Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

[cliftonbros89]

Well today was like the rest of the week just warmer.

Checked on all the cattle. It was foggy and the snow from yesterday evening was starting to melt.

Luckily all was well.

Dad still wasn’t feeling 100% so he was inside doing tax stuff.

I really have to get going on some shop work so I drove the tandem truck down to the bottom shed to get it out of the way.

And I brought out the 8760. Which we haven’t seen in awhile.

I took it back to dads but had to rearrange things get it in.

But I got it all back in with room left to spare. I wanted the 8760 toward the back so it’s not in the way. In between everything else I’m planning on taking the steering meter off of it and rebuilding it. It has a bad habit of constantly wanting to steer to the right. Being the steering valve rebuild last winter didn’t fix that issue I’m hoping the meter rebuild will. I’ll likely have to wait on parts for it so I didn’t want the 8760 to be taking up the shop while I wait.

Before lunch I checked the park on the 7510 and took it for a drive. It seemed to be working just fine and no more ticking. But the linkage didn’t seem to be as snug as I thought it should be.

I also ran it for awhile to run some cleaner through the cooling system to give it a good flush once.

After lunch I did so more adjusting to the park linkage but it still wasn’t quite right.


But I stopped for awhile.

The cattle have been pretty hungry this week and were in need of hay. Plus I wanted to finally get out the batch of feed for the small calves.

By the time we finished it was dark.

Then it was time for a bottle again.


Back to the 7510 again and I adjust the park linkage yet again. Still not fully satisfied but I’m going to try it for now. I was going to also drain the water and cleaner out too.

I don’t know who came up with this drain plug but i really truly hate it! It’s in a tight spot to get to. Even when I put it finger tight it’s hard to get loosened back up. The only thing to fit it without ruining the plastic seems to be a P3 head socket. Which it still tight.

Whoever designed this really needs a talking to.
There’s no place to direct or funnel it as it’s draining either because it’s so close to the frame and hoses.

So it just makes a big mess.

So I ended the day checking a few more things out as the water drained.

I really feel likes I’m getting nowhere on this thing.

 

[captain14]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200126/881a73854ec608d04fb5e6ef9f15f87b.jpg

When you find a young calf like that in the field do you find the mother ( or others) nearby showing signs of distress for the offspring?

I have seen one YouTube video with the calf outside the fence along a road and the mother making a fuss inside the fence line.

 

[cliftonbros89]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200126/881a73854ec608d04fb5e6ef9f15f87b.jpg



When you find a young calf like that in the field do you find the mother ( or others) nearby showing signs of distress for the offspring?



I have seen one YouTube video with the calf outside the fence along a road and the mother making a fuss inside the fence line.

By the time we found her she couldn’t hardly move in the mud, not to mention was covered in mud. So she’d been laying there awhile. By this time the rest of the cattle either didn’t notice her or already thought she was dead.

After I pulled her out of the mud and laid her in a dry spot the cattle then noticed her and all gathered around her.

Usually in a case of being separated, depending on how smart the cow is, they’ll make some sort of action that makes you notice something is going on. Being it bawling for the calf or simply standing in the direction of the calf and just standing there watching.

In this case the cow didn’t seem to notice. Given the time it laid there and her being distracted by us feeding she showed no interest in the calf. But I’ve seen a number of animals eventually leave the offspring over the years. Not always, but I’ve seen a cow with a calf that she seems to have given up hope on and will simply leave it to die. There’s nothing more the cow can do but move on. That may have been the case with this cow.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Friday was another day.

Check on all the cattle

Put out some more straw for all of them. A little more hay too.

Ground a batch of feed for the big calves.

Bottle fed the little heifer calf too.

Then the grinder and 7230 were both due for a greasing.


Snapped some pictures for Macnaught in between. It seems like this locking coupler is popping on fittings better now that it’s broke in a bit. It worked really well on the 7230 yesterday. But there was one spot on the grinder that I just couldn’t get on. But it’s one of those spots that’s a pain in the *** even with a regular coupler.

I also decided to look into the steering meter on the 8760.


I didn’t know what I’d needed so I gather quite a few things.

