Member of the Month: Big Dooley

Big Dooley: TBN Member of the Month April 2013

Your Name: Big Dooley; a.k.a. Tom

Location: Michigan

Post Count: 588 (#951 of all-time)

How long have you been a member of TractorByNet.com?
I joined TBN August 2012 after browsing the web for tractor related information.

What do you like best about TractorByNet.com?
The TBN site is a great place to meet other tractor users and share information and ideas. I am a hands-on type of person and do not like buying something that I can make myself. I like to repair items not just for myself but for family and friends. I am always willing to share knowledge gained and help others learn from the mistakes I have made. There are many nice projects members have made or equipment they have modified. Sharing this information with each other is a great way to make friends. Members are very friendly and very eager to help others with problem solving.

What type of tractor do you own?
My latest tractor is a 2012 John Deere 2320.

How long have you owned or operated tractors?
I have operated equipment since I was in the sixth grade. My father’s friend was a private contractor who built everything from a car dealership, churches and upscale homes. I helped work the job sites on weekends and summers. I ran his tractor, bulldozer and backhoe.

How often do you use your tractor?
I use my tractor almost daily for one task or another: mowing, snow removal, moving a trailer, landscape work, wood hauling, helping neighbors, or road grooming.

Tell us about your property.
I live in the city but our family has property just outside of town where I have cut firewood for years. My in-laws operate a farm 10 miles outside of town.

Tell us about your vehicles.
I own a 1998 Chevy K3500 crew cab. I recently repainted my truck and hope to continue driving it for many more years to come. This spring I want to purchase a new dump trailer to transport my 2320 and complete some other jobs on my to-do list.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have three great Rottweiler dogs, one Lab, a 90-gallon fish tank, and a parakeet.

What sort of modifications or customization have you done to your tractor?
So far I have made a canopy with stereo, added extra remotes front and rear, LED lighting, modified a rear blade, built a grapple for the bucket and made a ballast box.

What’s something most TractorByNet members don’t know about you?
I earned two business degrees in college and started work the day after graduation. I later decided managing wasn’t as fun as working with my hands. I am now a skilled tradesman and have been working for the same company for the last 21.5 years. I have a very loving and generous wife of 20 years with 3 very beautiful children.