need advice on tractor needs

[mjncad]

Steve C:

When I read your resume, it just infuriates me to see America waste good talent because of off-shoring...err...globalization I believe is the PC term for it.

Here's hoping you find a good paying job to match your skills.

 

[IslandTractor]

SteveC makes some excellent points. Tractors seem to be all designed so that every single thing you need to do to them requires the maximum force an average male human being can exert (perhaps I am exaggerating, but it feels that way). If you really dislike mechanical work, it will be a problem, because even the installation and removal of an implement (they are all heavy-even the small ones) requires some knowledge of leverage and often the application of a tool of some kind (in spite of manufacturer claims to the contrary). Plus, there are many things on a tractor that need to be inspected, tightened, lubricated, or otherwise fiddled with on a frequent enough basis that it's not practical to haul it or have it hauled to a dealer for every little thing. However, I must say that in spite of all the work, aggravation, and possible loss of body parts, becoming proficient in using and working on a clattering assemblage of diesel engine, hydraulic systems, and moving parts is a rewarding undertaking. I love it, and would never think of hiring someone to mow or plow, unless it was an emergency. .....I have stayed away from used tractors (though the big one I bought had 50 hours on it as a demonstrator) because I don't know how well they've been maintained, and I figure somebody got rid them for some reason, maybe just to trade up, but maybe not.

When I bought my first tractor, I was a total newbie, though I am a mechanical engineer by training, and have worked on cars and other mechanical things since I was a kid. In spite of that I never knew how much I liked diesel engines and hydraulics until I got a tractor. I say that if you can afford it, and are willing to learn at least rudimentary mechanical skills, go for it! Then you can put on your overalls, go to town, and not feel like an imposter.

Well stated MiseryMule and welcome to TBN!! I find myself a kindred spirit when it comes to the Zen and Art of tractor ownership. Many, probably most, of us on TBN did not grow up as shade tree mechanics and our tractors may well be the first diesel engines we've ever owned. However, the darn things are so reliable and simple to maintain compared to modern automobile engines that we learn step by step to become comfortable doing so. I'd personally never bother to do more than call for an apppointment to investigate a "check engine" light on my road vehicle but I am happy as a clam crawling around under a tractor doing a 50hr service and becoming familiar with the tractor mechanics. It was no big leap from that point to being able, with a dealer's mechanic on a cell phone advising me, to diagnose simple problems (like disconnected electrical leads) and to repair these things. However the main point is that after demystifying modern tractor operation and maintenance one learns that there are relatively few things that are likely to happen that cannot be fixed by a very average guy. No one rebuilds injectors at home but that sort of thing is unusual. Mostly what we do is routine maintenance and that clearly does not require factory training to accomplish.

Tractor operation is also easily demystified even for someone who starts from a background where a riding mower was the largest farm tool they'd previously operated. Yes, 3 point hitches are a bit of a pain but only until you learn to lever things with a 2x4 and whack 'em with a hefty object now and again. No harm done. There is also something very appealing about how open all the mechanical devices on a tractor are...you see the hydraulic hoses and cylinders, you can touch the 3PT and directly manipulate it from your seat, one learns quickly to nudge the tractor forward or use small hand movements to control the loader with far more precision than was possible on the first day. You also learn the limits of power and hopefully do this responsibly so that life, limb and equipment are not endangered. Go slow until you gain confidence and understand the equipment and mechanical, balance and dynamic limits. There is a learning curve but it is a manageable curve so long as one is patient and respectful of the power of these tools. There is also a beauty in having a versatile tool that accepts any number of specialized implements to aid doing work that without the tractor would take days or years of physical labor to accomplish.

Although many on TBN advocate buying a first tractor bigger than what you need, that is not always the best way to start. I think it would be a lot safer and easier to learn on a BX25 than with a full sized TLB especially when you are essentially self teaching. Maybe renting something like that for a week or two would be a good and relatively cheap way to self educate on tractor operation and also to help make a more informed decision regarding what size of tractor is really needed. Like many on TBN I started with a smaller 20hp machine and then found my needs changed and moved up to something about twice that size. I don't consider the 20hp experience a mistake in the slightest though. I learned on that machine and I know very well now that the 20hp tractor was sometimes more efficient than my bigger machine at certain tasks. The common wisdom on TBN of encouraging people to buy "more than you need" is akin to telling everyone to buy a full sized SUV. Some people will in fact need the full size but many would be much better served by something smaller.

Finally, I return to MiseryMule's remark about how tractor ownership has been a "rewarding undertaking". I think that sums things up nicely. It takes some investment of time and energy, not to mention bucks, but if you do your homework properly and proceed with due caution, adding a tractor and its capabilities to life is indeed more rewarding than simply calling up contractors and writing checks.

