RTV Comes Through Again

bordercollie

bordercollie

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We aren't use to much snow down here in Mississippi. It started yesterday afternoon and it continued to snow until after dark. Unfortunately, I had cows left to feed so I looked like a snow creature when I finally got home .The tractor and feed wagon helped in that but the RTV had to help me finish up and it trudged right along without a whimper. It was snowing so hard it was hard to see at times. At first the snow is pretty, but then we are ready for life to get back to normal. It has been a very unusual last few years with the cold being below normal for most of us . 28 degree high s during the day is just cold to us that spend a lot of time out doors . There's the water troughs- I improved last year so I won''t have to deal with the leaks this time when they thaw. Well, this morning at 7 it was 23 and so I went out to the RTV and let the glow plugs do their thing for about 4 clicks and she cranked right up.I always let it sit there and warm up for a little bit. Then I was off to get a 12 v battery out of a transmitter box (on a Pole). I pulled up along side and used my toolbox as a platform . The solar charger was covered up with snow and after brushing it off saw that it was also a thick layer of ice . Well, I get the battery down and go charge it ,bring a jug of warm water and clean off the panel replace the battery. The RTV clips right along never whining. Then after a pack of nabs and a thermos of coffee for me, it's time to clean out the partially snow filled troughs .The snow covered half frozen mud is so deep on the areas around the feed pad that trudging on foot is hard but the RTV takes it all in stride. This hard winter had made me appreciate the concrete feed pads but especially the RTV and it's hard working " I'll get you there" attitude. It also rounded up some bawling calves and herded them to their mamas.The 589's pulled quickly through the snow and the RTV never slowed. I'm including a picture of the life saver after the first workout this morning.The snow still on the hood and part of the seat. I still just love this machine @3700 hrs, Bordercollie
 

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I wish I owned and operated a farm. I know its a lot of work but it has been a dream of mine. It most likely will not happen in my lifetime so I'll continue to put around my small acreage enjoying my machines just as you are enjoying yours.
 
Thank Ya'll very much. It is a lot of hard work but I love it and being out of doors (when I can feel my fingers) :) . Oh, I don't own it,I have nothing but my17 yr old truck,the RTV and a Tractor. I just work on the farm, as it belongs to my bil and sis. I'm not crazy about cows but then, I'm not wild about many people neither so it works well for me. . . Bordercollie
 
Your pics are great, Bordercollie! And looks kinda like home for me! Mind you, around here 24F is short-sleeve weather! :-) But I am not surprised at your experience. I have never had my RTV900 fail to start, even at -30F (or lower). Of course I do plug her in for an hour or so before turning her over whenever it is below 10F. (I have a battery warmer, a tranny warmer, and an oil pan warmer.)
 
Welcome to our world of cold BorderCollie!

Great job.

You mentioned cold fingers and such. Do you have appropriate cold-weather clothing?
 
I have a fairly good pair of carhartt gloves . They are thinsolate lined pigskin leather but are not waterproof. I need dexterity so they have to be thin. Mine were ok till they got damp then its muffler time. The worst part is the stinging when the fingers start warming up. It's 21 here and I have to go out in 20 minutes. I think today will be fine because the snow will start melting after lunch and I will keep my hands away from it. I have a pair of snow pants I use over the normal insulated work clothes and I stay fairly warm but do resemble the little kid on that Christmas story. Any recommendations appreciated. Thanks, Bordercollie
 
For your body, layers are best. Polyester for longjohns, fleece or wool for a mid-layer then your outer coat which provides wind, snow, rain protection.

For your hands, dry is key. I switch my gloves out if my hands got wet. I try to avoid leather as it's not very waterproof and holds the water for a long time.

You may like disposable hand warmers. The little packets that get hot when exposed to air. They'll keep your hands warm all day.
 
Sounds good so far that is close to what I do . I will just get some disposable hand warmers to have on hand. :) . Thank you! Bordercollie
 
bordercollie said:
Sounds good so far that is close to what I do . I will just get some disposable hand warmers to have on hand. :) . Thank you! Bordercollie
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Great pics bordercollie . As far as dealing with the cold as far as gloves go , I have tried just about every kind of glove I could find & nothing would keep my hands warm much less dry while using the tractor moving snow . This Christmas my wife got me 2 pairs of ski gloves & my days of having cold hands are now over :biggrin:

They are very light and not bad to work in like I thought they would be . I would suggest giving them a try , there are 100's of different types and some are quite expensive but mine are similiar to the ones in this link . My only drawback has been I do tend to burn holes in the fingers from holding my cigar when its far to short to even smoke :pat: once I broke myself of doing that they work great :yum:

http://www.cabelas.com/mens-cold-weather-gloves-cabelas-gore-tex-pinnacle-gloves-1.shtml
 
That is a great link Cowboy- and lots of the choices are on sale and in the small size for me. Thanks, Bordercollie
 
If you ever get ski gloves make sure that they are the kind that will let you slip a wet hand back into them. I don't know why but it's almost impossible to get a wet or damp hand into some of the fleece lined gloves and mitts. It's almost like a chinese finger trap in reverse. I've been skiing/snowboarding for 40+ years and the clothing is now really light, thin, and warm. Just watch out for the gloves...
 
Good point Doggman. Nothing is worse that having the sewn in liner come out with your damp hands and not being able to get it back in quickly without the use of a pencil.Especially when your cold and out in the elements.(I've got/had some of those. I will keep that in mind during my search.Thanks ,Bordercollie
 
so how do them 589's do in the snow? i know they are great in the mud but never had a chance to try them in snow.
 
Doggman, the snow was a big no for the pups. They said it was too cold to their feet and to let them back in the house.Each time they went out to take care of business, within 5 minutes they had their behinds on the steps ready to come in.:) Peanut, the 589's did really well,but then we only had a few inches. I wheeled right along checking on stuff and pushing bawling calves under the one strand electric fence back to their mama's. The funniest thing was the chickens. First the drop down door was blocked so I had to clear it . The first one out did the hawk alert on seeing the snow and flew half across the pen. Then the others started cackling and finally started to peep out the door.One by one they went out with hopping high steps in the snow and a few tasted it. They shook their heads to rid the snow out and ate the pellets I gave them. Then I'm sure they thought "the heck with this stuff" and went back in the coop and stayed. :) A funny site to see. Bordercollie
 
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