First Time Tractor Owner

reylas · Aug 13, 2020

I am taking delivery of an LS MT125 TLB this weekend and I have a general question. I am buying because I have always wanted one since a little boy and intend to do light landscaping, ditch cleaning and dirt moving. Having said that, I have never owned a tractor before. At this point, I own a 5 gal diesel can. What would you recommend a tractor owner have on hand? Any tips on a grease gun? What else does a Sub-compact tractor owner need to keep on hand?

I know that I am a little inexperienced with tractors, but you have to start somewhere right? I routinely break down my riding lawnmowers and replace parts so I am decently handy with tools.

Any advice for a first time tractor owner? What do I need to keep in stock?

Thanks,
Mark S

Aquamoose · Aug 13, 2020

You should have your dealer go over the tractor with you, thoroughly! He’s bound to have been around tractors a lot. You can also go on YouTube and check out Menard’s tractors. The guy has many short informative videos on tips & tricks for many things.

Congratulations on your purchase!

mred2 · Aug 13, 2020

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/428315-what-spare-parts-good-idea.html
this is the link to almost the same question. Extra filters, oil, grease and gun, a few extra pins, parts and service manuals, a place to store everything, so you can find it when needed, Enjoy it!

newbury · Aug 13, 2020

reylas said:
I am taking delivery of an LS MT125 TLB this weekend and I have a general question. I am buying because I have always wanted one since a little boy and intend to do light landscaping, ditch cleaning and dirt moving. Having said that, I have never owned a tractor before. At this point, I own a 5 gal diesel can. What would you recommend a tractor owner have on hand? Any tips on a grease gun? What else does a Sub-compact tractor owner need to keep on hand?

I know that I am a little inexperienced with tractors, but you have to start somewhere right? I routinely break down my riding lawnmowers and replace parts so I am decently handy with tools.

Any advice for a first time tractor owner? What do I need to keep in stock?

Thanks,
Mark S

You should always have a tip on a grease gun, Lock-n-Lube or similar is highly recommended.

Redlands Okie · Aug 13, 2020

Personally I like the battery powered grease guns. They are a bit pricy. Hand powered ones seem pretty much the same if they are in similar price range. Some people like the lock and lube on tips that can be installed after purchase.

Fuel might need additive to prevent Algae growth if you are not using a can up every couple months at most. If your in a cold climate and have filled your can up in warm weather you might need winter fuel additive if it’s put in the tractor during winter.

Tire air gauge

Some day when it’s time for filter changes be sure you have them already. Not unusual to have to order them and with this COVID stuff some Filters might have limited availability for some time into the feature.

Spare oil and hydraulic fluid for keeping it topped off as and if needed.

Spare fuses

Kind of off subject but keep in mind. Do not travel with the front bucket up any higher than absolutely needed.

Wear the seatbelt. Stuff happens that are to numerous to list. Especially if using the front loader.

Does your roll over protection and backhoe clear the top of barn door frame, shed roof etc. It’s REALLY common for people to forget and hit things.

Thomas · Aug 13, 2020

:welcome: to TBN and congrats on your new investment. :thumbsup:

Have chat with service tech,do TBN SEARCH for there been many threads on this topic.

Again congrats and we all like pics.

DavidD · Aug 13, 2020

Thomas said:
:welcome: to TBN and congrats on your new investment. :thumbsup:

Have chat with service tech,do TBN SEARCH for there been many threads on this topic.

Again congrats and we all like pics.

Congratulations, your going to love everything you can do with your tractor.
You might consider some chains because you will want to pull or lift things. Extra lynch pins because they have a way of disappearing.

Wagtail · Aug 13, 2020

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

By all means, go over the thread recommended by mred2. Read your Owner Manual (twice!) and go 'low and slow' with your tractor/Front End Loader (FEL)/implements. Grease everything and if it moves, but can't be greased, spray-lube it. Tighten/snug every bolt/nut you can find & ensure the wheel lugs are torqued.

Enjoy the site.

LS Tractor Owner · Aug 13, 2020

Congratulations on your first tractor! You will love the mt125! When I had mine, it did everything I needed it to do!

Like everyone else has said.... GO SLOW! Learn the machine. It is not a toy and can be very dangerous, especially with a full bucket. Use common sense, it will be your best indicator.... if you question yourself if you should do something, odds are you shouldn't!

For a grease gun (you definitely need one) a good quality air driven one would be affordable. They can be had for around $30-50. I got one from O'reilly's auto parts for $30. Its a few years old already and at least 2 cases of grease through it... no problems. You would just need to have a compressor. Make sure you grease all the fittings about every 10 hours... sooner if you hear any squeaking.

If you put a general location in your profile, it might help for more specific questions you have about operating the tractor. Your dirt might be a lot different than mine.. or the next guy...

Again, get familiar with the tractor, and HAVE FUN WITH IT!