Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[Farmall450]

At this rate you might need to install an automatic wash. A big one.

 

[lis2323]

Nice looking short wheel base day cab! [emoji106]


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[cliftonbros89]

Nice looking short wheel base day cab! [emoji106]


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Thanks. It’s really not a bad truck. A lot of people talk **** about International trucks but this one has been pretty good for us.

At this rate you might need to install an automatic wash. A big one.

There are days that’d be nice. Although I have a feeling getting one combine sized would be difficult, as well as expensive.

Love how you maintain your equipment, 2520 doesn't look 40 years old

Thanks. I just try to make sure things are ready to roll. I hate break downs.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Saturday checked on cattle.

Also, put out mineral top.

It was decent out so I washed up the truck too.

I let it dry off and got everything ready to go to service it.

I took the day off on Sunday. Finally finished up all the Christmas activities. I’m glad it’s over!

Monday morning we had some more rain. Now its to the point where the water just starts to stand because the ground is so saturated.

I broke out the rain suit for feeding hay cuz it was raining pretty good. I still managed to get wet too. It was super sloppy.

After I fed all the hay I decided to stay in the dry.

So I started the service on the truck. Got the oil changed, all the filters replaced. Air filters cleaned up real good. I started checking over the rest of the engine too.

I quit a little early just due to the somewhat holiday. Didn’t get to crazy. Just played some cards and drank some beer with a few friends.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well New Years Day I ended up taking the day off. But it was still a bit busy. We made a trip down to Menards to get a new front storm door and some shelves for storage in basement.

Then we headed north. I went to one cousin’s house who gave me a free brand new bed from his house to replace my old one. Then went to his brother’s house (my other cousin) to get a nice couch from him and his wife that they gave me for free. I actually gave them both beer and hid some cash away for them too.

Then of corse everything had to be put in the house and rearranged.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Today was back to normal. Checked on the cattle. Put out mineral.

I then spent an hour or so making phone calls to get prices on tires for the back axles on the 9400 semi truck. Took awhile. Lots of options. Called 4 shops. Had to wait for return calls and everything. But we finally picked one.

Dad and I had to run some errands in town this afternoon.

I also finished looking over the 8600 semi. Hopefully, it’s good to go. I really need to learn more about these trucks and all the components.

This evening I rearranged some more stuff at the house and put up the new shelves.

 

[cliftonbros89]

In the storage room in my basement the owners left a little wooden work bench there. They said it was left there from the original owner.

It’s not really built the strongest. We had a bunch of stuff sitting on it. It wasn’t exactly ideal. We moved it out of the storage room to put up the new shelves that work a whole lot better than this thing.

Now I’m just not sure what to do with it. I’d like to reuse it somehow since it’s kind of original to the house.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Started the day at the retirement farm today.

The cattle were due for hay.

My dad and uncle set out for a tractor pull today. So I spent majority of the morning helping dad get the truck ready and hooked up.

This afternoon I backed the drill in the shop to check over. I wanted to get it all greased up and have some things to replace on it.

I usually never get in the shop without leaving the doors partially open. But with a little maneuvering I managed to get it back in and still get the doors shut. Had it been an inch or two longer it wouldn’t fit.

That’s the tongue at the door.


That’s the back of the drill in front of the wood stove.

It makes it a bit of a pain in the *** when you have to go from one side to the other and have to crawl over the tongue but at least the doors are shut.


I started looking over the frame, all the mounts, wheels, tires, hydraulic lines, valves and cylinders. One of the front wheels had a pinhole in it. One of the other ones has developed a slow leak. So I took them off to be fixed up.

I also started on the hoses.

Two of them were starting to crack. I had enough new hose to make up one of them. But I’ll have to get some more to do the other.

Just when things were starting to slightly dry a tad after a few days of sun it sounds like more rain is on the way tomorrow. I think the cattle are starting to get as tired of the mud as I am.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well today was a bit of a slow day. I had to start with feeding hay. But unfortunately it was raining, quite a bit. My rain coat pockets ripped. My pants ripped. I was wet. I think the cab of the 7230 is going to need to be pressure washed. It was nasty.

It just kept raining. Majority of the day.

We eventually ended up with over an inch...again...the water has no where to go anymore but run down hill.

This afternoon I went back to the 1990. Good thing I had it backed in to get the doors closed.

I looked over all the parts of the row units and greased all 165 grease fittings. I also got back both the tires I had fixed.

