Yet another tractor use...

[Shimon]

I replaced the radiator in my truck a couple of months ago and now the new one started to leak already. The shop I bought it from gave me a free replacement but I wasn't looking forward to doing this messy job again (I hate the feeling of coolant running down my arms).

Anyway, this time I worked "smarter" not "harder". My back sends thanks to the tractor!

 

[asylum575]

Good pix. I plan on using my loader to swap out my engine in the old Mustang. My wife was going to get me an engine hoist for father's day. I told her the tractor could do it. I got a portable Nav system instead.

Ed

 

[johnk]

Could be the source of another debate. How did you get that close to your truck without smashing it using a gear tractor! Good pics and nice job.

 

[Shimon]

How did you get that close to your truck without smashing it using a gear tractor!

I spend a lot of time taking out and putting in engines in yachts (30-80 footers). I'm pulling engines through doors and windows using forklifts with long booms (up to 20'), sometimes using two forklifts at the same time transferring the load between the two. It's a game of half-inches moving 2000lb engines on a very large moment-arm with crude forklifts. That can sometimes be a hair-raising experience...getting the 100lb radiator out of the truck was pretty easy (and fun).

 

[dannydan3]

Mmmm, nice tractor, for me it's not the tractor that costs so much, it's the divorce that comes with it........may be worth it, at least the tractor has an "off" switch..
:0

 

[Thomas]

Indeed a good way to save skin on the knuckles.

 

[RoyJackson]

Could be the source of another debate. How did you get that close to your truck without smashing it using a gear tractor! Good pics and nice job.

First gear, low range and low RPM...it's pretty easy to do actually.
And some coordination, of course.

Boy, that could be a new argument in the endless Hydro:Gear debate..."hydros are for folks with no muscular coordination"
I might make that my new signature line...

 

[Shimon]

"hydros are for folks with no muscular coordination"

Too funny, Roy. I've never had a problem with gears. Comes naturally and makes me feel like I'm in control. Anyway, gear vs. hydro will always end up as a personal preference debate.

 

[Grizz]

Good job

 

[DiezNutz]

Not to stir up an old debate, but I can appreciate both. I get bored in an automatic car or truck and can't live without a 5-speed in my own vehicles. But on a tractor I wouldn't have it any other way than HST especially for doing FEL work. Having run my Granny's old gear tractor for years before that, HST is a dream. There's enough pedals and levers and knobs to keep you busy as it is, pretty soon you start looking around for people to throw change in your hat.

 

[Dieselmh]

Could be the source of another debate. How did you get that close to your truck without smashing it using a gear tractor! Good pics and nice job.

I have the same model tractor as Shimon, and mine came equipped with a clutch and brakes. That's how I get close to things without hitting them, and probably how he did too. I guess growing up using old tractors with no power steering, sloppy clutches and worn brakes really does come in handy later on in life. Honestly, when I was tractor shopping, I never once considered being able to get close to things a reason to go hydro. I know it has it's speed advantage when doing certain types of work, but decided to go geared instead, for reliability. Are the hydros really easier to maneuver in tight spaces? That could be a big selling point for people who don't have any tractor experience and are wanting to buy one.

BTW, good job Shimon. I've already used mine to lift the lawn mower so I can clean under the deck, and to hold up my homemade BBQ pit while we welded it to the trailer.

 

[DiezNutz]

Are the hydros really easier to maneuver in tight spaces?

I definitely think so. Also, HST makes it possible for my wife and others with no "old tractor" experience to easily be able to drive my tractor (yeah there's times I actually want her to, especially if I'm busy doing something else and she's in a "cleanup" mode )

 

[Dieselmh]

I definitely think so. Also, HST makes it possible for my wife and others with no "old tractor" experience to easily be able to drive my tractor (yeah there's times I actually want her to, especially if I'm busy doing something else and she's in a "cleanup" mode )

Hmm, I never really thought of that. My mom already knows how to drive a standard, and I taught my wife. I figured it was something she needed to know anyway. Besides, if she's in low range, 1st gear, she could be 2 feet from something, pop the clutch, get off the tractor, come get me from wherever I may be, and I'd still get there before she hit it!

 

[DiezNutz]

My mom already knows how to drive a standard, and I taught my wife. I figured it was something she needed to know anyway.

Agreed. My wife drives a 5-speed also. I dunno, I just wouldn't feel as comfortable with her running the FEL and having to worry about gears and a clutch too. Especially with the whole "inching" forward or backward thing, which is trivial with a HST. Maybe with enough practice...