First time tractor owner here - I just purchased an old Satoh S650G with FEL I looked around for a post about general rules of tractor operation, but if there is one I couldn't find it. What kind of rules can you guys tell me about owning and operating a tractor that might be common knowledge to tractor owners, but not known for a newbie? Things like, are you supposed to let the tractor run at idle for a while before shutting down after hard use? Are you supposed to operate the tractor at full throttle most of the time, like you do with a little briggs powered lawn mower? How do you get a feel for how much of a hillside it is safe to operate on? And so-on. Please fill me in before I make any major mistakes. Thanks.
Tractor rules? - newbie
- Thread starter lcorrell
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RalphVa
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Use whatever rpm is needed to keep from lugging the engine and generally full speed for PTO operations.
No need for extensive idling to warm up unless you live in very cold winter areas or to cool down unless the engine has a turbo charger.
Most important thing in using the FEL is BALANCE. You need both filled tires AND something on the back to balance out what you're lifting in the FEL. Put a weight box on there if you don't have an implement that's 300-400# at least. And GO SLOWLY and carry that FEL as low as possible and be ready to drop it and the anything on the 3ph if you start to tip; leaning towards the corner that wants to tip up can help, too.
Ralph
No need for extensive idling to warm up unless you live in very cold winter areas or to cool down unless the engine has a turbo charger.
Most important thing in using the FEL is BALANCE. You need both filled tires AND something on the back to balance out what you're lifting in the FEL. Put a weight box on there if you don't have an implement that's 300-400# at least. And GO SLOWLY and carry that FEL as low as possible and be ready to drop it and the anything on the 3ph if you start to tip; leaning towards the corner that wants to tip up can help, too.
Ralph
Humbleto
Silver Member
Icorrell, just take it easy until you are more familiar with the machine. Use only as much throttle as it takes to get the job done. If you are on "hilly" terrain like me, be extra careful if you are turning up or down the incline. It will turn over on you. Does it have roll over protection? I assume it probably does not. Common sense goes a long way with tractors. They do make devices that indicate the angle that you are on and the dangerous angles and at least one is on this website.
You will be amazed at the amount of work you can get done.
Go slow and good luck!
You will be amazed at the amount of work you can get done.
Go slow and good luck!
I've done a good bit of editing work and have read many a manual. In general, your diesel engine should be warmed for at least 5 minutes before you begin operating it. Also, if cold, don't operate the hydraulics until the fluid has had time to warm up. It can damage the pump if you operate the cold, thicker fluid.
I don't agree that a non-tubro diesel doen't require a cool down. A turbo just requires a LONGER cool down. Your engine will have a longer, better life if you idle it at least for a minute or two, and a good bit longer for turbos.
I can't resist addressing the Lean toward the side that lifts comment. If you're on a lawnmower, that might work, but on the average tractor, your weight is not going to be much noticed. Good advice on dropping the FEL / 3pt implement in a hurry. A rollover usually happens much faster than most folks would believe. You only have a few seconds to react.
The thing about keeping the loader low is because carrying high can help with momentum in a rollover, and it would also take longer to get it to the ground. One can roll over on what appears to be flat ground. One example: Loader filled, riding high, one wheel slips into a depression/hole in the ground, over goes the tractor in a blink.
One major safety issue. Roll Over Protection Systems (ROPS). If you have one, use it. When using it, keep your seatbelt on. If you don't have a ROPS, then don't use a seatbelt. In a rollover, with seatbelt and ROPS, you will be held in the "safety zone" of the ROPS. If you don't have your seatbelt on, the ROPS can crush you. If you don't have ROPS and wear a seatbelt, in a rollover, the tractor will crush you as you cannot attempt to jump away.
There is much more that you need to know. One good way would be to try to find some owner's manuals for tractors. They don't have to be for the one you own. Read the safety tips in those. Even a public library may have some you can read.
John
I don't agree that a non-tubro diesel doen't require a cool down. A turbo just requires a LONGER cool down. Your engine will have a longer, better life if you idle it at least for a minute or two, and a good bit longer for turbos.
I can't resist addressing the Lean toward the side that lifts comment. If you're on a lawnmower, that might work, but on the average tractor, your weight is not going to be much noticed. Good advice on dropping the FEL / 3pt implement in a hurry. A rollover usually happens much faster than most folks would believe. You only have a few seconds to react.
The thing about keeping the loader low is because carrying high can help with momentum in a rollover, and it would also take longer to get it to the ground. One can roll over on what appears to be flat ground. One example: Loader filled, riding high, one wheel slips into a depression/hole in the ground, over goes the tractor in a blink.
