What were your avoidable mistakes?
- Thread starter Blee
- Start date
- Views: 1399
My best advice is "don't get off it"!!! Seat time will be your biggest teacher. It also helps keep anyone else from getting on it. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
OK... A couple others.
Start slow and drive slow. Sounds like you have some hilly terrain. Learn the capabilities of your tractor as well as yourself.
Go over steps to do in various emergency situations. Do these over and over to try to imbed into your body and brain. You'll appreciate it if/when something does go wrong. (e.g. I saw your description of your driveway in your profile. Have a plan should something go wrong like finding yourself on ice sliding down to that turn in your driveway). When practicing, the steps should be where you can do them with your eyes closed (e.g. reach for and drop FEL, drop 3ph, don't hit the clutch...)
Don't beat yourself up. Some things aren't going to be like driving a car. You'll probably be a bit "jerky" when operating clutches, FEL, 3PH... but you'll get the hang of it.
OK... A couple others.
Start slow and drive slow. Sounds like you have some hilly terrain. Learn the capabilities of your tractor as well as yourself.
Go over steps to do in various emergency situations. Do these over and over to try to imbed into your body and brain. You'll appreciate it if/when something does go wrong. (e.g. I saw your description of your driveway in your profile. Have a plan should something go wrong like finding yourself on ice sliding down to that turn in your driveway). When practicing, the steps should be where you can do them with your eyes closed (e.g. reach for and drop FEL, drop 3ph, don't hit the clutch...)
Don't beat yourself up. Some things aren't going to be like driving a car. You'll probably be a bit "jerky" when operating clutches, FEL, 3PH... but you'll get the hang of it.
Henro
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 5,007
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
<font color="blue"> I do not have a lot of "tractor friends" </font>
Sure you do! Over 16,000 registered members here! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Keep the ROPS up and your seat belt on when using the tractor comes to mind first.
Also, read the safety forum and as much of the archives on safety as possible.
Then visit some farm sites and read safety items there. Read accident reports on farm/tractor accidents you can find on the net. There are many lessons to learn when one is new to tractors. For example, did you know if your rear tires were frozen to the ground, it is possible for the tractor to flip over backwards when you try to move forwards? Surprised me when I learned that... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Knowing the potential dangers helps keep one safe.
This is I think my personal best advice for the new guy. All the other things are secondary to safety...
As for a personal avoidable mistake...well...buy a 72" mower for the B7800...NOT a 60"... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Another? IF you are not having to brush hog a lot of area, consider a 48" over a 60," especially if you have a lot of trees to brush hog around and between... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Seem to be on a roll here...put a T&T on as soon as you can...
Remember that if you have the front bucket full and roll it back all the way when it is up in the air kind of high, you tractor's hood will not thank you... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
And the list goes on...and on... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Sure you do! Over 16,000 registered members here! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Keep the ROPS up and your seat belt on when using the tractor comes to mind first.
Also, read the safety forum and as much of the archives on safety as possible.
Then visit some farm sites and read safety items there. Read accident reports on farm/tractor accidents you can find on the net. There are many lessons to learn when one is new to tractors. For example, did you know if your rear tires were frozen to the ground, it is possible for the tractor to flip over backwards when you try to move forwards? Surprised me when I learned that... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Knowing the potential dangers helps keep one safe.
This is I think my personal best advice for the new guy. All the other things are secondary to safety...
As for a personal avoidable mistake...well...buy a 72" mower for the B7800...NOT a 60"... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
Another? IF you are not having to brush hog a lot of area, consider a 48" over a 60," especially if you have a lot of trees to brush hog around and between... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Seem to be on a roll here...put a T&T on as soon as you can...
Remember that if you have the front bucket full and roll it back all the way when it is up in the air kind of high, you tractor's hood will not thank you... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
And the list goes on...and on... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
What Henro said...
Also read these threads
DUMMY, DUMMY, DUMMY
and
Lessons learned by the new guy
We would prefer it if you didn't have to post in those...
Also read these threads
DUMMY, DUMMY, DUMMY
and
Lessons learned by the new guy
We would prefer it if you didn't have to post in those...
