Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[cliftonbros89]

Enjoying the updates! Helping nephew in central Illinois, also had Trimble issues. Actually had to drive parts of three days, oh the pain, funny how you get used to not steering. Our units kept kicking out saying not enough satellites available.

I also have gotten quite the taste of farm paperwork. Cousin that was coordinating and making decisions with our shares tenant farmer had health problems and had to step aside. Even though I'm 3 hours from the farm, I took it on, it's just paperwork, right? LOL Then after coordinating end of 2021 and actually starting 2022, majority of owners wanted me to investigate selling the farm. 14 owners, 3 attorneys, one court, piece of cake, no problem LOL

And then the USDA would't recognize me as the new farm manager. When USDA figured they didn't process the right paperwork 5 years ago, they suddenly recognized me and asked my help in cleaning up their mistake. That took 4 months.

I have a 4" and a 3" binder full of documents for just the 8 months I have been the farm manager.

I've lost track of the number of 6 hour round trips I've made to the farm.

Yeah that sounds like a nightmare. I don’t necessarily have a ton of paperwork. But I have plenty of things to go over with landlords on farms that we rent. Gotta love the paperwork though. When dad got sick I had to do all the paper signing and what not for the USDA office for everything too. I never like going in there.

But I’m sure within the next 10 years I’ll have plenty of relatable issues. My uncle technically got a good chunk of the cattle ground as part of the “buy out” when he “retired” but his name is still on our bottom ground too. It’s something I’m going to have to convince my dad we’re going to have to get something sorted out now.

My uncle is 73. He’s in good shape yet, mentally and physically. But one day that could all change. I don’t want to have to deal with his kids on something that I’ve dedicated the last 15 years of my life too as well as my dad’s entire life.

My cousins have never had a thing to do with the farm. The fact that one day they’ll likely end up with a chunk of ground that I know every part of and my dad has raised cattle of for his entire life drives me crazy. Especially, cuz a few of them will just want it to hunt on. Majority set foot on it maybe twice a year and that’s just when they come see my uncle.

 

[MacTexas]

Thanks for taking the time for the update. I enjoy them.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Great updates! Thanks for taking the time to post them, and looking forward to seeing more.

I'm surprised you put new tires on the 4020, the old ones didn't look bad enough for a farmer to replace them yet.

I hear you on the GPS and new equipment issues. We had a brand new terragator at work this spring that spent more time sitting than spreading fertilizer because of software problems, which was really helpful during one of the busiest springs in my career.
I don't know what to say about the GPS situation anymore. It seems there isn't as much available in the aftermarket segment since the majors have bought some of the former independents. But even the major brands are having issues with hardware or signal, and they are all so ridiculously expensive for what you are getting.

The 4020 tires really weren’t terrible. It every time we try to find a set of Firestones in any sizes they’re harder and harder to get. A couple older guys came down to buy them, the one guy really tried to steal them from me, they drove almost 2 hours on icy roads to get them. I knew they weren’t going to make the trip for nothing so I held firm to my price. The guy who needed the tires said they looked a hell of a lot better than what he had, cuz one of his he had to air up at the beginning and in the middle of that day when he used it. Then I had to stand there and listen to the guy who tried to talk me down talk about how no one wants to work anymore and younger people don’t know how to work and don’t know how good they got it. Typical cranky old guy deal. Then he tried to tell me he knew someone that would give me a solid $6,000 for our 4020. To which I responded, “well that guy would leave here with $6,000 in his pocket”.

Yeah apparently Trimble must’ve had some issues. I did hear several guys couldn’t get things to work. Always aggravating when things have to just sit because of an issue like that. You can have a $100,000 machine sitting there and it’s useless because of a bad satellite signal or some faulty electrical issues. That’s enough to blow a short fuse on people.

 

[Sifan]

Nephew called today to see if I would come up to help get equipment ready for harvest. Gave dealership repair orders 12/21. Haven't touched any of it and today dealership said they were down 5 mechanics and could not guarantee they would get to him by Sept 1.
Another trip to central Illinois.

