Most Common Tractor Attachments To Consider

Most Common Tractor Attachments To Consider

Stocking your barn with necessary equipment is a time-consuming and costly process. When it comes to tractors and the different attachments you can use, there are a variety of available options that will enhance your ability to work your land. This blog discusses some of the most common attachments you should consider for your tractor, regardless of duties or demands.

Front Loader

For many users, the front loader is the most popular attachment; almost everyone should have one of these. You can attach the front loader to the tractor, then connect various other implements to the front loader.

A front loader is multifunctional and has many applications on land, including transporting large loads. Many people use a front loader to relocate dirt or shovel snow. However, it’s essential to ensure your tractor’s fluid system is up to date and well-oiled to aid your front loader in performing its duties safely, specifically when hauling heavy loads or other implements.

Rotary Cutter

A rotary cutter attachment is the most ideal implement to help efficiently maintain land. Rotary cutters can attach at various points on a tractor, including between the axles or at the front or rear of the tractor. Typically, the rotary cutter aids in maintaining the land’s growth by cutting down weeds, tall grass, or unnecessary shrubs. Many rotary cutters will trim the land to as short as an inch.

Rear Blade

Another one of the most common attachments used for specific duties is a rear blade. This attachment requires a tractor hitch and is beneficial in leveling the grounds. You can use a rear blade while driving the tractor forward or backward, so long as the three-point hitch is correctly set up. This attachment works well on materials such as gravel, bedrock, and soil.

Pallet Fork

A pallet fork is an attachment that accompanies a front loader. This is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment, and many find their best use in hauling hay bales or other oversized farming products. Generally, if you see a front loader, a pallet fork is somewhere nearby because it can serve multiple purposes.

Spreader

A spreader is an essential piece of equipment for those with land to harvest. This attachment requires a ground-driven or power take-off setup with the tractor, as it is a highly mechanical attachment. Most spreaders currently in use and on the market aid in scattering fertilizer, wood chips, salt, compost, or other spreadable organic matter. Farmers particularly enjoy the spreader for its ability to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time.

While each tractor attachment serves a specific purpose, many will find that investing in each one may be advantageous to their land. Consider the different duties you perform and make the investment that will add value to your work. It’s also essential to follow all manufacturer’s attachment instructions to ensure your safety.

Top Tips for Finding the Best Tactical Pants

Top Tips for Finding the Best Tactical Pants

While it may sound easy, finding the perfect pair of tactical pants is no simple task. Every person expects different results out of their tactical pants and may use them in various ways. Where many may see a pair of hiking pants, others may see a pair that’s perfect for a day at the range.

No matter what you use your tactical pants for, there are some ways to find the best kind out there. If you need a good pair of tactical pants, read on for some tips for finding the best tactical pants.

Pockets Aren’t Always Necessary

One of the first and most important things to realize about tactical pants is that pockets aren’t always necessary. Recently, pants with pockets in every single place imaginable have overflowed the market. However, too many pockets can be a bit overkill. After all, we’re not talking about cargo pants; these pants need to be sleek and loose enough to allow you freedom of movement. So opt for pants with pockets that provide convenience and not excess.

Durable Fabric Is Key

Another tip for finding the best tactical pants possible is to look for pants with the most durable fabric. Although there are many uses for tactical pants, one thing is common between all of them: you will likely encounter some hard scrapes, buffs, and bumps while using them. After all, these for the hardest and roughest situations, so it’s important to choose pants that won’t rip on the first snag. Instead, you want to pick pants that have thicker and stronger woven materials that will resist tearing and any other abrasions you may encounter.

Get Rid of That Cheap Belt

The best tip for finding the best pair of tactical pants is to throw away the cheap belt that comes with it. In many cases, the tactical pants you buy will come with a cheap buckle belt. This may seem like a great idea, but it won’t hold up to the rigors of use. Consider complementing your tactical pants with a hardy gun belt that can hold any of your emergency devices, firearms, or other accessories.

We hope you have enjoyed our recap of the top tips for finding the best tactical pants. While it may seem like an impossible task to find the perfect pair of tactical pants on the planet, it’s possible. All you need to do is employ our tips.

The Dos and Don’ts of Operating Heavy Equipment

The Dos and Don’ts of Operating Heavy Equipment

When purchasing heavy equipment, you’re investing in that equipment to last for a long amount of time. It’s best to know the dos and don’ts of operating heavy equipment so you can protect yourself and your gear from harm.

Do Be Aware of Your Surroundings

You need to constantly be on the lookout for obstacles in your path. Whether it’s in the air or below on the ground, you want to keep yourself and those around you safe. Be conscious when digging underground that you are not in danger of hitting any hidden installations, such as electrical utilities or water lines. Before you begin maneuvering your heavy equipment for the day, remember to understand the area in which you’re working and be aware of your surroundings.

Don’t Let the Machine Idle

Allowing your heavy equipment to idle can increase fuel costs and cause damage to the equipment’s engine over time. It is also harmful to the environment to let fumes into the air when it’s not necessary. Remembering to shut off your machine at times when you aren’t using it will be more beneficial to the equipment, the environment, and yourself.

Do Wear Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and boots is essential to working in or near heavy equipment. The goal is not only to get the job done but to complete the job safely.

