Stupid New Owner Tricks or What Not to Do with Your New Tractor

[tractchores]

I had a rough first day. Went to drive down a very steep hill with a lake at teh bottom. I didn't know that in 2WD you basically have 1 wheel braking, so slide down the slope nearly flipping over and nearly going into the lake (I had presence of mind to drop the FEL, which caused the tractor to pivot 180 and almost flipped me.

I tried to lift some logs with a chain that wasn't centered on the FEL and almost flipped over (no ballast)

I learned the hard way that driving through the woods if a branch hits your BH levers bad things happen, the branch caused the BH to pivot downhill putting me on 2 wheels... now its locked with the locking pins anytime I drive!

I've learned a lot more over the years, but the biggest thing is to stop and think "how can this go bad" before doing anything.

 

[oldballs]

Tractorchores.................I like your thinking..........."how can this go bad" before doing anything,

 

[Doofy]

Amen, Brother! Inattention will bite you in the arse every time.

 

[Howling]

With FEL raised it takes very little to pass from balanced to tractor on its side. There is time for a few choice words on that ride.

When cleaning up snow the tractor has no mercy on cars. Always leave space between tire chains and wife's bumper.

 

[shooterdon]

I have less than 20 hrs on a tractor. So far, I have not done anything stupid. But when I do, I hope it is not too serious.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have less than 20 hrs on a tractor. So far, I have not done anything stupid. But when I do, I hope it is not too serious.

Oh you'll get your chance, don't worry!

I swiped my barn with the bucket as I was pulling inside. Knocked the 6x6 post clean off the foundation.

 

[Industrial Toys]

A raised FEL makes short work of Eaves Troughs. Good to remember when you "have" to rip them off for some reason.

Never put tools or anything you wish to see again on the tractor tires or any other surfaces where they can fall off. Especially , for just a second.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Funny picture of Farmer and wife, but examining it, I don't think her position on the tractor is having much affect. If she was farther rearward to take weight off the front axle, maybe.

 

[MHarryE]

Funny picture of Farmer and wife, but examining it, I don't think her position on the tractor is having much affect. If she was farther rearward to take weight off the front axle, maybe.

Many years ago when I first saw that pic I thought it was a neat way to get home but it’s really front axle against the stop. Friend and I were hauling a used swather home this summer, 200 mile haul. I had header on my trailer, he had tractor portion on our swather hauler behind his pickup. Ten miles into the trip the left rear spindle broke off and he swayed all over the road until he got it stopped. We checked it over, removed the broken spindle and wheel it was dragging, saw the axle stop held it fine except for the right wheel being tilted so we decided to press onward. At home we saw the only problem we had was wear on the corner on the tire although it was not yet to the cord so we stole the spindle assembly off one of our junker swathers and put it in the field.

 

[Luvmyhindra]

I've learned a lot more over the years, but the biggest thing is to stop and think "how can this go bad" before doing anything.

I always do that too! And shortly afterwards I say " Wow didn't see that one coming!" lol