Straight blades are probably best
for moving snow, but if you want to grade or move rocks, you're better off
with either a box blade or a rock rake.
A very good companion piece to a
tractor is a utility trailer that you can haul it on. Besides giving you
the capacity to attempt jobs at a distance from your home, a trailer is
the only practical and affordable way to get your machine to the shop
should that be required.
Finally, safety should be a major
concern when you're shopping for an older tractor. Even a small tractor
can kill you if you wind up under it or entangled in the PTO, and
roll-over protection and PTO guards were virtually unheard of prior to the
1970's. Many of the older tractors have the row-crop or tricycle
configuration which is just simply not as stable no matter what anyone
tells you. I'd avoid these. Most tractors, even the older models, have
wheels and axles that will allow you to widen the tread and this an
important safety feature that you should have.
Don't kid yourself that you'll be
able to jump clear of an overturning tractor.
When you get your new-to-you
tractor home, always remember to avoid driving along the edge of streams
or ditches that can undercut their banks and if you're not certain that
you can drive across a side-hill safely drive up and down it perpendicular
to the slope.
If you're pulling anything with a
chain or nylon strap attached to the tractor, connect the chain to the
draw-bar or something else as low to the ground as possible, so as to
avoid turning the machine over backwards.
When you're mowing near
overhanging tree branches, have your wits about you, as a stout limb can
sweep you off of the seat and into the path of the mower.
Also, avoid letting your clothing
or hair ever get anywhere near the power-take-off when it's running. It
can pull you in and wrap you around the shaft more quickly than it takes
to tell about it.
Remember that farming has always
been one of the most dangerous professions, and that largely because of
tractors. All you need to do to avoid death (or worse) is to follow a few
common-sense precautions.
