Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[Growlertdi]

So with the one that didn't make it the other day, what do you do with them? Do they get buried on the property somewhere? Is there any value to the carcass? You didn't elaborate and I am curious.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Why do I feel a twinge in my groin when I read “cut the bulls”

Most of them actually handled it pretty well considering the situation.

 

[cliftonbros89]

So with the one that didn't make it the other day, what do you do with them? Do they get buried on the property somewhere? Is there any value to the carcass? You didn't elaborate and I am curious.

You’re right. I forgot that part. Typically we just find a place to bury them. Which is what we did with her. Sometimes this time of year we’ll set one out for coyote bait, as they’re so over populated in this area. We actually did that with one last year and my uncle killed 11 coyotes off of it.

I was actually planning to get rid of her in a week or so. I’ve noticed a decline in her health lately. She had a calf, bit it’s big enough to ween so it was the ideal time to get rid of her. The calf will be ok as I haven’t even seen it bawl for her at all this week, she likely wasn’t producing much milk anymore.

So due to her decline in health and being that she likely stressed herself from being turned over and then later trying to get herself up. I’ve seen that stress make them sick and feverish fairly quick. So the meat isn’t worth the risk, or liability or letting someone have it.

Not to mention the coyotes. If I had to guess she likely died in the early night hours. Then later in the night coyotes had already found her. I’d checked on her by 6:30 that evening she was ok. By 6:15 the following morning she was dead and coyotes and already ate off an ear and made an attempt to start on the rear end, which is where they always starts. So definitely not worth it by then.

 

[r57ed]

I've been nibbling away at your thread. For a city slicker, I'm very impressed with your work ethics and learning about how easy farm life is. LOL. I' m sure your wife and parents are very proud of you!

I notice your love of tools and your crow foot sockets. Have you tried any 'flare nut crowfoot wrenches (ex. part # AN850814B.) These are ideal for tight places such as removing fuel lines from injector pump and hyd. hoses...

I've owned several JDs but smaller tractors, 550 crawler and backhoe. My current is a 970 with finishing mower.

Keep posting, we all enjoy following along.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Thanks!

As far as crowfoot wrenches go I do have flarenut crowfoot wrenches. I have flare nut wrenches in 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2”. I do use them and I really like them. The problem I sometimes run into with the flare nut, especially the larger sizes is that the opening isn’t always large enough to get on the fitting. There has been several times that the neck of the fitting and the hose were larger than the opening of the crowfoot. That’s why I’ve had to go with the open end wrenches so often. But all in all I definitely prefer to use the flare nut since they have such a lower profile. They really grab and are easier to fit.

I think I have flare nut crowfoot wrenches from 5/16” to 2-1/4”. A few metric sizes as well.

 

[Growlertdi]

Thank you for the explanation, I figured it was something like that but didn't want to just assume.

Keep warm, and thanks for bringing us all along on your journey!

 

[cliftonbros89]

Thank you for the explanation, I figured it was something like that but didn't want to just assume.

Keep warm, and thanks for bringing us all along on your journey!

Thanks

 

[cliftonbros89]

So here we go catching up from Thursday.

Did the feeding

Unloaded feed supplement dad picked up.


Then we got set up to start hauling corn for our contract.



Dad had a meeting that day. I hauled 3 loads, he had time to haul off one load when we got back.



Then it was time to grind feed



While I did that dad emptied out part of the barn.

That way the big calves can have a little cover from the elements.

Then did a few things to the 7510.


Also had to replace a headlight on the truck.

Called it a day.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Friday I started at the retirement farm.

Then I got started hauling corn again.

Dad and I each hauled a few loads. But there was quite a bit of rain on the way.

So we put out hay and finished feeding the cattle.

Then as the rain started to set in I went to the shop.



I was on to work on the 7510. Part of the issue with it being stuck in park, I think, was a felt seal by the arm for the park outside of the range box for the transmission. It was out and filled up with dirt. So I planned to replace it. But that requires taking off the arm. Which if you can see from the circled parts in the picture isn’t easy to see or get to, or pry on....so after letting it soak and trying to pry I gave it a break...

