How to Maintain your John Deere Tractor: 6 Best Tractor Storage Tips

1. REFER TO YOUR OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Always refer to the instructions in your operator’s manual, as it will include a step-by-step guide of what to do and how to do it.

2. GIVE IT A GOOD WASH
It’s a good idea to pressure-wash your tractor before you put it into storage. A pressure washer can make it easier to clean the machinery, compared to a hose and towel.

3. LUBRICATE ALL GREASE POINTS
With your grease gun, inject grease to keep all of the joints and wear points on your tractor in working order.

4. MAKE SURE YOUR TIRES HAVE ENOUGH AIR
Use your air compressor to inflate the tires of the tractor to the proper PSI. With an air nozzle, you can also use the air compressor to clean the tractor’s engine compartment.

5. PUT YOUR BATTERY MAINTAINER TO USE
A battery maintainer will send a trickle of electricity to the battery, tricking it into thinking it’s in use. This helps keep the battery alive and in working order.

6. FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Follow all operating and safety instructions in the operator’s manual during the process of storing your tractor. Additional steps you may find in your operator’s manual include: applying paint to areas to prevent rust, using a waterproof cover if the tractor is store outside, and mowing the hydraulic levers back and forth to release pressure.

How to Clean Up A Pile of Tree Branches with Your John Deere Compact Tractor

Compact tractors and skid steers are your ultimate go-to machines for accessing tight spots or nice yards for more efficient and effective tree work.

• Articulated wheel loaders, with telescoping grapple-bucket can be flexible powerful machines and don’t tear up lawns. bucket, grapple, and forks.
• A 4-Series John Deere Compact Tractor can be the ultimate machine for less yard damage & better visibility than skid steer with excellent lifting capacity.
• Plus, on uneven ground or for winter work you can get improved ground clearance with a Compact Tractor.
• Skid Steers can even be used on personal property for everything from driveway work, mowing, or putting out hay for the animals. Very versatile.

Our customers have found - that on all types of tree jobs - a large bucket can easily haul a stump grinder, debris rake, and it will pull all typs of chippers on level ground. Add a backhoe, root rake grapple, forks, and Auger, a 3 point hitch with a 2 inch receiver... you can go on and on – all on the same machine!

How to Remove Tree Stumps with a John Deere Compact Tractor

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• John Deere backhoe
• Shovel
• Chainsaw

HOW TO REMOVE TREE STUMPS WITH A JOHN DEERE BACKHOE

• Position the tractor and backhoe so you can dig up material and place it as far away from the hole as possible. This will also help to limit the number of times the tractor has to be repositioned.
• Set the tractor’s parking brake and make sure the transmission is placed in the neutral position.
• Rotate the tractor seat into the backhoe-operating position, lower the stabiliser feet and remove the transport locking pins.
• Using the boom and bucket control levers, you can dig on three sides of the stump from a single position and deposit the dug-out material to both the left and right sides of the stump.
• The soil around the stump can sometimes be largely composed of clay material. When this is the case, use a shovel to remove the material that’s right up against the stump’s major roots. This will help to free the stump.
• You will want to use a chainsaw to cut away some of the larger and deeper roots so the stump can be pulled free. Once it is free, it’s time to get it out of the hole.
• Tighten a ratchet winch strap by running it under the freed stump and up to and around the backhoe bucket.
• Then, using the backhoe’s boom lift capacity, lift the stump out of the hole and carry it to an area of the property where it can be disposed of according to local regulations.

How to use a John Deere Backhoe

Backhoes from John Deere come with a wide array of features, including those specifically designed for safety. When operating your backhoe, safety is a number one priority and should begin before the machine has even started. Ignoring safety related precautions can be dangerous and expensive so it is important to minimise the risk of any harm before, during and after machine use.

BACKHOE SAFETY TIPS BEFORE OPERATION

• Examine and check operational controls within the cab.
• Put your seat belt on before starting the engine.
• Keep the backup alert turned on when initially starting and maneuvering the machine.

