Inspect the less visible parts of your tractor...or else!

[jedjoe]

So, my glow plug timer relay on my New Holland tc35 needed replacement. It's mounted to left of the steering column (when sitting in the operator's seat), under a fiberglas cowling that one would never think to remove normally. Four bolts later, the cowling came off and this is what I saw covering and surrounding the relay area.....an extensive deer mouse nest (actually multiple nests), constructed of hay and chicken feathers and horse hair and other highly flammable materials. By the look of it, it had been under there for years, slowly being built upon by the most recent denizens.

Took about 2 hours to blow it out, scrape it, and check all of the relays and wires. Remarkably, none of the wire had been chewed.

Replaced the glow plug timer relay, sprayed that area lightly with WD-40 (as much to make the surfaces unpalatable as to drive out remaining moisture).

Remarkably, some minor electrical quirks seemed to settle out with the cleaning.

Moral of the story: inspect the awkward, largely invisible areas of your tractor!

 

[Wagtail]

WOW!

Just... wow!

 

[npalen]

You really messed up the apartment!

 

[thepumpguysc]

OMG..
U better change that filter while your there.. & did u know our machine had a block heater?? {plug}

 

[Gordon Gould]

That is definitely one of the better nests I have seen - yikes. I have to clean a nest out of my dozer dash every spring. Seeing your's I am glad I do it yearly. But I get a reminder because I can't roll the cover down because the back is so clogged with mouse debris.

gg

 

[4get gto]

You are SO lucky they didn't start chewing....! :mouse:

 

[Thomas]

Had the same problem back in September also use WD40 no more problems but still check every time before use...there quick builders that's for sure..

 

[jedjoe]

I wonder if anyone has ever come up with something safe that can be used to deter mice in those kinds of spaces (engine compartments, under cowlings and covers, etc.) Mothballs are effective in my shop (in drawers, boxes, etc), but I'm concerned about using them near electrical wiring, engine components.

 

[Tx Jim]

I wonder if anyone has ever come up with something safe that can be used to deter mice in those kinds of spaces (engine compartments, under cowlings and covers, etc.) Mothballs are effective in my shop (in drawers, boxes, etc), but I'm concerned about using them near electrical wiring, engine components.

I keep Fresh Cab under cab & under hood on my tractors. I've also utilized cotton balls soaked with Peppermint oil.

 

[AnotherBueller]

Do moth balls help? Had a co-worker convince the boss that they kept wasps out of the rooftop a-c units.

 

[Dawg in Fl]

Pure peppermint oil seems to work. And my barn smells like a candy shop!

 

[Fade2blk]

I place dryer sheets inside engine compartments and interiors of stored vehicles in my barn. I’m not sure of their effectiveness but have had no critter problems in 26 years of doing so.

 

[oosik]

Looks like a typical mouse nest I would get in the Jeep or pickup. I've tried everything, short of Peppermint oil. For rapid relief - leave the hood on your engine compartment open. ABSOLUTELY no mouse problems once I started this practice. Folks may consider you a tad teched - better than chewed wiring.

Long term - I have three young barn cats, maturing in my work shed. Now, I feed & water daily. They will be turned loose on the hoards of field mice this spring.

 

[L120]

Always wondered why the steering shaft wobbled in my JD L120. The plastic bushings on the steering shaft were trashed. I have 1/2" flange roller bearings to be put in place as there seems to be two great spots to bolt them in top & bottom. Already did the front wheel bearing upgrade to find the front axle pivot itself a bit wobbly.

I love tinkering with this tractor. Soon everything will be brand new and I'll have one tough SOB'.

 

[falfrenzy]

Long term - I have three young barn cats, maturing in my work shed. Now, I feed & water daily. They will be turned loose on the hoards of field mice this spring.

Best of luck, once they get used to free handouts, its hard to get them to actually work for a living. Hmmm, where else in this country do we see that issue.....
A hungry cat makes the best mouser.

 

[oosik]

Well, they have already killed four mice - that I know of. Mice attracted to the cat food I put in the work shed. Time & warm wx will tell if they have killed more.

Hey - these are NOT welfare cats. The only reason I know they are still alive and kicking - dead mice, amount of food, water consumed - amount of "clean up" required. I hope that when released, this spring, they will poo outside. Clean up is not one of my favorite jobs.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Thses are welfare cats.

 

[oosik]

WoW They look like well fed welfare cats. That's OK. Everybody deserves a pet and they don't have to be a dog.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

WoW They look like well fed welfare cats. That's OK. Everybody deserves a pet and they don't have to be a dog.

Used to have 4, now 2. The big one's name is Tiny, it was the runt of a litter. Lost his big brother a few yrs ago. We do limit their food. Lol

 

[oosik]

Ha, ha - - I can SEE that they are on a limited diet. But ten pancakes a day - - ???