Tractor Shop (Basic Tools & Necessities)

LJS30

Member
Well gentleman after the charade that has been taking place with the repair of my MF290 I feel I need to take on more repairs myself. With that said besides basic auto mechanic's tools what other tools would be good for doing self repairs on a tractor? What stands, jacks, lifting devices, and other more commonly used specialty tools would I need? Thank you.
 
cresent wrench, vise grips,steel toed boots fur kicking things, punching bag, direct phone line to the head doctor. A young helper to yell at when things go wrong
 
if you buy a air compressor dont let the size of the tank fool you, the compressor it self should have enough CFM TO RUN BIG AIR TOOLS. Alot of guys figure they have a big compressor because they have a big air tank.
 
(quoted from post at 00:18:32 07/18/11) Large air compressor, 3/4" or even 1" drive air wrench with sockets.

Air compressor = Check
One inch drive air wrench with sockets = Need new air wrench
 
(quoted from post at 00:22:39 07/18/11) cresent wrench, vise grips,steel toed boots fur kicking things, punching bag, direct phone line to the head doctor. A young helper to yell at when things go wrong

Crescent wrench = check
Steel toed boots = Nope (Irish Setter Wingshooters)
Punching bag = check
Phone line to head shrink = Can be done
Young helper to abuse = Can be done
 
(quoted from post at 16:36:44 07/17/11)Alot of guys figure they have a big compressor because they have a big air tank.

Now there's a quote from a man that knows where it's comin from..............
 
(quoted from post at 00:29:16 07/18/11)
owners and shop manuals for whatever equipment you have. Should tell you what tools you need also.

Yes I need some legit manuals and NOT the IT manuals.
 
(quoted from post at 00:32:07 07/18/11) An acetylene torch and a BFH to heat it and beat it !
gear pullers and a press too.

Acetylene torch = Nope
Gear pullers = check
Press = Nope
 
(quoted from post at 00:36:44 07/18/11) if you buy a air compressor dont let the size of the tank fool you, the compressor it self should have enough CFM TO RUN BIG AIR TOOLS. Alot of guys figure they have a big compressor because they have a big air tank.

I'll check the size of the compressor I currently have. I've used it before with smaller air tools but perhaps it's not enough. What about lifts and jacks?
 

Start checking ebay and amazon (maybe CL) and don't get in a hurry.....

If your equipment still has an existing company with a website, you could email them and ask. I've got .pdf owners manuals for most everything I have just for asking....
 
(quoted from post at 00:43:17 07/18/11)
Start checking ebay and amazon (maybe CL) and don't get in a hurry.....

If your equipment still has an existing company with a website, you could email them and ask. I've got .pdf owners manuals for most everything I have just for asking....

Really? Well the following are the machines I will be working on myself.

Ford Powermaster 861
MF 165
MF 290
IH 424
 
fire extinguisher,first aid kit, good lighting step ladder,big vice,C clamps oh boy the list could be endless.
 
(quoted from post at 00:45:44 07/18/11) fire extinguisher,first aid kit, good lighting step ladder,big vice,C clamps oh boy the list could be endless.

Well for instance what do you have in your shop CR?
 
the best tool you could have when working on other peoples equip is patience. PS avoid working on any little red tractors from germany. They are metal fatigued. If you ever saw the size of the operator you would understand.LOL
 
well I have ,a torch set,grinder stand I need a drill press we have a hydraulic press, air compressor and impacts all of the hand tools wrenchs hammers etc. a good multi meter is helpfull,a welder and I dont really get into the BIG stuff,my big tractor is an oliver 1655 so I dont have the real big tools and jacks yet
 
(quoted from post at 16:45:42 07/17/11)
(quoted from post at 00:43:17 07/18/11)
Start checking ebay and amazon (maybe CL) and don't get in a hurry.....

If your equipment still has an existing company with a website, you could email them and ask. I've got .pdf owners manuals for most everything I have just for asking....

Really? Well the following are the machines I will be working on myself.

Ford Powermaster 861
MF 165
MF 290
IH 424


I meant that I emailed the companies and asked for the equipment I have. Sorry, I don't have anything for you.
 
