Massey Ferguson Tractor Troubleshooting

Log Splitter: You can save yourself some considerable time and effort by using a log splitter to chop wood. During wet months, those unpaved roads can become uneven or rutted, and gravel will tend to push to the outside of the roadway after constant use,...

The mound was just tall enough to bottom out the mower and raise the right rear wheel slightly off the ground, which meant that the mower was stuck. Starting up the mower once again, I engaged the differential lock and slowly pushed the accelerator.

Power Take-Off One of the most important parts of your machine, the PTO is a spinning shaft commonly located at the rear of the tractor. One of the most useful is the three-point hitch, which includes a hydraulic lift for raising and lowering attached...

As its name implies, this tractor is chiefly used for mowing lawns and is fairly limited in terms of power, features and expandability through attachments. As a hobby farmer, you know the value of a quality tractor.

A mid-size tractor that can move large round hay bales can help reduce your feed bills and save you time. A good winch lets you pull the load to you for easier removal. Backup Power Your tractor can serve as a mobile powerhouse.

Most equipment is scale-appropriate, and walk-­behind tractors are no exception. You're going to need something that mows, something that chips and something to till up a plot, which quickly becomes a lot of engines to maintain! Fortunately, there is...

I later found out that the Vintage Harvest is an annual affair held the last weekend of every August. Crayton Guhlke, one of the founders, told me the small, pull-type combines (pictured right) produced cleaner grain than many of today's self-propelled...

It's easy to recall this fable when using a typical riding lawn mower , as throttle controls are often marked with illustrations of a turtle (for low throttle) and a rabbit (for full throttle).

The box blade or a scrape blade turned at an angle allows you to smooth out a top layer of gravel on your freshly graded road. Tractor Maintenance Tip Safety is a top priority when it comes to operating your tractor and its attachments.

Even the time of day that you mow can make a difference. But in any case, understanding the basic advantages and disadvantages of clockwise- and counterclockwise-mowing patterns can help you determine the best strategy for every mowing job you encounter.

When speaking with Italian farmers who own Lamborghini tractors, I find they are often either amused or contemptuous of the legendary status of the sports cars. The group includes tractor companies originating in Italy, Switzerland and Germany.

At times like these I suggest thinking back to the days before the three-point hitch was a standard for farm equipment. Instead, be thankful that such a powerful, versatile and standardized hitch has been invented.

Step 7: Dispose of Old Oil Once the filter and plug are installed and tight, wipe down and degrease your work surfaces. Step 6: Tighten the Drain Plug With the filter installed, fix your new crush washer or O-ring on the drain plug and thread it in by...

Some people keep things simple and use the front-end loader on their tractor to scrape at the surface of the driveway. Grading a driveway with your tractor might require a special tool or two, but with practice you can keep your driveway in top shape—and...

Finding Rare Tractor Tires Two great resources for rare tires is Miller Tire , in Ohio, and Nebraska Tire , in Nebraska. This should be printed on the tire's sidewall, somewhere above the rim—you might have to scrape away some dirt to find it.

Drink plenty of water. Stay Cool & Hydrated Remember to take care of yourself while baling hay, which means not only exercising caution around the machines, but also looking after your personal health by staying cool and hydrated.

While this works well in many cases, the three-point hitch can be stronger, and there is always the risk that the rear end of your tractor will lift off the ground, which can obviously be dangerous.

You don't need fancy equipment to lift heavy objects around the farm—a simple piece of wood will do. A 4-by-8-foot piece of plywood can work well for simple jobs. If you live on a farm, it's inevitable that you'll eventually need to move heavy objects...

Working Season Don't get so involved in your summertime work that you forget to check on your machines from time to time. Winter Use Maintenance You might intend to keep some machines in use all winter, or perhaps you have a machine such as a snow blower...

Here a simple to-do list to help you get started. Don't be caught unprepared and searching for your winter gear on the morning that six inches of snow has fallen from the sky. Any machines that you won't use during the winter—lawn mowers, string trimmers,...

Let the engine cool so oil will be safe to handle. Also replace thermostats at this time. If you expect to hit the recommended hours for periodic servicing, set up a tractor maintenance planner with monthly reminders.

Choose the right piece (or pieces) of farm equipment to complete your spring farm-maintenance chores with help from this guide. Use the infographic below to figure out what piece of farm machinery will help you complete your springtime chores.

Every issue of Hobby Farms magazine, our editors search for items that are useful to hobby farmers, whether they're heavier equipment such as tractor attachments, useful tools, innovative helper items or accessories for livestock management.

Whether you need a stump grinder will depend on the size and number of stumps you intend to remove. Stump grinders exist as tractor attachments as well, saving you from having to maintain a separate machine.

That said, most rock-removal tasks can be achieved with less effort. Keep in mind that some rocks might be too big to move with anything short of professional-level equipment. Larger ones, meanwhile, can make interesting landscaping attractions and conversation...

Depending on the age and popularity of the model, they might have a manual on hand or be able to order one for you. In addition to discussing features, operation and capability of your tractor, the tractor owner's manual also offers primary maintenance...

Check the glass sediment bowl beneath the fuel filter for water or material. Checking air pressure in the spring is especially important, as tires can lose pressure over the winter.