I also had to go to town to get some things and run some errands.

Not sure what’s on the schedule for tomorrow.

 

[cliftonbros89]

This was the only glimpse of the sun the whole day. It finally quit raining a little after 5.

 

[Toothaker]

165 grease fittings? Exaggerating for comedic effect? Please tell me it doesn't really have that many grease fittings...

My dad (who grew up on a farm) says that any idiot can make something complicated; it takes real genius to make something simple. I'm thinking the geniuses who work at JD didn't design the 1990 - it was the B Team.

 

[cliftonbros89]

165 grease fittings? Exaggerating for comedic effect? Please tell me it doesn't really have that many grease fittings...

My dad (who grew up on a farm) says that any idiot can make something complicated; it takes real genius to make something simple. I'm thinking the geniuses who work at JD didn't design the 1990 - it was the B Team.

No that is no joke. There are 48 row units. Each row unit has 3 grease fittings. What makes that worse is one of the 3 fittings is right where the handle for the depth control lever is usually. So in order to grease that fitting the lever has to be moved on each row unit. Then there is a fitting on each wheel hub. On the front the wheel hubs swivel and on each swivel there are 2 fittings. Then there is one fitting on the shaft for the wheel that runs the meters.

It is no joke. I’ve added it up several times just to be sure. 165 fittings. It usually takes just over 2 tubes of grease. My 18v DeWalt grease usually uses on full battery and then some on a second to get it all.

The fittings on the hubs and swivels I get. Especially since the hubs don’t need to be greased every day. But the fittings on the row units? I don’t know. Someone may have been able to come up with a different option. Especially, the fitting by the depth control. Not to mention with those row units running through on the ground like they do the fittings get choked up with dirt pretty easy.

If it counts for anything, there are also 7 or 8 no. 40 roller chains on it as well. Of corse we always try to keep them lubed, but it’s easy for dirt to be attracted to them too. Some of them are about due to be replaced as well.

 

[dchance]

That first sunset picture looks great.

Dwight

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well yesterday I did something different.
The guy who farmed near the retirement farm who passed away had some grain contracts made for January. His father isn’t quite in the shape to haul the grain himself anymore. The place the contract was with was open for half the day Saturday. So myself and 2 other guys each hauled 3 loads of the contracted corn off. We’ll likely try to help haul some more off later.


The rest of the afternoon I checked on all of the cattle.

As you can see...still very muddy.

I quit early to go to Menards for a hot water heater on sale. Our isn’t out, but it has some age, tank is corroded, and it’s starting to leak. I just want to beat it before it really has problems.

 

[cvairwerks]

I know it cost you guys some time and some diesel, but the satisfaction of being able to help a neighbor in their time of need way outweighs that cost. Too many city types don't understand that, or would be willing to do it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I know it cost you guys some time and some diesel, but the satisfaction of being able to help a neighbor in their time of need way outweighs that cost. Too many city types don't understand that, or would be willing to do it.

I know he would’ve been one of the first to do the exact same thing for me. So I have absolutely no problem doing it

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well I took the day off today for Sunday. Finally got some things done around the house. Also, got my new storm door up too. Got the new water heater in the basement ready to go for when we decide to install it.

Easy day. I’ll be back to things tomorrow. Little bit more rain on the way.

 

[cliftonbros89]

No that is no joke. There are 48 row units. Each row unit has 3 grease fittings. What makes that worse is one of the 3 fittings is right where the handle for the depth control lever is usually. So in order to grease that fitting the lever has to be moved on each row unit. Then there is a fitting on each wheel hub. On the front the wheel hubs swivel and on each swivel there are 2 fittings. Then there is one fitting on the shaft for the wheel that runs the meters.

It is no joke. I’ve added it up several times just to be sure. 165 fittings. It usually takes just over 2 tubes of grease. My 18v DeWalt grease usually uses on full battery and then some on a second to get it all.

The fittings on the hubs and swivels I get. Especially since the hubs don’t need to be greased every day. But the fittings on the row units? I don’t know. Someone may have been able to come up with a different option. Especially, the fitting by the depth control. Not to mention with those row units running through on the ground like they do the fittings get choked up with dirt pretty easy.

If it counts for anything, there are also 7 or 8 no. 40 roller chains on it as well. Of corse we always try to keep them lubed, but it’s easy for dirt to be attracted to them too. Some of them are about due to be replaced as well.

Thanks

 

[Farmall450]

Sounds like you'll have to rig up grease lines like a big baler.

