Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[cliftonbros89]

And, no one seems to be talking about the acres that were yielded 15-25% less than the last 5 year average??

Of course, I'm an old farm boy, I understand how this works … was in a Deere dealership, nephew asked me to check out a used tractor … couldn't help hearing farmer telling salesman that crops were worst he's had in several years, didn't make any money, was going to have to borrow $$$$$$ to put in 2020 crop. Was working on deal for new tractor and wanted to finalize the deal for 2019 taxes. When my turn came, the tractor I was supposed to look at, the tractor they had listed for sale on their internet site, was not at the dealership and even though theirs, the farmer was still using it until his new one arrived sometime in 2020. Another 2019 tax deal. Glad I only drove 30 minutes to scope it out and not the 3 hours that nephew would have driven in semi/lowboy.

Another way to check fuel pump, tspray injector cleaner into throttle body while cranking over. Should run as long as you're spraying and die when you quit. Then you know either relay or pump. And of course, it's always over half full! You can borrow tool to disconnect GM fuel lines from Oreilys Auto Part Store

Yeah there seem to be a lot of variables that suddenly don’t seem to matter. Funny how that works.

Yeah everyone likes to play that tax game. We were hoping to kind of do the same with a planter before the end of the year. But I don’t think we’ll have the luck of finding something we want with in another 10 days.

I’m hoping to look into it soon in between everything else but I’m pretty sure it’s the fuel pump. As far as disconnect tools go I think between my b-i-l and I we should have what we need.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well today was a slow day of not getting anything accomplished.

Fed the calves and fed the heifers. Then I ground a batch of feed for the big calves. Then another for the tank for bucket feeding.

While I did that dad hauled off the last load of beans to fill our first bean contract. It was supposed to be a January contract. But they had room to store it so they’ve been letting everyone bring some in early.

After he returned he helped me feed hay everywhere.

We got all of that done and then he had to go doing some running in town.

The second trailer truck was done with inspection so I took the F-250 and dropped it off for inspection and took the trailer truck down the road.

So at least they’re both good to go for now.

Since it’s coming down to the wire and I had a chance I had to go make a few stops for some Christmas gifts in the afternoon. Holidays drive me crazy.

But then I went back to the shop to wrap things up and check on things. Then it was off to the retirement farm.

I stopped there this morning and couldn’t find the new born calf from yesterday. I walked the pasture for a good 20 minutes and couldn’t find it. So I thought I’d check again this evening. This time I couldn’t locate the calf or the cow. So that at least eased my mind of the calf not making it. But finally after walking in the dark for about 30 minutes I finally managed to spot them both bedded down out in the pasture. I didn’t disturb them but they both seem to be doing pretty good.

Although there’s a ton of stuff I’d like to get done this weekend I don’t think it’s going to happen. Tomorrow I have more Christmas gifts to get. Followed by an annual Christmas wrapping party with some friends (an annual tradition that started a long time ago, mainly we just have the girls wrap up everyone’s presents while we all drink). Then a Christmas on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and then ending on next Sunday. It’s a lot of plans and a lot of days I’ll be falling behind on other stuff. Let’s hope I don’t get too frustrated.

 

[Sifan]

Couple of BIG Kinze's at Nobbe in Benton, Il if that helps you

 

[cliftonbros89]

Couple of BIG Kinze's at Nobbe in Benton, Il if that helps you

Well I definitely don’t want to go 16 row. That’s too big for some of our hill farms.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Pretty short day on Saturday.

I checked on and fed corn to all the cattle and calves.


It was a beautiful morning. Nice and calm.

Everyone was in good shape. But I had one calf causing an issue.

Her and some of her little friends have been slipping into a fence around one of the ponds. It doesn’t have electric and some of them are still small and sly enough to slip in between strands of wire. This little one was hanging out eating grass off of the pond damn. However, her mother did not approve. It sounded obvious the cow had been bawling for her calf since the early morning hours but the calf kept ignoring her. So I finally chased the calf out and it hesitantly walked back to the cow.

Other than that it was a really nice day. I wish I would’ve taken advantage of it doing some other stuff. It felt more like an early October day than late December.

But had to get thing ready for Christmas events.

I also had to move a safe into the basement yesterday. Had to have a few guys help me get it down the basement steps but it went smooth.

 

[Lotusnut]

I also had to move a safe into the basement yesterday. Had to have a few guys help me get it down the basement steps but it went smooth.

