The Tractor Needs a Spa Day

After a lot of hard work, we all need some rest and relaxation. Today the tractor gets cleaned up, chained up, and greased up!
0:00 - Intro
1:24 - Clearing off the tractor
3:00 - Cleaning the work area
4:20 - Installing Tire Chains
13:09 - Lubricating the Loader
22:30 - Outro

[@DaveGagliardi]

a long time ago i used to put chains on my 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88. what made it a bit easier for me was actually jacking up the rear and allowing the tire to free wheel so i could rotate it while putting the chains on. It can make positioning a bit easier. Another thing is my set had the black elastic bands stretched across the face of the chains to take up some of the slack you're seeing. Your mileage of course may vary.

[@alaskanhomesteading]

I think getting the thing jacked up might help. But I don't think I can readily do it in the snow with the equipment I have. A couple of bungees on the chains to take up slack is a good idea!

[@EOTG_AK]

I’ve been using my box blade a ton for moving snow this year. It is way easier to back up to the garage then drop the box blade and drive away. Added benefit is being able to push with the box blade as well. I have a hydraulic top link so adjusting between the front and rear cutting edges on the fly is super easy. I only use the loader for stacking up snow piles.
In the ryobi note… I’m a Milwaukee snob but there are some great bargain tools in the ryobi lineup that make it worth having the platform. Other tire inflator can be had for under $30 and works great. Their cheaper angle grinder isn’t something that would hold up to industrial use but it’s perfectly capable for a hobbyist and a great option to have one that’s portable for quick jobs. The Ryobi 18v bug fogger is excellent as well, wish I would have had it before my spruce trees got killed. Their pin and brad nail guns work fine and are reasonably priced. Last thing is their assortment of budget friendly 18v lights. I usually wind up with some new budget ryobi tool during the Black Friday sales.

[@alaskanhomesteading]

I haven't found a good deal on a box blade yet. Most Alaskans seem to think their pile of dented rust is worth 75% of retail value, whatever the item. I've got a great neighbor who says he'll lend me his box blade whenever I want, but he'd be needing it the same times I would, to clear snow with his tractor. And I generally am bad at asking for help anyway.
I back drag with the plow blade on my SxS too, but it's not that heavy, so it usually takes multiple passes to really get the ground clear.
I have an assortment of ryobi drills, drivers, and saws that have served me really well. Before these, I had an old Black & Decker set with NiCd batteries. The tools still would have worked when I finally threw them out, but the batteries were long dead.