whfan74 2,071 #1 Posted April 26, 2009 Well everyone I was asked at the school I teach at that they wanted to put in a garden for the kids in the Environmental Club to work with. Of course I am proud of my tractors so they all know that I am a tractor-holic. They approached me and asked if I could put in a garden for them. My response..........ummm heck yea! It isn't work at all folks....it is fun! Now let me back this up a bit......never have done this before. Yikes! I was hoping my mouth wasn't getting me in trouble again. I said sure....I have a plow and I think I might have a tractor that can do the job. So I took off the tires of the 312-8 put the 23 x 10.50 x 12 ag's back on and the plastic wheel horse wheel weights. Just recently put on a rear lift hitch on my worker planning for this day. So today was the day.....not knowing what in the heck I was doing I loaded the tractor, placed the plow in the back of the truck. Loaded up my 3 year old daughter (my tractor buddy) and off we went. I must admit my ego was worried.....how was this experience going to go? Am I going to break something? Will it even work???? Well I cranked up the throttle, put her in 3rd gear and moved to the area they were wanting. They said they had it marked off for me. When I pulled up to it I about crapped! It was just over 100 feet long and approximately 40 feet wide. Garden.....heck they wanted to be farmers. So I was moving at full speed got to the area, slowly dropped the plow down and closed my eyes and held on for dear life! Had a little bit of a tug and next thing you know I opened my eyes and looked over my shoulder. Now let me tell you it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Sod was flying to the side like no one's business. I thought this was easy! Then I turned around and came back for pass number 2. WOW what a ride....the old horse was buckin and jumpin through the furrow. I wasn't able to get everything done due to the fact the old drive belt smoked a little and she was getting warm. I didn't want to mess anything up. Pulled up the plow and off I went quickly....or so I thought. It took her a little while to get up to speed. I thought dang it I pushed it too much. After she cooled down on the trailer ride home she took off more like herself. Has anyone else ever had this happen? All in all it was a FUN day and I am amazed at what the horse would do. A 16 horse would have worked a little better as she wanted to bog down a bit but she kept chuggin away. Sorry for the long post but I was flying high. I was proud to pull her home on the trailer and show her off.....mud and all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #2 Posted April 26, 2009 Scott, great story and a worthwhile effort! Nice of you to help out your community! How old is the belt on your machine, and how much travel do you have left on the clutch when it's fully engaged (out) before it hits the footrest? I just went out and checked mine - I've got about 1/2" clearance left. Any glazing on your drive belt? Duff :omg: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,071 #3 Posted April 26, 2009 Duff, I didn't get a chance to check the belt real close, had to get my daughter in for her nap or we all would have paid dearly .....I have had the tractor for about 4 years and am assuming it is probably the original belt. I am guessing you are probably right that it is getting glazed over. I did notice there may be a little slop in it as it has wanted to ride under the belt guard that is near the tranny. I might be ordering a new belt here shortly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #4 Posted April 26, 2009 .....I have had the tractor for about 4 years and am assuming it is probably the original belt. I am guessing you are probably right that it is getting glazed over. I did notice there may be a little slop in it as it has wanted to ride under the belt guard that is near the tranny. I might be ordering a new belt here shortly. The slop you describe tells me the belt may have stretched a little with age and may well be the original. A new one isn't unreasonably expensive - well worth the investment. When I replaced the one on my #1 tractor I actually went one inch shorter than factory spec and got a much smoother clutch engagement and more comfortable pedal travel. If you want I'll see if I can find the number for you tomorrow? Duff :omg: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
whfan74 2,071 #5 Posted April 26, 2009 If it isn't too much trouble I would be more than happy to have it. That's why I love this place....good guys willing to lend a hand. :omg: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #6 Posted April 26, 2009 No trouble, and I'll post it here in case any others may want/need it. ~D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MaineDad 87 #7 Posted April 26, 2009 Scott, Thanks for the story. I have been there too, offer to help with your tractors, then the anxiety sets in! Sounds like your horse did a good job. Did you have weights on the right rear wheel while plowing? With the 12" wide wheel and with weights, the furrow may have been too narrow for that much wheel width. A new belt may make all the difference... Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim_M 179 #8 Posted April 26, 2009 You might want to drop down a gear next time. Plowing in third will put extra stress on the belt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TJ 184 #9 Posted April 26, 2009 No good deed goes unpunished, but a drive belt is a small price to pay. :omg: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #10 Posted April 27, 2009 Scott, that drive belt number I promised you is a Stens True Blue Belt #258-082. It measures 5/8" x 82". I'm really happy with the one on my 312-8! Duff :omg: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HorseFixer 2,013 #11 Posted April 27, 2009 :drool: Fantastic story Scotty! I like hearing stories like that! The only thing missing are some pictures Anyways glad all went well, and you were able to get the job done! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelHorse_of_course 99 #12 Posted April 28, 2009 Sounds like a heckuva lot of fun. Do you have a disk or other harrow to use once the plowing is done? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