 

[lis2323]

Sounds like you'll have to rig up grease lines like a big baler.

Pretty tough for the ones on wheel hubs.


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[cliftonbros89]

Pretty tough for the ones on wheel hubs.


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Sounds like you'll have to rig up grease lines like a big baler.

I feel like running grease lines for 3 fittings on all 48 rows would be a bit costly.

 

[lis2323]

The other problem with banked lubrication is you could get a broken or pinched line or disconnect at the fitting and not know it until you have a bearing failure.

At least with crawling around and cleaning the zerks you know whether or not grease is going where it should. Plus the fact you may come across other potential problems (loose bolts, hydraulic hoses rubbing etc)

This theory only works with owner operators or real conscientious employees.


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[cliftonbros89]

The other problem with banked lubrication is you could get a broken or pinched line or disconnect at the fitting and not know it until you have a bearing failure.

At least with crawling around and cleaning the zerks you know whether or not grease is going where it should. Plus the fact you may come across other potential problems (loose bolts, hydraulic hoses rubbing etc)

This theory only works with owner operators or real conscientious employees.


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Yeah I agree. Plus crawling under there to check everything on each unit anyway. Don’t get me wrong. It takes awhile to do it. But yeah it’s definitely not practical.

 

[welder57]

God Bless you and your neighbors for helping out. That's what friendship is all about out in the country.

 

[Toothaker]

God Bless you and your neighbors for helping out. That's what friendship is all about out in the country.

I agree. It really gives us the full definition of 'neighborly' doesn't it?

 

[cliftonbros89]

I agree. It really gives us the full definition of 'neighborly' doesn't it?

God Bless you and your neighbors for helping out. That's what friendship is all about out in the country.

Thanks.

I know if the situation had gone the other way and it had been my dad or I who had this accident he would’ve done the same exact thing.

I really didn’t even know him until 2 years ago. I’d only known of him because of him farming near the retirement farm. Also, my b-i-l’s brother helped him out some.

In January of 2017 my dad was wheel chair bound and had just been diagnosed with cancer. This guy was on of the first people to call and ask what he could do. He ended up putting on 200+ acres of anhydrous for us. From then on the rest of the year he’d always check in to see if we needed anything.

Him and I were on the county extension council together. I found out he was also on a few other boards. He was a guy who really gave a ****. He was involved in a lot of stuff. Always encouraging people to get involved in farming, looking into newer technologies and techniques to try. Always helping out anyone. I don’t think the guy had an enemy.

His father still gets around good. But he’s in his late 70’s. He can’t do everything he used to. He also had a wife and 3 daughters that he was extremely proud of.

I figure they deserve all the help they can get. So I plan on doing whatever I can to help them. I’m usually not one to volunteer for much. But in this case it’s the right thing to do.

 

[cvairwerks]

Good on ya! I wish that more of the population would take that kind of attitude towards others.

 

[Farmall450]

Pretty tough for the ones on wheel hubs.


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Shhhh
It's 2019

I do agree tho, it's one of those things where you just need to do it. Or don't, and buy new equipment way too often.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Shhhh
It's 2019

I do agree tho, it's one of those things where you just need to do it. Or don't, and buy new equipment way too often.

Agreed!

 

[cliftonbros89]

Good on ya! I wish that more of the population would take that kind of attitude towards others.

There’s always people say they’ll be there to help. But not everyone actually shows up.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Back at it today. Fed the cattle. Still muddy.

Took the 9400 semi to get some new rubber.

Then did some more to the 1990.

I replaced the vacuum gauge for the fan.
Then started on replacing the roller chains on it. There are 7 or 8 on it and they’re all no.40 chain. Bad thing wasn’t I only had enough chain at the shop for a few of them.

I looked a few more things over. So besides a rinse I just need to replace the chains and it should be ready to go.

Lots of things in the work for this week. Not sure what the plans for the next few days are.

 

[Growlertdi]

is that yellow tank supposed to be dented in like that or did I miss something?

 

[cliftonbros89]

Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

is that yellow tank supposed to be dented in like that or did I miss something?

Yes that’s how it’s shaped on both sides.

Despite the fact that it’s some tough stuff I’m sure it would break before it would develop that big of a dent if contact was made.

Some engineers design...

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well my plans this morning we’re quickly interrupted but for good reason.

While dad was gone over the weekend someone had told dad about a truck that was for sale near where he was for the tractor pull. So he had decided to check it out. He said he liked it. Yesterday he’d told me he was really interested in it.

