Holding on to the Past
Myles Clifton
PERRYVILLE, MISSOURI
It's something that takes place on every farm. Holding on to that older tractor that you just can’t get rid of. The tractor you grew up on, the tractor your dad grew up on. It's been around longer than you have. The hour meter has turned over enough times that you’re not even sure how many hours are actually on it. Once the big machine on the farm, now it's been reduced to auger duty, moving wagons around from one shed to the other.
It may have been demoted in the lineup a time or two. But you make sure it keeps going. You take care of it, give it a wash now and then, make sure to change the oil when it's needed, which is less often than it used to be. But, you still look after it. It’s been on this farm for a long time.
Maybe its sentimental reminder or the good old days. You still make sure its runs just as good as it did when you were a kid. Maintenance it regularly, keep things greased, and make sure there aren’t too many oil leaks. It a little rough around the edges, its got a dent or two from those times your uncle used it for something it shouldn’t have been. Yet, it's still a solid machine, worth more now than what it was when it was new. It was the true American muscle.
From a time before there was so many wires and so much plastic. Made with steel, strong and sturdy. Even if it was made during the war and the factory wasn’t able to use the highest quality of steel available at the time. It was built to last. Your grandpa drove it. Your father and his siblings drove it. It was the first tractor you learned to drive. Still in use, but occasionally it’s cleaned up for photo opportunities. Family member graduation or wedding photos, even family photos. No longer just a semi-retired workhorse, but a staple of all the work that has been done over the years.
We’ve found it important to keep these old machines still running. Not just a piece of family history, but a piece of American history. A whole new part of an American industrial revolution. They’re memorable sight for all to see. A reminder of younger years for some. A new interest and wonder for those younger ones that haven’t ever seen a tractor that looks like this.
So we still check the oil, clean out the air filter, try to keep the batteries charged. A slightly simpler machine then the modern tractor. It’s easy to get out the old set of wrenches, that are almost as old as the tractor is, to make adjustments and repairs. Maybe a screwdriver or two, a pair of pliers, and you’re set. Old tools for an old tractor.
Sometimes we don’t take the time for proper maintenance. But routine maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to avoid issues with your equipment. One way to make the job easier is with the Macnaught BOP (Battery Operated Pump) system. The only pump system of its kind. A twenty volt battery operated pump head easily pumps oils, coolants, DEF and more through a seal impeller stem. No more funnels, filling up smaller jugs from bulk containers, lifting five gallon buckets or messing with quart jugs. It’s easy to use, fast and clean. A very efficient way to make dirty oil changes a thing of the past. It’s the or messing with quart jugs. It's easy to use, fast and clean. A very efficient way to make dirty oil or messing with quart jugs. It's easy to use, fast and clean. A very efficient way to make dirty oil changes a thing of the past. Its the Macnaught BOP system available from Clifton Tool & Supply LLC, Perryville, Missouri, 573-517-1242. Visit us on Facebook at Clifton Tool & Supply LLC ∆
Myles Clifton Contributing Columnist