Good wood cribbing.
Go to Home Depot or wherever and pick out 2 of the most twisted warped, bent 6X6s in the bin.
Put them on a cart and go ask for the manager to discount them. Don't tell him what you are using them for. When you get them home cut them into 2' lengths.
So much safer than working with jacks or jack stands.

P1010011.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 00:57:30 07/18/11)
(quoted from post at 16:45:42 07/17/11)
(quoted from post at 00:43:17 07/18/11)
Start checking ebay and amazon (maybe CL) and don't get in a hurry.....

If your equipment still has an existing company with a website, you could email them and ask. I've got .pdf owners manuals for most everything I have just for asking....

Really? Well the following are the machines I will be working on myself.

Ford Powermaster 861
MF 165
MF 290
IH 424


I meant that I emailed the companies and asked for the equipment I have. Sorry, I don't have anything for you.

I know Dave I was just telling you what machines I have.
 
the list of tools a person could use is endless. Alot of tools you just have to buy as needed. Check out auction sales you can buy good tools for low cost. Stay away from most over seas tools
 

Pop open the harbor freight website and have a ball........... I wouldn't buy a bunch of stuff up frt, especially if you have a store near enough. Give everything a good once over and keep up with maintenance and you won't have to use the big guns..... (shouldn't anyway)...
 
I'll tell you.... one of the things I use the most is a 6 foot long cheater pipe. If I didn't have that thing, I'd be lost.....and it was free!!!!

My hi-lift jack and six foot prybar are close behind....

Brad Bachelor
 
Well lets see. Just the small list here. At least 2 wrenches of every size you can think of from 1/4 inch up to say 3 inches. Then a 3/8 drive racket set with as big and as small a socket as you can find in double of all of them. Then do not forget that little 1/4 inch drive set for the small stuff. Then for the bit heavier stuff a 1/2 inch set with double of each thing. Then a 3/4 drive set double again up to say 3 inches or so. A couple of chain hoists and many com-a-longs A shop press a welder and then the list goes on and on. I have a good $10,000 in tools and still find I need more often
 
Good floor jack, 1/2 inch Dewalt 18v impact driver, most used tool in my shop. Set of 6 pt impact sockets, set of deep impact sockets,
4 1/2 inch angle grinder, 18v Sawsall, LARGE pipe wrenches, various BFH's, Hi intensity light on tripods, 8 inch grinder with coarse and fine wheels, Micrometers, level, Hacksaws, Good bench vise, safety glasses, ear muffs, mechanix gloves, are we there yet?
 
As a mechanic by trade here are a few things I absolutely could not live without. The first is a good set of hand tools. If your working on the old stuff then standard sizes are enough, but if you get into anything 'newer' then you need to go ahead and add the metric stuff in the mix also. In the relm of hand tools the must have's are your combinition wrenches, standard and deep sockets, adjustable wrenches, vice-grips, channel locks,, etc, etc. Too, a variety of hammers from small ball piens to at least a 3# shop hammer and then on to a good 8# to 10# sledge are a must, not to mention the occasional need for a brass hammer and/or a 'rubber' faced dead blow.

As far as the powered tools a good, quality 1/2 drive impact (IR and CP are still two of the best) along with a compressor to run it. Most air tools are rated at 90psi and the CFM 'rating' is for a 15 second run time. In other words if the tool is rated at 5 CFM then it'll acually use 20 CFM if you have to hammer on something for a full minute to break it loose. Unless your doing alot of work like I do a normal 'home' compressor is gonna be fine for most people. Granted you might need to stop and let the tank fill back up after several runs with the tool but if your not charging by the hour and don't want to spend big bucks for a large compressor then you'll probably be ok. Another nice to have in the impact department is a 3/8 impact or butterfly wrench. These are great for removing things like oil pan bolts, sheet metal, etc. Basically anywhere there are alot of small bolts where the larger wrench is gonna be overkill. Before you look into anything larger like a 3/4 impct remember this. Many of the new, quality 1/2 drives are putting out just as much torque as some of the cheaper 3/4 drive wrenches do. In other words your better off to spend your money on a good 1/2" IR, CP, etc than to blow it on both a cheap 1/2 and 3/4 drive that ultimately won't do the job.