The major theme running through our farm sale has been "if we can't get it done, how are more people in the next generation going to do it?" The sooner you can make a deal with your uncle, the better. If cousins aren't involved in farming odds are they are going to see big $$$$$ and nothing else. Not only do they not understanding farming, they think selling a farm is the same as selling a house. And they don't understand why an auction company would put a $25,000 no sale fee when they were wanting to put a reserve of 125% of three comparable farms. Yes, it has been a nightmare and its not done yet.

Easier for uncle to do estate planning with cash as compared to part farm ownership, he might like that option.

 

[Sifan]

If your Uncle doesn't want to sell his part now, maybe you can put together a buy/sell agreement that when he passes, you would buy farm from his estate. Of course, I am not an attorney, and before you get done, you're going to need one. Shop around and get a good one.

 

[clmeredith]

Been there done that with land and family and extended family. In my case it didn’t matter how much effort or my livelihood was devoted to the farm, when the time came of my parents being gone and the will read it was divided and like it or not the others were entitled to their share. A lot of the land was sold because they wanted to cash out, I can’t blame them.

As far as extended family and other situations my Dad used to say “If you don’t own it, you don’t control it.” It’s obvious but when you stop and really think about it it changes your perspective on things.

 

[Andy8430]

As others have stated, Big thanks for the updates. Always fun to read along and compare to what's happening on our farm.

Hopefully you can get something sorted out with your Uncle. What you're experiencing is very common, with family that's looking for $$$ and doesn't understand the bigger picture. Everyone's situation is different, but many share the same frustrations. Hopefully the family can come to an agreement and stay on speaking terms.

 

[Steve102C3]

Like many others I enjoy the updates about what life is really like on today's farm in the US.

You might check out the book in this picture.

The guy is a lawyer specializing in estate planning for small businesess and family farms.

Some of my clients have used his firm for estate planning and have been pleased.

This firm is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, so not too far from you.

Good luck with the future planning.

Steve

 

[cliftonbros89]

Don’t worry I haven’t been avoiding anything. Still busy.

But I’ve got a couple questions. I’m hoping someone can help me out.

This Ford electric connector. Anyone know where I can get the terminal ends for the wires? Also, anyone know which terminal tool to use to take the terminals loose from the connector? I tried my Lisle tool that’s supposed to be for Ford and it didn’t work.

Anyone know anything that can help me out?

I thought surely the Ford dealership would have some. But nope! The parts guy said Ford doesn’t even sell the terminal ends anymore. All they’ll sell is the harnesses. To make things even better the harness isn’t even available.

My problem is I have two wires that are damaged, shorting out and blowing a fuse. All I’d have to do is remove the terminals, cut a new wire, crimp on the terminals, snap everything together and I’d be done. But as is so common with literally almost everything I do, the job has to be a pain in the *** (or **** for our friends across the pond).

 

[XJSuperman]

Can we get a pic that focuses on the plug instead of your thumbnail please?
I wouldn't bother with Ford unless they offer a repair pigtail. An electrical parts warehouse might have the pins you need for the plug, but I don't know how you'd match em except by visual comparison. Thats not a Deutsch connector, but maybe an Ampseal? I would think a long pick or even the Deutsch tool would be able to release the pins.

 

[jollygreengiant]

What about looking for one in a scrapyard and then just splicing the wires?

 

[ambenz]

Ford Electrical Connectors | EFI Hardware

Electronic Fuel Injector engine loom connectors for Ford Vehicles. EFI hardware available products include: Oil Pressure Sensors, Uscar Male, Coil Plugs, Auxilary Map sensors and more.

www.efihardware.com

 

[cliftonbros89]

Ford Electrical Connectors | EFI Hardware

Electronic Fuel Injector engine loom connectors for Ford Vehicles. EFI hardware available products include: Oil Pressure Sensors, Uscar Male, Coil Plugs, Auxilary Map sensors and more.

www.efihardware.com

I was able to get it apart with my handy Will Wera screwdriver. I figured it out right after I made the post. I just need to find new terminal ends.