It is always easier to get it in than take it out

 

[Darryl2]

You guys have a heck of an operation! Enjoy the MISSOURI Farm Posts!

 

[1Garageman]

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas, and I hope you get to relax and enjoy Christmas!

 

[cliftonbros89]

You guys have a heck of an operation! Enjoy the MISSOURI Farm Posts!

Thanks. Glad you enjoy it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas, and I hope you get to relax and enjoy Christmas!

Thanks. I’ll try to. But I can’t help but think about getting things done. Especially when the weather is so nice for this time of year.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well Monday was not productive. I did the feeding and that was about it. Had to finish getting things ready for Christmas events.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Today was pretty much the same. Checked on all the cattle.







Refilled everyone on hay yesterday. All of them were doing good today. Everyone got corn today. Makes it hard to take a little bit of a break when the weather is so nice.

Christmas with the family today. Christmas with the girlfriend’s family.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Finished out the Wera Advent calendar today.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Of corse I couldn’t completely take the holiday off.


I still checked on and fed all the cattle, though not as early as usual.

Beautiful day out. Felt more like a late warm Easter than Christmas. My girlfriend and I exchanged presents this morning.

She got me this great U.S. made shovel to go with my metal detecting gear. So we decided to take a drive on the Kubota after checking the cattle.

Went back by the old house in the woods to do some detecting.

Not much besides nails, go figure, few scrap pieces of metal, few old cases and a Winchester 300 mag brass. Just messed around for a little over an hour.

All in all not a bad day. Should be back to normal schedule by tomorrow.

 

[lowpro64]

What a great thread this is. I wish I had the time to read all the post but I'll catch up. I'm up here in Owensville, Mo and have not made it over to the river side in a while. I love the Mark Twain National Forest tho. Thanks for the thread and be safe out there.
Zim

 

[lis2323]

Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

You would probably like this Wera salesman’s kit I have :




https://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/WERA-Tools---Salesman39s-Kit_31818656

 

[cliftonbros89]

Re: Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

You would probably like this Wera salesman’s kit I have :




https://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/WERA-Tools---Salesman39s-Kit_31818656

Wow! That’s pretty awesome. How did you ever come across that? I can’t say I’ve seen anything similar to that for any tool brand.

 

[lis2323]

Back in 2003 I started an online tool business of which I was a Wera distributor among a few other select European and US brands.

The intent was for it to be a post retirement fun endeavor but I had to abandon plans to deal with family matters when my wife passed away unexpectedly.

My business consultant was even in contact with Tim Allen’s lawyers for an appearance for the website launch. Would have been fun but at the time I had to do what I had to do.

If you are interested PM me with your zip code and I can get a shipping quote. Then you could contemplate an offer.

 

[jeepxj]

that lube/pump guy sounds like a real class act.

 

[cliftonbros89]

What a great thread this is. I wish I had the time to read all the post but I'll catch up. I'm up here in Owensville, Mo and have not made it over to the river side in a while. I love the Mark Twain National Forest tho. Thanks for the thread and be safe out there.

Zim

Thanks for checking it out.

 

[cliftonbros89]

that lube/pump guy sounds like a real class act.

Yeah it’s been quite the experience. I plan on keeping communication with them to talk over their products.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Back in 2003 I started an online tool business of which I was a Wera distributor among a few other select European and US brands.

The intent was for it to be a post retirement fun endeavor but I had to abandon plans to deal with family matters when my wife passed away unexpectedly.

My business consultant was even in contact with Tim Allen’s lawyers for an appearance for the website launch. Would have been fun but at the time I had to do what I had to do.

If you are interested PM me with your zip code and I can get a shipping quote. Then you could contemplate an offer.

I’m sorry to hear things didn’t work out. Not a bad idea though. I sometimes wish I could do something similar.

Tools and hardware I think I could sell. I always thought it’d be cool to work in a hardware store. Not some dumb big box store. But a legit small time hardware store.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well today was somewhat back to normal.

Checked the cattle as usual.

We had to take the van trailer in for inspection this morning too.

We went ahead and unloaded the pulling tractors off of it as none were chained down anyway. Plus dad has a pull coming up next week.

It was a very nice and very unseasonable warm day so the pulling tractors got a bath.

I also decided to get back to checking out the 7510.

