What have you learned from TBN ?

[texasjohn]

I'll go first. I had a college teacher once that told me that "learning implies a change in behaviour." Thus, learning something from TBN means you have DONE something different because of TBN.

After a couple of years of reading, here are the things I learned about at TBN and use/do.

Let up on HST pedal to get more power to the wheels.
Use synthetic hydraulic oil and engine oil.
When a grease zerk breaks off, use screwdriver/easyout to back out part.
Welded grab hooks on all FEL buckets, hay spikes and 3PH carryall
Made chain holders for tractor
Increased FEL lift capacity by changing relief valve shim.
bought PATS system for 3PH, love it
bought a toothbar for loader bucket, love it
cut off a few unneeded inches from bucket level indicator avoiding bending
marks-a-lot on bucket level indicator for edge level/above level/below level
made 3 different length boom poles that fit on my FEL hay spike
put max pressure in front tires to avoid rolling them off of rims
3 steering wheel spinners, LOVE them
purchased/installed tilt meter. handy when you 1st get it
safety practices: carry FEL low, hand ON joystick, seat belt (when worried)
use 4WD all the time except when on asphalt
turn front wheels to enter/exit 4WD
set RPMs/gear for expected load and speed
how to put FEL into FLOAT position with no fear
made my own hydraulic top link...LOVE it
made an extra tool box in the cab
carry fire extenguisher in holder on tractor
installed rear work lights
bought EZ MOVER hitch, never use it.
added carry-all platform to my 3PH hay forks, almost always on tractor
bought lots of extra weights, use them on box blade, carry-all as needed
assure tractor is weight balanced for task at hand.. WHEELIES NOT COOL
made a trencher (from 4-row bedder) for burying plastic pipe/electric wire
Harbor Freight Tools for purchase of many tools
plastic barrels for storing diesel
hand pump in barrel for filling tractor
work shed lighting selection
chose MIG 175 amp welder
matched welder with 5500 Watt generator
purchased a 20 ft hydraulic dump trailer

I'm sure I'll think of more later

 

[Aquaman]

I learned stuff just from reading your list!

 

[davitk]

I've learned that most TBNers get the "bigger and better" itch

(myself included)

 

[RobS]

Hey, great list. A couple I'll add:

Rim Guard to fill tires for weight.
Mowing with the FEL off is great!
Front weights help a lot with above.
Power Beyond installation is not beyond my powers.
Turn rear blade backwards to keep gravel in drive when plowing snow.
When things don't seem to be going as well as they should, slow down...
... especially with backhoes.
Box blade requires the most finesse, landscape rake the least.
Power Service in the fuel prevents any problems in the winter.
Doesn't hurt in the summer too.
AM/Fm earmuffs are great.
Rear worklights are also great, but for entirely different reasons.
When trailering, make your load (tractor) "one with the trailer" using proper tie downs.

Probably tons more, this is a great learning site!

 

[john_bud]

Power Service in the fuel prevents any problems in the winter.
Doesn't hurt in the summer too.

Probably tons more, this is a great learning site!

I learned that power service is total junk when compared to a product like Howes Diesel Treat after using PS at up to 5x the lable rate and still getting gelled.



I also learned that Texas John has a real nice list of learnings!

jb

 

[mikim]

I learned how handy a QA is on the FEL
SOURCES for whatever - where can I find such & such?
I learned I need to spend a lot more money than I first intended
I discovered I needed : more hydraulics
more attachments
more safety
more practice
MORE MONEY

 

[billbill1]

1. Do not ask what is the very best tractor.
2. Do not ask anything about oil.
3. Do not ask what is the best chainsaw.
4. Do not ask what is the best brand of pickup.

 

[Soundguy]

Hmm.. I've learned you need to CYA on every post cuz there is always a nit-picker standing in the sidelines to point out the one issue you left less than clear!

soundguy

 

[KubotaSteve]

Hmm.. I've learned you need to CYA on every post cuz there is always a nit-picker standing in the sidelines to point out the one issue you left less than clear!

soundguy

I agree with Soundguy. Oh by the way there should be 3 periods after the word Hmm. Just kidding

 

[tallyho8]

1. Do not ask what is the very best tractor.
2. Do not ask anything about oil.
3. Do not ask what is the best chainsaw.
4. Do not ask what is the best brand of pickup.

Add
5. Do not ask what caliber bullet to use to kill a whatever.
6. Do not ask if a farm-kid should hitch a ride on a tractor while working.
7. Do not ask if anything will take off or land.