First, may I say that imho this website is a wonderful resource "as-is", ...and so I hope any suggestions for improvement will not be perceived as "criticism".
At the risk of presumption, I would like to share some thoughts on "categories". I am, I assume, representative of the "unaffiliated tractor newbie" class of reader. I am drifting towards an affiliation, but have learned much (and have much more to learn) about tractor use in general, from this list.
I support Mark's suggestion to include a "tractors in general" section. (...and would do so even if my "brand-association" had been long-established!)
My approach to best-utilizing the vast amount of info at this site has been to read (for example) the attachments/implements category first, which of course will be important knowledge regardless of which brand I choose. The same is true for innumerable topics such as "how much hp do I need?, ...should I use ballast?, ...what trailering issues are important?", etc, etc.
Such a "general" grouping, would offer everyone a "quite-likely-to-be of interest" discussion, as opposed to a "less likely-to, but might" choice (PARTICULARLY newcomers with a significant time-requirement required to "search" the brand-specific threads for the "general" info sprinkled through them).
This can be helpful in another way.... not everyone has the luxury of sufficient time to read EVERY posting, in EVERY category, EVERY day.
Of course, the off-topic meanderings are a "given" in any freestyle communication, and often lead into productive, although unplanned, areas of discussion. I think this (probably unalterable-in-any-case) situation should be seen as a "plus" and, time permitting, will always enjoy perusing all the postings , for the gems (as well as the humor, etc.) to be gleaned.
But at those times when my goal is to maximize the effective use of limited time for seeking info, labeled categories give me a chance to make an "educated guess" as to how to do so.
As a newcomer to tractor issues, particularly safety concerns specific to their use, I ABSOLUTELY SUPPORT a separate "SAFETY" section.
I believe myself to be a reasonably intelligent person, with at least my share of "common sense". And with a 37 year background of firefighting service, I have probably at least an "average" awareness of safe conduct in a dangerous situation. BUT,.. the things I have read here have heightened my "alert-level" CONSIDERABLY!!! Thanks to all for stressing these issues. I would differ a bit from a posting earlier in this thread where accidents were attributed to "carelessness". While carelessness certainly plays a part in many unfortunate incidents, I believe the most "correctable" contributor is IGNORANCE. Correctable, of course, with education. And this list, and others like it, offer a chance to obtain the necessary instruction, that many WILL NOT GET anywhere else.
I suppose that some may take exception to my use of so much "emphatic" capitilization. I use it because, having survived an adventurous youth and a hazardous career in one piece, I was literally shocked to realize the many tractor-specific dangers that I have never considered, and might find myself learning-by-experience just a little bit too late. ( I don't credit myself with my "so-far-so-good" safety record... luck undeniably played a far greater role than than I want to count-on in the future!)
Certainly the maiming, disfigurement or death that can all-too-quickly result from one moment of either ignorance OR carelessness is far too high a price to pay for either failing. I have voiced encouragement, while concealing my own horror, as I patched up people who in the midst of their pain and shock, had not yet begun to realize the life altering nature of their injuries.
If ONE such incident is prevented by what someone has picked-up on a list such as this, it will be far more meaningful than all the "tractor-brand" opinions ever expressed!
I apologise for any "crusader" tone perceived in these comments...crusaders are not generally my cup-of-tea.
But tractors are attractive devices, to "boys" of all ages... and visions of my grandsons, in the condition of some of the accident victims I have worked on, are very powerful motivators to improve my safety awareness and practices.
So, thanks again to all who have posted on this topic. Keep those safety-thoughts coming. Has it probably been said before?...redundancy be damned! It was worth hearing then... it's worth hearing again. Maybe this time one more person is listening.
Larry