BACKHOE SAFETY TIPS DURING OPERATION

• To prevent collisions, reduce your speed while working in congested areas or while travelling on rough terrain.
• Keep your bucket low to maintain maximum visibility, especially on slopes.
• Do not allow more than one person in the cab. The backhoe is only designed for one operator.
• Instead of driving forwards, go backwards up slopes, as most of the backhoe’s weight is in the rear of the machine.
• Avoid turning on slopes to prevent the machine from overturning.
• When using the loader, keep the loading surface smooth and level to minimise the risk of the machine tipping over.
• To prevent cave-ins near an excavation site, work perpendicular to it or at a slight angle. This keeps the extra weight away from the edge.
• Plan ahead if you’re digging a trench and contact local utility companies to locate underground wiring for safety.
• When setting up to dig, make sure your stabilisers have a solid base to rest on.
• Always place your soil pile at least three feet away from your excavation site to prevent a cave-in.

BACKHOE SAFETY TIPS AFTER OPERATION

• Park your machine on a level surface when preparing to shut it down.
• Move the F and R lever to neutral, then set the parking brake.
• Lower the front attachment of the backhoe to the ground.
• Utilise the turbo cool down feature as it will help you slow down the engine before turning it off entirely. If this is not an option on your backhoe, operate the engine at half-speed without a load for a few minutes.
• Once the engine is off, move the hydraulic levers to release pressure. This will ensure that the attachments are not in a movable position.
• Lock up the machine to prevent vandalism.

What are the hitch settings on John Deere Tractors?

POSITION MODE
Position mode lowers the hitch to a set position and keeps it in that position, regardless of draft loads. Position Mode is recommended when connected to a non-ground engaging implement. It can also be used with ground engaging implements to maintain a constant depth, provided the terrain is flat and level. Position Mode is not recommended when operating ground engaging equipment in uneven or rolling terrain.

To activate this mode, navigate to the hitch page in the Operations Centre by depressing the hitch button on the navigation bar. Change both load depth and slip sensitivity settings to zero. From here, you can adjust the hitch position using either the hitch control lever or depth adjust dial. Depress the set button to save the hitch depth's set position. Once a headland turn is completed, implement can be returned to depth set position by placing hitch control lever into lower detent or by simply depressing the hitch resume button.

DRAFT CONTROL
Draft control automatically lowers and raises the implement in rolling terrain to keep draft loads or implement loads consistent. Also in changing soil conditions from hard pan to soft soils, Draft Control Mode will automatically raise and lower the implement to keep draft loads consistent.

To activate Draft Control mode, first adjust the slope depth setting to somewhere between 1 and 5- the help page in the Operations Centre will provide suggestions for different types of implements. Lower the implement into the ground using the hitch control lever or depth adjust dial to achieve your desired depth. While travelling at your desired speed, depress the hitch SET button- this records the hitch depth set position.

DRAFT CONTROL WITH SLIP SENSITIVITY
Draft Control with Slip Sensitivity requires low depth to be activated and a functional ground radar. Without one or both, slip sensitivity will be unavailable or greyed out on the display monitor. Before using slip sensitivity, it is important to have the tractor properly ballasted to prevent excessive slip in normal conditions. Normal wheel slip for a properly ballasted wheel tractor is 8-12 percent slip. Refer to operator's manual for more information on ballasting.

With slip sensitivity activated, the implement will be raised if wheel slip is increased above your desired setting. It is then lowered back to the set position once wheel slip has decreased. Slip sensitivity can be deactivated by changing slip sensitivity settings to zero.

FLOAT MODE
Float Mode is intended to be used with implements that are self-supporting with gauge wheels. It allows the hitch to raise and lower with minimal resistance to allow the implement to follow the contour of the ground. To activate Float Mode, press the hitch control lever full forward, then downward, locking it into position.