Don’t Use Equipment for Tasks It’s Not Meant To Do

You don’t want to use any of your heavy equipment for projects it’s not designed for. An example would be using a machine designed for digging to lift something heavy like a crane might. When you put this type of strain on the equipment, this can easily cause damage. It could also potentially harm the person working the machine and those around it.

Be safe and know the tasks that the equipment can perform before operating any machinery.

Do Communicate With Your Team

In addition to being aware of your surroundings, you should know your job when operating heavy equipment. Effective communication with your team will keep you informed of the tasks you need to complete and keep everyone safe. You want to know what others are doing and where they are located before jumping into another job.

Don’t Forget To Inspect All Heavy Equipment

Before operating any heavy equipment, you want to check the machinery to ensure it is in a safe condition to use. If you see an issue, don’t ignore it. Look into the problem and try to find an alternative solution until that piece of equipment is fixed.

No matter the task, understanding how to work heavy equipment is important to keeping you, your team, and the equipment safe. Understanding the dos and don’ts of operating heavy equipment will effectively prepare you for your next day on the job.

4 Tips for Maintaining Aging Construction Equipment

4 Tips for Maintaining Aging Construction Equipment

As the years go on, your heavy equipment endures a lot of wear and tear. It can be easy to forget about maintenance and let your construction equipment fall into disrepair.

The ultimate goal is to prolong the life of your heavy equipment. With these four tips for maintaining aging construction equipment, your heavy equipment will be running for years down the road.

Know Your Equipment

Each piece of heavy equipment is different and requires different types of care. Make sure you know the steps you need to take care of each piece. This can be as simple as checking the owner’s manual or doing an online search for the specific piece of equipment you own.

Clean Your Equipment Weekly

If you are proactive and clean your heavy equipment on a weekly basis, you may never have to deep clean your equipment ever again! Keeping up with this task will prolong the life of your equipment. This includes cleaning off mud and leaves as well as looking out for any rust that might form.

Inspect Equipment on a Regular Basis

While you’re cleaning, don’t forget to check the condition of your equipment. Conducting bi-weekly checks is vital to ensure your equipment doesn’t become run-down and unusable. If you don’t maintain your equipment, the chances that you must buy an entirely new piece will increase.

These can be quick inspections, such as checking fluid levels, making sure no fluids are leaking, checking for any unusual noises on moving parts, and looking for rusted or worn-down spots.

If you are utilizing certain pieces of heavy equipment more often, then you may want to conduct weekly inspections on those pieces instead of bi-weekly checks. Frequent inspections for issues will allow you to be proactive and quickly order replacement parts so that you can get things back up and running.

Find Where To Purchase Replacement Parts

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are manufactured by the companies that make a product’s original parts; therefore, they will pair perfectly with your equipment. This can be a great way to find replacement parts when you need them because they are manufactured by the original brand that you bought from.

In some cases, however, you might own an older model or a brand that doesn’t make replacement parts anymore. If you’re in this situation, aftermarket parts may be the right solution for you. These parts are manufactured by a different company than the original manufacturer, and this means you can find more options that work with your unique piece of equipment.

Aftermarket products are not of lesser quality. They can simply allow you to find the right product you’re looking for. OEM parts are harder to come by for older models, so it could be beneficial to learn more about purchasing aftermarket heavy equipment parts.

Every well-oiled machine needs detailed care to run properly. Applying these four tips for maintaining aging construction equipment is the most effective way to ensure it lasts for the years to come.

How To Prepare Your Horses for Harsh Winter Weather

How To Prepare Your Horses for Harsh Winter Weather

For much of the United States, harsh winter weather is a fact of life, and that means it’s a fact of life for the animals we keep too. Our horses especially struggle through this season since they’re in barns. You have to prepare your barn for the winter and prepare the animals themselves to protect them from the freezing weather. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your horses for harsh winter weather and keep your animals safe.

Prepare for Emergencies

Accidents seem to happen more in the winter, so you need to prepare your horses and your barn for emergencies, including physical injuries to your horses. Have an equine first aid kit prepared with basic medications as well as basic supplies that can last several days in case snow traps your horses in their barn. This includes having enough feed and water for your horses. If you’re unsure how much to plan for, estimate 12–20 gallons of water per horse and 12–15 pounds of hay and other feed, depending on your horse’s diet.

Keep Blankets Handy

Most of your horses shouldn’t need blankets to get through the winter as long as they stay dry and have good shelter. However, older and younger horses may need blankets to help them get through the harshest parts of the winter. You may also want to have blankets if you and your horse have recently moved to a colder area and your horse has never experienced freezing temperatures. Make sure the blankets are well-fitted on your horse to avoid friction injuries and ensure that the blanket stays dry.

Check Hooves Regularly

Although horse hooves tend to grow slowly in the winter, they’re also more at risk of damaging their hooves on the hard ground. Ice and snow can also easily pack into their hooves, putting them at greater risk of falling or injuring their legs. Pick your horse’s hooves daily to prevent this ice or snow buildup, especially if it’s snowing or sleeting outside. You can also put snow pads over their hooves before they go out. Keep up a trimming schedule of every 6–12 weeks depending on the age of the horse and their activity level.

Important steps toward preparing your horses for harsh winter weather include stocking for emergencies, having blankets handy, and checking their hooves regularly. These precautions will help make sure your horses stay healthy throughout the frigid winter months.