Tatro Bucket Grapple Attachment as a follow up on this thread: JOYSTICK & HYDRAULIC QUESTIONS I received a lot of help from members but especially from MadReferee who gave me excellent advice and instructions leading to the purchase of a...

I have a question about using a larger oil filter than the stock one on my tractor. I will modify my stock oil filter mount to accept it, without disturbing the by pass ports that it now has, would it hurt? It's for my 55hp Kama 554. I was thinking about using one for the late 90's Cummins...

I have several questions...I need to determine which is the power beyond port and which is the return port on my loader valve. Look at this photo that shows the steel hydraulic line bolted into the hydraulic casting. You can see the 3pt adjustment knob to the right on the front of the casting...

The last couple of times up to the property my tractor has been visited by a "Glove Dhewing Critter". I used to find rat's nests under the hood but that has stopped since I started leaving the hood "UP" when gone. So naturally, I thought it was a rat that was chewing my leather gloves.

I was browsing around the other forums and couldn't help notice that many of the other brands have numerous posts about problems on their machines. I wonder how much of a value it is to pay the additional money for them? Compared to what we pay to do our maintenance and fix our problems...

One of our first construction projects for our rural property was to build a Solar Power Shed. It's purpose is to house the batteries, inverters and back-up generator for the system. The Solar company was going to buy a Tuff Shed for this purpose but I figured building one would save me some...

Loretta\'s Private Art I really enjoyed to see Scott's wife Kathleen share her paintings, so I thought you might take a look at some of the art work my wife Loretta has done. If you've visited our website you saw how she put that together. It's obvious who has all the talent in MY family...

One thing I noticed (specifically on my tractor) is that the power steering, loader and 3pt love and need rpm to perform at their best. Is this common for all Chinese tractors or any CUT tractor for that matter? I imagine the large industrial machines already have this feature? I'd like to...

Don\'t Argue When Exhausted My son Matthew and I went up to the property to build a solar power shed. We got into an argument after a long day of working in the 100° heat. I wanted him to add some screws because he missed a couple of places on the roof flashing. Well he went off in a huff to...

I wonder if a service like that would be useful in a small, rural town? I'm going to re-locate my garage shop anyway when I move up to my property and transfer my business license so I can continue to do specialty mold making up there. That only keeps me busy for a couple months out of the...

It was dealer mounted so I don't know anything about the joystick. I want to add a bucket mounted grapple such as I've seen on other posts where it is necessary to add an electronic switch, another cylinder and valve to run the grapple. If my memory serves me right, the joystick has a place...

I converted my 7' Howse Boxblade during my vacation so that it now has a hydraulic system to raise and lower the scarifiers. I got the idea from other threads I read here and figured it would be a fun project. I'll show a lot of pictures (again) to show the new "look" first and then the...

I couldn't find a source to buy a subframe that fit my KAMA 554 going to the Nardi Backhoe so I made my own. I've read posts about guys who made their own and that gave me the idea. D Krug was a lot of help giving me hints and pictures of the ones he made and what to look for. One of the...

I've had some problems with my KAMA solenoid not engaging the starter motor. I"ve read where others had similar problems so I thought to post this. Chip at Artrac had mentioned to "clean out" and lube it in another thread and that's just what I did. It was very easy and took about 10 mimutes...

Driving up to our property on a rainy day we saw several beautiful rainbows. Several times we saw a "double rainbow". I had not seen this before.

One of my culverts clogged up completely. The culvert is 12" diameter, 1-½ years old, plastic and corregated inside. It's about 30' or 40' long. I don't think the road guy set this one on enough slope to accellerate water flow through it so the dirt has settled and plugged it up. I'd like...

I have a hydraulic cylinder that I want to use for a project. I need the check valves to prevent/reduce leakdown like on the Top and Tilt cylinder I got from CCM. I'd get it from him but I need a shorter stroke than he carries. Does anyone have any experience installing them on the cylinder...

We have 27 acres in the foothills below Sequoia National Park, 250 miles from our home in So. California. We try to make it up every-other weekend. I's a long drive and gas is expensive, but we love going up spending time in Nature. Lots of wildlife, plants, an Oak forest and small river...

This weekend I had a couple of things go wrong. First, while trying to clear a culvert, pulling a chain through it, I blew up the Blazer (I thought) Actually, pulling in reverse caused the front "U" joint to knick the oil filter and oil was flying all over. Luckily several months back I...

I was wondering how you guys most commonly use the compression relief valve? I have not had to use mine yet and and not even sure where it is located on my KM554. Maybe I can learn something? Is it used primarily when working on the motor to rotate easily? Is there a situation when you would...

My local family owned hardware store is going out of business. They have several New SOLO 633 Chainsaws for sale at 40% off the $269.00 regular price. Might go to 50% off next week if they don't sell. Is that a good deal? Is that a good Saw? Anybody know?

I thought someone might point me in the right direction. I have a 7' Howse boxblade. It is very heavy duty except I have been breaking and bending the heck out of the scarifiers. I've gone through 4 or 5 now in the last 20 hours of use. It's true that they have pulled up some BIG rocks and...

I've got a NARDI model 220 backhoe that is missing a Nylock Nut which threads onto a shoulder bolt that holds the bucket to the dipper stick. Attached is a picture that shows the Nut I'm looking for. It is part #21...no part (thread size) identification. I've been trying to get one for a long...

