New tractor being delivered, now what

[dwalk19]

New tractor (XG3140H TLB) being delivered tuesday, any recommendations on some things to do to it before using/abusing, just looking for ideas as to do upon delivery, obviously look it all over good, check bolts and make sure everything is tight, i may even throw a coat of wax on it to help keep it clean and clean easier, i noticed on my previous LS some hydrailulic hoses rubbed on frame in certain spots so do some preventative maintenance there, just looking for ideas if some of you guys look back and said i wish i would of done this first, thanks

 

[oosik]

You have a new tractor but by your post - you are not a new tractor owner. So - my recommendations are not quite as critical. Get a copy of your Operators manual - prior to delivery - read it cover to cover and then read it again.

On your new tractor - the word is --- Trust but verify. Go over the entire tractor - tip of nose to end of tail - check EVERY nut & bolt for tightness. Grab your grease gun - grease every zerk from tip of nose to end of tail. Check engine oil level, check hydraulic oil level, check engine coolant level. Relax - enjoy.

 

[dwalk19]

Thanks, yes this is actually my 5th tractor but first brand new one, maintenance wise i should be set but i think i may upgrade to a battery grease gun and a lock n lube tip,, one thing i may also do is get a piranha tooth bar to just help protect/maintain the cutting edge and also help with digging in

 

[Zebrafive]

Take pictures, it will be looking it's best. Check tire pressure, sometimes they are set at maximum psi so they transport better (less bounce).

 

[oosik]

Hey - just three weeks ago I splurged and got a DeWalt cordless grease gun. Put my Lock 'N Lube tip on it. Greasing is a lot easier and not quite as messy now - lots quicker also.

I found the two step approach to greasing works a lot better for me. I don't come out looking like a grease monkey. First I go around and clean every grease zerk - Then I go around with the grease gun. Makes for a cleaner operation.

 

[ruffdog]

The OP should have an extra tube of grease for the first lube. Many of the grease cavities will not be filled so they take much more before it squeezes out. Also, when the tractor is new, it is the best time to familiarize yourself on zerk locations because you can SEE them.

 

[ID Corgi Ranch]

Tractor Mike on YouTube has some great advice and a checklist for taking delivery of a new tractor:

Inspecting Your Dealer's Work, What to do When Your New Tractor is Delivered - YouTube

 

[ruffdog]

Tractor Mike on YouTube has some great advice and a checklist for taking delivery of a new tractor:

Inspecting Your Dealer's Work, What to do When Your New Tractor is Delivered - YouTube

One thing Mike missed was at 5:15 in the video. He was inches away from that rusty upper pivot ball for the lift arm and didn't lube it. Being that the 3pt pivots have large range of motion, I lube them all.

 

[ID Corgi Ranch]

He didn't mention at the time but he did mention lubing all the pivot balls just before that. And a few mins later you can see the one you mentioned has been sprayed. Probably just an editing error. But it does look pretty dry at the point you mention.

 

[ruffdog]

Ha! Your right....I missed it. I do think the video is a good idea and he does a good job moving along.

 

[John_Mc]

You don't mention what you are doing with your tractor. That will affect the recommendations people make. For example, if you are working in the woods and going off prepared trails, you may want to consider a belly pan to protect things like oil/hydraulic filters, steering linkages, etc. I had stem guards welded on my front rims to protect the valve stems from damage from sticks or rocks. (I'd do the rears as well, but with my rear tires filled, welding is a bit of a problem.) If you are not running in the woods or in other hazardous terrain, such modifications are generally not needed.

I consider welding some grab hooks on the top edge of the loader a must-have. You never know when you'll need to use a chain to lift or pull something. A place to store those chains is also helpful, as is a place to carry a chainsaw (tossing it in the bucket is not the best solution).

 

[dwalk19]

Thanks guys, yeah i ususlly just use my tractors for brush hogging, back blade, tilling and occasional backhoe digging for trees and water lines and such, i was thinking about purchasing some bolt on bucket hooks also, thanks for all the input, looking forward to getting it tuesday