Home > Lawn & Garden > Home Gardening > 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. 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. 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. Make Sure Your Tools ‘Fit’ You, Advises Engineer Price, performance and durability are important considerations in choosing garden tools and power equipment, but if a tool or machine is uncomfortable or awkward to use, you’ll regret buying it.  more articles... 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. Rate Variation in “Identical” Spreaders [Image: Four Scott "Standard" spreaders] The spreader settings typically found on bags of fertilizer and granular pesticides are usually based on tests performed on one sample of each spreader model listed. This procedure assumes that all spreaders of that model are identical and will thus require the same spreader settings. Unfortunately, that is not often the case – at least with homeowner spreaders. 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. How To Choose a Lawn/Garden Tractor - Where To Buy You will save money in the short run at discount stores and mass merchandisers. You will pay more but get better quality equipment and service with dedicated lawn and garden dealers or farm equipment dealers.