My List of Shop Stuff, on-Tractor Items, and Nice to Have Tractor Mods

[TerryR]

I’ve never needed to carry a lot of tools, just a crescent wrench, a couple screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers. I’ve never needed to repair my tractor in the field, but then I drive a Kubota......��

Me neither, and I drive a John Deere.

Also after 20 years of tractor ownership I've never found a need for all that shop stuff either, like welder, plasma cutter, and double sets of wrenches. That's all fine if you want to justify more toys, but don't scare off potential tractor owners by telling them they have to buy lots of expensive stuff they don't need.

 

[mcfarmall]

Good list. I'd like to add a folding pruning saw to the on-board items...great for trimming those annoying branches here and there.

Also, what is an "ouch clip"?

 

[flingwing1969]

Good list. I'd like to add a folding pruning saw to the on-board items...great for trimming those annoying branches here and there.

Also, what is an "ouch clip"?

Yes, the pruning saw is a good idea, didn't think of it because I carry a small chainsaw with me - Stihl arborist's saw.

If you have ever had one snap back on you, you will know why it is so named.

 

[BCWoodtick]

If you are looking for another shop tool I didn't have a gear puller and couldn't get a sprocket off a shaft? Brass punch, sledge hammer with neighbor on a 4' pry bar, oh and tiger torch with no success?!?!? $60 gear pulley and 5min with no help.

 

[flingwing1969]

If you are looking for another shop tool I didn't have a gear puller and couldn't get a sprocket off a shaft? Brass punch, sledge hammer with neighbor on a 4' pry bar, oh and tiger torch with no success?!?!? $60 gear pulley and 5min with no help.

Good suggestion - also probably a decent slide hammer set.

 

[mapper]

I would think toilet paper might be even more important for those less fastidious

There always that bit of shirtail or a pocket that can be cut loose in a pinch:laughing:

 

[mapper]

Me neither, and I drive a John Deere.

Also after 20 years of tractor ownership I've never found a need for all that shop stuff either, like welder, plasma cutter, and double sets of wrenches. That's all fine if you want to justify more toys, but don't scare off potential tractor owners by telling them they have to buy lots of expensive stuff they don't need.

I have a neighbor who is a retired millwrite and industrial mechanic who really enjoys small welding projects. He is very good at it, way better than I could ever be. So my need and desire for welding equipment is way down the list of stuff I need and don't have.

 

[flingwing1969]

I have a neighbor who is a retired millwrite and industrial mechanic who really enjoys small welding projects. He is very good at it, way better than I could ever be. So my need and desire for welding equipment is way down the list of stuff I need and don't have.

I agree with you on this point, sort of. When one doesn't weld and doesn't know the fundamentals then one's welds always look like crap and don't hold anything together. Before I learned to weld, I was a "drill a hole and pop in a bolt" guy - always envious of other folk simply pulling out their welder and slapping a strong weld on to fix a broken whatever. I no longer have that problem and fabricating useful items and making lasting repairs for a few cents worth of wire and gas rather than reaching in my wallet for a wad of cash to replace the part or pay the welder is my daily pleasure.

That's why I put it down as "learn to weld and get a welder". Not for everyone, I understand but it is almost the next best thing to sex.

 

[TerryR]

Before I learned to weld, I was a "drill a hole and pop in a bolt" guy - always envious of other folk simply pulling out their welder and slapping a strong weld on to fix a broken whatever. I no longer have that problem and fabricating useful items and making lasting repairs for a few cents worth of wire and gas rather than reaching in my wallet for a wad of cash to replace the part or pay the welder is my daily pleasure.

If you enjoy it, great. Anything you enjoy is worthwhile.

But many tractor owners have no need for that kind of equipment. I recall two times in the past ten years I needed welding done. The first time my neighbor did it for free. The second time I took it to a local shop and it cost me $8. How would buying a welder and learning again how to use it (I did weld on our farm shop 55 years ago) have been better? It's the suggestion that every tractor owner needs it that I'm objecting to.

 

[flingwing1969]

If you enjoy it, great. Anything you enjoy is worthwhile.

But many tractor owners have no need for that kind of equipment. I recall two times in the past ten years I needed welding done. The first time my neighbor did it for free. The second time I took it to a local shop and it cost me $8. How would buying a welder and learning again how to use it (I did weld on our farm shop 55 years ago) have been better? It's the suggestion that every tractor owner needs it that I'm objecting to.

True all around. It is really a shop nice-to-have, depending on your needs and skill-level.