 

[cliftonbros89]

So Saturday I got a bit of a late start. Had a family thing to attend. But by the afternoon I went to check on all the cattle.


It was muddy. But the cattle seemed to all be doing fine after the rain over night...and the gradually dropping temperatures.

Also set up something new...haven’t tried it...but it’s ready to go.

I got the Macnaught BOP60. Works for 15-16 gallon containers (60L). I thought it’d be a option to have set up for hydraulic oil.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Sunday I took it pretty easy.

It was cold...below freezing all day. Dad checked on some of the cattle. I checked on some too. Made sure the calves were doing good. Also had to check the waterers.

 

[cvairwerks]

I see you had a "cat scan" going on the 7510....

 

[cliftonbros89]

...and on to today...

Started early. Woke up to some unexpected snow flurries. Definitely the coldest day of the year. Coldest day of the winter so far as well.

Dad and I made sure the cattle all had enough hay and we spread out some straw for them to have to lay in as well. Luckily, all the waterers were good to go.

It was a little windy and flurries continued through the morning.

After taking care of the cattle I helped dad cut up the last deer he had.

We cut it all up, cut steaks, ground meat for burger, and sliced some for jerky.

So by this afternoon I got back to the 7510.

With some help from dad to man one pry at while I had the other we wiggled the arm off the shaft for the park on the transmission.

I knew they changed the felt seal with a v-seal. But they apparently changed the arm when the changed the seal. So even those this one is ok I ordered the new one. I figured if I’m going to fix it I’m going to do it right.

So I ordered the new part and decided to get some stuff out of the way.

I hung up my SK banner and hung up 3 hose hangers to hang my extra air hoses and water hose. They’ll be out of my way now.

So I was able to stick my DeWalt boxes in my cabinet. Gets them out of the way for now since I don’t have them in my truck in the winter.

So not exactly the most productive days lately. But it’s something.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Dad picked up some new Blue Point stuff on a silent auction at a banquet this weekend. Over $400 worth between the 2 and he got them for $170. Not a bad deal...

 

[cliftonbros89]

I see you had a "cat scan" going on the 7510....

Yeah she slipped in the door. That seems to be her new favorite spot.

 

[XJSuperman]

Saw an ad for your macnaught stuff on my social media today...probably big brother telling me I need to buy some, but the coincidence was worth mentioning.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[cliftonbros89]

Saw an ad for your macnaught stuff on my social media today...probably big brother telling me I need to buy some, but the coincidence was worth mentioning.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I actually took that picture. That’s my stuff and our 8400.

 

[cdsloop]

Saw an ad for your macnaught stuff on my social media today...probably big brother telling me I need to buy some, but the coincidence was worth mentioning.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I had that same ad pop up over the weekend as well, and immediately recognized it as one of your photos. Also led me to find and add you on IG.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I had that same ad pop up over the weekend as well, and immediately recognized it as one of your photos. Also led me to find and add you on IG.

Cool. Thanks!

I told them social media would be a good idea.

Since they’ve been good to me I figured I could at least repay them a little. I’ve been doing reviews for them. Plus been taking some shots of stuff and sending it to them to use for ad and social media post. I figured it’s the least I can do.

 

[XJSuperman]

I wondered, but couldn't confirm...thats pretty neat!

 

[cliftonbros89]

I wondered, but couldn't confirm...thats pretty neat!

That would be it!

 

[lis2323]

I told them social media would be a good idea.

Since they’ve been good to me I figured I could at least repay them a little. I’ve been doing reviews for them. Plus been taking some shots of stuff and sending it to them to use for ad and social media post. I figured it’s the least I can do.

Win win. Awesome

 

[cliftonbros89]

Back to it on Tuesday.

Chilly, frosty morning. I checked all the cattle.


They’ve all been taking this cold front pretty well.


I’ve been prepared when I’ve been feeding but luckily none of the waterers have froze up this week.

After cattle it was time to get back in the truck and haul corn.

Dad and I each loaded up a second load. Bin for low enough we had to start the sweep.



We each hauled off two loads for the day. That actually was over filled the contract. But spot price was right at the contracted price so we hauled enough to cover a land lord’s part.