It’s not the easier thing to do get to. I just had to kind of lay down on the frame along the side of the engine against the wheel to be able to grab it.


But I did manage to get it out pretty easy. Got my hoses labeled to so I don’t get them mixed up.

After everything this week the shop has been a disaster.

But I didn’t have much time to mess with anything else because dad and I met up with a guy to go look at a planter for sale.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Little work for Saturday too.

Checked on all the cattle, took care of all the calves.

Then I went to the shop.

I disassembled the steering meter.

Shims so a little wear but nothing seems majorly worn like I was expecting. New shims, seals, o-rings and spring aren’t all the expensive. Less than $100.

But this piece is showing some pretty good wear inside...of corse you won’t find this anywhere but Deere...it’s just under $500...so I’m not liking that...

But I got it all apart, cleaned up, parts looked over, part numbers and prices all wrote down. It I called it a day a little early.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Grain market really hasn’t been in good shape this week. It really came off.

Today was the first day in at least a week we saw sun. Almost 70 degrees by tomorrow. Then a cool front due in my Tuesday. But naturally that means more chances of rain. Just as we were almost thinking about getting a little dry again.

Dad is feeling a little better after his sick days this week. Hopefully that’ll mean we can finally get some calves moved around and maybe even sell some.

Still plenty to do besides that. Lots going on. Haven’t decided what to do about a different planter yet but we’re looking at some options.

Deere part sale to get things ready for, even though I haven’t gotten hardly anything looked over very well yet.

Never ending.

 

[Farmall450]

Another day another dollar. 55 degrees here tomorrow, they claim.

 

[jblnut]

Suppose to be 38 here tomorrow. The kiddos are all excited to build snowmen and I am just hoping that going from 18 to 38 to 5 in the matter of a few days doesn't mess the cattle up too much.

 

[NKlamerus]

Re: Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

Catching up while I watch the Superbowl,

Funny you mentioned working in a hardware store, I'm currently a visual merchandiser for a mom and pop store in Oregon. We are technically just above mom and pop now, two locations, and larger footprint than Lowes/HD, closer to Menards with Ikea showrooms is what I've been told. I get to setup/put out all our new tools, DeWalt, Milw, Sawstop, Etc....get to see the new stuff before everyone else

While I'm it a salesman, I work on the floor all day, spend way more time explaining the difference between an impact/drill and brushed/brushless tools than selling anything most of the time, either way, I'd rather be on the farm!

As far as metal detecting, I majored in an archaeology sub-feild on the east coast, electrolysis is by far one of the better methods, however I prefer evaporust for anything you just want done quickly, we used heated vibrating tanks and usually gave it a couple hours for most analysis. My focus was underwater archaeology, so a lot of "metal" we recovered was actually concretions around a hollow cavity of what the item used to be, in that case we would x-ray it and try to make a mold with it.

I think I missed the outcome of the fuel pump on the daily? Definitely easier to pull the bed than to drop the tank? Especially for brake lines!


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[cliftonbros89]

Another day another dollar. 55 degrees here tomorrow, they claim.

I think we hit 71 today. Freakishly unseasonable.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Suppose to be 38 here tomorrow. The kiddos are all excited to build snowmen and I am just hoping that going from 18 to 38 to 5 in the matter of a few days doesn't mess the cattle up too much.

I’d be fine with some freezing temperatures. Temporarily take care of the mud. Hit about 71 today. But I believe expected to be back in the mid 40’s by the middle of the week. Even that’s a little warm for February.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Re: Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

Catching up while I watch the Superbowl,

Funny you mentioned working in a hardware store, I'm currently a visual merchandiser for a mom and pop store in Oregon. We are technically just above mom and pop now, two locations, and larger footprint than Lowes/HD, closer to Menards with Ikea showrooms is what I've been told. I get to setup/put out all our new tools, DeWalt, Milw, Sawstop, Etc....get to see the new stuff before everyone else

While I'm it a salesman, I work on the floor all day, spend way more time explaining the difference between an impact/drill and brushed/brushless tools than selling anything most of the time, either way, I'd rather be on the farm!