How to construct and maintain Fire Breaks

Bushfires can affect anyone, anywhere. It is important to prepare your home, property and family before bushfire strikes and it may be too late. A fire-break is a strip of land that has been cleared of all trees, shrubs, grass and other combustible material, providing a ‘fuel-free’ area. You may consider a skid steer or compact excavator with attachments such as a stick rake or mulcher to make short work of clearing land, debris, and other vegetation. Also, a ground ripper attachment can be used to tear through hard earth when creating a bank of vegetation-free soil.

A fuel-reduced, physical separation between buildings and bushfire hazards is a key element in the suite of bush fire measures. They may slow or stop the spread of a low-intensity bushfire however they should not be relied upon to prevent the spread of a fire. Each local government determines their own minimum fire-break standards and how these standards apply to various property sizes. Landowners or occupiers of land may be issued a fire-break notice in writing. The notice may also be published in the Government Gazette, local newspaper or the local government website. For information on Asset Protection Zones standards refer to the NSW RFS document “Standards for Asset Protection Zones”.

It’s important to remember that the reduction of fuel does not require the removal of all vegetation, which would cause environmental damage. Also, trees and plants can provide you with some bushfire protection from strong winds, intense heat and flying embers (by filtering embers) and changing wind patterns. Some ground cover is also needed to prevent soil erosion.

APPLICABLE FIRE-BREAK / ASSET PROTECTION ZONE CONSTRUCTION METHODS:
Mulching and slashing
Mulching and slashing are economical methods of fuel reduction for areas that have good access. However, these methods may leave large amounts of grass clippings etc which, when dry, may become a fire hazard. For mulching and slashing to be effective, the cut material can be removed or allowed to decompose well before summer starts. Although mulching is an effective weed suppressant and offers more compaction than slashing, it is preferable that weeds are completely removed. There are numerous types and widths of mulchers from suppliers like Armour Group Vigolo Mulchers that can be used to construct effective fire-breaks.

Ploughing and grading
Ploughing and grading can produce effective fire-breaks. However, in areas where this method is applied, frequent maintenance may be required to minimise the potential for erosion. Loose soil from ploughed or graded ground may erode in steep areas, particularly where there is high rainfall and strong winds.

In areas where erosion is difficult to prevent, it may be preferable to construct a ploughed fire-break, rather than a graded one. Ploughing incorporates plant material into the soil, helping to bind the soil and prevent erosion. Ploughing will result in an inferior trafficable surface for vehicles and is only suitable if it is able to produce a minimal fuel surface, such as on previously mowed or slashed grass.

Fire-break drainage
Fire-breaks require careful planning, design and construction as inappropriate installations can increase the likelihood and severity of erosion. A helpful guide on the construction of contour banks, check banks, removing windrows and water turn-outs can be found at this link: A Guide to Constructing and Maintaining Fire-breaks.

Contact your local government for more information on constructing and maintaining fire-breaks in your local area.

How to till a new vegetable garden with a John Deere Utility Tractor

If you love fresh vegetables, you don’t have to go to the supermarket to stock up when you have your own garden. Creating a vegetable garden is one of the most efficient ways to get your hands on fresh produce on a regular basis. That being said, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to take into account as you look to begin planting.

MARK OFF THE SPOT YOU WANT TO TILL
Take sun exposure, drainage, and access to water into account, as these will all be critical to helping your vegetable garden thrive.

MAKE YOUR FIRST FURROW DOWN THE MIDDLE FROM END-TO-END
After you make your first pass, turn around and begin your next one by putting the right rear tyre of your tractor in the furrow you just created. Continue plowing this way, with the right rear tyre in the furrow. This will allow the plow to constantly throw the soil into the furrow to the right of your tractor.

ALLOW THE SOIL TO DRY OUT AND SETTLE DOWN
Once you finish the plowing, give the soil some time to dry out and settle down- approximately two days in spring. If planning ahead, you may want to consider plowing in autumn and allowing the soil to rest over the course of winter to get maximum results.

