New tractor owner- do' and dont's?

[Wile E Kioti]

Looking for helpful tips, i.e., do's and don'ts, for a first time tractor owner and operator; I am a complete novice! My new Kioti CK30 HST TLB is being delivered tomorrow and I would appreciate any sage advice from the experienced and the newly initiated among you. Thanks.

 

[murphy1244]

Always check oil levels before starting.

 

[flusher]

Check oil level, hydraulic fluid level.
Buckle your seat belt.
You backhoe is for digging; the FEL is for scooping. Be careful when you use the FEL for digging--you can twist the FEL arms if you're not careful.
Read the operator manual carefully until you understand all about your tractor.
If you plan to keep the tractor for more than 3 years, get the service and parts manuals.
Most tractor tool boxes are dinky--think about getting a larger one that holds things like a can of grease (for PTO splines and 3 pt hitch pins), large hammer, large crescent wrench, screw drivers, lynch pins, etc.

Good luck

 

[Hollow]

First off, welcome and congradulations! What will you be using the tractor for? What attachments will you be using?

 

[/pine]

"low and slow" when moving anything or operating on uneven terrain...

Good luck...and happy tractoring..

 

[murphy1244]

Check oil level, hydraulic fluid level.
Buckle your seat belt.
You backhoe is for digging; the FEL is for scooping. Be careful when you use the FEL for digging--you can twist the FEL arms if you're not careful.
Read the operator manual carefully until you understand all about your tractor.
If you plan to keep the tractor for more than 3 years, get the service and parts manuals.
Most tractor tool boxes are dinky--think about getting a larger one that holds things like a can of grease (for PTO splines and 3 pt hitch pins), large hammer, large crescent wrench, screw drivers, lynch pins, etc.

Good luck

That's the first thing I added was a much larger Tool Box.

 

[jerrybob]

Check this out...........

http://www.gemplers.com/docs/tailgate-training-tip-sheets/53-tractor-safety-en.pdf

 

[creekbend]

First and foremost - read the Operator's Manual, front and back. Then check all the fluids and grease all the zerks, plus check the fuel tank. Rest assured that these things can be overlooked at the dealer before delivery. BTW, Congratulations and best wishes.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Do take a picture and post it.
Don't ever say, "Honey, watch this!"
Do keep a maintenance log.
Don't assume you're far enough away from the garage and you won't hit it with the FEL/3pt/ROPS.
Do make friends with your neighbor who also has a tractor so he can pull you out.
Don't carry your chainsaw in the FEL.
Do take the time to research the best way to deliver fuel into your toy.
Don't put gasoline into your yellow diesel container.
Do mount a fire extinguisher somewhere.
Don't buy a chain that is so long and heavy you can hardly pick it up.
Do learn the tricks of hooking and unhooking 3 pt attachments.
Don't assume the wheel nuts are all tightened at the factory.
Do pay attention to the nuances of attaching to and releasing your grease gun hose from zerks.
Don't ignore the extreme advantages of installing a tooth bar.
Do fill the rear tires with liquid. The amount of work a tractor can do is directly proportional to its weight.

 

[Ted Summey]

Don't let this forum be the only source for advice. Your dealer, neighbors and friends with tractors and experienced equipment operators are good sources. Weigh the advice you do get against common sense. Some will be great and some will be off the wall.

The previous posts ARE good advice.

Here are a few of my suggestions

Read, read and read more about tractors and how to use them. This includes the operator's manual.
As Norm says, "know and follow your safety procedures."
Be observant and watch other operators. You will see good and bad. Learn the difference.
Check out youtube for videos there will be good and bad, learn the difference
Don't get in a hurry. Being in a hurry causes accidents.
Pay attention to the center of gravity of your tractor. Ballast in the tires will make a difference
Instruct those around the operting tractor about the safety practices
Take your time to break the tractor in. Avoid high throttle levels and extended throttle settings for the first 10 or 20 hours or whatever your manual says
If it breaks, gets loose, leaks or bends - fix it as soon as you can. Issues become cumulative
If something doesn't seem right, shut it down and investigate
Fix the brakes BOTH brakes, don't rely on one if one has quit working
Grease it before it squeaks if it squeaks it is past time
Follow the maintenance intervals - you can't over maintain but you can over service