One major safety issue. Roll Over Protection Systems (ROPS). If you have one, use it. When using it, keep your seatbelt on. If you don't have a ROPS, then don't use a seatbelt. In a rollover, with seatbelt and ROPS, you will be held in the "safety zone" of the ROPS. If you don't have your seatbelt on, the ROPS can crush you. If you don't have ROPS and wear a seatbelt, in a rollover, the tractor will crush you as you cannot attempt to jump away.
There is much more that you need to know. One good way would be to try to find some owner's manuals for tractors. They don't have to be for the one you own. Read the safety tips in those. Even a public library may have some you can read.
John
jbrumberg
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Icorrell:
I have owned and operated a subcompact/compact tractor for over 20 years. I suggest you read posts contained in the Safety Discussion Site here on TBN. I have learned a lot from reading these threads. The global community at TBN has a lot to share due to our respective real life experiences with tractors and tractor attachments. The advise you have already received is solid- keep your weight low and balanced (L-R/F-R) and go slow especially on slopes, wet and depressed/rutted areas. Wear your seatbelt if you have a ROPS. Good Luck- Jay.
I have owned and operated a subcompact/compact tractor for over 20 years. I suggest you read posts contained in the Safety Discussion Site here on TBN. I have learned a lot from reading these threads. The global community at TBN has a lot to share due to our respective real life experiences with tractors and tractor attachments. The advise you have already received is solid- keep your weight low and balanced (L-R/F-R) and go slow especially on slopes, wet and depressed/rutted areas. Wear your seatbelt if you have a ROPS. Good Luck- Jay.
flusher
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Don't know anything about Satoh tractors. The Tisco website indicates that it's a 2240-lb tractor with a 20-hp (PTO) Mazda gas engine. Is the engine diesel or gas?
Check the hoses on that FEL, especially around the connections. You don't want high pressure hydraulic fluid heading in your direction from a leak.
You might think about getting a toothbar for the FEL if it doesn't have one. Markham Welding makes nice removable ones at a decent price.
These small tractors can be tippy. My 21-hp B7510HST with LA302 FEL gives me a thrill when a rear wheel drops into a 6-in deep wheel rut, which ain't very deep. I carry a 240-lb box blade on the 3-pt hitch as ballast. If that's not enough I can add another 360 pounds of concrete weight onto the box blade in 120-lb increments
You'll need practice with your FEL to efficiently scoop up material from a pile (gravel, sand, dirt). Be careful to load the bucket evenly side-to-side when you take a bite or else the tractor may lean. You don't want to twist the FEL arms unnecessarily.
Does it have a ROPS? If not, think about getting one.
Check the hoses on that FEL, especially around the connections. You don't want high pressure hydraulic fluid heading in your direction from a leak.
You might think about getting a toothbar for the FEL if it doesn't have one. Markham Welding makes nice removable ones at a decent price.
These small tractors can be tippy. My 21-hp B7510HST with LA302 FEL gives me a thrill when a rear wheel drops into a 6-in deep wheel rut, which ain't very deep. I carry a 240-lb box blade on the 3-pt hitch as ballast. If that's not enough I can add another 360 pounds of concrete weight onto the box blade in 120-lb increments
You'll need practice with your FEL to efficiently scoop up material from a pile (gravel, sand, dirt). Be careful to load the bucket evenly side-to-side when you take a bite or else the tractor may lean. You don't want to twist the FEL arms unnecessarily.
Does it have a ROPS? If not, think about getting one.
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is the engine diesel or gas? )</font>
I wasn't paying enough attention to the model number when I read the post. The S650G is gas. Satoh made several models, some of the with diesel engines, but would have the D in the model number as they have the G in the gas version.
I've seen the HP listed as 20 and 25, not sure which is correct.
John
I wasn't paying enough attention to the model number when I read the post. The S650G is gas. Satoh made several models, some of the with diesel engines, but would have the D in the model number as they have the G in the gas version.
I've seen the HP listed as 20 and 25, not sure which is correct.
John
1948berg
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Tractor operating is more or less the same thing as sex, you can read all about it, ask questions and make plans, but nothing beats the real thing!!
LeadPoison
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Too bad tractor operation is a "solo" activity!
proudestmonkey
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Since my wife refused to read the manual on our new little tractor, I did a google search for "Tractor safety" there are tons of pdf files on safety.
One thing I'd be thinking about, even if your older tractor does not have a ROPS (rollover protection system), which is basically a rollerover bar and a seat belt, see if you can attach one. One of the reasons I really wanted a new tractor is because my JD riding lawn mower didn't have one and I nearly rolled it a few times last year.
One thing I'd be thinking about, even if your older tractor does not have a ROPS (rollover protection system), which is basically a rollerover bar and a seat belt, see if you can attach one. One of the reasons I really wanted a new tractor is because my JD riding lawn mower didn't have one and I nearly rolled it a few times last year.