After reading all those safety threads I thought it might be a good idea to get a PTO shaft cover for my KAMA 554. Anyone know where I can get one? My tractor did not have one and my dealer and I are not getting along so good so he's no help. So I'm turning to you guys. Thanks,

I came across an interesting thread in the Safety discussion about buying and using 2 way radios. If you haven't seen it, here's a link to it. TWO WAY RADIOS LINK It prompted me to ask these questions. In the discussion there were several posters that noted an FCC radio license was required...

Hi, I'm wondering if any of you have any input on chainsaws. I'm comparing a MAKITA PRO 18" CHAINSAW 54cc DCS540-18 to a HUSQUEVARNA 52cc 18" Model 350e 52cc. My question is, if I can get them for about the same price, which one is the better saw? I know it's a broad question and depends on...

Well, after all that toothbar posting on another thread, I finally did get mine in and installed it last weekend. It turned out great and made a BIG difference in bucket digging. I also installed a couple of 12v plugs and solar panels on the tractor and ATV, discussed in another thread...

Does anyone know where I can get a nut for my Nardi 220 backhoe? I've attached a pic and it's #21 on the drawing. I've tried to get my dealer to send me one but he's him-hawed around too long...doesn't like he's gonna honor the warranty and I'm tired of calling him. I checked on the net and...

Can\'t Believe the Difference! I just changed the motor oil and all the tranny oils for the first time. I used Mobil 1 full synthetic 15W/50 for the motor and SuperTech 85W/140 gear oil for the tranny and front wheel drive. The stuff in the front drive and trans/rear end came out like...

This may have been discussed previously, but does anyone have any information about solar powered trickle chargers with that "float mode" feature? It's a feature that charges the battery when it's low and shuts off when it's full... Then turns on again when the battery falls below maximum...

I just received my Top & Tilt hydraulic cylinder and hoses from CCM and decided to make a level gauge for operating the boxblade. The gauge is made up of a bracket that clamps to to the cylinder rod by (2) 10-32 socket head cap screws, an indicator tip that tells what position the box blade is...

My 2003 250cc Artic Cat's brakes are spongy. I have to pump them up to get full braking power. Then they work fine for a while and I have to do it again. The brakes themselves are good so I think there may be air in the hydraulic brake lines. I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to...

Just arrived, my new 7-1/2' Nardi 220 backhoe. It is a very nice one, finished really well and sturdy. Came with an 18" bucket with removable teeth. I got a chance to try it out and it performed very well with the tractor running only about 1200 rpm. It had enough power to lift up the rear...

KAMA 554 I don't know if the rear tractor hydraulic system is closed or open center...maybe you can tell me? I'm trying to get this information for the Top and Tilt system. I was told that I will not need the joystick controls because the tractor has 2 sets of rear hydraulics on it...is...

I recently mounted two sets of clamps to my tractor to hold securely my farm jack and a prybar. They can be used to hold shovels, rakes, whatever... as well. Very handy. They are sliding clamps with a HD buttress thread for tightening where you can generate a tremendous amount of clamping...

Hi, I need some help here with figuring out where to add grease related to this little sign on the right side of the flywheel housing (I think that's what it's called)...I'ts the housing right behind the engine but in front of the transfer case. There are 2 rubber plugs and a sign that says to...

This weekend I had a chance to mount some fire extinguishers onto my tractor. They are in a very handy place. I drilled and tapped some 1/4-20 holes for the mounting brackets on each side. When doing road work I have my son walk along the tractor with a shovel in case of a spark, and he will...

I'd like to get more information on backhoes. I'm looking at a 7-1/2' reach and want to know if anyone has information about them. Particularly the Farmline 220, Mazzotti 230 and the Prarie Dog Ditch digger. They are attached via the 3pt but I've also heard that sub-frames can make a...

I've been reading about how good the Farmtrac tractors are. How does the KAMA compare to it? I thought I bought a pretty good tractor for the money when I bought the KAMA 554. Can anybody make a comparison (PROS AND CONS) in the 50HP class for example?

My KAMA 554 slips out of 4WD occasionally. The 4WD works great and the gears mesh just fine, but I was told there is a detent to keep the lever in either 2WD or 4WD. I could not find the adjustment, so I machined a bracket that bolts on top of the transmission. It has a sliding adjustment...

I wanted to add some tire ballast to the tractor for better traction and stability. I went online to see how to do it and several article recommend adding calcium chloride with water for added weight per gallon. They provide a chart for inflation, # of gallons to put in and weight distribution...

I saw an ad on the web for a conversion kit to spin-on filters for the KAMA Tractors. Has anyone done this or have experience with doing it? Here is a link to it: http://efcconstruction.com/NEW%20TRACTORS.htm

Has anyone had a chance to adjust the rack in the injector to gain horsepower as discussed in a previous thread? I'm trying to get more information before attempting to do this. My KAMA is very sluggish in high range, although seems to have good power in low range when using the FEL and...

Several questions for those who know. My KAMA manual shift maintenance (every 8 to 10 hrs) refers to "checking the oil level in the Injection Pump Governor"...what does it mean and how do you do it? Is there a dipstick for it? Where and how do you "Bleed the air out of the fuel system "? I...

Got a new KAMA 554 in August and have about 30 hours on it. The 2nd day after delivery the lights stopped working and I'm not sure where to start checking...Fuses seem Ok?? The tractor starts but lights and panel instruments don't work...(they did for a couple of days). Next question...that...