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Ultradog MN 11-12-2012 04:36:57 184.100.111.20 Report to Moderator	The I&T FO4 manual has a pretty good step by step for splitting. If you don't have that manual I suggest you get one. If you do have the manual, read the section on splitting a couple of times before you start. First of all drive a wedge in on both sides of the front axle so it doesn't roll sideways. I like to block up the engine half and use a floor jack to roll the rear half away from the front. Easier to roll the back half than the front. I do not like jack stands for working on tractors. I prefer wooden cribbing like is in the photo. Much safer. If you don't have wood cribbing go to Home Despot and pick out the crookedest, most twisted 6"X6" in the pile. Throw it on a cart and push it to the front and ask the manager to discount it cause it's so crooked. Don't tell him what you want it for. You'll get it for about 1/2 price. Then take it home and cut it into 2' pieces. You are wise to replace the tranny input seal. Also inspect the ring gear for excessive wear while you are in there. Just take your time, read the manual and it is actually pretty easy to do a split. I have always had good luck buying parts from YTMAG. I like to support our hosts who provide this free site. [Reply]   [No Email]
DenisW 11-12-2012 08:12:13 24.23.51.61 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to Ultradog MN, 11-12-2012 04:36:57   For my first split, after seeing some of the posts on this site, I went to Home Depot. Loaded 3 nice 10" 4x6 on cart. Took them to their cutting area and told them I wanted them cut into 16.5" sections. Those cuts will give you 3 pieces on each layer, alternate for stability. They put a guy on it and he cut each piece to exact length, gave me 21 pieces, plus 3 small end cuts, cost $45.00, here in CA. Well worth the peace of mind when heavy tractor is well cribbed. You"ll be surprised how many other uses show up real quick. DenisW   [Reply]  [No Email]
Ultradog MN 11-12-2012 18:42:13 184.100.111.20 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to DenisW, 11-12-2012 08:12:13   Good post Denis. Even full price - $45 - is cheap when you figure the cost of a blunder or accident. Jim UT, Me too. I kept the 20" 4X4s I had left over from a fence I built this fall. Got 6x6, 4x8, 4x4 and even a pair of 12x12s in my stash behind the garage for messing with stuff.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Johns.signsrcn.com 11-12-2012 18:51:20 70.106.140.76 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to Ultradog MN, 11-12-2012 18:42:13   I can see where those different sizes would come in handy.   [Reply]  [No Email]
Jim.UT 11-12-2012 14:13:20 71.35.249.28 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to DenisW, 11-12-2012 08:12:13   You"ll be surprised how many other uses show up real quick Amen! I drive down a twisty canyon road pretty regularly. About every other week, especially in winter, someone tags the guardrail. That usually results in a few broken guardrail posts. I like to watch for the repair crews to come fix it. Then as soon as they leave, I swoop in and gather up all the broken timbers. They are 6" x 8" and usually about 2 feet long (depending on where they broke). I take them home and cut off the jagged ends. I use them all the time.   [Reply]  [No Email]
DenisW 11-12-2012 08:13:52 24.23.51.61 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to DenisW, 11-12-2012 08:12:13   Typo: 10' not 10" Denis   [Reply]  [No Email]
John Schmincke 11-12-2012 06:50:52 70.106.140.76 Report to Moderator	Re: Preparing to do a 1st time split in reply to Ultradog MN, 11-12-2012 04:36:57   This is one of the pics sent in from my original post some 20 pages back where I could see this crib for under the engine. This is helpful but thanks for mentioning the F04 manual. I do have one, read it about a year ago and forgot it mentions splitting. Guess I thought I read it here. I'll make a note about the ring gear. Thanks Ultradog   [Reply]  [No Email]