HOOK UP THE ROTARY TILLER
Use the rotary tiller over the plowed garden soil. If you are tilling newly-plowed soil, adjust the rear levelling board to its wide-open setting. This allows tilled soil to come out of the back of the tiller freely, preventing clogs.

CONTINUE THE TILLING PROCESS
If you are working with newly-plowed ground, you can plan on going over your garden with the rotary tiller two or three times to get the soil and seedbed just right.

FINISH WITH TOPSOIL
Spread a layer of topsoil on the garden and rotary till it into place.

How to install a split rail fence

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON BOUNDARIES
Do you know exactly where your fence is going to be built in correlation with nearby properties? The last thing you’ll want to do is construct your fence, only to find out that it’s on a neighbour’s property. Ensure you acquire a legal property description of your land that shows exact boundaries to begin the installation process.

SKETCH OUT YOUR FENCE
Sketching out your split rail fence beforehand can help you determine how many posts and rails you need, and it will give you a visual reference guide to follow as you work.

GET NECESSARY PERMITS
Permits may be necessary for you to construct the split rail fence of your dreams, meaning you’ll want to check in with local municipalities before you start. Look into zoning laws requiring height, length, style and materials as well. This can give you a jumping point as you design your split rail fence.

ACQUIRE ALL OF YOUR MATERIALS
You don’t have to acquire all of your materials at once, especially if you’re constructing a particularly long split rail fence. However, it’s important to keep in mind that once a rail is cut, it’s cut forever.

BEGIN MEASURING
Start with your corner posts by driving a heavy wooden stake into the ground a couple of feet past where you want to locate each end or corner post. Tie a length of heavy twine to the corner stake, 12 inches above the ground, and stretch it tightly to all the other end stakes. Next, lay your rails out on the ground along each run, overlapping each end by 6 inches. Where the rails overlap is where you will dig your post holes. Mark both those spots as well as each post hole location the same distance from the string line (approximately 12 inches). Clearly mark each post 36 inches up from the bottom- you’ll use this mark to make sure you set each post the correct depth. As you begin setting your posts, add some gravel to each hole to bring the depth up to 24 inches and provide good drainage.

DIG YOUR POST HOLES
Dig the post holes at the ground marks you made earlier. Measure from the bottom of the hole up to the string that is 12 inches off the ground. Using a tampering tool, pat down any loose soil at the bottom of the hole, and add gravel as needed to make the hole 24 inches deep. If you hit a rock that won’t budge, you can cut up to 6 inches off the bottom of the post- be sure not to cut more than this though, as posts set less than 18 inches deep can’t be counted on as a stable form of support.

Starting with your first corner, set the specially notched corner post upright in the hole. Then, start filling the hole with dirt until the post becomes somewhat stable. Once the post is set, place the notched rails in their respective holes and make sure the holes you’ve dug for the next posts are in the correct spots. Then, set those posts following the same steps you used for setting the corner post.

How to repair and maintain your gravel driveway

Gravel driveways are relatively simple to install. However, no matter how hard you work to protect them, heavy storms and other natural events will likely leave you to deal with potholes, depletion, erosion and more. Don’t let these drawbacks keep you from installing gravel at your property.

TIPS FOR GRAVEL DRIVEWAY REPAIRS
Landowners everywhere understand that achieving the perfect landscape requires hard work and dedication. They also know that with this hard work and dedication comes amazing results. Here are some tips to consider when it comes time to repair your gravel driveway and get it looking good as new.

SMOOTH THE DRIVEWAY
Firstly, you’ll need to first make sure the surface has been made completely smooth. A land plane or box blade (with scarifiers) can be used, as they break up the surface to a universal depth. If you’re working on repairing a pothole in your gravel driveway, grind the surface down to the bottom of the hole but be sure to not go so deep that you dig into the foundation. If material the size of your fist is being churned up, you’ve likely gone too deep.

