Learning how

[Haldawson]

I just bought my first tractor, a Kubota B7500 with loader. box scraper, and Bush Hog. Are there some good books to help me learn how to best use these implements, or is trial and error the only way?

 

[Bird]

Haldawson, welcome to the forum. This particular forum or section is primarily for feedback on the operation of the web site, and I'd say your message would normally belong in the "Kubota Owning" or "Attachments" forum, but I'm afraid a lot of us tend to get off topic or put things in the wrong place, so it ain't nothin' new./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif As for learning to use the implements, hopefully you got a manual with each one (except I've never seen a manual with a box scraper), so you should start by reading the owner's manuals. I'm sure there are bound to be some books, and maybe someone else can tell you which ones, but then like most of us, trial and error, and when you have a specific question, ask it on this web site and there's a bunch of good folks who will try to help you. Perhaps the most important thing is to go into each job slowly for safety's sake until you are sure you know the tractor and implement's capabilities. Remember that it's very easy to turn a compact tractor over, especially with a load in the front end loader that's off balanced to one side, carried too high, or if you turn too quickly. Good luck with it, and have fun.

Aha, I see Muhammad moved it./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Bird on 12/18/00 08:58 PM.</FONT></P>

 

[LarryT]

Welcome to the forum Haldawson. I'm pretty new here myself. I found this book that I can't vouch for, but it looks pretty good from the ad. You can check it out at http://www.equiptrain.com/tlbbook.htm. If you decide to try it, how about giving us a report. I found out quickly that tractoring is like sports; knowing how and doing it are two different things! Experience necessary! But getting a heads up on the techniques will certainly make the learning experience much better. Good Luck!

Larry...

 

[Haldawson]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have ordered the book and will let you know.

 

[Harv]

Haldawson -

I'll be eagerly waiting for your report on the book also.

I spend most of my time separated from my tractor by over a hundred miles, so it might help my withdrawal problems to have a book worth reading on the subject. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[Thomas]

Haldawson,
Welcome to the board and congratulation B7500 with all the goodies. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

The best why I learn was to read..talk w/others..demonstration..practice and in time it will become second nature.
Don't worry about the mistakes for your going to make some as we have, /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gifjust be safe thats what counts.

Glad to read Santa visit you early and fill your list.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[MarkV]

Haldawson,

Congrats on the new tractor and welcome to the forum. Try doing some searches and read old conversations that have gone on. There is a lot of good information about how to use your tractor.

MarkV

 

[RobS]

I'll add my congratulations to your purchase. As a new owner myself, I've found precious little in print regarding operation. Read the manuals, use this forum and get some seat time on the tractor.

Rob

 

[dmccarty]

Congrats on the new tools.

Try the attachment forum for threads regarding each of the implements you own. For a boxblade a hydraulic toplink is real nice to have if not a most have. The hydraulic toplink allows you to position the boxblade without getting off the tractor. Its a big time saver.

For the most part, just use the equipment. I was able to get some really good results on my first try with the box blade.

As others said, and it cannot be said enough, read the manuals. Especially the safety warnings. The manufactuer put them in for a reason. SOMEONE got hurt/killed for each of the warning labels in the manuals. Remember that.

What will get you in trouble on a tractor is tip/roll over, the PTO shaft, PTO implements, and hydraulics. Most of this is common sense.

Don't drive fast while on uneven ground or turning. Keep your center of gravity low. Don't drive around with the FEL fulling extended while turning/uneven ground. Don't go near moving PTO and PTO equipment. Turn off the PTO and/or tractor. Don't put body parts under raised equipment. Turn off the engine and release pressure from the hydraulic line before disconnecting hoses.

Just go slow until you get the hang of things. I still go slow and I have the hang of things.

Read the threads about Rotary Cutters. Notice how much stuff they can throw and how far. Even through the side wall of the cutter.

Watch out for holes, stumps, rocks, etc. Especially while turning on a slope.

Geeze, I did not mean to turn this into a safety thread, but I guess that is what I always remember from reading the HowTo conversations.

But, I guess this stuff is fairly simple to use. The hard part is using it safely for both YOU and the equipment. Never thought of it that way.....

Ask some specific questions on the implements you wish to use in the Attachment forum.

Hope this helps, good luck, be safe, and have FUN!....
Dan McCarty

 

[JiminMI]

Just a short note on "learning how". I now find that ducking my head while backing out of the garage hurts a lot less. (Speaking about safety threads...) You would think that after folding down the ROPS..I would remember...Oh well...
Jim