As far as metal detecting, I majored in an archaeology sub-feild on the east coast, electrolysis is by far one of the better methods, however I prefer evaporust for anything you just want done quickly, we used heated vibrating tanks and usually gave it a couple hours for most analysis. My focus was underwater archaeology, so a lot of "metal" we recovered was actually concretions around a hollow cavity of what the item used to be, in that case we would x-ray it and try to make a mold with it.

I think I missed the outcome of the fuel pump on the daily? Definitely easier to pull the bed than to drop the tank? Especially for brake lines!


Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

I wish we had a better local hardware store. We have 2 farm/home supply stores that are small chains, about 12 locations each across the area. Then one small single location lumber store. But they all pretty well have the same stuff, for the same price. I wish we had something with a bit broader selection of things.

I haven’t looked into anymore electrolysis techniques lately. I haven’t had much time to do any detecting and I really haven’t found anything worth cleaning up either. But it’d be nice to find some other ways in case I do find something decent.

Fuel pump situation on the Silverado hasn’t actually taken place yet. I haven’t had much of a chance to do anything with it. Plus, either dropping the tank or lifting the bed would be way easier with my b-i-l’s lift and he’s had it busy lately working on dropping the engine in his car. But I’d like get that job done soon.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Well didn’t do a whole lot today.

Checked on all the cattle. They were all definitely enjoying the warm weather.

They were all calm and quiet today. Just sort of taking in the sun and hanging out.

Had about 6 new calves with in the past week. Several more should be arriving within the next few weeks. Had a new one over at my uncle’s this morning. Had just got all cleaned up and was wobbling and jumping around in the straw. The cow was keeping a close eye on it so I didn’t get too close.

I did witness something I haven’t seen before. The cow was smart enough to have the calf over in the dry, warm straw. Which was also where the the other new calves were laying. While the cow was cleaning her new calf one of the other cows with a new calf took it upon herself to clean up the afterbirth left over from the new calf. It was interesting.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Start of another week.

Took care of all the cattle yesterday morning.

It was another nice day out. So while dad cleaned up the cattle lots I backed in the gooseneck to finally put on the new axle.

It was definitely ruined.


Good thing too because the other end was about to go too. I took the hub cap off on the other side and that piece of junk plastic oil cap had broke off too.

It fell out when I took the hub cap off.

But I dropped the old one out and slid the new one in.

In between doing a few other things.

But I finally got it on there.

Then put the new all metal oil caps on all the hubs and filled them all with fresh oil.
Checked all the tires and lights and it should be good to go now.

Then I wanted to take the steering feedback cylinder off of the 8760. Likely the other culprit in the constant seeping to the left issue.


Bolts were a bit rusty but I got it out of there.

Then I went back in the shop and tried to salvaged some pieces off of the bad axle from the trailer before it gets added to the scrap pile.



I didn’t get completely done but it was getting later and I figured I’d call it a day. Turns out I just happened to do so at the right time.

Just as I was pulling off of the driveway on to the highway I could see a bright orange glow up behind dad’s neighbor’s house (the one we’ve bought a few bulls from). I slowly drove past and saw there was a large fire right next to one of his sheds which is just right behind his house. So I quickly turned around and pulled up to the house.

Turns out his little lean too stacked with kindling for his wood stove was on fire. Majorly. His wife was attempting to spray water on his with the water hose while he tried to find another hose and get it hooked to the water hydrant for the cattle water. A cool front started blowing in last night so it was really fueling up the fire. Not to mention blowing some serious smoke too. I grabbed the hose from his wife and started spraying water as close as I could. She filled some buckets in the house that I tossed on as well.

While all this was going on I also called my b-i-l to bring another hose and some sort of an end that could spray better than just my finger over the hose. He showed up as we’d start to somewhat settle it down but it was still roaring pretty good. But we finally attacked it from two sides and managed to get it under control. By this time the guy’s dad and uncle had shown up. They started spreading things out so we could really drenched the place.

Long story short we managed to get it under control and get it out before it managed to spread to the rest of his wood pile or any of the buildings. He said he thinks something from his wood stove sparked it. Took about an hour but we got it out and luckily the damage wasn’t nearly as bad as it could’ve been.

 

[cliftonbros89]

On to Tuesday.

Sure enough it rained again overnight. Quite a bit. It was real muddy again. I check on all the cattle.


Luckily most of them we smart enough to stay out of the wind and attempted to stay out of the rain.

Took care of the calf too.


Hung up a hose and reel we got from Macnaught.

Not their newest one but it’s pretty nice.

I finished taking apart the broke axle and put all the parts away.

Then it was time to check out the 8760 cylinder.

As I suspected it wasn’t good.

Inside things were pretty rough.



Pictures don’t show it the best. But it’s no good. I did some pricing and it turns out this is a pretty expensive little cylinder. But it looks like I can order all the parts separate and rebuild it for about half of what a completely new one would cost. So I think that’s going to be the route I take.

Cleaned up the shop and helped dad with a few things. We got some seed beans in today too.


Then I filled up the 7510 again and ran some more cleaner through the cooling system so I can really get it cleaned out good.

While I let it run for awhile I did a few odd jobs around the shop.

Then it was supper time for the calf. Not longer after that I quit for the day.

 

[Farmall450]

I think we hit 71 today. Freakishly unseasonable.

This has happened 1 other time in the 4 years I've been in Champaign for school. So, happens 50% of the time

 

[cliftonbros89]

So hopefully I can get caught up tomorrow. But in the mean time, can anyone suggest something good to use for flushing cooling systems?

I’ve been seeing these tools that can use both air and water to find of pressurize things and flush everything out. Has anyone ever used any of these? Or anything similar?

I’m just trying to find something to speed up the process a little and make things a little more efficient if at all possible.

 

[mercracing]

So hopefully I can get caught up tomorrow. But in the mean time, can anyone suggest something good to use for flushing cooling systems?

I’ve been seeing these tools that can use both air and water to find of pressurize things and flush everything out. Has anyone ever used any of these? Or anything similar?

I’m just trying to find something to speed up the process a little and make things a little more efficient if at all possible.

What’s in the cooling system that your trying to flush out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Farmall450]

I've always just let a hose run on the gravel somewhere for the day or whatever. I've heard of using the radiator flush, using it, and draining after a few good heat cycles.

 

[cliftonbros89]

What’s in the cooling system that your trying to flush out?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It just very dirty. No oil or anything like that. Just old dirty coolant.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I've always just let a hose run on the gravel somewhere for the day or whatever. I've heard of using the radiator flush, using it, and draining after a few good heat cycles.

I used some stuff to help clean it but it’s still not draining clear water yet. It’s mainly the block that isn’t as easy to clean out.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Moving on with the week.

Wednesday started like most days.

Put out mineral too.



Had a newborn calf end up in a hole that I had to pull out. Naturally I ended up covered in mud.

Even those there was plenty to go I pulled the truck in the shop.

It was due for an oil change. Needed to be looked at once to.


I even cleaned out the cab once. Kind of refreshing.

Since dad has been feeling better and the weather wasn’t the greatest I put him to work.



Finally started getting the oil cart together.

Had to take care of the calf too.


Since I was flushing the 7510 out I decided to go ahead and pressure check the whole system again.

Bad news. Radiator had a leak. So more work.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Thursday we had a little bit of some unexpected snow.

Didn’t amount to anything though.




Fed the cattle and ground feed.



I had to make a trip to town for some parts.

New Holland/Kubota/Kinze dealer had a few days for parts sale this week so I stocked up on some Kubota stuff and some parts for the planter.

While in town I had to stop by my grandpa’s jewelry store.

He was having issues with his torch. So I dropped off my little power Probe torch to see if it would get him by for a few days.

Finished getting the cart fabbed up too.


I think this is going to work out good for me.

Then I checked the 7510 again.

This time I couldn’t find the leak but it was still loosing pressure pretty quick.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Friday we fed the cattle and put out hay.

Then dad helped me take the radiator out of the 7510. I was going to take it to be checked out.

So I headed to town.

Went to CarQuest to pick up filters. Stopped at my house for a sandwich. Went to the shop in town we’ve taken our radiators forever, only to have them tell me they don’t do radiators anymore.

So I went to the next guy which is about 20 minutes out of the town the opposite way of the farm. Sure enough the radiator was shot. Sure enough it can’t be rebuilt. He could get me one. But even though it was supposed to be to oem specs it’s required 2 different hoses than what the original one does...so by the time I would mess with the hoses, shipping plus the cost of the radiator it was going to come in just shy of the Deere radiator. By maybe only $30? So since I already had new hoses I just went with Deere.

But he did have matchbooks with his name and number on it for advertising. I grabbed a pack just cuz it’s likely been at least 15 years since I’ve seen anyone advertise on a book of matches.

Then went to the recycling center to drop off a bunch of stuff.

They have a new drop off set up. I’m not sure I like it.

Then it was off to Deere to give them my list of parts I’d been compiling all week for their parts sale this week. Also asked what my options were for the 7510 radiator.

While I made all those stops dad picked up some feed supplement and mineral for the cattle.


But I was back at the shop and my radiator was junk.

So since I was at a stand still again I had took a wire wheel to my cart.

It’s going to have to fit in with everything else around here.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Got some new tips for my soil sample probe this week.


Also ran into some 19mm fittings not long ago that an angle wrench would’ve been good for.

I got one from Tekton. I came across these here on GJ. U.S. made but I’m not sure who makes them. Since pretty decent. A lot cheaper than one from the Snap On guy. It probably won’t be used much so who cares. Little thicker than a SO but no by much.


I’ve been wanting some smaller drip tray I could use for stuff, like the steering cylinder earlier this week, than won’t take up a ton of room. I found these cookie sheets at Walmart this week. Made pretty heavy and also U.S. made. I think these are exactly what I was looking for. They seem pretty nice.

 

[Farmall450]

I used some stuff to help clean it but it’s still not draining clear water yet. It’s mainly the block that isn’t as easy to clean out.

That's why I stick the hose in the upper and let it drain out the lower

 

[Farmall450]

The cart looks nice. Well set up.

 

[cliftonbros89]

That's why I stick the hose in the upper and let it drain out the lower

I probably should’ve done that. Maybe on a day it’s above freezing though. Just in case.

 

[cliftonbros89]

The cart looks nice. Well set up.

Thanks. Definitely not complete yet. But hopefully it’ll all work out.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Between the River Hills & the River Bottom

Not much going on today. I checked on all the cattle. Then a little later in the morning dad and I headed off to Illinois.

We finally went to pick up the 2510H anhydrous applicator. It fit just right on the trailer. It took majority of the day. We just backed in it the shed for now. But once we get caught up on some stuff we’ll likely unload it and hook it up to the 8400 to check it out.

Then before I left I threw a coat of paint on the cart with a few rattle cans.

A work in progress for now. A coat on the bottom side and another coat on everything else and I’ll think it’ll be set to start setting things up.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Kind of took the day off yesterday. But it was back to normal today.

Did all the feeding, checked on everything. Lost a calf today. Since the weekend it seems the weather is starting getting to some of the calves.

After taking care of the cattle we unloaded the anhydrous applicator.

It took both the 4020 and the 7230 to lift it. The 158 loader was able to lift one side just high enough to pull the trailer out from under it.

Added a coat to the cart today too.

Decided to paint the wheels too. Yeah I could’ve gone with yellow. But it would’ve taken several coats to cover good. They’d look bad if they get dirty and oily too. So flat black it is.

Did a few other small things around too.

Got some new cables for the tail gate on the Kubota.

Dads neighbor stopped by.

Him and his wife gave me a card and a plate of cookies for helping put out the fire by their wood stove last week.

But I had to head out early for a meeting.

 

[cvairwerks]

Save yourself some pain. Roll the ends of that cotter key so you can’t get snagged on it. A deep hook from one takes a long time to heal and hurts as long or longer.....Been there and been snagged several times!

 

[cliftonbros89]

Save yourself some pain. Roll the ends of that cotter key so you can’t get snagged on it. A deep hook from one takes a long time to heal and hurts as long or longer.....Been there and been snagged several times!

I finished rolling them over. I’ve done that same thing before too.