JimR
Elite Member
Here is one very important one for any hydro tractor. Set the brake
before you get out of your running tractor. It may save your life or a nice dent in a building or car should your tractor decide to creep away on you. My Cub does this once in a blue moon. I learned to set the brake the day I came back out and found the tractor sitting against the outside of my barn. No damage was done. But I was shocked to see that the tractor creeped about 20 feet in 2 minutes on level ground. The high bucket full of dirt is a good one. I've been thinking of adding a piece on to the top of my bucket to prevent this from happening.
before you get out of your running tractor. It may save your life or a nice dent in a building or car should your tractor decide to creep away on you. My Cub does this once in a blue moon. I learned to set the brake the day I came back out and found the tractor sitting against the outside of my barn. No damage was done. But I was shocked to see that the tractor creeped about 20 feet in 2 minutes on level ground. The high bucket full of dirt is a good one. I've been thinking of adding a piece on to the top of my bucket to prevent this from happening.
btolle
Platinum Member
Wear the seat belt at all times.
Set the brake every time you get off so it becomes an ingrained habit.
Keep the loader as low as possible for the task you are doing. The higher the loader the more chance of a rollover.
Never pull anything from an part of the tractor except the drawbar. Pulling from higher up can result in a turnover that will happen so fast you won't have time to react.
Do not jerk things when pulling them, use a slow steady pull.
If you are working where there are lots of trees wear a hardhat. Every time I hear something hit my hard hat I realize I have just saved myself from another scar on my bald head. Wear it when changing implements too. I can hear it when I hit something on the tractor, same scar saver.
Do not EVER, EVER, get off the tractor until any PTO equipment has stopped moving completely.
Do not EVER, EVER, work on any PTO operated equipment unless the engine is turned OFF.
Read the Operator's Manual before you start operating it. Go get the Operator's Manuals for the tractor and loader now and read them while you are waiting for delivery.
Read the manuals again after you have put a few hours on the tractor. The manuals will make even more sense to you after a little seat time.
Do not ever allow anyone anywhere near you when using a bush hog. The tip speed on a rotary cutter is about 13,000 feet per minute. That means anything that comes out from under the cutter may be moving as fast as 147 MPH and can be lethal.
Be aware of everything around you. Remember that while you are watching a bush hog the front end loader may be about to run into a tree (or the side of the house like mine did Saturday, fortunately a small nick that the wife will not notice). A bush hog has a large radius swing when you turn so be aware of where it is when turning.
If you get really tired, park it. A tired operator is an unsafe operator.
No passengers!!!!
Have fun, but be safe!
Bill Tolle
Set the brake every time you get off so it becomes an ingrained habit.
Keep the loader as low as possible for the task you are doing. The higher the loader the more chance of a rollover.
Never pull anything from an part of the tractor except the drawbar. Pulling from higher up can result in a turnover that will happen so fast you won't have time to react.
Do not jerk things when pulling them, use a slow steady pull.
If you are working where there are lots of trees wear a hardhat. Every time I hear something hit my hard hat I realize I have just saved myself from another scar on my bald head. Wear it when changing implements too. I can hear it when I hit something on the tractor, same scar saver.
Do not EVER, EVER, get off the tractor until any PTO equipment has stopped moving completely.
Do not EVER, EVER, work on any PTO operated equipment unless the engine is turned OFF.
Read the Operator's Manual before you start operating it. Go get the Operator's Manuals for the tractor and loader now and read them while you are waiting for delivery.
Read the manuals again after you have put a few hours on the tractor. The manuals will make even more sense to you after a little seat time.
Do not ever allow anyone anywhere near you when using a bush hog. The tip speed on a rotary cutter is about 13,000 feet per minute. That means anything that comes out from under the cutter may be moving as fast as 147 MPH and can be lethal.
Be aware of everything around you. Remember that while you are watching a bush hog the front end loader may be about to run into a tree (or the side of the house like mine did Saturday, fortunately a small nick that the wife will not notice). A bush hog has a large radius swing when you turn so be aware of where it is when turning.
If you get really tired, park it. A tired operator is an unsafe operator.
No passengers!!!!
