Home > Lawn & Garden > Commercial Horticulture > Equipment > Lift Boom for Tractor 3-pt Hitch [Image: Lift boom on compact tractor] One of the handiest implements you can put on your tractor is a lift boom for the 3-point hitch. In some areas these are called boom poles or gin poles. Safety With Post Hole Diggers [Image: Post hole digger on tractor] Post hole diggers mounted on tractors and powered by the tractors’ PTO shafts are useful tools for setting posts, planting trees, and other uses, but they can cause serious injury if not used correctly. The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) is an organization whose members manufacture post hole diggers. They have developed some guidelines to help you use their products more safely. Remove That Loader Bucket! [Image: Front-end loader on compact tractor] Removing the bucket from the front-end loader on your tractor is very easy (on newer loaders) and makes your tractor much more maneuverable. You should develop the habit of removing the loader bucket whenever you use your tractor for mowing, tilling, etc. Overturn Protection for Compact Utility Tractors [Image: ROPS and seatbelt] Compact utility tractors are small diesel tractors with less than 40 horsepower. All current models come equipped with two important safety features: a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and a seatbelt. These two safety components can go a long way toward protecting you in case of an overturn - if you use them.  more articles... Wear That Seat Belt! [Image: ROPS and seatbelt on compact tractor] All compact tractors currently sold have Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS), and most larger zero-turn mowers now have this safety feature also. A ROPS that is properly designed and used can prevent serious injury in most overturn accidents. One of the most important considerations in ROPS protection is to wear your seatbelt. Adjusting Rotary Cutters [Image: rotary cutter] Many people use a rotary cutter (often referred to by the copyrighted name “Bush Hog”) to cut grass and weeds, but, in too many cases, the implement is not correctly adjusted. A Simple Hand Spreader for Gardens [Image: hand garden spreader] A simple hand spreader is often the best tool for applying granular fertilizer or pesticides. Hydraulic Cylinder to Replace Upper Link on Tractor 3-Point Hitch [Image: Hydraulic cylinder to replace 3rd arm] A tractor 3-point hitch is handy and versatile. The upper link of a 3-point hitch is a turnbuckle that allows adjustment of the angle of the implement on the hitch. It is possible to replace this link with a hydraulic cylinder. Selecting a Walk-behind Professional Rotary Spreader [Image: pattern slide] Most professional applicators use rotary spreaders. Rotary spreaders are not only faster than drop spreaders, but are more forgiving of small errors in swath width. Pendulum-action Spreaders [Image: pendulum spreader] Rotary broadcast spreaders offer many advantages for turf professionals. There are also some disadvantages including pattern skewing and the need to develop pattern settings for each product to center the pattern. Pendulum-action spreaders overcome those problems. Fertilizer Spreaders - Metal or Plastic [Image: drop spreader with steel hopper] Some high-quality plastic spreaders have precision equivalent to the better homeowner metal spreaders. There is a tremendous difference in performance among brands and models. Sensitivity of Spreaders to Operating Speed People tend to walk at different speeds. When you are pushing a spreader, this difference in walking speed can cause problems. What Type of Digging Tool is Best for You? [Image: round point shovel] You have many choices when it comes to shovels. The type you need depends on the job you have to do. Maintenance of Lawn Spreaders [Image: washing spreader] A good lawn spreader is a precision tool and should be treated accordingly. Your lawn spreader doesn’t need a great deal of time-consuming maintenance, but a few simple steps can preserve the life and precision of your spreader. Click for more information...