 

[cliftonbros89]

What about looking for one in a scrapyard and then just splicing the wires?

That’s what I may have to end up doing

 

[cliftonbros89]

Can we get a pic that focuses on the plug instead of your thumbnail please?
I wouldn't bother with Ford unless they offer a repair pigtail. An electrical parts warehouse might have the pins you need for the plug, but I don't know how you'd match em except by visual comparison. Thats not a Deutsch connector, but maybe an Ampseal? I would think a long pick or even the Deutsch tool would be able to release the pins.Yeah Ford was no help but neither is any of the auto parts stores in town. I got the old part number from Ford but it came back to nothing at the parts stores.

Sorry. It was the pic I quickly took and sent to the parts guy at Ford.

I was able to quickly pop them out with a little Wera screwdriver right after I made the post. That was the easy part.

Not Duetsch pins or Amp Seal. The Duetsch pins are the right diameter. But made slightly different and longer. I’m not sure they’d properly snap into place even if they weren’t longer.

The one Ford terminal Napa came up with was too big and also secured in the connector differently.

I tried one of the diesel shops in town, but the guy that I need to talk to is gone on vacation. Also tried looking up something through Terminal Supply, but at least in their last catalog I have from them they don’t have anything either.

 

[Sifan]

try:

https://www.mouser.com/c/connectors/automotive-connectors/

My Wife uses a power chair and I have a lift for each of my vehicles. Most of these companies don't want to parts support, they want you to get medicare to buy you a new unit. I refuse to do that and found Mouser.

I have ordered parts for all three units and have nothing but good customer service. My most expensive purchase has been $30.00
Their prices are so reasonable that in all cases I have purchased 5-10 of the items I needed so I would have spares available.

Good Luck!

 

[XJSuperman]

Hmmm, I prob have 1000s of those at work. I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow.

 

[cliftonbros89]

try:

https://www.mouser.com/c/connectors/automotive-connectors/

My Wife uses a power chair and I have a lift for each of my vehicles. Most of these companies don't want to parts support, they want you to get medicare to buy you a new unit. I refuse to do that and found Mouser.

I have ordered parts for all three units and have nothing but good customer service. My most expensive purchase has been $30.00
Their prices are so reasonable that in all cases I have purchased 5-10 of the items I needed so I would have spares available.

Good Luck!

I’ll have to remember this and check it out

 

[gilr]

You could also just buy to matching weather-pak connectors and replace these hard to find ones, unless the mate is the actual injector.

 

[nutjob]

Try here:
https://www.repairconnector.com/

https://www.waytekwire.com/products/1598/Connectors/

Kevin

 

[Pressingonward]

Ford may not sell these anymore, but hopefully having the Ford part number will allow you to identify the actual manufacturer and connector series with a little googling. Mouser and digikey are good sources for terminals, just mind the minimum order quantity.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/pdf_documents/connectorcatalog.pdf

 

[cliftonbros89]

Steering off the previous topic for a minute. Just a preview. Nothing is done yet. But I believe there’s a solution coming together to organize the tools for the truck. It’ll be a work in progress. But it’s at a start.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Drawers don’t slide. Shelves aren’t square. A few pieces are short cuz I’m too cheap to cut the right size when I have extra left over that’s close. It’s definitely cheaper than the nice heavy duty slide out drawers. But it holds what I need. That’s one box done. Now for the rest of it.

This one isn’t done. Needs more organization. But the tools are in there and I can find them.

Anyone have any ideas to light it up?

 

[jollygreengiant]

I'd use LED strip lights underneath each drawer.

 

[XJSuperman]

Or magnetic battery powered LEDs. Closet lights or undercabinet lights theyre sometimes called. Recharge every few months. This is the quick n dirty option.

Jolly's LED strip lights are the permanent, better way to go.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well it’s about time to get caught back up here. We’re going to be closing in on harvest and I haven’t even told you about planting from spring yet. Lots to catch up on. I’ll see what I can get posted this week.