This morning I got to the shop. I was getting things out. Ready to get a plan for the day. Then dad walked in and asked if I was going with him. When I asked where, he said to go get that truck.

So after a stop by the bank we took a near 4 hour drive to pick up this truck.

He was pretty excited about it.




It’s an ‘01 F-550 with the 7.3 diesel and 5 speed transmission. Which he decided would be the perfect replacement for his ‘02 F-250 with 7.3 diesel and 5 speed transmission. Except this ‘01 only has 71,000 miles on it, his ‘02 has about 230,000 on it.

We’ve been really pleased with his ‘02 7.3. It really hasn’t ever given much trouble and believe me it hasn’t been babied by any means. It has been abused for sure. So we’ve been talking the last few years about trying to find another similar truck to have. I just wasn’t exactly expecting this.

The guy he bought it from seems to be a good guy that actually takes care of his stuff. It looks like it’s been taken care of fairly well too.

We’re a little unsure about the bed on it. But we might be able to make it work. It has lights on the back and the tool box up front goes the full width of the bed and also has lights in it.

So with being almost 4 hours one way after a few pit stops. That pretty much summed up the day. I think dad is pretty pleased so far.

Other than that the only news is this evening my brother-in-law and I put in my new water heater tonight.

I’m hoping it’ll be a good one. I decided to go with a 50 gallon since. The old one was a 40 gallon. Is it any coincidence that I bought the new one Saturday and the old one literally quit last night? Good thing I was prepared!

 

[red]

Well my plans this morning we’re quickly interrupted but for good reason.

Other than that the only news is this evening my brother-in-law and I put in my new water heater tonight.

I’m hoping it’ll be a good one. I decided to go with a 50 gallon since. The old one was a 40 gallon. Is it any coincidence that I bought the new one Saturday and the old one literally quit last night? Good thing I was prepared!

Wow, good thing is an understatement. That was fantastic timing!

Or back in the days when Japanese management philosophy was the rage, it be call "just in time"

 

[1Garageman]

That is an awesome truck! Very low milage on it also, nice find!

 

[NKlamerus]

How's your dad transporting the tractors to the events?

New truck looks great, maybe you could weld up some arms as stakes and make some nice bed walls for it if he doesn't pull a gooseneck/5er?

Never been a Ford guy but the 7.3 seems to be one of the best engines they ever produced, that's also my favorite body style, the inside always felt more like a bus or van than a pickup truck!

 

[XJSuperman]

Wow, thats a **** truck. MY neighbor back home had one very very similar. It was a supercab. Same bed and everything. Will your dad keep the 2002 model then, or sell it off?

 

[cliftonbros89]

Wow, thats a **** truck. MY neighbor back home had one very very similar. It was a supercab. Same bed and everything. Will your dad keep the 2002 model then, or sell it off?

Well unfortunately, we’ll be selling the 2002. Even though I’d rather not. I don’t think dad really wants to get rid of it either.

How's your dad transporting the tractors to the events?

New truck looks great, maybe you could weld up some arms as stakes and make some nice bed walls for it if he doesn't pull a gooseneck/5er?

Never been a Ford guy but the 7.3 seems to be one of the best engines they ever produced, that's also my favorite body style, the inside always felt more like a bus or van than a pickup truck!

He used the semi with a box van trailer to transport the tractors for pulls. Unless it’s close and he’s only taking 1 or 2 of the four. Then he’ll use the truck and gooseneck.

Yeah we’ve already been discussing storage on the bed.

We’ve been nothing but pleased with the ‘02 so we didn’t hesitate to get another.

That is an awesome truck! Very low milage on it also, nice find!

Dad is excited about it




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[cliftonbros89]

Well I fell behind a bit again this week. Wednesday wasn’t very eventful. We met with a potential new landlord. Picked up the 9400 from getting new tires. One of the seed guys stopped by the shop. Fuel guy came by. Had to stop in town for some things. Went by the retirement farm. A lot of running around.

Dad insisted on driving the new truck. Which caught everyone’s attention so I could tell he was excited about it. He had to tell everyone all about it.

We finally made it back to the shop just before 5. I pulled the 9400 in so it can be serviced.

I also pulled dad’s truck in so we can look it over and clean it up since we’ll likely be selling it.

Dad started cleaning it out. I found the thermostat gasket is leaking. So that’s added on to the todo list.