I finally found the park linkage was fine. But the park paw on the side of the transmission was stuck. I got it loose and moving. Except now the transmission does not want to go in gear properly.

So I very very slowly creeped it into the shop so we can further investigate the issue.


Dad swapped back wheels and tire on his A.

And he slid the 70 in too just to give the batteries a good charge.

That was it for the most part. Not really a productive day. But a day none the less. The trailer passed inspection and I dropped dad off to bring it back down the road this evening.

Lots I’d like to get done tomorrow. More warm temperatures but a good chance of rain by Saturday. Just when things are starting to get decently dry.

 

[jeepxj]

Yeah it’s been quite the experience. I plan on keeping communication with them to talk over their products.

Getting 10w40 and hydro fluid from an un-heated tank to where you need it via a battery pump is something hundreds of thousands of farms do. curious how it works when it gets really cold out. I'd wonder if a diaphragm or piston pump wouldn't work better.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Getting 10w40 and hydro fluid from an un-heated tank to where you need it via a battery pump is something hundreds of thousands of farms do. curious how it works when it gets really cold out. I'd wonder if a diaphragm or piston pump wouldn't work better.

I really like the concept of it and I actually have a bit of an update on that today too.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Today didn’t go exactly how I’d planned it to. Cloudy all day, cooler than expected. But I had Noah for help since he’s on Christmas break.

Checked on the cattle.

We put out hay.

Then I had plans for us for the day. But that was changed by dad.


We had to do a little work to the trailer for the pulling tractors. Which wasn’t in my plans. Had a bad tire we had to replace as well.

While dad did some other things Noah and I split that load of wood we cut a couple weeks ago.

Which also wasn’t in my plans.


Then we put away a bunch of equipment and wagons. Closed up the shed as there’s a chance of rain for tomorrow.

That was followed with a lot of charging batteries, moving weights and filling fuel jugs with fuel for the pulling tractors. Also, not in the plans.

We had a few barrels of fuel delivered today, also for the pulling tractors, the expensive stuff...

In addition to all that today I had a package arrive. I’d been talking to the guy at Macnaught and I ordered a few things. I wanted a longer hose for the grease gun, so I got a longer hose for starters.

Much better than the original hose. But their guns and hoses come with BSP instead of NPT, so they sent me a BSP locking coupler to use with that.

I saw in their catalog they also had a suction gun.

Similar to the smaller version I have made my MityVac. But this is metal. Seems like it should have some really good suction to it as well. Thought I’d try it out. I’ve been wanting to get the larger MityVac for awhile but I thought I’d give Macnuaght’s a try.

The other thing I ordered was a new stem for the oil pump. They told me were releasing a “high volume” version of the stem for the set-up. So I wanted to try it out and see if it’d preform better than the previous stems.

You can see in the picture that the hose is larger. I believe the impeller is different as well. So I set it up with a full bucket of JD engine oil. Keep in mind the last test I did with a full bucket with the new style impeller in the standard stem the oil was around 63 degrees, full charge battery. It took around 13 minutes to do a full bucket.

Today with the high volume stem the oil was about 58 degrees (shop doors were open today), battery wasn’t even full charger. This thing pumped a full 5+ gallons in 5 minutes and 13 seconds. It took about 8 seconds for it to prime and really start pumping. So this thing pumped right at if not slightly better than 1gal/min. This new high volume stem did great. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I already sent them an email to let them know how impressed I was with it.

But now we come to containers.


There are two adaptors included with the kit. The one adapts to the openings on 5 gallons bucket lids.

But then there’s this one. I don’t know what the heck this fits.

The cap/threads made on to the stem is the exact same as the one on the hand pump stem I got from JD (rebranded by another company). Both the JD and the Macnaught have the adaptors to fit the classic 5gal lid spout. Same threads made on the stem so the adaptors from each stem can interchange. But what the heck does the original stem fit? A rough measurement shows it’s about 2.23”/56mm. So it’s smaller than a more common 63mm and 70mm cap. I don’t know.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Saturday was another cloudy, misty day out. Noah join me again and we checked on all the cattle. Then we moved to the shop to check the 7510 out.

So like I said we managed to get it out of park the other day. For some reason the park paw was stuck and we managed to knock it loose. However, after that it would not go in gear properly. So we set out to figure that out today. Noah helped me move things around so I could check the linkage on everything. Come to find out on the range box the A-B shifter had moved and put into gear while the tractor had already been in range C. The C-D range is a completely different linkage. I guess after I’d moved the park paw and dad was under there one of must’ve bumped the A-B range, as it’s just about an inch or two away from the park paw. So that problem is solved.

