New User Questions

[dliston]

I just purchased my first tractor - dealer should deliver next week. New Holland TC40DA, 758C BH, 16LA Loader, Forks, 72" Bushhog, 72" box blade & PHD.

Now I've used a friend's JD 650 with loader, box and PHD, so I'm not a complete virgin. But what do I need to check and/or make sure of before climbing into the seat of my new beast? Obviously all the fluids, etc, and as wimpy as it may make me sound, I'm going to read the manuals cover-to-cover - should make some fun "library" reading {What's that hun? Yeah, I'll be out in a minute.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif}

But what is a complete newbie going to miss checking? Should I be aware of any break-in periods, etc.

I'll take whatever advice you guys are willing to dish out.

Thanks!

 

[DaveNay]

Not a break-in pieriod answer, but...

Whatch out for low hanging branches if you are bush-hogging around trees!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif You will tend to watch mostly behind you, and then get thwapped in the side of the head with a branch. If you are lucky, it's only a small one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif.

Dave

 

[chucko]

Dave it sounds like there is an untold story here /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Golfgar4]

First - Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Second - You bought yourself a nice set-up there! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif You may not realize it, but pictures of the new arrival ARE mandatory for continued good will. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Third - Very smart to read through the manuals. If you've found yourself a quality dealer, which I'm sure you've done, then the person that delivers the tractor should spend a reasonable amount of time (couple of hours?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif) with you going over everything . He should demonstrate proper starting techniques, attachment hookup and removal, fluid checking, operation of ALL controls, and review important safety procedures. He should also be able to answer any question that you can think of. In fact, between now and delivery time, everytime you think of a question that you may not be able to find an answer to in the manual, you should write it down so that you'll remember to ask on the day of delivery. Trust me, when the tractor shows up, you'll be so excited that you'll forget just about every question you ever thought of if you hadn't written it down. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif Once he's done all of that, then you should get on and operate the machine with him watching, so that he can give you some pointers.

As far as break-in procedures, follow the manufacturer's recommendations, and everything should be alright.

Fouth - go out and have fun with it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Oh, and go out and get some work done too. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'm sure other, more knowledgeable individuals, will provide even more information. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Good luck.

 

[Yankee]

I'm not a vast fount of experience, but speaking from what I have, check anything you can think of related to the dealer's set-up of the tractor.

. If you specified tires filled, make sure they are.
. Make sure that all service points were, in fact serviced. You mentioned fluids, but check to see that everything was greased.
. Hook everything up to insure that everything works and that you have all pins and of the proper size. Then take everything off and put it on again to insure that mounts line up properly and don't bind.
. Check seal points after running for a while, particularly axle and PTO
. Check the lug nuts.
. Check every bolt you can get to, for that matter, including on implements.
. Check to see that the tires match on each side and that they're what's spec'd.
. Check that the wheels are dished either the way they should be or the way you specified.
. Check all controls for proper operation and try them under load, if possible. Check them for binding and vibration too.
. You should have caps for all hydraulic connections on both the implement and the tractor.
. Implements should have had paint touched up.
. Check the cutter blade to insure that it's tight and not out of balance.
. Run the tractor with all electrical accessories on to make sure you don't blow fuses.
. Make sure you actually HAVE all the manuals you mentioned and that they match what you bought!
. The official word on break-in from most manufacturers is to avoid running a new tractor at speed during the first 50 hours. Consensus is pretty much that you should use it as you will be using it, but make sure you vary the engine speed during the break-in.

That's a start. You're going to get a lot more from others, I'm sure! Welcome to TBN - you sure started out in a big way!

 

[Dave___in___CT]

Good advice Yankee...

Nuts... bolts... found a few loose or missing on my new tractor ! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I painted all the fluid drain plugs & fill points and other things I might need to find... easier to find 'em...

Dave...

 

[dliston]

All great suggestions... keep 'em coming - I'm taking notes!

Thanks,

 

[MicroPilot]

Get 2 five gallon yellow diesel fuel containers and a good grease gun and grease! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BubbaJr]

Make sure you have the proper size wrenches and sockets. Keep an extra supply of pins and clips (you will lose a few). Go slow at first until you get used to it. Practice, practice, practice, even when the spouse tells you to stop playing with the tractor, you need to explain that these tractors are capable of doing a lot of damage very quickly, and you want to be proficient with it so you don't break or tear up anything of hers. Respect your pucker factor (if it doesn't feel safe, don't do it). An old pair of dirty gloves are nice to keep handy. If you're not sure how to do something, just ask. There is more collective knowledge here than you can imagine.

Most important, be safe, have fun, and post pictures.

Oh yeah, Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KiotiJohn]

Yankee gave you a great list, and I'll add that sometimes dealers have forgotten: to add gear oil to brush mowers and finish mowers; hydro fluid to transmissions; to install seatbelts. I can't specify enought that bolts are many times forgotten as there are often so many one or two can easily be missed in the tightening process. Hydro hoses should all be checked to make sure any quick connects are hooking up properly and not leaking after hookup. More may follow. John
That you even think reading the manual is wimpy is testament to how dumb some people have been over the years making fun of people who read manuals so that they take good care of their equipment and themselves. Read it over and over and keep it handy, because you're going to need it often. Service schedules are not something you can remember easily, and if you want it to last, you'll stick with them. John