Working under the tractor

[DieselBound]

For a "real" tractor there is generally enough room to get underneath. I use a rolling oil pan/cart (17 gallon, I think); no need to lift to get it under anything.

I spent months working around and under a car during restoration work. Only had it up on jack stands: had blocks on wheel dollies, allowing me to shift around as needed, as safety supports. Tried to get my hands on a lift but the company's response (US company!) to a question I had was so stupid that I wasn't going to give them any of my money: I've survived for many years without lift and I shall continue on doing the same.

Recently had to do a repair on my riding lawn mower and did like other here: ramps on the rear and jack stands on the front. A bit of a pain as I had to remove the rear axle; if I had to do this on a regular basis I'd look for a better solution.

 

[John_Mc]

Those detachable ramps are a great idea! I did not know they existed.

Another thing I've found: for a lot of the work I do, getting down on the ground is just one way of working on it. Another way to access a lot of this is while sitting on a low rolling stool. It doesn't work for everything, but a lot of what I need to reach can be done from the stool. (Added bonus: no oil or debris falling in your face.)

My wife has this one for her woodworking shop, which I borrow on occasion. Inexpensive ($30)

Mechanics Roller Seat

Amazing deals on this Mechanic'S Roller Seat at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

They also make one that looks very similar, but is more comfortable ($40)

Mechanics Roller Seat

Amazing deals on this Mechanics Roller Seat at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

And they go up from there, including a $115 Icon model with adjustable height and higher load capacity:

Professional Adjustable Shop Seat with Tool Storage, Red

Amazing deals on this Pro Adjustable Shop Seat, Red at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[ttouring]

Check Amazon for a "magic creeper " it works really goood if you ever have to be on the ground like in the field. It's padded and it will let you slide on it on the ground. I keep one in road tool box.

 

[Williy]

If the drain plug is in the back of the oil pan I would just raise the
front end to drain the oil. You could also make your self some
wooden ramps to drive your tractor on. Do you really have to
crawl under your tractor to change the oil? You can't reach the
drain plug from the side?

Have you though about putting your creeper in front of your tractor
and reaching under to undo the drain plug? It looks like the drain
plug is right behind the axle and this way you would have the front
end to grab hold of to pull your self up.

Make sure you have the oil filler cap off or loose so the oil will flow
faster.

willy

 

[crazyjake8493]

I have a creeper but it never gets used for vehicle or equipment work. I find it easier to lay out a yoga mat and lay on that with plenty of room, rather than squeeze under with a creeper. My tractor has plenty of room to get under. If I need to pick up other equipment to work on (snowblower, generator, riding mower, etc), I use the tractor!

 

[masscity]

When I change engine oil I just put a couple of drain pans under the engine to drain both sides of oil pan and filter.

When I change my hydraulic oil I have 4 ramps made from 2x6. My tractor isn't high enough to put 5 gal pails under it. I have 3 drain plugs, I drain the back two first and get about 1 1/2 gals each, then I drain the front one and get almost 5 gals. Total is 11 or more, so almost 3 gals remains. I've done this twice now and will do it again this spring.