Thank Heaven for my FEL locking rear diff.!

JimME · Mar 21, 2004

Our 3 year old wanted to go for a tractor ride late today. I took him down the woods road, and hit some deep snow. We got stuck on a downhill section in deep snow and I had to use the front end loader to "curl" our way back up the hill 8" at a time. During this process (approx. 5 minutes), my son said "Don't worry Daddy, I won't tell Momma". I got a real chuckle out of this... We got turned around and started to head back when we hit an uphill section with deep snow that we negotiated downhill, but uphill was a different story. After multiple attempts to get through it, I took an alternate route up through a field and bypassed the deep stuff. I used the locking rear diff. in this area. It made the difference between getting out and getting stuck. When we got back, my 3 year old refused to mention it to my wife until I brought it up and then he spilled his guts. I guess he's my little tractor buddy.

In summary, the front end loader and locking rear differential can be most helpful when you get stuck.

ps.- Unfortunately, no pictures.

JJT · Mar 21, 2004

Not to rain on your parade, but riding with a kid is NOT safe.

I'll walk and the my son will drive before I ride 2 up. My kids are 11 and 12 and both have a fair amount of seat time under their belts. Always belted in, on flat terrain and in low gear, (HST).

JimME · Mar 22, 2004

Thanks for the lecture!

We are always belted in and I drive very slowly. I don't think there's many people more safety concious or paranoid than I am, but it always helps to be reminded by someone who doesn't have all the information.

Four wheelers aren't safe, motorcycles aren't safe, but paren't let their children ride them.

I'll be as safe as I can and enjoy one of life's special moments. A tractor ride with my son... Because before long he'll be too big too ride and won't want to.

jwstewar · Mar 22, 2004

I agree with you. I ride my kids as well. We have all flat ground and we use the belt. They are never allowed near the tractor if I'm actually "working." We (my wife and I both will take them rides) always use low range at fairly low RPMs so the going is pretty slow and with our property I feel safer doing that then strapping them into their car seats and driving to town. At least there is no one else around on our land.

Henro · Mar 22, 2004

We are always belted in and I drive very slowly. 

A friend has a son, a cute kid maybe 5 years old...

I have wondered how I would go about giving him a ride safely on my tractor. I think I would do it, even understanding that it is not recommended.

That being said...how does one belt two people in using one belt?

I actually thought about possibly belting him to me, and me to the tractor.

Doesn't seem fair to put the kid under the same belt as me. Might squash him pretty good if the tractor did tip, and he had me on one side pushing him, and the belt on the other side digging into his gut, possibly causeing internal injuries.

I am really being serious here. I have not done it, but I think if i do, I will belt the kid to me, and put the tractor's seat belt around me and me only...just curious what others are doing IF they take the risk of taking a kid for a ride...

I would say that I personally do believe that a child on my tractor with me in control is probably safer than the same child being on an ATV with him in control. Not advocating anything...just stating a personal feeling.

jwstewar · Mar 22, 2004

I guess I should have clarified mine a little bit more. I usually wear the belt and usually just have my arm around them. My daughter will even stand between my legs sometimes and let her "drive." Again I'm right there and we are going very slow on flat ground. Never close to anything including trees, vehicles, buildings, roads, or ditches.

JWE · Mar 22, 2004

JimME... You better be careful or you will end up like me. I can't keep my oldest son off my tractor! I started like you; just giving rides. My son doesn't live at home anymore but he visits frequently. When he does visit he heads for the Kubota. Now poor old Dad has to stand and watch while he gets the seat time. It's not fair!

John

JimME · Mar 22, 2004

John,

LOL, sounds like a good excuse for you to buy another so you can go for father and son rides. I think you need an M6800SD?

Cecil · Mar 23, 2004

( Not to rain on your parade, but riding with a kid is NOT safe.)

Is it safer to drive with the kid in your lap or to let him drive himself?

(
I'll walk and the my son will drive before I ride 2 up. My kids are 11 and 12 and both have a fair amount of seat time under their belts. Always belted in, on flat terrain and in low gear, (HST). )

When I was 12 I was driving a tractor, pulling a baler & wagon.

I was able to do that because I was driving in my dads lap when I was 8. How would you walking beside me make that any safer?