Ask the Mechanic

Steve Thompson, Contributing Columnist

STEVE THOMPSON: I got an invitation from a tech to help with a problem (also called a customer satisfaction opportunity) on a John Deere 7410. At the ranch where the tractor was used, it seems that they stored the farm chemicals and the tractor fluids in the same storage area. There was confusion when the Roundup containers became mixed with the hydraulic oil. The jugs look the same. Contents appear to be the same color. Contents are about the same texture. But, that's about as far as it goes.

I don't know what all those big words mean on the label of Roundup, but I found out what they can do to the inside of a tractor. This tractor was like nothing I have ever seen. The transmission was a nasty, rusty sludge. All of the back end and PTO were dirty brown. The whole thing looked like it had been blasted with rusty, greasy, brown glue. Every place hydraulic oil went had the same look.

Every piece had to be disassembled and cleaned or replaced. The cost of this repair bill almost matched the value of the tractor. The owner now keeps his chemicals and oils separated. I have made changes around my place, too.

**

-- Write Steve Thompson at Ask The Mechanic, 2204 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 415, Birmingham, AL 35209, or email mechanic@progressivefarmer.com, and be sure to include your phone number.

[PF_0124]

(c) Copyright 2024 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.