Newbie question- Pre-start checklist

[GolfGolf]

New tractor owner with questions.

Bought a 2007 Farmtrac 535 with bush hog and box blade

The guy I bought it from said I should do the following before each start:

1. Clear/drain fuel filters
2. Check oil level
3. Check Transmission level
4. Check hydraulic levels (tractor and attachments)
5. And of course check fuel gauge

Anything else? Is this good enough or do I need to do more?

Thanks in advance

 

[Soundguy]

It's never wasted time to check oil levels on sticks... kick tires.. check fuel and drain water traps... I like to look at belts and hoses as well.. I start the mahcine and let it warm and walk around an look for leaks and drips.. etc..

soundguy

 

[mbohuntr]

GolfGolf... you strike me as a true beginner. Good for you! your in for soooo much fun!! Just a couple words of caution.. That machine is a great deal more powerful than anything you can imagine. One of the most common (and FATAL) mistakes is to get off the tractor while the PTO is spinning, or let anyone near it for that matter. Don't force things, if the tractor doesn't lift, move it, or turn it on, there is something wrong. Breaking the impliment is the least thing that will happen. Lastly, watch out for hillsides, go up or down them, not sideways. Leave the ROPS on. That thing will roll over quickly and usually fatally. Have a ball! Many of us have a lifetime on these things and love to help!

 

[Thomas]

Great advice so far but less not forget about the operator,check for loose clothes/boot strings etc. which may get caught while operating tractor fuctions.

 

[patrick_g]

Great advice so far but less not forget about the operator,check for loose clothes/boot strings etc. which may get caught while operating tractor fuctions.

AMEN to that Thomas! I thought I was being oh so safe BUT... a long dangling drawstring of the lightweight hooded jacket I was wearing snagged and nearly caused a big problem.

Take the time to be sure YOU don't have any "dangling modifiers" just waiting a chance to surprise you.

Pat

 

[RalphVa]

I usually only check engine oil when I'm blowing it off after bush hogging or shredding. I never check transmission oil level in my tractor or cars (incl. diff.) unless I see some oil leaks. It's getting extremely rare to see oil leaks in modern equipment. I check coolant level when the hood is up to check the oil. Of course, I'm always eyeballing the fuel gauge.

Yes, look at the tires. Apart from that, just jump on, glow it, push throttle lever some if really cold and start. Treat gently when cold for the first few minutes. I often have to use a broom to brush away mud left from the tracks after I take it out. Let it sit and idle while I'm doing that.

Ralph

 

[Soundguy]

ditto on the safety info..

stay away from rotating shafts.. and maintain the plastic sleaves on your rotating shafts and make sure they freely rotate and are chained for safety.

( all good info so far! )

soundguy

 

[kebo]

New tractor owner with questions.

Bought a 2007 Farmtrac 535 with bush hog and box blade

The guy I bought it from said I should do the following before each start:

1. Clear/drain fuel filters


Anything else? Is this good enough or do I need to do more?

Thanks in advance

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

 

[woodyacres]

Ok... Now, I am nervous. I have almost 50 hours on my machine and I have never checked anything but the fuel level. I didn't even know I had to check for water in the filter, before every start. I need a new dealer! Thanks for the suggestion Coobie.

I was going to check all that at my 50 hour service. Maybe I will check tomorrow.

 

[Soundguy]

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

I'm pretty sure he's refering to a water trap sediment bowl and/or a filte rthat has a water seperator inthe bottom of it.

my big diesel has 3 seperate water traps.. one by itself, one on a sediment bowl, and one inthe filter assembly.

soundguy

 

[GolfGolf]

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

Kebo, my tractor has two fuel filters with petcock valves at the bottom. The previous owner said to open them until fuel flowed out then close. So that is what I do every time before operation.

Golfgolf

 

[GolfGolf]

GolfGolf... you strike me as a true beginner. Good for you! your in for soooo much fun!! Just a couple words of caution.. That machine is a great deal more powerful than anything you can imagine. One of the most common (and FATAL) mistakes is to get off the tractor while the PTO is spinning, or let anyone near it for that matter. Don't force things, if the tractor doesn't lift, move it, or turn it on, there is something wrong. Breaking the impliment is the least thing that will happen. Lastly, watch out for hillsides, go up or down them, not sideways. Leave the ROPS on. That thing will roll over quickly and usually fatally. Have a ball! Many of us have a lifetime on these things and love to help!

Mbohuntr, I AM a very new owner!

Just retired from the military after 24 years of service and got me a little place with over 30 acres of land. Most is grown up with underbrush and I would like to eventually clear it all out.

I have the ROPS and a canopy on top and I always wear my seatbelt. I have only put 3 hours on the tractor so far as I am getting used to it little by little.

Thanks for the advice

Golfgolf

 

[Soundguy]

No pics! :0

soundguy

 

[GolfGolf]

No pics! :0

soundguy[/QUOTE

soundguy---The last time we tried to take pics the camera broke. Not sure what that implies, but I'm sure it wasn't a pretty picture

 

[banjodunn]

Good stuff buddy and welcome to the world of machinery all the above are all excellent ideas but dont forget the grease gun never seen anything fail due to too much grease

 

[patrick_g]

I'm confused about #1 there. Would that not put air in the fuel line??

I didn't see a response to your question, Kebo, of sucking air into the lines while draining fuel from a filter or bowl or...

So... Take for example the fuel tank mounted above the filter so fuel gravitates toward the drain point. When you open the valve, fuel will drain out as it is replaced by new fuel flowing in via the line from the tank.

These drain petcocks and such are expressly installed where they are, on purpose, to allow draining from the bottom of a sediment bowl, water trap, fuel filter canister, or whatever without putting air in your fuel lines (anathema to a diesel.)

Not to worry, drain till clean fuel runs out. You can drain into a container (soup can, peanut butter jar, or... I prefer a clear plastic jar) and then if you want to be frugal, green, etc you can save the clean part (on top) and discard any water-gunk.

Pat

 

[jpm1]

All but the first item are good ideas to check especially on a new to you tractor. I check all fluids once a week includiing tranny but mine is a hydro so theres a bit of difference there. If you see no leaks on the belly and you know theres oil there your most likely good to go. A couple of minutes of fluid checks can save many hours of repairs and hundreds of you dollars too. One thing to be concerned about is any chain, rope or cable on the tractor drawbar while the Bush Hog is attached. (or any other PTO equiptment) This is DANGEROUS and possible DEADLY to by standers or buildings in its path. Anything that a spining PTO shaft can get a hold of has a good possibility of hitting you in the head and neck when your back is turned! Guess what? you loose! I've been on a tractor for 49 years and with thousands of hours under my belt have loved every moment of it. Use common sense and enjoy yourself------John

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto that.. I use a mayo jar with a lid on her to keep her clean.. I let it run thru a red shop rag.. the water always seems to stay in the rag as the fuel drips thru.. then it goes back intot he tank for another trip!

loose a lil fuel this way.. but better than tryin to burn water!

My excess diesel lost this way usually goes into a metal bucket I have that doubles as a poor mans parts washer

soundguy

Not to worry, drain till clean fuel runs out. You can drain into a container (soup can, peanut butter jar, or... I prefer a clear plastic jar) and then if you want to be frugal, green, etc you can save the clean part (on top) and discard any water-gunk.

Pat