 

[Sifan]

Nephew learned if you just park your combine in the fall without cleaning it up, mice will do bad bad bad things to the wiring.
What a pita!

Here's to a safe and profitable harvest season!

 

[XJSuperman]

Nephew learned if you just park your combine in the fall without cleaning it up, mice will do bad bad bad things to the wiring.
What a pita!

Here's to a safe and profitable harvest season!

Nephew sounds like a glutton for punishment. Always clean the combine out.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well we haven’t got caught up yet. But I’m trying to figure out how I want to organize the truck before we get in the field.

I made the shelves for the general tools awhile back. So that’s set.


I added the toolbox/fuel tank combo to the back. I’ve got the lesser used stuff in it. Bottle jacks, chains, saw, sledge hammer, etc.

One of the small rear boxes I was able to fit these drawers. My other set of drawers won’t fit anywhere. These aren’t enough to actually hold everything I usually had with me for bolts and what not. I set these in just to see how the might work. Im not sold on it. But I definitely need something for extra hardware.

If I stack things just right I can fit the Dewalt boxes with my impacts, power tool stuff. If I keep them stacked just like that in one of the rear boxes they’ll fit. But I feel like it’s sort of a waste of space too.


I’m trying to make space for fluids as well. My tank for hydraulic oil. I recently got these containers from the oil safe system. They work perfect with the Macnaught oil pumps. But that’ll take up space. I was hoping to fit oil, coolant, and at least grease in this box. But I’m not sure how to work it.

Meanwhile the two center boxes, with the top opening are still empty.

They have space, would work for stuff, the DeWalt boxes don’t fit well in them, I’m not sure how to store bolts and stuff in them. They’re also the only boxes that seem to get some moisture. The latches also need major adjusting as they do not currently lock.

So thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? Im not sure. But it’s time to get it loaded up.

 

[XJSuperman]

I'm really having more doubts about this truck bed the farther along you get. I hope it pays off in the end for what you end up doing. In the meantime, could you get the Dewalt boxes into the top openers and stash more fluids where the Dewalt boxes are now?

 

[cliftonbros89]

I'm really having more doubts about this truck bed the farther along you get. I hope it pays off in the end for what you end up doing. In the meantime, could you get the Dewalt boxes into the top openers and stash more fluids where the Dewalt boxes are now?

Oh I know. I agree. I’m trying to come up with something for the power tools. Maybe rearrange hand tools to stick them in with. But I’m not sure what to do with them. Those rear boxes may hold some fluids. But they’re real small. The center top openers are a reasonable size. But it’s had to store certain things in them.

I can fit things like toe straps and ratchet straps in the center box in the bed. But I also need a spot for consumables. Parts cleaners, lubricants, etc

 

[captain14]

Have you driven the truck out in The fields to see what bounces around or opens? The green drawers and all the hand tools falling out in the late evening when your in a rush to get completed.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Have you driven the truck out in The fields to see what bounces around or opens? The green drawers and all the hand tools falling out in the late evening when your in a rush to get completed.

The green drawers can slide open a little after you drive around. But I think I can come up with a solution like I did with the grey set of drawers I had in the last truck. But they can’t open enough to fall out and spill everything.

The hand tools all stay in place. I put tall enough sides on them that everything stays in place real well.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Ok. We’re going to see how well you’ve paid attention over the last few years. Harvest is here.

If you want to be prepped what do you load up?

For corn the furthest from the shop we’ll be is about 20 minutes one way. That means minimum 40 minute round trip. Not awful. But of corse I’m still currently limited to what I can load up.

So that means currently no large air compressor. No welder. No crane.

So what do you load up?

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Without knowing or understanding the challenges that are about to come I could only compare it to a long road trip. I would play over in my mind all the scenarios that might come up and what to do to fix it. I would guess that if you needed a welder or the crane its most likely a fairly big timely issue. You know (you start taking it apart and I will go get the welder) I highly doubt an air tank would meet your needs.
I hope your adventure is painless and the harvest is in safely. Can you tow a trailer to help what you can haul?
Thank you for sharing!

