How do you take care of your tractor?

[SLOBuds]

Read TBN all the time. It's that easy!

The use it and abuse it philosophy is too extreme for me, but I am more toward that end of the spectrum than the wax-it-every-day end. This is somewhat like the people who say that the car is only a mode of transportation, and not a way to get attention from the opposite sex.

So just to give a 'middle' perspective, I bought a used tractor because I didn't want to worry about the first scratch, I use it in whatever way that I need at the moment, I leave operating dust and dirt on it for extended periods of time, and I don't clean up every smudge every day. On the other hand I pay strict attention to lubrication intervals, use synthetic (another word for 'expensive') oil, drive it around in the yard to make sure things are OK if I haven't operated it for awhile ... and park it in a garage.

I haven't seen too many posts here on TBN arguing against lubrication intervals. That's my only 'religious-type' advice: change oil and grease according to what Cat asks for. If you are a very low use operator, you can find a bit of discussion on TBN about whether you should drain/refill before the recommend hours have elapsed. Doesn't apply to me so I don't have an opinion one way or other.

Enjoy your new tool!

 

[kozak]

Of course I will put here pictures of my tractor... I'm supposed to get it in 2 or 3 weeks... It's a Cat, a CT-122 Bobcat.

Congratulations Fredartic,

Those new Bobcat Tractors look cool. For those that have not seen them yet I have attached a link.

Bobcat Compact Tractors - Bobcat Company

Some unique standard features I have not seen on other Tractor makes, or at least not aware of.

- Brake lights (Nice safety feature on the road)
- Horn
- Retractable seat belts
- Directional signals (Nice safety feature on the road)

Everyone else pretty much covered all the Preventative Maintenance tasks except one of the most important. You must also come up with a name for your new treasure. Mine's called Dynamo Hummmm.....


Good Luck,

Vic

 

[PA hayseed]

Those new Bobcat Tractors look cool. For those that have not seen them yet I have attached a link.

Some unique standard features I have not seen on other Tractor makes, or at least not aware of.

- Brake lights (Nice safety feature on the road)
- Horn
- Retractable seat belts
- Directional signals (Nice safety feature on the road)
Vic

I'm sure this has been covered in another thread, but this is a rebadged Kioti tractor. It has slicker and more upbeat marketing, instant brand recognition, and brand reputation to fall back on. Othere than that, it's a kioti with very few changes other than paint.

 

[davitk]

Very nice, a Bobcat!! Fine choice, you will love it. All things being equal, I would vote to have the seat polished by one of those fair looking operators in that Bobcat video

http://www.bobcat.com/utility_machines/tractors/home

 

[davitk]

.....errrr, I mean the one with the long hair

 

[Tractorbeam]

Those new Bobcat Tractors look cool. For those that have not seen them yet I have attached a link.

Bobcat Compact Tractors - Bobcat Company

Thanks for posting the link. They look sweet! Too bad I just plunked down $$$ for my new NH. Probably just as well, as the Bobcat's a new model. Give 'em time to work the bugs out.

 

[Tractorbeam]

... You must also come up with a name for your new treasure. Mine's called Dynamo Hummmm.....

Ah, a fellow ZAPPA fan!

 

[CDsdad]

Oil it, grease it, filter it like the book says. I keep an eye on the radiator screen, and hose it off when it gets to where I can't get on it without getiing dirty, or it's too nasty for my 3 year old to sit on. Besides that, I have to admit I pretty well only put fuel in it and run the dog out of it.

 

[AchingBack]

I made this mistake when washing my tractor. I did not observe the standing water in my rear wheels. It drains out of the front, but not the rear. By the time I realized it, a few days later, and after the water had evaporated somewhat, I had some very nasty corrosion on my rims.

My tractor looked great except for the two nasty rear wheels. Now I had been hearing about how diet pepsi removed rust, and figuring it was worth a try, I headed to the local big gulp supplier, and got a 64 oz. diet pepsi, with no ice.

I kept sponging the soda onto the affected areas, and gave it time to go to work. After that, I applied some naval jelly, rinsed, dried, and sanded.

After priming, and applying a few coats of silver paint, the wheels look good as new. I don't think it is diet Pepsi alone that would work, I believe it is the acid in the soda that does the job.

Nevertheless, if you have hard water, check to see that none of it remains on your precious iron long enough to cause the problem I had.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

If you are going to be using the tractor on any kind of regular basis, the thought of keeping it spit shined will fade fast. While I was waiting for mine to be delivered I was thinking along the same lines as you, after you get it you soon realize that its not gonna stay clean so just hose it off when it gets unbearable. Keeping an eye on the oil level and keeping it greased is what you will end up doing most of the time.