As far as larger tools, a grinder, and a press are great to have. One thing I haven't seen mentioned so far is am A frame. Personally I have an 8" I beam built in that I use in the shop and outside I use the crane on my service truck but if the A frame was the only thing I had I'd insure it had a capacity of at a minimum of 2 tons. That figure being increased if needed depending on the size machines you intend to work on. Along the same lines you'll need a couple of good bottle jacks, a floor jack, jack stands, etc. I saw a mention in another post about cribbing and using regular 2x6's, etc. Personally I wouldn't use pine for any kind of cribbing. Remeber, it's your life that's at stake every time you get under a machine held up like that, and personally I don't use anything but oak. Pine is way to soft and is subject to snap, crush, etc and is not a suitable wood for cribbing.

Beyond that I really don't know what else to tell you. I can say that as you start doing more jobs, regardless of how long you do your own work, or how many tools you have, you'll keep finding more things that you need. I've been collecting tools for most of my life and am always finding things I don't have and having to get them for one job. I've got tools on my truck and in the shop that I haven't used in years, but when that one situation arises where the tools is needed then it's invaluable.

The main thing is just remeber when your buying tools that each one is an investment so spend your money wisley. There are some things, like your impacts, where name brand tools like IR, CP, etc are a good investment regardless of wether your a hobbyist or a pro. As far as other hand tools, I know that everyone has an opinion, but personally I've got everything from MAC to Craftsman, to Northern Tool brand, to whatever, and each one serves the purpose for which it was bought.....and I didn't break the bank doing it. Good luck with getting things set up and if you have any more questions all you have to do is ask.......
 
Buy the tools you need as you take things apart, after you get the basic socket sets and combination wrenches and pipe wrenches and vise-grips. Pawn shops have usable tools for less than new.
 
(quoted from post at 00:59:39 07/18/11) Good wood cribbing.
Go to Home Depot or wherever and pick out 2 of the most twisted warped, bent 6X6s in the bin.
Put them on a cart and go ask for the manager to discount them. Don't tell him what you are using them for. When you get them home cut them into 2' lengths.
So much safer than working with jacks or jack stands.

<img src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h56/Ultradog/4000/P1010011.jpg">

It's interesting that you employ the very same methods my Grandfather utilized back when we were a decent player in the produce market. He would always use big blocks of wood to stand the heavy tractor axles or transmissions. I have plenty of those laying around. Thanks for the advice.
 
(quoted from post at 01:16:29 07/18/11) I'll tell you.... one of the things I use the most is a 6 foot long cheater pipe. If I didn't have that thing, I'd be lost.....and it was free!!!!

My hi-lift jack and six foot prybar are close behind....

Brad Bachelor

Cheater pipe: Check
Hi-lift jack: Broken

Thanks for the input!!! :)
 
(quoted from post at 02:18:10 07/18/11) As a mechanic by trade here are a few things I absolutely could not live without. The first is a good set of hand tools. If your working on the old stuff then standard sizes are enough, but if you get into anything 'newer' then you need to go ahead and add the metric stuff in the mix also. In the relm of hand tools the must have's are your combinition wrenches, standard and deep sockets, adjustable wrenches, vice-grips, channel locks,, etc, etc. Too, a variety of hammers from small ball piens to at least a 3# shop hammer and then on to a good 8# to 10# sledge are a must, not to mention the occasional need for a brass hammer and/or a 'rubber' faced dead blow.

As far as the powered tools a good, quality 1/2 drive impact (IR and CP are still two of the best) along with a compressor to run it. Most air tools are rated at 90psi and the CFM 'rating' is for a 15 second run time. In other words if the tool is rated at 5 CFM then it'll acually use 20 CFM if you have to hammer on something for a full minute to break it loose. Unless your doing alot of work like I do a normal 'home' compressor is gonna be fine for most people. Granted you might need to stop and let the tank fill back up after several runs with the tool but if your not charging by the hour and don't want to spend big bucks for a large compressor then you'll probably be ok. Another nice to have in the impact department is a 3/8 impact or butterfly wrench. These are great for removing things like oil pan bolts, sheet metal, etc. Basically anywhere there are alot of small bolts where the larger wrench is gonna be overkill. Before you look into anything larger like a 3/4 impct remember this. Many of the new, quality 1/2 drives are putting out just as much torque as some of the cheaper 3/4 drive wrenches do. In other words your better off to spend your money on a good 1/2" IR, CP, etc than to blow it on both a cheap 1/2 and 3/4 drive that ultimately won't do the job.