Since I had the park linkage apart anyway I wanted to replace a few things on it. There is also a very hard to get to seal on the side of the range box where the shaft for the park paw is. It doesn’t appear to be leaking, but definitely looks damaged. To replace that a roll pin needs to be knocked out. This is on the side of the range box tucked up next to the frame of the tractor. It’s hard to get to, impossible to knock out with a regular roll pin punch and hammer cuz there isn’t even room to fit the hammer, let alone actually swing it.

So since Noah was there, and is taking that engineering class I decided to put him to the test. So I had him inspect the situation and asked him what he thought we could do to remove the situation. He suggested we somehow lengthen the roll pin punch. So I asked how we should do that. His idea was similar to mine and he said we should make some sort of long guide for the punch to sit in, long enough to reach the pin, touch enough to hit with the hammer. So I had him look through the scrap metal.

View attachment 1
View attachment 1
So he got a small piece of square tubing and a cut a small flat piece of steel. He drilled a 1/4” hole in the square tubing and put in a bolt to keep the punch in place. Then I had him weld the flat onto the square. He had a little trouble getting the welder set right. But he figured it out and did a pretty decent job at it.

So the extended punch was the right length but the roll pin wouldn’t budge. So I asked him if he had any ideas. He was again on the same page as me. He suggested we try that heat inductor tool to apply some heat to it and hopefully knock the roll pin out easier. It’s in a tight enough spot that I wasn’t able to get it wrapped around anything but I just pushed it against the head of the roll pin for about 30 seconds or so. I had Noah hold the park paw in position with the pry bar to allow me to access it easier. I put the extended punch up on it and sure enough the roll pin came right out. So it worked out well!

So hopefully Noah learned a thing or two today. Or at least a little problem solving. I didn’t have the parts to replace everything yet. It was already after lunch so being a dreary Saturday I just decided to go ahead and call it a day. So we left the shop and got some lunch.

I had another Christmas party to prepare for this evening anyway. So not much was done today but we got a little bit of something accomplished so not a bad day.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Saturday was another cloudy, misty day out. Noah join me again and we checked on all the cattle. Then we moved to the shop to check the 7510 out.

So like I said we managed to get it out of park the other day. For some reason the park paw was stuck and we managed to knock it loose. However, after that it would not go in gear properly. So we set out to figure that out today. Noah helped me move things around so I could check the linkage on everything. Come to find out on the range box the A-B shifter had moved and put into gear while the tractor had already been in range C. The C-D range is a completely different linkage. I guess after I’d moved the park paw and dad was under there one of must’ve bumped the A-B range, as it’s just about an inch or two away from the park paw. So that problem is solved.

Since I had the park linkage apart anyway I wanted to replace a few things on it. There is also a very hard to get to seal on the side of the range box where the shaft for the park paw is. It doesn’t appear to be leaking, but definitely looks damaged. To replace that a roll pin needs to be knocked out. This is on the side of the range box tucked up next to the frame of the tractor. It’s hard to get to, impossible to knock out with a regular roll pin punch and hammer cuz there isn’t even room to fit the hammer, let alone actually swing it.

So since Noah was there, and is taking that engineering class I decided to put him to the test. So I had him inspect the situation and asked him what he thought we could do to remove the situation. He suggested we somehow lengthen the roll pin punch. So I asked how we should do that. His idea was similar to mine and he said we should make some sort of long guide for the punch to sit in, long enough to reach the pin, touch enough to hit with the hammer. So I had him look through the scrap metal.

View attachment 1
View attachment 1
So he got a small piece of square tubing and a cut a small flat piece of steel. He drilled a 1/4” hole in the square tubing and put in a bolt to keep the punch in place. Then I had him weld the flat onto the square. He had a little trouble getting the welder set right. But he figured it out and did a pretty decent job at it.

So the extended punch was the right length but the roll pin wouldn’t budge. So I asked him if he had any ideas. He was again on the same page as me. He suggested we try that heat inductor tool to apply some heat to it and hopefully knock the roll pin out easier. It’s in a tight enough spot that I wasn’t able to get it wrapped around anything but I just pushed it against the head of the roll pin for about 30 seconds or so. I had Noah hold the park paw in position with the pry bar to allow me to access it easier. I put the extended punch up on it and sure enough the roll pin came right out. So it worked out well!

