Use it, Don't abuse it.

[raptor]

Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

There seems to be a recurring theme of fear, and dread echoed on many of these posts.
"If I use my tractor to do 'XYZ' will I hurt it?" "I pulled a trailer/boat/elephant up a hill, did I damage my hydrostatic transmission?"
It always makes me wonder what they bought a tractor for? I believe a generous application of common sense to any situation goes a long way. The key (I feel) when operating any piece of equipment is to realize, it has limitations. A 20 hp compact is NOT a D8. It was built for a specific range of jobs.
In essence use, but don't abuse your equipment! You'll be happy with the longevity, the performance, and resale value.

Happy and SAFE tractoring

Raptor

 

[Bird]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

raptor, I'd certainly agree that "common sense" is a big help (of course different folks define that differently), but since tractors (or tractors of a specific size, make, and model) are new to a lot of our members, I don't find it surprising that there are a lot of questions (including some I've had). So why not ask them on this forum? We might save each other some time, money, injuries, or worse. Sometimes it's better to learn about your equipment's limitations that way than by personal experience. I just read a couple of days ago, on the Internet, that some cowboys learn by reading, others by observation, and the rest have to pee on the electric fence for themselves./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

 

[W5FL]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

That's good! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Kubota does a pretty good job in their owner's manuals of spelling out what equipment is within the normal operating envelope of their tractors. But we have people who must use a finish mower to mow pastures although a rotary cutter would do a better job, but they can't have both, so they make the compromise. Some people ask before they buy it, and others ask after they buy it, and others just try to mow down the electric fence.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

Gee Wen, I'd like to meet one of those fellows who has mowed over their fence, then I wouldn't feel so bad. To save using the hand weed eater I like to run along right next to my fence with the tractor. Now and then I like to look back or look around at something and nonchalantly catch the bucket against one of the posts to see if the post is rotten or if my seatbelt is tight enough.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

del

 

[Bird]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

I've done that a few times myself, del./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif And I don't know why I can't break the habit of getting as close to the fence as possible, since I'm going to go around it with the DR trimmer/mower anyway, and that's cut at least a 20" strip. At least so far I haven't taken out a section of fence like my brother did when he used my Kubota at his place./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bird

 

[gordon]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

Good one Bird.
I must say that I've learned alot off this board and hope to learn alot more as well. If you've invested a large amout of money in an item isn't it always best to be better safe than sorry? Yes the common sense rule should always apply but if unsure about something isn't it safer to ask first?
Now for running a tractor I run mine HARD with out a doubt but yes that is what they are for./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Gordon

 

[raptor]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

I think perhaps my point was missed. I certainly agree with asking questions when in doubt. By all means asking about the care, feeding, operation, and maintenance of a piece of equipment is a great way to gleen information.
The point I wished to make, is realize the tractor (chain saw, weed eater,electric potato peeler)does only what YOU
tell it to do. YOU are responsible for your safety, those of others around you when you operate any piece of equipment - and the equipment itself.
In short read the manual, talks with others, but above all THINK, and realize everything has it's limitations.

Happy and SAFE tractoring.

Raptor

 

[gordon]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

I'm with you 100%--Sorry I missed your point I'm alittle slow at times. But I got it this time./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Gordon

 

[raptor]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

Hi Gordon. No problem. I hope I don't seem like a know it all - I'm not. Just getting into this tractoring thing myself. But I know they can be dangerous. Anyway have a good one!

Happy and SAFE tractoring

Raptor

 

[RobertN]

Re: Use it, Don\'t abuse it.

Common sense is not used as much any more. It is a shame!

I think one thing you find on these discussions though, is people coming onto some property and trying to use a tool they've never seen before. They've seen what some tools, like a backhoe digging up the street, can do.

So, they get on a tractor, and have no idea what it can realistically do.

I want to become a driver operator of a Fire Engine. There is training for running the pump panel, there are books to read, and there are expierienced people to ask. And, there's someone with you till you are expierienced. So, when the time comes I'll have realistic expectations for what I can do.

None of this exists for tractors. I knew nothing about tractors. I grew up around race cars and 4x4's, so I had a clue(some say not) about things. But still my two years of tractoring have been enlightening. But, my Manual did little to teach me. It has been expierience and this forum(and it's two predesessors(sp))

I agree with you, but still, sending someone out on one of these things with no training is kinda scary. Makes me wonder how many of the power tools, saws, ect are still for sale. Look at how many people walk out of Home Depot and Sears with a table saw and no expierience. Sacry...

RobertN in Shingle Springs Calif