New tractor owner- do' and dont's?

[stub]

Don't ever read the Attachments or Build It Yourself sections on TBN. I will cost you a lot of $$$.

 

[TripleR]

Man, I got here too late to add anything not already covered. I always get the manual before delivery and go through it two or three time then again the initial use; sometimes I might just browse through it on a day I can't get out. There are LOTS of useful threads on here about FEL and other equipment use as well as projects etc.

Like in so many other things, real problems happen just about the time you "think" you know what you are doing and get complacent or over confident.

 

[oldballs]

Concerning the Owner's Manual, reread it occasionally and as things come up. I've found that, "Gosh, I never noticed that before".

 

[coveredbridge]

Best advice I could give you is DON'T EVER GET IN A HURRY. That's when you do something stupid that could get someone seriously hurt or killed. New equipment has a variety of safety features, but these machines are still extremely powerful and have dozens of ways to seriously injure their operators if safety isn't always foremost in your mind. TAKE YOUR TIME AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING BEFORE YOU DO IT.

Now enjoy your new machine. You'll soon wonder what you ever did without it.

 

[GManBart]

When the bucket is loaded, keep it as low as possible. For lifting anything heavy with the loader, you need loaded rear tires, or a counterweight on the 3pt (or both). Go up and down hills, not across them....tractor roll overs are the most common form of death involving tractors (i.e. wear your seatbelt, and keep the ROPS in the raised position). Take your time. Of all the bolts and nuts on the tractor, check the wheel lugs, and loader attaching bolts regularly until you're sure they've settled in, and aren't loosening up periodically.

 

[Mark Page]

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge. Running a diesel out of fuel is a major PITA.
Don't trust your fuel gauge until you get a feel for it.
When in doubt slow down or stop.
Beware of gettin your clothing caught up in the pedals.
Weight is a good thing.
Stop and think before using your loader.
Keep your fuel filters clean.

You've gotten some good advice above, remember, most of it came from personal experience.

 

[riptides]

Don't work when your tired.

 

[texasjohn]

Man, this could be a "sticky" thread!

All I can add is that you should reread once a week for at least 6 months and choose one item to do/practice/check that week.

 

[heviduty]

Most tractors don't have front wheel brakes. If you have 4wd, use it, especially when using the FEL. Only disengage when travelling on pavement.

 

[City Farmer]

Everything has just about been covered but I'll add my $.02.
1) Don't EVER lend it out! 2) If the loader can't pick it up, Don't try picking it up with the BH bucket with the stabilizers up. I told a buddy not do this with a huge rock between the bucket and thumb, now both sides of the axle are leaking fluid. I'm thinking he bent the axle. The BH can pick up a lot more than the loader can.