REWORK THE SURFACE
After the driveway has been made smooth, it’s time to determine what size gravel you want to apply. 1.5-2.5 inches of crushed gravel is best-suited for a surface that’s soft and muddy on occasion. Laying down this type of gravel will ensure the bottom layer drains and stabilises the entire surface. ¾-inch minus gravel is a good option to lay on top of the 1.5-2.5 layer, as it includes pieces that are as small as powder, which can be packed down to provide stability and firmness on the surface.

SMOOTH THE NEW SURFACE
With your newly repaired surface in place, it’s now time to fine-tune it. A rear blade is a great piece of equipment for this task, as it’s attached to a tractor and floats along the ground, leaving behind a solid and firm surface. As always, be sure to read the Operator’s Manual before operating John Deere equipment.

Buyer's Guide: John Deere 1 Series Sub-Compact Utility Tractors

1 SERIES LIFESTYLE TRACTORS
The John Deere 1 Series sub-compact utility tractors are perfect for a range of tasks, including lawn mowing, cutting through terrain, tilling, gardening and levelling, and snow removal. These tractors feature hydrostatic transmission, four-wheel-drive, and open station cabs.

John Deere 1 series sub-compact utility tractors offer perfect stability and ride comfort, and are easy to manoeuvre and store. Designed for a wide range of tasks, these models operate with 21 to 24 horsepower. Two range hydrostatic transmission improves performance while eliminating clutching for fast and easy directional changes. These models also feature four-wheel drive and power steering for smooth operation and a deluxe lighting kit for all-day productivity. Customers can also opt for an AutoConnect™ Drive Over mower deck or a 14-bushel capacity Material Collection System. Both models are compatible with a 120R Loader featuring a lift capacity at full height of 309 kg.

Buyer's Guide: John Deere 2 Series Compact Utility Tractors

John Deere’s 2 Series compact utility tractor models deliver top-notch power for even the toughest jobs, offering horsepower that ranges from 24.2 to 37 HP. Homeowners, equine owners, commercial operators, and vegetable producers can all benefit from these tractors, each of which comes from standard four-wheel-drive and a hydrostatic transmission that features TwinTouch™ forward and reverse pedals for ease of use.

Buyer's Guide: John Deere 3 Series Compact Utility Tractors

3E SMALL FARM AND LANDSCAPE TRACTORS
The 3E series compact utility tractors are designed to tackle a little bit of everything. They operate with 24 to 37 horsepower and have an open station for easy in and out. Twin Touch hydrostatic controls make the machine easy to control because no clutching is necessary for fast directional changes and infinite ground speeds are available, even at full throttle. These models also feature four-wheel drive and have optional iMatch Quik Hitch attachments for ultimate convenience.

The factory-installed loader option on the 3E ensures that operators are ready to handle a full range of projects.

3R PREMIUM COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS
If you’re looking for a premium compact utility tractor from John Deere, you may want to learn more about the 3R series. These tractors operate with 32 to 45 horsepower and feature 3-range Twin Touch hydrostatic controls or PowrReverser 12F/12R for ultimate control. Customers can also opt for a cab with heat/AC, as well as an AutoConnect Mid Mount Mower Deck.

Owners of the series can also add the ComfortCab, which will keep them out of the elements in even the most adverse conditions. 360-degree views and forward work lights provide superior visibility, and storage isn’t a problem as the ROPS structure is designed to fit under 7-foot garage doors.

The John Deere 3 series models allow you to take on a variety of tasks, thanks to their power, versatility and all-round ease-of-use.

Buyer's Guide: John Deere 4 Series Compact Utility Tractors

Each model within the 4 Series compact utility tractor line-up from John Deere has four-wheel-drive and a hydrostatic 3F/3R PowrReverser™ 12F/12R transmission, enabling maximum power while on the job. Additionally, thanks to features like diesel engines, open stations, and Category 1 three-point hitches for attachments, these tractors are perfect for landscaping jobs, farm and equine-related operations, and recreational tasks.

