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Best advice on this fourm! a new year, a new way of thinking!

14 years ago

None of this stuff effects me causing I am the "OIL changing and pre-ventive maintenance NERD! or do I care if anybody reads or makes nasty comments cause it's not going to effect my way of thinking, and I know most of use that read or post here already know this crap.

No.1 by far got to be: "Keep your tractor out of the rain and snow" thanks to rusti most of us understood this, but to the lazy greenhorns who don't or check fluid before they jump on your mowing days are limited!

#2 Change the oil and filters atleast twice a year regardless of HOURS? (why? IMO 50 hours in the dust and heat is too long between oil changes usless you can get that many hours on after two months)(for some of use 50 hours could be a year or more)(and remember the owners manual usually has a change earlier clause in extreme conditions, mowing in the dusty conditions is extreme to me!) IMO for us in the south three times is better. once right after spring by May, when the summer starts to heat up, in aug. after running it in the heat through the hot summer months June, july, and aug. and sept or oct for use that live in the south and use the equipment to do leave work.

#3 And keep your equipment clean, blow off after ever use, wash if you use it after rain (under the deck mowing wet grass).

I sure there are more like greasing spindles very 10 hours. cleaning the air filter every 10 hours, and other stuff the owner manual recommend, but majority NEVER do.

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Comments (4)

rustyj14
14 years ago
Might i add another caveat? (Warning)
If your tractor, or mower, or whatever, has louvers (slots) in the top part of the hood (engine cover, in front of steering wheel) keep it covered when not in use, as rain gets down into the flywheel/ignition coil area, and causes rust to form on the flywheel magnet, and on the feet of the coil legs! And, during winter storage, especially if in an old shed out back of the house, stuff some dryer sheets in around the flywheel covers. some folks say that doesn't do any good, but chaining a cat to the tractor is cruel and unusual punishment for the cat, especially if he only ketches a couple rodents for lunch!
A lot of newbies seem to think--if it is ok to let their truck, or car, set outside, uncovered, in a driving rain, or wind, or snow, it is ok to do that with their lawn tractor. NOT SO! Cars and trucks are designed to be run in all kinds of weather-lawn equipment is NOT! So, keep it covered!
wheelhorse_of_course
14 years ago
OK, how about one more.

Big problems nearly always start as minor annoyances and/or problems. The preventative maintenance described above will help your machine live a long life.

However, sooner or later something will wear out. After you check your oil and fill your gas at the beginning of a session, take a careful listen to the engine. Then engage the PTO and listen again.

Keep listening as you work and if you hear something odd or unusual stop and check into it. If you cannot find the problem bring it to this forum (with details such as models numbers, engine model numbers etc along with a detailed description of what you have noticed). There as some very good people on this forum that will try to help you.

Happy New Year to all.

Rolf
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john_wa
14 years ago
Whether you're a tractor veteran or a newbie that's terrific advice from all of you guys! Thanks a lot!
dynamike59
14 years ago
Just follow the reccomendations listed in the owners manual.

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