OT. WHY FARMER NEVER TAKE A VACATION

Ruby Red our vintage Super 68 New Holland Baler had knocked out a lot of bales. It had been missing some bales so son checked all out. Figured put cutting anvils on the wire twister were worn. Had Alfalfa down and parts had to be ordered. Ruby Red was taken to the field after being checked out and lubricated. It decided enough was enough and threw the bearing out of the plunger crank. Called a friend who had a John Deere 347 that had been setting for two years. Yes come and get it was running when I parked it. Checked it out and greased it then hitched it up to Johnny Pop his Model 50. Wondered it could pull it. Engaged the PTO the govenor opened and Johnny Pop exhaust snorted and the baler jumped to life. What will happen when he starts on a windrow? I made it out to the field on my electric wheel chair. Alfalfa had been irrigated and was heavy. I could see he started in 1st gear. Kicked out a couple of bales and stopped. I wondered what was wrong. Could see he was shifting gears. My gosh he went up to second, kicked out a couple more baled and stopped. He finished the field running in third gear. Johnny Pop never missed a beat once you got that big flywheel turning it does not slow down.
Had the Big Gun Irrigation sprinkler running on part of field that had been cut & baled. Notice Sprinkler was not rotating. Took it off and brought it in to the kitchen work island. It was 105 degree and the kitchen is air condtion, the shop is not. Seal had leaked and bearing had froze up. Gee after twenty years I wonder why. It will be running tonight. Lookin at it know I wonder if we should have gone to Iowa for the reunion. This and getting called back because my wife was moved to ER
gitrib

I know when we ran a 347 , it was a man killer. That thing wouldn't break down, or miss a bale. Grandpa would go non-stop!

yep my dad would'nt stop till mom brought out supper,10-15 min.latter and away we go.(346 Jd)

> Grandpa would go non-stop!

Haha. That brought a tear to my eye remembering riding on that wagon trying to use mental energy to make a knotter miss so I could get a break while Grandpa came back to tie it. That was a 24T though. so I probably had it easier.