toolbox suggestions for farm and tractor

[pkelley228]

Well since I am waiting a couple of weeks for my tractor, (xu5055), to come in I figured I would try to do something productive. My farm is a bit of a drive from my house and I figure I better load up a tool box for out there. It will have the standard hand tools and etc., but I am wondering what if any specialty tools are needed when you own a tractor. I figure I will need a grease gun, and a decent metric set of wrenches and sockets, but what other tools are needed for maintenance and minor repairs. Any input is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

I keep spare lynch pins and a 6" Torpedo Level in mine. I use the Torpedo Level to level Bush Hog, Disc Harrow, Box Blade and 2-12 Moldboard Plow. Faster than doing it by "eye".

 

[pkelley228]

Good call on the level, and lynch pins. Thanks.

 

[holeycow]

You will need appropriate sized wrenches/sockets to do the servicing, as well as funnels and containers to drop the fluids into and to refill same. Depending on the size of the machine it may have some large sized fasteners that regular socket sets won't fit, ie; you may need a 3/4" drive socket set and some big wrenches. A piece of pipe for a snipe can be handy. So can a torque wrench be handy. Rags, hand cleaner, paper towels, etc. Teflon tape for sealing hydraulic ends (or putty). And on and on and on........ You can never have too many tools or shop supplies. Half decent tools can be bought real cheap at the stores that sell cheap tools. They are generally good enough for the "handyman" user. I buy professional tools for daily use and cheap tools for occasional use, pretty much.

Auctions are a great place to buy tools. You can get quality tools for the price of cheap tools, especially if the auction is selling an "old timers" stuff

 

[pkelley228]

Thanks for the advice. It will be an LS XU 5055 with a 7' hog and FEL. Looks like I might need a bigger tool box. Hadn't thought of the funnels. Guess I will heading over to Harbor Freight this week.

 

[jaydee325]

Your LS has metric fasteners so you will need metric wrenches and sockets.

I'm not familiar with the XU5055 but considering its size, some of the bolts may be fairly large, maybe into the 22mm and larger range.

 

[jaotguy]

power washer , wire cutters/strippers / a small box of marretts and electrical tape , a roll of # 14 stranded electrical wire, quick hydraulic hose repair kits, a list of "special phone numbers and part numbers" , a GOOD set of channel lock pliers , 3 pairs of good vise grips, a long cheater bar that fits over your largest ratchet wrench, several bottle jacks , a good large floor jack (or two) , a come along winch and a long chain , a multi meter Volts / ohm / amps ,spare bulbs , spare quart of oil , chain hoist (or engine hoist), solid blocks of wood for stacking or between the jacks and things above them ( soft metals , might scratch )... a soldering iron or gun, drill and drill bits up to 1/2 inch ,... selection of cotter pins, E-clips, and the pliers to match....

 

[Gary Fowler]

Start with a basic 1/2" drive socket set up to 1" size, then add a 3/4" drive cheap set from HF. I have one of SAE and Metric that were on sale for I think $49 each. Very good buy as a 3/4 drive ratchet would cost nearly that much and they go up 3/4- 2" diameter. I also bought a set of their large combination wrenches. My first rolling Craftsman tool box filled up quickly so I bought the Red General tool box and filled it up also. I have my old construction tool box full of gloves, 3/4 drive impact, jig saw, sabre saws, soldering gun and a few other speciality items. Also have an assortment of jacks, like handyman jack, 10T bottle jacks(I need a 20T for my large tractor), floor jacks (3).
Even with 2 full sized mechanics tool boxes and other storage shelves full of drill bits for both steel and wood, drill drivers both air, battery and AC, bolt bins full of various sized fasteners, I still come up short on needed stuff from time to time. I also have a full complement of air tools ,3/8 drive ratchet, 90 degree angle drill, pencil grinder,1/2" drive impact guns, air chisel and assorted carbide burring tools that are really handy for enlarging holes a few millimeters.

 

[jaydee325]

I've seen mentioned impact tools but no air compressor mentioned! I could not get along without one!

 

[motownbrowne]

I love having a nice set of 3/4" drive sockets. Last summer I bought a box full of snap-on 3/4 stuff from a good friend. They go from 3/4"-2&3/4". One or two SK sockets in there, so they aren't all snap on, and the two wrenches are different brands, but I feel pretty lucky. Paid $180 for all of it. I love having the big stuff when I need it, too bad it's so darned heavy.