Got any soon to be new owner tips?

[RCannon]

hi all.
I was reading some of the repairs and parts postings and wondered if you have any tips for when I do get my tractor?
Things such as... check all fluid levels and make sure they start where they should be. Or maybe get an extra air filter if you're doing a lot of loader work. Things of that nature...
Whats your best tip?
thanks

Russ

 

[herbenus]

Get: good grease gun, large oil drain pan, leather gloves, good set of wrenches (might be metric), spare shear pins, air compressor (I use a small one but wish I had a big one, compressor that is.)

Build: shed or barn to store it

Be careful: Do tasks in slower speed till you are experienced. ( I almost tipped mowing too fast when I hit a hidden stump.) Lower FEL and implements when you park. Read all posts in Safety forum. It CAN happen to you.

Read: manual and tractor forum. Ask the stupid question. We all have. Read manual again.

Be cautious of "good" neighbors who suddenly have "little" jobs for you.

And yes, check all fluid levels when you get it, and after a few hours, and after a few days.

 

[GreenMtnMan]

Get a water-filtering fuel funnel and always use diesel fuel stabilizer. Moisture and old diesel in fuel systems causes big and expensive problems.

 

[RonR]

In addition to what's already posted:

1. Go slow and start your tasks in unconfined areas. Short of loading on a trailer, it doesn't hurt to slow the motor down.
2. When are hooking up/unhooking, if you have help, keep your body where you can escape. Don't get in a pinch
point between the tractor, an implement, and a building, for example. Same with trailers.
3. LISTEN to your equipment. With experience, you will hear a normal sound. If it changes, find out why!
4. Keep kids, pets, neighbors, etc, away from you if they are not well versed in being around equipment.
5. Be predictable if you have people around; let people know what you are doing or want done.
6. Don't assume someone else knows what you are planning.
7. Brief anyone who is using your stuff or helping on what the safety features are and what NOT to do.
8. Make sure someone near you knows how to power your stuff down.
9. Don't work tired, just to get done.
10. Don't have a cool one, or several, until you are DONE and parked.
11. Keep your stuff clean--it will last longer and you can see broken stuff sooner.
12. If the manual says don't do something, don't!

That's all I can think of now, but I'm sure there are more. Enjoy.

 

[fivestring]

I've made it a habit of checking coolant, oil, hydraulic & fuel each time before I start the tractor. Once I've finished & it has cooled off, I always refuel to keep the tank as close to full as I can get to reduce condensation. As stated before, always use a fuel stabilizer. During the winter, I use a small battery charger (automatic) that keeps the battery charged.
Stay safe. If the pucker factor gets too uncomfortable... stop and re-evaluate the situation.
Good luck and happy tractoring!

 

[B7500]

Ya, enjoy the hell out of your new toy. We all do!
-Terry

 

[chrisjbell]

As mentioned - keep all fluids at proper levels.

And to steal someone's sig (sorry - can't remember who it is at the moment, but this is not my quote):

"Keep the dirty side down"

You will be pretty safe on your tractor as long as you have ROPs and *use it*, along with the seat belt. You do *not* want to tip that thing (and remember, you can do so not only side to side but front to back). But if it happens, make sure you'll be in the seat and as protected as possible.

One more bit of advice - don't let *anyone* near you, no matter how fearless or experienced they are, when you are operating that thing. You can fire a really good sized rock (or PTO shaft, broken hydraulic line) at scary velocity without even trying, and Murphy will often assure that it'll bypass all the safety guards and nail something (or worse, someONE) you care about.

As fun as these things are, keep in mind that one of the most hazardous jobs is farming - because heavy equipment allows you to do a lot of constructive stuff, but the trade off is that you can destroy a lot, fast, with it. We all love to call 'em toys but they are serious pieces of equipment, especially for the weekend warriors.

 

[BubbaJr]

Hi Russ,
I noticed at the dealer where I bought my tractor, that the personnel that assembled the tractor, MMM, and FEL were either still in high school or recent graduates. I went over all the nuts and bolts to be sure they didn't miss anything, and it's a good thing that I did. I found at least a dozen loose nuts and mis-adjusted brackets. I'm not saying that kids can't do a good job with proper supervision, but it doesn't hurt to check up on them either.
As others have told you, when things go bad, they go bad in a hurry, so take your time until you get familiar with the tractor and all the controls.
In your toolbox, you should at least put in a hammer, an adjustable wrench, a wipe rag, and extra clips. Plus any other items you want.
One thing you should seriously consider if you have attachments and a concrete surface to store them on, is to put dollies under all the attachments. That makes the hook up process so much easier.
And most important..........enjoy your time in the seat, like the rest of us do.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Henro]

Let me add the one that is so obvious to all tractor owners that we don't see it...

Save your money!

After the tractor comes the implements...one, then another, then anotther...sometimes even a second tractor comes... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Enjoy your new tool...amazing how much work it will do for you...

 

[EddieWalker]

All good advice!

My only addition is to slime the tires. I have 35 hours and each tire has gone flat. Half a gallon of slime in each front and a full gallon in each rear tire should keep you going.

Do it now and you wont have the headache when you have more important things to do.

The next time I buy a tractor I'm going to insist that each tire has slime!!!

Enjoy.