Have fun, but be safe!
Bill Tolle
rbarker
Platinum Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Keep the loader as low as possible for the task you are doing. The higher the loader the more chance of a rollover.
)</font>
And don't forget the counter weight!
)</font>
And don't forget the counter weight!
Nik
Gold Member
BLEE
Using the parking brake is important. Equally critical is releasing the parking brake when you start to use your tractor again. Many of us here have inadvertently drove with the brake on and not noticed for some time until we realized the tractor seemed to be lacking its usual power. I would say this is a common mistake especially if another operator unfamiliar with your tractor uses it. I once mowed for about 10 minutes with my B2410 with the brake on before noticing. Now out of habit I always disengage the parking pedal before moving whether the brake has been set or not.
Using the parking brake is important. Equally critical is releasing the parking brake when you start to use your tractor again. Many of us here have inadvertently drove with the brake on and not noticed for some time until we realized the tractor seemed to be lacking its usual power. I would say this is a common mistake especially if another operator unfamiliar with your tractor uses it. I once mowed for about 10 minutes with my B2410 with the brake on before noticing. Now out of habit I always disengage the parking pedal before moving whether the brake has been set or not.
scott_in_ny
Bronze Member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2004
- Messages
- 69
- Location
- westchester county n.y.
- Tractor
- kubota BX-22.......couple of sears riding mowers that the neighbors were throwing away at one time or another.
i always make sure my loader is fully seated on the ground before i leave it so no one can hit the lever and drop it on a toe , foot etc. i also try to always lower the BH outriggers for the same reason when parking. this also makes a good parking brake because i always forget to release mine.you would think after the first ten times i would learn.
i have two small kids and although they are not allowed to play on or near it,they are kids and all it takes is the one time.
i have two small kids and although they are not allowed to play on or near it,they are kids and all it takes is the one time.
dmftoy1
Silver Member
Fold the ROPS before driving into the garage. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif (unless you have a very tall garage door)
If you have a very tall garage door . .make sure it's fully up when driving in with the ROPS up. (learned the hard way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
Have a good one,
Dave
If you have a very tall garage door . .make sure it's fully up when driving in with the ROPS up. (learned the hard way /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif )
Have a good one,
Dave
Wow! I just stumbled in here 'cause I thought I had deleted this discussion (certainly glad it didn't happen). Excellent advice.
Thank you all for the cautions on the accidents -- perhaps my trepidation comes from being a flight paramedic for many years and I see the results of errors often; I just need to know how to AVOID them!
I have been studying this site and others as well as my owner's manuals (my dealer has already given me some.)
One person said to get a T&T as soon as possible -- what is a T&T?
I am getting the upgraded alternator (I have vision issues). Also, what is the case for a 72" MMM? Is it worth the price increase vs. 20% more cutting width? It is not too late for me to amend the order. How much should the difference be?
btw, it is a Kubota B7800.
Thanks,
Blee
Thank you all for the cautions on the accidents -- perhaps my trepidation comes from being a flight paramedic for many years and I see the results of errors often; I just need to know how to AVOID them!
I have been studying this site and others as well as my owner's manuals (my dealer has already given me some.)
One person said to get a T&T as soon as possible -- what is a T&T?
I am getting the upgraded alternator (I have vision issues). Also, what is the case for a 72" MMM? Is it worth the price increase vs. 20% more cutting width? It is not too late for me to amend the order. How much should the difference be?
btw, it is a Kubota B7800.
Thanks,
Blee
Henro
Super Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 5,007
- Location
- Few miles north of Pgh, PA
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, BX2200, KX41-2V mini EX
<font color="blue"> One person said to get a T&T as soon as possible -- what is a T&T?
I am getting the upgraded alternator (I have vision issues). Also, what is the case for a 72" MMM? Is it worth the price increase vs. 20% more cutting width? It is not too late for me to amend the order. How much should the difference be?</font>
T&T is top and tilt capability for the 3PH. It is generally a hydraulic cylinder in place of the top link and a second as one of the lift rods. Lets you make angle adjustments without having to get off the tractor (or stretch too much) and on the fly as well.