As far as larger tools, a grinder, and a press are great to have. One thing I haven't seen mentioned so far is am A frame. Personally I have an 8" I beam built in that I use in the shop and outside I use the crane on my service truck but if the A frame was the only thing I had I'd insure it had a capacity of at a minimum of 2 tons. That figure being increased if needed depending on the size machines you intend to work on. Along the same lines you'll need a couple of good bottle jacks, a floor jack, jack stands, etc. I saw a mention in another post about cribbing and using regular 2x6's, etc. Personally I wouldn't use pine for any kind of cribbing. Remeber, it's your life that's at stake every time you get under a machine held up like that, and personally I don't use anything but oak. Pine is way to soft and is subject to snap, crush, etc and is not a suitable wood for cribbing.

Beyond that I really don't know what else to tell you. I can say that as you start doing more jobs, regardless of how long you do your own work, or how many tools you have, you'll keep finding more things that you need. I've been collecting tools for most of my life and am always finding things I don't have and having to get them for one job. I've got tools on my truck and in the shop that I haven't used in years, but when that one situation arises where the tools is needed then it's invaluable.

The main thing is just remeber when your buying tools that each one is an investment so spend your money wisley. There are some things, like your impacts, where name brand tools like IR, CP, etc are a good investment regardless of wether your a hobbyist or a pro. As far as other hand tools, I know that everyone has an opinion, but personally I've got everything from MAC to Craftsman, to Northern Tool brand, to whatever, and each one serves the purpose for which it was bought.....and I didn't break the bank doing it. Good luck with getting things set up and if you have any more questions all you have to do is ask.......

Yes an A-Frame is something I was thinking about. I have an old tripod type of frame with a hook for attaching a chain hoist. I'll check it out but an A-frame is something that sounds safer. Thanks for the advice!! :D
 
I have a lot more in the shop than I probably really "need", but I not only work on my tractors/combines/equipment, but also my vehicles, and do a bit of "creating"..

Being you're from California where I know it's warm, I would invest in a fridge to keep refreshments cold (if you plan to spend much time in there) and a large fan.. I have a fan that was constructed from a discarded attic fan and some scrap sheet metal for about $50

Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, etc is a good idea.. I have a 5# ABC extinguisher, fire/first aid blanket, a small first aid kit, and usually have a 5 gallon pail of water handy (specially when welding/cutting)

I have a concrete floor in my shop, so I am able to use my 2 1/4 ton floor jack most of the time (one similar to what you'd see in a service station, not a puny "truck tool box unit), but I also have a 12 and 25 ton bottle jack, 3 sets of jack stands from 2 to 6 tons, and a monstrous pile of wood blocks.. I also have a hi-lift farm jack, but try not to use it alot, as I don't feel like it's super stable. A "cherry picker" comes in handy a lot too, however, I don't have one, I use either my loader tractor or skid steer, and I also have a small gantry crane that I use on occasion, and a chain fall.

I have a arc welder, torches, and a small wire feed welder, and I use them alot. I don't have a press, but that will be one of my next investments.

I have a pretty good sized compressor (60 gal, about 14 cfm) and it runs anything I have, except continuous sand-blasting.

I don't think equipment your size would call for 1" drive very often, I'd think you could get by with 3/4" drive. I don't think wrenches/sockets up to 3" would be needed very often either.. It's pretty rare I use anything much bigger than 1 1/2", even at work, where we have larger equipment.