Despite the fact that China did sign to the first phase of the trade agreement it’s really hurt the price of beans. They haven’t actually agreed to buy any yet, plus South America’s harvest is going on right now and supposed to be yielding rather well. Good news for them but not us.

In between doing everything else I had to extract some brass from one of my uncle’s reloading dies.

Luckily, being brass the extractor pulled it right out.

I did a little work to the 8400.

Through the year I had to add a little water to it every once in awhile. Being low again I put the pressure tester on it. I’d let it on overnight and saw it lost pressure.

The edges of a few hoses were seeping coolant and...

So is the gasket for the thermostat housing where it bolts to the head...

Aside from all that I did something I’ve been wanting to try for awhile.




I’ve often wanted to be able to use different length hoses and different grease couplers. But I didn’t want to have 4 different grease guns set up, nor did I want to deal with the inconvenience of constantly swapping out couplers.

So I did some searching and came across these Parker couplers. No they’re not rated at 10,000 psi. But it’s works! It works really good. So I’m going to try it for awhile and maybe expand on it a little bit. Wasn’t too expensive so it might be worth it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

On to today.


Got a good early start checking on the cattle.


Another cold morning. I’m fine with the ground being froze though.


Looked over some stuff on the 8400. Then ordered my hoses and gasket for it too.

Then we took a bit of a trip. We’ve been looking for awhile and debating on it. So today we finally decided to do it.

We ventured across the river and looked at and bought a JD anhydrous applicator. It’s in really good shape and we got it for a lot better price than most of them that we’ve seen the last 4 years or so.

We didn’t bring it home. They have to have some time to get it out of their shed. Plus, we have to fix our big gooseneck trailer in order to actually haul it. So we’ve got some work to do.

That trip took majority of the the day. Always interesting to see and hear how someone else does things. All in all a pretty good day. I’m excited to see this thing work this spring. The best thing is it means we can finally get rid of our old, extremely worn out DMI applicator.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Bit of a cold start to the day today.

Had some freezing rain overnight. So this morning almost everything had a thin layer of ice. Luckily by mid morning the temperature rose and everything melted.

Cattle have all really gone through the hay this week so I had to put out a little for all of them. I put out some straw to so they’d have a little something warm to lay on.

Dad has been a little sick so I was on my own today.

After lunch I ground a couple batches of feed



I did a few things around the shop and tried to start some things on the 8400 too.

I replaced the fuel filters and was going to bleed the system and fill the filters.

But the primer wouldn’t pump. Hopefully it’s just the hand pump and not the full $300 primer.

 

[Sifan]

Brother was going to help haul corn in central Illinois. Breaker blew on block heater, truck wouldn't start. Hour later, they got it started and in place only to find wind blew tarp off auger hopper and hopper 1/4 full of ice. Decided to solve the problem by going to lunch

 

[cliftonbros89]

Brother was going to help haul corn in central Illinois. Breaker blew on block heater, truck wouldn't start. Hour later, they got it started and in place only to find wind blew tarp off auger hopper and hopper 1/4 full of ice. Decided to solve the problem by going to lunch

That sounds like a rough day

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well I wasn’t able to get much done the last few days.

Started taking care of the cattle. But then we came across a problem.

Calf had got stuck in the mud and was shivering and cold.

I put it in mom and dads basement.

Washed it off, dried it off, and set a few space heaters by it.

After and hour or so you could tell she was starting to feel better.

But in other news turns out it was the transfer pump on the 8400.


But I had to quit early because I had a dinner to go to.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Saturday was a bit of a short day too.

Got the adaptor for the container to use the adaptor for the Macnaught pump. I think this set up may work for the truck.


Checked all the cattle


Also took care of the calf still in the basement. It was better. Moving around a bit. Gave it a bottle. But it hasn’t taken to a bottle very easy.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Had a few things to attend over the weekend. But I still checked on the cattle today.


Dad had already fed the calf by the time I got there this morning.

But it had made a mess in the basement over night.

Since it’s in a lot better shape and taking a bottle I made a nice bed for it in the barn and moved it out there. Hopefully she’ll be in good shape now.

Also tried to get an idea on how I want to set up the Macnaught pump in the truck.

