good chains, ropes, etc.

Bird · Dec 6, 2001

Bob, I've got several 3/8" chains (different lengths) so old I don't even know what grade they are, but I've never broken one. I also have a 1/2" cable that I made a choker out of. So, I've tied onto lots of saplings and stumps; sometimes I pull them out; sometimes I spin my wheels, stop, and try something else. It just depends on type of tree, type of soil, amount of moisture, etc. Like you say, you'll just learn by experience what it will and will not do.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 6, 2001

...I will just have to see what it can do, and learn to work with it. I like the idea of nylon straps, if they can handle enough...

Bob,

You normally use the nylon for towing or as a sling for lifting {check your attached labels for strength ratings and such}

I'd read the safety issues front and back in your owners manual... if you haven't got the tractor yet, call the dealer and ask him to please at least send an owners manual so you can study it...

You want to know your tractor frontwards, sideways, and inside out to get the most out of it... you're not talking a simple push lawn mower anyone can operate{ and they are dangerous as well}... you could get killed or severely injured in a blink of an eye while you're trying to learn...

Right off the bat, considering you want to try your hand at "pulling stumps"... read the tractor section on attaching your chains... always, always, always go low and hook at the drawbar for that type of work...

Some months back, I had started a Safety Tips Forum... you should load up your printer with paper and print out all the Safety Manuals that are available...

Going from your garden tractor to this compact tractor is light years apart... but just remember everything has its limitations, including you and your new tractor..., you just have to take the time and learn them...

Good luck Bob... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Boondox · Dec 6, 2001

You'll lose traction long before the tractor lugs...

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

TerryinMD · Dec 6, 2001

Bob,

I went from a JD 240 Lawn and Garden to a JD4100. Light years differences in handling and usage.

Read the the manual and take it slow. I learned a couple of things pretty quickly.

One of first mistakes was to put the tractor into high range, rev it up and speed down the yard. I made a quick turn and put it up on three wheels. Quiickly turned into the roll and put it back down. Went into the house for a comfort stop. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

A couple of weeks later, I was trying to get a large limb that wedged between two trees. I was perpendicular to my driveway and the driveway is on a grade. So, silly me tried to lift the limb using my FEL. I was getting a little cocky and somehow the FEL grabbed onto the tree and lifted the back end off of the ground. Well, I dropped the bucket which dropped the back end and I was thrown off of the tractor. Boom, onto the ground with me looking up at the tractor. Turned the tractor off, drove it up to my parking area. Another comfort stop!! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif/w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Now they say the third times the charm. I've been extra careful now. No more recent incidents. When the pucker factor increases, I ease off. Learned my lessons.

When pulling stumps or saplings, I use my 3pt hitch with a drawbar, a hook, and stout chain. Pull the thing out of the ground. If it doesn't bugde, it stays or I'll work out an alternative.

Terry

DocHeb · Dec 6, 2001

Just don't use a nylon strap attached to your tractor, connected to a chain/cable to the object being pulled. Nylon will stretch when under tension, storing energy. If the chain breaks or slips, it will slingshot back towards the tractor.

For more information on chains, try B&B Chain

Rch · Dec 6, 2001

Here is a good source.
http://www.slingchoker.com/products/index.html

RCH

dthomas · Dec 6, 2001

Bob,
I think your tractor icon is the coolest yet. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Donald

beenthere · Dec 6, 2001

Maybe it goes without saying, but one thing not to do is let the chain (or rope) go slack and then get a run at your load, jerking the chain to get the object to move. This kind of operation is where chains and other things break. I don't think your 4300 will come close to breaking a 3/8 chain, or even a 5/16" for that matter, if you ease into the load and don't jerk it. As stated by several, you will lose traction first. Also, pull straight away. Getting at an angle with your object and the direction of pull can tip the tractor.

fractal · Dec 7, 2001

<blockquote>In reply to:<hr>

You'll lose traction long before the tractor lugs...

Pete

<hr></blockquote>

Don't bet on it. I was pulling bogenvia stumps with my B7200hst in low range, 4wd, diff lock engaged at 2800 rpm and the wheels were not spinning and the stump was not moving and the engine was not holding rpm's.

A bigger tractor probably would have spun the ags. I was spinning the ags on the rear without difflock.

Anyway, I use chain rated at many times the capacity of my tractor when pulling stumps and am VERY careful to attack to the tractor below the center of gravity.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 7, 2001

...in low range, 4wd, diff lock engaged at 2800 rpm and the wheels were not spinning and the stump was not moving ...

Unfortunately, that's how differentials and axles end up breaking... going way beyond the limitations of the tractor... /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif