olson band saw blades

An alternative to a new and relatively expensive tractor is a well-running antique. They''re not quite as capable or dependable as a contemporary tractor, but they''re considerably less expensive. Small, still-working antique tractors such as a late-''40s or ''50s Farmall Cub or a low-riding, auto-style Ford 9N currently sell for about $2,500, a bit more if they''re outfitted with new rear tires or hydraulics. If at all possible, buy one with a newly rebuilt engine, an onboard hydraulic system, a rear-mount three-point hitch and one or two mechanical power takeoffs (PTOs) rather than a drawbar. Invest in a modern underframe (Woods), rotary brush hog or field mower and other post-1950s attachments. Look carefully, because museum-quality antiques from the 1930s and earlier often lack hydraulics and PTOs (Polk''s, the Antique Tractor Magazine, published by Dennis Polk Equipment of New Paris Indiana (subscriptions 219-831-3555) and Farm Collector from the folks at Odgen Publications in Topeka, KS (subscriptions 800-678-4883) are two great sources of info on older models better suited for displaying on the front yard than grinding in the cornrows). If you intend to do any really heavy work such as logging, trenching for soil-drainage pipe, digging in a septic tank or cutting a logging road through heavy woods, consider a full-size industrial tractor with a log grapple or excavating bucket on the front and a backhoe on the stem. New, they cost five or six figures. Good used ones cost about $15,000.

Gall adds that farmers also need to install a pressurized vent cap on their tanks rather than the less expensive flip cap. One third of the farms we studied hadn''t followed this advice."The Pre-Vent cap ($22) seals the tank and holds up to 3 psi of pressure so it reduces the movement of air, dirt, and moisture in and out of the tank," he says.Impact on engine wearThe days when diesel engines were able to burn anything and a trail of black smoke signaled high horsepower are gone. Now, a new generation of diesel engines designed to meet stiffer EPA emissions standards has heightened concerns about fuel quality.

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