The Classic Machinery Network

Hi, I’m Gav from Cumbria.

I’m originally a city boy from leeds. Trained as a chemical maintenance engineer. (Pumps and pipes) had enough of city’s and moved to the county. I still work for a big corporation though (steam and electric) I’m getting experience on my small holdings with the neighbours equipment. Zetor tractor, mower, hay bob, new Holland bailer and jcb 803. Both operating and maintaining. My neighbour is not really into maintenance . I would like to steer my career more into this line of work. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks, even if you just say hi

Hi and welcome to the site there is a vast amount of knowledge on here although sometimes you have to dig for it, excuse the pun, folk on here have a genuine interest in machines are happy to help others where they can.

Jeremy

Hi and welcome.
Pics are always good, we're nosey like that!
If you're new to all this then good old common sense will help a lot, ie don't put your fingers anywhere you wouldn't put your plumbs.
With haymaking approaching (if the crop will ever dry out!), a quick 101 on balers, assuming it's a standard square bale type. Before doing any work on it - obviously shut the tractor down, put the keys in your pocket - look underneath near the front and you will see a large crank that drives the ram plunger into the chamber. Take off the flywheel cover and manually turn the flywheel either way until the crank big-end is nearest to the ground. That way, if you suddenly unblock or move something there is less chance of gravity moving any of the packers, ram, knotter, or other mechanism while you're in the gubbins of the thing!
Rob.