Buyer's Guide: John Deere 7 Series Utility Tractors- Stand Out Features on the 7230R

POWER AND EFFICIENCY
The 7230R has sufficient horsepower to get the job done. This model features a 9L PowerTech PVX engine with up to 280 hp at rated speed. These powerful engines take a “diesel only” approach to Stage III B compliance standards so overall performance isn’t sacrificed by fuel efficiency.

COMMANDVIEW II CAB
The inside of the 7230R resembles an ‘office on wheels’ with the CommandView II cab. The cab features a spacious interior, large glass surfaces, a comfortable operator’s seat and plenty of storage space. The roof integrated air conditioning system will keep you cool on even the warmest days and can be controlled using the remote control in the armrest. While staying cool, block out any outside noise by listening to your favourite music on high quality speakers and the subwoofer that is built into the cab.

ACTIVE COMMAND STEERING
The 7230R has dynamic, stability control steering to help minimise fatigue and improve operator comfort. The 7230R’s steering system works by adjusting the road-wheel angle based on the lateral acceleration of the tractor. This feature helps the vehicle stay on-line when driving over rough and bumpy terrain. Variable ratio and effort steering make control even more simple by providing light, agile steering at lower speeds and prevents over steering at higher speeds.

AG MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
The 7230R’s ag management solutions system is designed to relieve some of the stress associated with juggling multiple responsibilities while you’re working out in the field. This system can automate a few tasks that allows you to go hands free such as:

• AutoTrac- allows the operator to define the correction signal they want to use in the field and reduces overlap by as much as 90 percent.
• FieldDoc: designed for the operator to have all field application data automatically recorded. From tillage, to seeding, spraying and fertiliser spreading, the operator can record full details of field activities.
• iGuide:this feature allows your tractor to automatically adjust attachments to compensate for drifting on uneven terrain, which can cause gaps or overlays.
• iSteer: compensates for drift, thanks to SBG innovative sensors and hydraulics.

360-DEGREE LIGHTING
The 7320R can work all day and night thanks to its 360 degree lighting system. This system ensures there are no dead zones or lighting adjustments required. The cab has 12 lights integrated into the cab roof, 4 adjustable beltline and rear fender lights, high and low beam headlights and 8 field, spot and road lights on the bonnet grille. All lighting can be controlled from within the cab’s CommandCentre.

Buyer's Guide: Specialty Tractors for Nurseries, Orchards AND Wineries

NARROW TRACTORS
John Deere offer three narrow tractors including the 5GV, 5GN and 5EN. These models feature 75-100 horsepower engines, along with working widths as narrow as 39 inches. They also have a turning radius of 11.9 feet, and customers can opt for an open station or a cab.

We’ll be showcasing the 5EN series at our Vineyard, Orchard, Nursery Machines and Attachments Demo Day event in Murrumbateman, NSW on 11 December. Click here for more info.

LOW PROFILE TRACTORS
John Deere provides a compact and maneuverable 5GL series, designed to work effectively between low orchards, pergola vineyards and low-hanging crops. These specialty tractors have 75 horsepower engines with 61 PTO HP. They also feature a 24F/12R PowrReverser Transmission and standard MFWD. They stand at 52 inches tall and 53 inches wide, giving operators the low profile they need to take care of their fields.

HIGH-CROP TRACTORS
The 5EH, 5MH and 6RH make up John Deere’s high-crop tractor line-up. These tractors feature 89-155 engine horsepower and over 594 mm of front axle space. They also have AutoTrac and JDLink Factory installed and closed centre hydraulics with 31gpm of hydraulic flow. The Command8 transmission of the hi-crop tractors features auto mode, which enables the operator to maintain a consistent ground speed effortlessly. AutoClutch also automatically regulates the load on the tractor when operators come to a complete stop. It provides the ability to inch or creep the tractor forward or reverse on a level surface or incline.