 

[bill in ny]

Very well said IslandTractor!!

 

[rstipp]

Steve C. was correct. I am not inclined to do mechanical work. I don't know how. Steve C. makes some good points from an economic point of view. But, I am intrigued with "pushing dirt around" and keeping the pasture bush-hogged. Blading the snow off the lane would be interesting also. I am not sure I can handle waiting for the grass to be baled twice a year.

 

[rstipp]

Thanks for all the posts. I am sorry I was out of pocket when most of the comments were made. I found all very interesting. I am a little concerned about the potential for turnover when mowing on hills. What can be done to make it safer?

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for all the posts. I am sorry I was out of pocket when most of the comments were made. I found all very interesting. I am a little concerned about the potential for turnover when mowing on hills. What can be done to make it safer?

1) Mow up and down rather than across the hill/terrain.
2) Add weight down low (partially load tires with rimguard, water or methanol (windshield washer fluid) depending on your climate.
3) Widen the track of your tractor...many tractor wheels can be set to a narrow or wide position. It can be done pretty easily but best done by the dealer due to the weight and jacks involved.
4) Go slow and be watchful for and avoid bumps/rocks on the up side of the hill and dips/trenches on the down side.
5) Keep the loader down low.
6) Don't turn up hill if things get dicey, turn down hill.
7) Buy a purpose built slope mower

 

[rstipp]

Thanks, IslandTractor for the tips. What about buying a wider stance tractor?
I am not sure what a "purpose driven slope mower" is?

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks, IslandTractor for the tips. What about buying a wider stance tractor?
I am not sure what a "purpose driven slope mower" is?

Check out a PowerTrak ?1850 or ?1845 slope mower. Go to the PowerTrak section of TBN and ask them and you will get lots of info.

 

[Steve C]

Steve C. was correct. I am not inclined to do mechanical work. I don't know how. Steve C. makes some good points from an economic point of view. But, I am intrigued with "pushing dirt around" and keeping the pasture bush-hogged. Blading the snow off the lane would be interesting also. I am not sure I can handle waiting for the grass to be baled twice a year.

rstip
I assumed from your budget allocated for the tractor that you must be a pretty successfull person making a good living doing things other than mechanical work. Like other posters have said the newer equipment probably doesn't require much other than wrestling the attachments on and off. It is probably the most difficult part for a new owner if he doesn't have someone show him the "easier" way of handling each piece. Yes pushing dirt and snow around certainly can be a enjoyable past time, you get to see the results of your labor right away, rather than waiting months or years to see the rusults of your work like I did when working as a mechanical designeer. I once spent 2+ years designing the HVAC systems for a Nuclear power plant, and they decided not to build it. We were 90% done with the design!!

When you have a job like that you can really appreciate pushing dirt around, mowing grass and even pounding nails. Immediate job satisfaction!

If you have neighbors with tractors I am pretty sure that you could get some helpfull information from them regarding simple maintenance. Applying proper lubrication in a timely fashion goes a long way towards preventing future problems. It isn't difficult at all but it can get a bit messy, but that iw whay they invented shop rags!

I didn't mean to try to convince you to not buy a tractor, just beware of what you are getting into.

A good friend of mine is the most hessitent person I know when it comes to buying and trying new things. He will agonize over it for months and sometimes years. I have to keep reminding him that he isn't married to the equipment/motorcycle/trailer or whatever....just buy it and if you don't like it just sell it...not a big deal! (he researches all his purchases a great deal, after trying it he usually loves it and wants to keep it forever) On new equipment you might get beat up a little on depreciation but it isn't the end of the world, it just frees up your finances to try something else if it doesn't work out.

I must admit that I love pushing snow around in November and December here in North Central Michigan....some years though it looses some of the fun 4 or 5 months later and I find myself asking myself if I am really having fun at 15 below zero and the wind howling accross the open field. I have even resorted to wearing my snowmobile helmet under those conditions just to keep my head warm. On those days it looses some of its entertainment value.

Cheers

ps
Picture of snowmobile was taken on March 22 at the end of a 110 mile ride through the woods...winter does sometimes hang on a little to long up here...

 

[Steve C]

Steve C. was correct. I am not inclined to do mechanical work. I don't know how. Steve C. makes some good points from an economic point of view. But, I am intrigued with "pushing dirt around" and keeping the pasture bush-hogged. Blading the snow off the lane would be interesting also. I am not sure I can handle waiting for the grass to be baled twice a year.

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