Learning a different tracftor.

drssg · Jul 10, 2020

Does the tractor have a ROPS? If you are uncertain about operating it, and not in so great health, I would consider that to be significant. If you bounce out of the seat, it can get ugly fast.

Diggin It · Jul 10, 2020

I'll find out what model it is either later today or tomorrow.

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Edit, found an old post I made saying it's a 3415 which would make it a 90s model, but I can confirm that later

Dftodd · Jul 10, 2020

Diggin It said:
No goofy stuff here, this might be kind of serious.

Neighbor has asked for help. They're both in their 70s and have always been active and maintained their own place. They have about 50 acres, but only keep 6 or 8 groomed around the house. The rest is left to grow and another neighbor or two mow it and roll the silage for their cattle.

Recently, both have become ill (not that) and are unable to be out in the Sun and heat for extended periods. Until the last year or so, he was mowing most of that 6-8 acres with an older Ford tractor and rotary cutter while she mowed the rest with a Simplicity rider. The last year or so, he hasn't been able to so and she's been doing it all with the rider which is obviously taking a toll on it. Takes her a couple of hours or more with only a 48" deck.

Now, she can't be out in the Sun due to some new medication and has asked me to mow, offering to pay me. Despite them being far more well off than I am, I won't be taking any money for my time; only enough for fuel if I use my own machines.

His tractor is a 70s or 80s model Ford, unsure of the number. Manual shift, Cat2 probably. I've never driven it, or even started it or anything similar. How difficult would it be to learn?

If I can learn to operate it safely, I could use that and the 7 foot finish mower I got from them and refurbished, but haven't sold yet. No wear and tear on my SCUT and it'll take a lot less time than using her rider. I'm not all that well either and can't handle the heat like I used to, so I don't want to be out there for hours each week if they don't get to feeling better.

6 to 8 acres with a 48" rider seems like it would take way longer then 2 to 3 hours. It used to take me 2.5 to do my 2 acres with a 46" rider.

oosik · Jul 10, 2020

If it is a Ford 3415 then it a 44hp - 2wd unit. Definitely could handle something larger than a 48" cutter. It should handle a 7' finish mower with ease. Also - from the pics I can find - - the front end is "standard" width.

drssg · Jul 10, 2020

I see that model does have a ROPS. I vote that you wear the seat belt, take your time, and enjoy doing some tractor work. It'll do you good.

airbiscuit · Jul 10, 2020

It has 44hp and a Category 1 Hitch. 12 Forward, 4 Reverse speeds and a Live PTO. It will handle that 7' finish mower easily, and be plenty stable. It will be pretty much like driving a manual shift pick u truck.

airbiscuit · Jul 10, 2020

See 6:33 for Live PTO Operation

Diggin It · Jul 10, 2020

Well, they had another family emergency (when it rains, it pours I guess), so we didn't get into much. I went ahead and used mine this time ... just under 3 hours for two of the larger areas.

To be determined as to what will happen. If they get their health back, they'll resume the duty. If not, we'll get more into the use of their machines.

Weird how a yard that can look decently smooth from the road can be teeth rattling rough on a tractor. No real tippy places, but lots of rough spots, holes, ruts from his bigger tractor and the like.