 

[cliftonbros89]

Without knowing or understanding the challenges that are about to come I could only compare it to a long road trip. I would play over in my mind all the scenarios that might come up and what to do to fix it. I would guess that if you needed a welder or the crane its most likely a fairly big timely issue. You know (you start taking it apart and I will go get the welder) I highly doubt an air tank would meet your needs.
I hope your adventure is painless and the harvest is in safely. Can you tow a trailer to help what you can haul?
Thank you for sharing!

That is what I’ve tried to do the last few years. There really haven’t been a ton on major break downs. I think sometimes I overthink it and try to over prepare, if there is such a thing.

Most repairs the last 3-4 years have mainly been minor things. Typically header stuff. Chains or idler sprockets on the corn header. Sickle knife or guards on the grain platforms. Maybe a drive chain or belt. For those situations just the basics get the job done. Sockets, wrenches, pry bar, maybe a screwdriver.

Other issues have been hydraulic hoses. Typically removal is easy enough with wrenches. Gotta go get a new one made so anything else can typically be picked up at that time.

Only other thing I can recall is maybe a bearing or two. Within the last 10 years I think I recall having a chopper bearing go out once. A few bearings on the headers. That’s about it. Again. For the most part the basic tools get it done.

I’ve made it a point to keep several spare parts for the header/platforms. Belts, roller chains, gathering chains, chain sprockets, sickle guards, sickle knife sections, splice kits for the sickle bars, bolts for all those items.

I’m getting the oil situation lined out as well. The tank of hydraulic oil, about 10 gallons. A container with 2.5 gallon of engine oil. Then I plan to add a gallon of gear oil. I also need to add coolant, green for combine and tractors, red for the trucks. Included in that is penetrating oil, chain lube, grease and if needed gasket maker.

I’m definitely in agreement with the situation with the welder as well. Rough estimate in the last 10 years or so I can only recall maybe a handful of times that something in the field needed to be welded. Typically that piece can be easily removed and taken to the shop. It’s a little down time. But it’s also a rare occurrence.

 

[cliftonbros89]

To add to that. We know I’ve got the basics. Wrenches up to the larger rarely used sizes in metric and SAE. Same with sockets. 1/4” drive to 3/4” drive. Impacts up to 3/4”. Screwdrivers, pliers, pry bars, hammers, grease gun, small DeWalt 20v compressor, small gas compressor, bottle jacks, blocks for jacks, come along, chains, tow straps, extra parts, extra miscellaneous hardware (still working on that), fluids….I think that’s about it.

 

[XJSuperman]

Shoot, you replied before I got my answer sent.

Well, if you need to weld something or put air in some tires you've done damage that will take a little more effort than the normal fix anyhow. And a tire truck will have air on it when he comes to replace or patch a tire for ya.
You can run back to the shop and grab a small welder and a generator to run it if need be, still faster than driving the machine back and forth.
So make sure you have your failure parts for the corn head and belts for the machine. Prybar for rocks and other uses. Your usual truckload of tools including impacts and greaseguns. Don't forget your USB drive for any setup files or guidance lines needed for start, or for exporting work data later.

 

[jollygreengiant]

So what do you load up?

The rest of the shop??

Just kidding

I Think you've got everything covered from your posts above. A couple things I can think of is a flashlight and a spare jug or two of DEF if you have anything that requires it. And I would also have some basic electrical supplies; multi-meter, test light, contact cleaner, tape, connectors, etc.

 

[captain14]

Maybe a tarp so you can lay your tools and parts out without them getting lost, especially after dark.

Definitely a headlamp for everyone. You can only wedge a flashlight between your head and shoulder for so long as you use both hands to manipulate parts and tools.

It’s also harder to use “action words “ when you holding the flashlight like that. Everyone know what actions words are; #%€>?*+%#}….