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 Home>Lawn & Garden>Home Gardening>Equipment>Compact Tractors>
[Image: belt drive to mower deck]How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Power To Implements
A mower deck can’t cut grass unless it is connected to the tractor engine. This is usually done in one of two ways, with some possible permutations.
[Image: new compact tractor]Old Farm Tractors as Alternatives to Compact Utility Tractors
Although there are some imported compact tractors available under $10,000, most compact tractors from major manufacturers are in the $10,000 – $20,000 range. Older farm tractors can be a less expensive alternative to compact tractors.
[Image: mower discharge chute]Safe Operation of Riding Mowers and Lawn/Garden Tractors
Riding mowers, lawn tractors, lawn and garden tractors, and garden tractors are large and powerful. They can be dangerous if not used safely.
Advice For Choosing Compact Utility Tractor Tires
Owners of compact utility tractors can choose among three types of rear tires and at least five types for the front. The different types of tires serve different purposes, says Dr. Dick Parish, an engineer at the LSU AgCenter’s Hammond Research Station.
[Image: Image of document]Compact Tractor Selection, Use and Safety
Tractors from major manufacturers tend to be well-designed, reliable and a pleasure to use. You can choose from a wide range of sizes, prices and features as well as a wide range of implements and accessories. This publication helps you select a tractor to meet your needs. (PDF Format Only)
[Image: rusted and pitted hydraulic cylinder]Protect Your Hydraulic Cylinders from Rust
A common problem with hydraulic cylinders is rust and pitting of the cylinder rods. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated.
How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Cost and Life
Two questions of interest to prospective purchasers are: How much do riding mowers and small tractors in the various classes cost and how long can I expect one to last?
[Image: ASAE standard quick hitch]Will an ASAE Standard Quick Hitch Fit?
The advantages of an ASAE standard quick hitch include faster, easier and safer hitching. To use a ASAE standard quick hitch, the implement hitch geometry must conform to the ASAE standard.
[Image: Subcompact tractor with mid-mount mower and rotary tiller]Implements for Compact Utility Tractors
The tractor by itself is of limited use. The tractor furnishes the power, but the implements allow the tractor to do useful work. Varied implements are available for compact tractors from both the tractor manufacturers and short-line manufacturers.
What Equipment Manufacturers Do To Reduce Rust
Farm and grounds maintenance equipment is often exposed to rain, high humidity, fertilizer, pesticides and corrosive plant materials (such as grass clippings). The manufacturers of that equipment have taken steps to try to protect the equipment and reduce the potential for corrosion.
[Image: wash equipment after each use]Busting Rust -- 10 Things You Can Do To Prevent Farm Machinery from Corroding
While equipment companies are doing their part to reduce corrosion of tractors and farm equipment, how well you maintain your machinery will determine its useful life. Here are some rust prevention tips.
[Image: finishing mower with 4 wheels]Adjusting Finishing Mowers
Finish (or grooming) mowers typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping.
Adjusting Mid-Mount Tractor Mowers
Mid-mount mowers for lawn, garden, and compact tractors typically have (two or) three blades and are designed for quality mowing of turfgrass. They are not designed to cut tall, weedy grass. They have multiple gage wheels and rollers that allow a relatively low cutting height with minimal scalping.
[Image: PTO generator]PTO Generators for Tractors
Although most people opt for small engine-driven generators, there are some real advantages to a generator that connects to a tractor power-take-off (PTO).
Shift Up and Throttle Down to Save Fuel
When performing such light-duty operations as mowing grass or making hay, it is sometimes possible to reduce fuel consumption by shifting to a higher gear and reducing engine rpm.
[Image: gear transmission]How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Transmissions
There are three primary transmission systems used in riding mowers and the various classes of mowing tractors.
[Image: Raised loader and implement]Lower that bucket or implement!
You should always lower your front loader bucket and/or rear implement when you dismount from a tractor or shut down a tractor. There are two reasons for this.
[Image: Compact Tractor Implements]Implements for Compact Tractors: Selection, Use, Maintenance and Safety
Compact utility tractors are popular with farmers, landscape contractors and rural landowners. In fact, compact tractors are by far the best-selling tractor category. These small tractors are virtually useless by themselves, but they are versatile when equipped with the proper implements and attachments. This publication discusses the selection of suitable implements for use with compact tractors. (PDF Format Only)
[Image: Old dump-style rake]Raking Pine Straw
Pine straw makes an excellent mulch and is much in demand for landscaping. If you own some land with pine trees, you can easily rake your own pine straw.
[Image: Dirt scoop for tractor]Dirt Scoop for Compact Tractors
A dirt scoop is a handy attachment for small tractors. It will allow you to dig, move, and dump small quantities of soil, gravel, sand, or other materials much easier than you can do with a shovel and wheelbarrow and much less expensively than with a front-end loader on your tractor.
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