 

[Pressingonward]

For flushing coolant I'll second the suggestion to run a garden hose through it for a while. Never done this with a tractor but it should work just as well as with vehicles. You may need to pull the thermostat or a heater hose depending on how it is set up. I usually do it when I'm doing a water pump so it's easy to flush the block, but you can also do it just by pulling hoses off as long as the lower rad hose connects fairly low to the engine.

I typically drain the coolant, gently blow the block and heater core out with air (15 psi max) to get a bit more coolant out sometimes, then flush the heater core. For the heater core you want to disconnect both hoses and flush it both forward and backwards a few times. The first time I'll capture the water/coolant/goop mix and recycle it like I do the coolant. After that it's pretty much muddy water with rust in it and I'll let it drain on the gravel. I alternate forward and back flushing until the water runs clear.

Then I do the same for the engine. I'll also block the lower hose, fill the engine full, then unblock the hose and let it drain a few times (if the water pump is still on).

Those acid flush aids would probably help a bit too on a system that is nasty. Just follow the directions on the bottle before doing all of the above

Hopefully this is a bit helpful

 

[cliftonbros89]

For flushing coolant I'll second the suggestion to run a garden hose through it for a while. Never done this with a tractor but it should work just as well as with vehicles. You may need to pull the thermostat or a heater hose depending on how it is set up. I usually do it when I'm doing a water pump so it's easy to flush the block, but you can also do it just by pulling hoses off as long as the lower rad hose connects fairly low to the engine.

I typically drain the coolant, gently blow the block and heater core out with air (15 psi max) to get a bit more coolant out sometimes, then flush the heater core. For the heater core you want to disconnect both hoses and flush it both forward and backwards a few times. The first time I'll capture the water/coolant/goop mix and recycle it like I do the coolant. After that it's pretty much muddy water with rust in it and I'll let it drain on the gravel. I alternate forward and back flushing until the water runs clear.

Then I do the same for the engine. I'll also block the lower hose, fill the engine full, then unblock the hose and let it drain a few times (if the water pump is still on).

Those acid flush aids would probably help a bit too on a system that is nasty. Just follow the directions on the bottle before doing all of the above

Hopefully this is a bit helpful

I was going to do the hose through the block next time. I’ve just been thinking about trying something I saw. I’ve seen some guns, available through various brands, that hook to air and water. That way you can add pressure to the water as you flush it. But I’ve never actually seen one in use.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I started today with putting out hay at the retirement farm.

When I got to the farm dad and I moved the big calves from one barn to the other.

We moved them a trailer load at a time to take them to my uncle’s.

We gave them their second round of shots. As we’d finished with a trailer full dad hauled them off to the auction barn to be sold tomorrow.

In between working calves I checked on the rest of the cattle and fed the smaller calves.

I packed the bearings for the wheels for the oil cart. Even though 2 of them are pretty much wore out I think they’ll be good enough for awhile.

Aside from that I got some things ready for other jobs this week. We gave shots to all 37 of the big calves. Dad hauled them all off in 3 trips too.


Replaced the marker light on my truck.


Took care of the calf.

Then I finally got to do some work to the cart. Got some new bolts for the wheels and pegboards. I got some spacers to help mount the pegboards too. I plan to add and rearrange some more. But it gives you the idea of what I’m going for.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Like I said, not complete, but it’s getting there. I think I’m going to like it.

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Nice teamwork with your Dad on the cart, you will get a lot of use out of it.

 

[cliftonbros89]

Nice teamwork with your Dad on the cart, you will get a lot of use out of it.

Thanks. I think it’ll work well. I just need to hang a few more things on it. I think I’m going to slid my drip trays in there somewhere too. Then it’ll be ready for an oil change for anything. Plus if I need oil for something in the shed I can grab a container and go.

 

[XJSuperman]

Cart looks great. I know its time you don't have, but yellow wheels wouldve really made it pop. I like that you left the pegboard the orig darker green, it looks right between the cart top and bottom.

The smaller blue things hung on the end of the cart, are those batteries?

Ive been messing with a 2510H at work the last couple weeks. Interesting implement, but damn that tongue weight. I snapped the jack on it the other day, and the skidsteer couldn't lift the tongue it was so heavy.