Tractorin' -- Good, Bad, Ugly

[GrandpaDano999]

OK, I did my research, compared models, and signed the purchase papers. In a couple days my first tractor will be delivered, along with several implements. I'll get a run-through on everything from the dealer and will read all the manuals ...

... But ...

What do you wise and experienced tractorin' folks believe I should definitely know, learn, do, or avoid as I begin my life as a tractorin' guy? I'm looking for sage wisdom, born of your real-life good, bad or ugly times with your machines and property. Another way to put this: what are one or three things you have learned that are essential, or what do you wish you'd have known, learned, done or avoided when you first began tractorin'?

Thanks for serious, ribald, scary, embarrassing or humorous stories you can pass on to this newbie who is approaching 70. Dan

 

[TerryR]

Dan,

I think you will get more helpful advice if you tell us what kind of work you plan to do, and kind of tractor and implements you bought (from someone who passed 70 a while back).

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

ROPS up, seatbelt on, 4 wheels on the ground, and people/kids/pets far away. Then play.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Thanks Terry, Kubota MX 5800, FEL, Rear Blade, Rotary Mower, Chipper, Rear Tiller, Grapple, Toothbar.

I have about 20 acres of woods to clean -- brush, dead trees, invasive uglies.
I want to plant food plots for the critters that live here and pass through.
I have high spots to lower and low spots to fill prior to building a garage.
I plan landscaping, removing overgrown shrubs and bushes, starting lawn by the house, knocking down several small decrepit structures.
Come winter, I plan to plow snow.
Mostly, I plan to be safe, as skilled as I can become, and have fun.

 

[Creamer]

Well you got quite a tractor to start with. You will be very happy with it. I am a big believer in brakes and proper clothing. I cannot believe how many people I have heard of their pant leg catching on a lever or they didn't think it would roll and they get caught in or under the machine.

I am also a huge believer in keeping the weight low. I see people running around with the scoop up in the air and wonder when they not be thinking and go on a sidehill with the scoop up in the air like they always drive and it goes over. Same is true with pulling - 3 pts are great for lifting and can pull real well but they are made to pull when they are down not when they are above horizontal.

Just a few of the things that I find crazy.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Gratitude to Luke'sScreenName and Creamer! All points make great sense!

 

[jaydee325]

When going forward with an implement hanging off the back, look back before turning. That implement needs a wide arc.

When reversing, before turning look forward, that loader hanging off the front needs a wide swing.:thumbsup:

 

[lennyzx11]

FEL down as much as possible.
Lifting FEL while on side slope means good way to turn it over.
Pulling with 3 point means connection point stays under center of rear axle. Or tractor will back flip before you know it due to gear ratio and leverage.
Side slope and diagonal slopes deserve extra extra attention.
The tractor is like a trycycle. The front axle pivots under the center. Not like a car. One wrong move and upsy daisy.
Don't pick stuff up without ballast on the rear.
Get the rear tires filled.

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Thank you, jaydee325, wise counsel!

 

[GrandpaDano999]

Affirmative lennyzx11! Flipping and rolling are among my "most-want-to-avoids."

My unit comes with three rear wheel weights each side, approximately 600# total. Dealer suggested I work it and then decide to fill or not. How does this configuration compare with filling rears? Thank you.