Pro Tips, News & Events

Do Mower Deck Blades Need to Be Timed?
Aug 24, 2026

Do Mower Deck Blades Need to Be Timed?

Ever notice your mower deck blades shifting position? Learn why most don’t need timing and what it means if they hit. This guide covers staggered vs. timed decks, phasing, and the top reasons for blade contact.

Runaway Diesel: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention
Aug 24, 2026

Runaway Diesel: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention

Runaway diesel: causes, warning signs, and prevention. Looking for runaway diesel causes and warning signs? A runaway happens when the engine burns oil or vapor instead of diesel from the tank. Turbo seal failure is the most common cause. Worn rings, breather problems, and fuel system faults can also trigger it. Early signs matter. Rising oil use, blue or gray smoke, oil in the intake, and RPM rising on its own are strong warnings. If a runaway starts, the key will not stop it. Protect people first. Use an air shutoff if available. Do not restart until the engine is inspected. Prevention is simple. Inspect the turbo, track oil consumption, and keep the breather system clean. Catch it early and avoid engine damage.

Excavator Swing Motor Everything You Should Know
Aug 24, 2026

Excavator Swing Motor Everything You Should Know

An excavator swing motor plays a crucial role for your excavator. Its primary job is to help the top part turn around, allowing your excavator to dig, lift or move things. The swing motor uses hydraulic power to work. It is connected to a swing gearbox that has planetary gears, which change spinning force into torque. This makes the excavator turn smoothly on its base.

Oil Drain Plug Size Chart: How to Measure It?
Aug 23, 2026

Oil Drain Plug Size Chart: How to Measure It?

In order to measure the diameterm, you should use a digital caliper or a ruler (not recommended). Measure the width of the plug at the widest part of the threads as indicated in the picture. If your oil drain plug measures 12mm, then you need to look at plugs in the size range of M12* 1.25 to M12*1.75’’. The “M12” refers to the diameter you measure from the widest part of the threads on your OEM sump plug.

5 Common Bad Tie Rod Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Aug 23, 2026

5 Common Bad Tie Rod Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Bad tie rod symptoms: a complete guide. Need to spot bad tie rod symptoms on your equipment? Start with steering feel. Loose steering, delayed wheel response, and constant correction on rough ground are common early signs. Uneven front tire wear also points to tie rod trouble. If one front tire wears faster than the other, alignment may be off due to a worn joint. Clunking noise during turns, pulling or wandering on straight travel, and steering wheel vibration are other warning signs. A torn boot is a strong visual clue. Once dirt and water get inside, wear speeds up. Inspect both sides, check for play, and replace worn parts before they damage tires or steering linkage.

Why Are Tractor Hydraulics Strong at First, Then Weak?
Aug 23, 2026

Why Are Tractor Hydraulics Strong at First, Then Weak?

Are your tractor hydraulics strong when cold but weak after warming up? This guide troubleshoots the most common causes, from contaminated fluid and clogged filters to a worn pump or a faulty pressure relief valve.

How to Replace a Tire Valve Stem on a Ford 3600?
Aug 22, 2026

How to Replace a Tire Valve Stem on a Ford 3600?

How to replace a tire valve stem on a Ford 3600? The effort required to replace a broken valve stem on a Ford 3600 tractor depends entirely on the tire construction. Tubeless tires are easier. You can reach the stem without taking the tire off. Tube-type tires require more work. Rear tires often contain liquid ballast. Added weight means added risk. Identify your tire setup before starting. That saves time, money, and unnecessary work. For a tubeless front tire, you may only need to break the bead near the stem. For a tube-type rear tire, you usually need to access the tube itself. For a ballast-filled rear tire, fluid control is required before any repair. Know your tire type before buying parts or pulling the wheel.

Tire Bead Leaking Air: How to Seal It Properly?
Aug 22, 2026

Tire Bead Leaking Air: How to Seal It Properly?

A leaking tractor tire can turn your fun ride into a frustration. You can use the guidelines in this article to fix most tractor tire bead leaks. Remember, proper maintenance is as important. At FridayParts, you can learn more about your tractor maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs. Also, we stock an extensive inventory selection of quality tractor replacement parts to keep your tractors running at their best performance. Explore now!

Why Does My Skid Steer Hydraulic Feel Weak Under Load?
Aug 22, 2026

Why Does My Skid Steer Hydraulic Feel Weak Under Load?

If your skid steer hydraulic power fades under load, it’s a pressure problem. This guide walks you through simple checks for fluid, filters, and coolers before diagnosing the main pump, relief valve, or control spools.

Backhoe Hydraulic Troubleshooting for Common Problems and Fixes
Aug 21, 2026

Backhoe Hydraulic Troubleshooting for Common Problems and Fixes

Is your backhoe hydraulic system weak or dead? Our guide walks you through troubleshooting common issues. Learn to check fluid, release locked pressure, inspect hoses, and identify problems with the pump or cylinder seals.

Cub Cadet PTO Switch Wiring Diagram: A Complete Guide
Aug 21, 2026

Cub Cadet PTO Switch Wiring Diagram: A Complete Guide

Cub Cadet PTO switch wiring diagram. A Cub Cadet PTO switch wiring diagram points you to the clutch power terminal, the start circuit terminal, and the wiring to test when the system stops working. This guide reviews the common terminal configurations and the essential checks, with a clear bottom line: use the correct diagram for your model before any repair. Most setups route battery power through the ignition circuit, then the PTO switch, then to the electric PTO clutch. On many tractors, the same switch also affects the start interlock. That is why one wrong wire can cause two symptoms at once. Model differences matter. A 1250, 1641, LT2180, and RZT 50 may all use an electric PTO, but the switch logic and wire routing may differ. Always compare the diagram to your specific model before moving wires.

Skid Steer vs Tractor: Who Wins?
Aug 21, 2026

Skid Steer vs Tractor: Who Wins?

When it comes to whether to select a skid steer or a tractor, you should always consider all the requirements of your project as well as your budget. You need to have a certain attachment for your jobs and have to know how large your worksite is and what the terrain is like. Once you have clear knowledge of your projects, it’s not that challenging to decide which piece of equipment you require for your jobs. At FridayParts, you can source a vast selection of quality skid steer parts and tractor parts to get your machines running at their optimal performance.