Alot of my stuff was purchased second-hand. I've had pretty good luck at farm auctions and garage sales. If there were pawn shops near, I would take a minute to have a look there too. If you're going to look for used items, I suggest do some "window shopping" of new items first, so you have an idea what you would like to have, and an idea what things cost new.. I've seen used "harbor freight" quality items bring more than you could buy new harbor freight stuff. I try not to pay much more than half to 3/4 of what it'd cost me new for a similar quality (I'd not pay half of snap on price for used harbor freight stuff).. It's also a good idea to see if you can "try out" used air/power tools.

I also agree no need to buy everything at once, buy as needed (or as you find deals on things you think you will need).. Most of us didn't build our shops overnight.

Sorry for such a long post.
Brad
 
Don't know how I got along without a A frame, then how did I get along without a fork lift, then how did I get along without pressure washer, then how did I get along with out a press, then how did I get along, the list goes on, and on. As you start to do your own repairs you will realize what you need. I think a good A frame is a good start. Stan
 
I would be lost without my 2 10 ton bottle jacks and all the wood blocks. A close 2nd is all the air tools and the mig welder. A good stock of short flat, angle, channel, and box tubing sure comes in handy when making repairs on anything. All most forgot the trash can full of absorb-all is a must for all the spills! Bandit
 
I think all the leads and ideas are great, some I wish I had, some I have no use for so far, rarely use my 3/4" drive set, good thing it was cheap, 'cause it doesn't get opened. But if you got super sized equipment, yeah, but 1 1/2" is usually my max hex head. I never use my air impacts, I have an el cheapo 110v 1/2" drive, does everything... if it can't, I don't go for bigger sockets, I go for the torch.. but, if you aren't instructed on welding and cutting, don't even buy the stuff. go to a night class at an ag or voc school, learn how to do this stuff well and safely. then you will want to buy the style of equipment you learn on. One thing I don't have, if you don't have it now, is a pad of perfectly flat finished concrete. that is how you can split tractors safe and easy with the wood blocks and jacks like your grandpa did, only easier. I have tarmac to work on now, and it ain't the same. A fridge! Now ther's an idea. Full of cold Canadian beer....
 
One of my favorite things about working on pre 1960 tractors is
90% of the work can be done with a crescent wrench and a flat head
screw driver.
 
one very,very ,very important thing NOT to have in zee shop is zee wife. She will just tear down the girly posters
 
Judging from what I've read from some of the guys on these boards, if you have a Kubota you don't need any of that stuff.
 
The things I couldnt live without, first and foremost oxy acetylene torches with good gages. I dont know how I did anything without them. Ive got a set at each farm, and a welder. AC at one place and an AC/DC at the other. Also a decent air compressor and good 1/2 inch impact. With me running two places 8 miles apart what I use most is what I have two of, the other stuff, its worth the trip to go back and forth.
 
Oxyacetylene torch for heating and/or cutting frozen fasteners is an absolute must.

I've been able to get by without a 3/4" drive. I just buy the specific socket I need for the job and use a 1/2 inch breaker bar with an adapter.

I finally broke down and bought a 1/2 inch drive Ingersoll-Rand impact wrench. It definitely saves time and aggravation.

For lifting and splitting the tractor, I use both a bottle jack and a floor jack. My floor jack is an inexpensive "RV" jack. The recreational vehicle jacks have higher lift than a typical cheapy floor jack.

If you have a strong point in the ceiling to attach to, you can do most of your overhead lifting with a come-along or chainfall. If not, you'll eventually need a cherry-picker engine hoist.

I had a bunch of 4x4, 2x6 and 6x6 blocking I acquired over the years. One day my wife looked at the pile of neatly stacked blocks sitting next to the woodshed and decided they had to go. She burned every last one! When I discovered they were gone I was more than a little bit upset. "Why did you burn them?" I asked. "Well, they were all rotten." "Honey, that was pressure-treated lumber!" Oh well, lesson learned. Anything outside my shop is fair game.
 
(quoted from post at 06:08:23 07/18/11) ......"Honey, that was pressure-treated lumber!" ......