A wider mower, whether MMM or RFM lets you cut closer(at least easier) to things than a narrower mower will...all else being equal.
Way it works for me anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I am getting the upgraded alternator (I have vision issues). Also, what is the case for a 72" MMM? Is it worth the price increase vs. 20% more cutting width? It is not too late for me to amend the order. How much should the difference be?</font>
T&T is top and tilt capability for the 3PH. It is generally a hydraulic cylinder in place of the top link and a second as one of the lift rods. Lets you make angle adjustments without having to get off the tractor (or stretch too much) and on the fly as well.
A wider mower, whether MMM or RFM lets you cut closer(at least easier) to things than a narrower mower will...all else being equal.
Way it works for me anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
riptides
Super Star Member
Go read the safety forum. Owning and operating/generic forum is chalk full of keepers too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Flight Paramedic? AirCare1? Who?
PM me if you must....
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Flight Paramedic? AirCare1? Who?
PM me if you must....
-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
aloha
Silver Member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2003
- Messages
- 213
- Location
- Hawaii - Big Island
- Tractor
- Kubota B7800 / Kubota RTV X900 / Scag Turf Tiger
You had 2 responses saying to use the parking brake. My take on this with the B7800 is don't trust the parking brake . I consider the brake to be one of the design weaknesses of the model and always put the bucket and whatever is on the back on the ground as an anchor. If the bucket is empty and there is any incline, I will generally embed the teeth of the toothbar for security.
Be alert. Know your terrain. My most frightening tractor moments have been twice in the past month discovering that what looked like solid level ground had a soft spot that a rear wheel has dropped in.
Take a look at First Rollover!! and Rollover-Layover Resolution .
Be alert. Know your terrain. My most frightening tractor moments have been twice in the past month discovering that what looked like solid level ground had a soft spot that a rear wheel has dropped in.
Take a look at First Rollover!! and Rollover-Layover Resolution .
LBrown59
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2004
- Messages
- 16,904
- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You guys have really haleped me a lot in my purchase of my B7800 (delivery 29 Dec). I do not have a lot of "tractor friends" and was wondering what is your best advice to a new tractor operator? )</font>
Read all the post on the board you can.
Read all the post on the board you can.
LBrown59
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2004
- Messages
- 16,904
- Tractor
- 2003 Kubota BX1500/2004 Kubota Bx23/2005 Kubota BX1500
did you know if your rear tires were frozen to the ground, it is possible for the tractor to flip over backwards when you try to move forwards? Surprised me when I learned that...
================
Anything that will prevent the rear wheels from rotating forward can cause the tractor to rotate around the rear axle when power is applied in a forward gear.
================
Anything that will prevent the rear wheels from rotating forward can cause the tractor to rotate around the rear axle when power is applied in a forward gear.
PowerMax
Silver Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Also, what is the case for a 72" MMM? Is it worth the price increase vs. 20% more cutting width? It is not too late for me to amend the order. How much should the difference be?
)</font>
It depends on your yard and terrain. For me, the 60" MMM was the right choice for my B2910. I have a lot undulating surfaces, swails and banks to mow. I think the 72" would really scalp a lot of areas in my yard. I also have a lot of trees and other narrow places that I need to fit through.
The 48" brush hog has also worked out very well for me - again dependent upon your own personal needs. The 60" loader bucket has worked out well for me.
Oh ... and ditto on the releasing of the parking brake. I have inadvertently left mine on a few times. That really ticks me off when I do that. Fortunately, I haven't done it in a while.
After some seat time, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Good luck and have fun!
Jeff
)</font>
It depends on your yard and terrain. For me, the 60" MMM was the right choice for my B2910. I have a lot undulating surfaces, swails and banks to mow. I think the 72" would really scalp a lot of areas in my yard. I also have a lot of trees and other narrow places that I need to fit through.
The 48" brush hog has also worked out very well for me - again dependent upon your own personal needs. The 60" loader bucket has worked out well for me.
Oh ... and ditto on the releasing of the parking brake. I have inadvertently left mine on a few times. That really ticks me off when I do that. Fortunately, I haven't done it in a while.
After some seat time, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Good luck and have fun!
Jeff
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