So hopefully Noah learned a thing or two today. Or at least a little problem solving. I didn’t have the parts to replace everything yet. It was already after lunch so being a dreary Saturday I just decided to go ahead and call it a day. So we left the shop and got some lunch.

I had another Christmas party to prepare for this evening anyway. So not much was done today but we got a little bit of something accomplished so not a bad day.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I put my metal detecting find in some vinegar on Christmas Day.

Turns out the large piece I found is actually an old file. It’d be neat to get it cleaned up. I’m just not sure how to remove the large tumors of rust and dirt off of it without ruining it.

 

[cvairwerks]

Electrolysis or Evaporust....

 

[jeepxj]

The cap/threads made on to the stem is the exact same as the one on the hand pump stem I got from JD (rebranded by another company). Both the JD and the Macnaught have the adaptors to fit the classic 5gal lid spout. Same threads made on the stem so the adaptors from each stem can interchange. But what the heck does the original stem fit? A rough measurement shows it’s about 2.23”/56mm. So it’s smaller than a more common 63mm and 70mm cap. I don’t know.

Drop your guy an email. it'll be something silly i'm sure. like it's just meant to sit on top of any random hole. Interesting how better that pump is working.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Electrolysis or Evaporust....

I’ll have to check in to that

 

[cliftonbros89]

Drop your guy an email. it'll be something silly i'm sure. like it's just meant to sit on top of any random hole. Interesting how better that pump is working.

I sent him one over the weekend. I’ll see what he says. I could’ve believe how well the new style worked. I’m not sure what they changed but it worked.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well I took Sunday off. Finished up with the last of the Christmas events. But we had some rain over the weekend. About 2 inches all together for the weekend. So it looks like we’re back to mud...just when things were finally drying out. River is set to go back up about 9 foot as well. So if the number on my FieldView are close to correct we’ll be ending the year with right at 58-60” of rainfall for the year total. I believe that’s at least 12” over the 10 year average.

 

[ambenz]

That's a lot of rain. Be glad your property isn't more west as my cousin near Fullerton, Nebraska really had the rain train there! Anyway, I just stopped by to check up on your progress, the cows, and what is happening in your neck of the woods. Here NE of you, the NW burbs of the metro Chicago area is getting more rain and a few flurries with predictions of 40F midweek and beyond so you will be wearing mudders for a while I suppose. Wanted to thank you for sharing a bit of your life as a farm hand out on the ranch. This city slicker always enjoys seeing the other side and reminds me we have a few farmers in my family too. Happy New Year to you and yours!

 

[Fr8dog61]

Electrolysis or Evaporust....

I have used electrolysis, real easy. Lots of information how on the internet, and YouTube. The most expensive piece of equipment needed is a cheep battery charger.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well back to it today.

Noah and I took care of the cattle this morning. Nice and muddy today after all the rain from the weekend.

Had to file some stuff for the semi trucks today. Also had to help dad get some stuff ready for the tractor pull.

Then I had Noah help me start some work on the 7510.

Got some real use out of the Macnaught pump today too.

Noah thought it worked great.

Got some work done on the 7510. Had to order some parts for it and the 7230. Not much to report from the day. But it was a start for the week.

 

[cliftonbros89]

That's a lot of rain. Be glad your property isn't more west as my cousin near Fullerton, Nebraska really had the rain train there! Anyway, I just stopped by to check up on your progress, the cows, and what is happening in your neck of the woods. Here NE of you, the NW burbs of the metro Chicago area is getting more rain and a few flurries with predictions of 40F midweek and beyond so you will be wearing mudders for a while I suppose. Wanted to thank you for sharing a bit of your life as a farm hand out on the ranch. This city slicker always enjoys seeing the other side and reminds me we have a few farmers in my family too. Happy New Year to you and yours!

Thanks. Same to you.

I’m sure all that rain out that way will be traveling past me eventually.

 

[cliftonbros89]

So I talked to Macnaught about the cap on the stem the adaptors. They just said that it fits the US containers and fit fine and coarse threads...so...kind of still at square one...

 

[jeepxj]

So I talked to Macnaught about the cap on the stem the adaptors. They just said that it fits the US containers and fit fine and coarse threads...so...kind of still at square one...

it fits containers. uhhh cool. thanks.