I’ll have to make a shelf adjustment but I think it could work. I may need another container thought. It’d be the same amount oil or more in the same space. But a lot cleaner and a lot easier to dispense.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Alright here we go. It’s been a few days so I know I’ve forgot some details. But I’ll include the main points.

Monday. Went like most Mondays seem to go. It was pretty chilly and wet out. Fog all day long too.
View attachment 972331
Took care of the cattle and did all the feeding.
View attachment 972332

Finally got my parts for the 7510 and 8400 I’ve been waiting on.
View attachment 972333
View attachment 1

Took care of the calf.
View attachment 972334
View attachment 972335
She needed some help figuring out the bottle yet.

Went to the bottom. Had to move around the old chisel plows.
View attachment 972341
Had to get out the anhydrous tool bar out to take to the shop.

Going to list it for sale now that we’re getting the Deere applicator. I’ll be glad to be done with this thing.

Then it was to the shop.

Got the new transfer pump on.

Got the new filters loaded on, and bled.

Not much done for the day.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Tuesday started off about the same. Weather was pretty much the same too.




At least for the most part the cows with small calves are keeping them in straw or out on the pasture. Which I’m thankful for.

I opened up my new Macnaught suction guns.


Finally had the stuff to put the park linkage together for the 7510.


It took forever cuz it was a tight spot to get everything together and lined up.

To get the arm set to get the roll pin in I had to stick my foot up on the bottom of the cab to keep the arm in place. Then use the punch extender to knock the roll pin punch to knock in the roll pin.


New arm from the transmission, new spring, new washers, new nuts, new pin.


Tried it out but something still wasn’t right.

Tried to drive it but something was still “ticking”, as if the paw in the transmission was still trying to engage in park. I adjusted on the park linkage but still haven’t got it right.

But it was time for the calf to have supper.

 

[Farmall450]

I've been lusting after that 20v heat gun for heat shrink.

 

[Farmall450]

Whew, glad to hear the calf is alright. Didn't look to have too much life in it when I saw that first picture.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I've been lusting after that 20v heat gun for heat shrink.

I’m kind of glad I go it. Now that I have it I haven’t needed it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

Whew, glad to hear the calf is alright. Didn't look to have too much life in it when I saw that first picture.

It didn’t look good. But when I first got it in the house it could still lift its head and had stable breathing yet. So I had pretty high hopes for it. The one I took in last winter that didn’t make it was in worse shape than that. So I thought this would had a lot better chance.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Today I really didn’t get anything done.

Snow was coming down this morning as I checked the cattle. More fog too.






After that I was off the the Deere dealership. They had a clinic on planters, fertilizer applicators, new tillage equipment and sprayers.

Naturally it basically focused on showing off the new big stuff. New huge precision planters that require 10 hydraulic hose hook up, 3 wiring harness hooks up, a pto driven generator and a an on board air compressor...it’s nuts. The smaller farmer is going to soon be push out. Or at least it the way it feels. The new equipment requires the new tractors. Just to have a tractor to pull a new disk you have to drop half a million.

So that took up majority of the day.

The morning snow melted. But more came with the evening.


Gave the calf supper. She was a little better with the bottle this evening.


Did a few thing in the shop to get things shaped up to continue work on the 7510. Then met the Matco guy. He warrantied my stream light flash light. I had black but all he had was orange. Then he wanted to hear about the Macnaught stuff.

So that was about it. Another week feeling like I’m not getting a damn thing done. Dad has been under the weather so he’s been in house all week. I’ve been on my own. So it’s really hard to get anything done.

 

[cliftonbros89]

So I’ve been working on an idea for oil cart.

I’ve been thinking about metal pegboard on the side so I can hang the grease guns and hose on the sides out of the way. But I think I’d like to have them hinged so I could swing them open and still easily access the bottom of the cart. Just have to come up with a way to do it.

 

[Farmall450]

I have yet to break a stylus pro, but I've lost at least one.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have yet to break a stylus pro, but I've lost at least one.

Something was messed up with the switch on mine. It wouldn’t stay on all the time. I had trouble with it awhile back. But I took it apart and but it back together and it worked...for awhile. The one I warrantied I’ve had on me every day for probably 7 or 8 years. So I think I got my use out of it.