I don't quite believe that was how you phrased it. :lol: The HONEY part, I mean. :lol:

Similar story: Barn where I work part-time has a hay barn that will hold several thousand bales. As they go through the bales, the pallets get stacked out back for next year. One day this spring, I saw the owner's 20 yr old son pulling out with a trailer and pickup load of pallets. Turns out they were having a HUGE bonfire that Saturday nite somewhere. I ASSUMED he'd gotten permission to take them but the owner did NOT know about it until the hay guy called to schedule first delivery this spring. :eek:
I grabbed some from work and we were scrambling around town to find pallets. Luckily, free pallets are something that is still available.

Anyway, I agree about the o/a setup and welder. Don't know how I got along without them all these years. I use them just about every weekend. As for the impact wrench, the only regular time I use mine anymore is when removing tires on the car. I just don't trust them on old bolts. (Rounded off a few heads in my day with it.) But if the bolt's in a tight spot where I can't get a cheater pipe I'll try it but keep my o/a torch handy in case. :wink: In most onesy-twosey cases, I can have a bolt off before I fire up the compressor, wait for pressure, drag out the hose, find the impact tool, etc.

As for cribbing, I think p/t 6x6 is fine. Yeah, oak would be nice, but if you crush a stack of 6x6, you're probably working on more than your 861. Most important thing is to build a stable crib by alternating layers. I've also temporarily nailed the crib together with 2x4's for more security.

As for the list, you can buy everything that everyone has mentioned and I'll guarantee that you'll be in the middle of your next project and have to run out and get a .....(fill in the blank).
 
As a retired Locomotive Mechanic, I"d say that
the most important tool is a 3 pound Ballpeen
Hammer! Almost anything on a Railroad Locomotive
can be fixed with a Ballpeen hammer!
Every BNSF locomotive is equiped with a hammer
and a Monkey Wrench.
 
I use my 3/4 set quite a bit, lug nuts on tractor tires, bolts on our plow, bush hog blades, big bolts all over when things break down. Got by many years with just a big adjustable and a torch so you didn't strip the nut but things aren't designed like that now.

Now need to expand my combination wrench collection, my metric stuff tops out at 30 or so, and always running into bigger stuff. Hate jamming the nearest imperial on it.
 
(quoted from post at 13:35:36 07/18/11)
(quoted from post at 06:08:23 07/18/11) ......"Honey, that was pressure-treated lumber!" ......

I don't quite believe that was how you phrased it. :lol: The HONEY part, I mean. :lol:

Similar story: Barn where I work part-time has a hay barn that will hold several thousand bales. As they go through the bales, the pallets get stacked out back for next year. One day this spring, I saw the owner's 20 yr old son pulling out with a trailer and pickup load of pallets. Turns out they were having a HUGE bonfire that Saturday nite somewhere. I ASSUMED he'd gotten permission to take them but the owner did NOT know about it until the hay guy called to schedule first delivery this spring. :eek:
I grabbed some from work and we were scrambling around town to find pallets. Luckily, free pallets are something that is still available.

Anyway, I agree about the o/a setup and welder. Don't know how I got along without them all these years. I use them just about every weekend. As for the impact wrench, the only regular time I use mine anymore is when removing tires on the car. I just don't trust them on old bolts. (Rounded off a few heads in my day with it.) But if the bolt's in a tight spot where I can't get a cheater pipe I'll try it but keep my o/a torch handy in case. :wink: In most onesy-twosey cases, I can have a bolt off before I fire up the compressor, wait for pressure, drag out the hose, find the impact tool, etc.

As for cribbing, I think p/t 6x6 is fine. Yeah, oak would be nice, but if you crush a stack of 6x6, you're probably working on more than your 861. Most important thing is to build a stable crib by alternating layers. I've also temporarily nailed the crib together with 2x4's for more security.

As for the list, you can buy everything that everyone has mentioned and I'll guarantee that you'll be in the middle of your next project and have to run out and get a .....(fill in the blank).

Welding is one skill I never picked up throughout the years. However I have a friend who is a professional so I'm sure he could instruct me.
 
An engine hoist comes in handy.I bought mine to do a tractor split.Just used it to lift the box off my pickup,All spring hangers are rusted away.A 4x6 power hack saw is number one on my list.Just bought a small oxy acetylene torch.Ive used a carbon arc torch for many years.
 

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