Nothing Works Unless You Do!

Rick informed me that 806 gas would need a new clutch soon.  He asked if I wanted that done before or after vacation.  He was really asking when it would cash flow the best.  I said anytime would do, but he should know one thing.  When vacation time came, I would be going, no matter what-so if there was some sort of equipment failure, and he had to stay home, I would still be going.

 

The parts arrived the next week. :)

 

To put a new clutch in the 806, it first has to be "split".  They actually separate the tractor into two pieces.  In a nutshell, they take the tin off and support the tractor in the appropriate places.  Next, a series of 10 bolts are unscrewed.  At this point the tractor is split, and you can separate the two sections.  Amazing, right? 10 bolts hold that whole thing together!

 

The bell housing is exposed and they can replace the clutch.  Its been 14 years since we put a clutch in this tractor, and we replaced it with an improved version.  We have a good friend who helps guide Rick along in these projects.  It is much easier to do them at home in our own shop than take the tractor to the dealership.

 

 

 

Tin removed; jacks in place; un-bolting begins

Rick cleans up the flywheel, where the starter hooks up to start the tractor. The new clutch goes through the center.

Two pieces!

Pressure plate installed! The clutch is in between the flywheel and the pressure plate.

Done!  Rick was also going to replace some gaskets and seals while he had it in the shop.

 

Rick said the other tractor (806 diesel) would need a new clutch too, but he was going to wait until March to replace that one.  Its hard to think about spring planting and haying, but now is the time to prepare for it!  Everything needs to be ready to go when the fields are.



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Earlier this year on facebook I shared a photo of a new chore chart system.  I got the idea from pinterest, of course.  The link to that is here.  I did not have time for staining, painting and distressing of wood, so I simplified the project some.

*Family means working together*
I used a clear poly over a plain old board and stick on decals and letters to make the project faster.




The kids will start with the tags (business cards created using Avery templates and covered in clear contact paper) on the board, then move them to the hangers beneath the board as they complete them.  When they're done, they see an encouraging "Great Job!" card.  The cards to the far left are for extra points as Rick and I think of tasks we would like help doing.  The cards on the right are chores not done each day.


 

Rules and Point Chart.  Each task carries a point amount which is tallied each day.  They can earn "opportunities" like Wii time, movies, etc.


 

Another version of this type of chore board has the quote "nothing works unless you do".  That is very true for the person responsible for facilitating the points and assigning the daily chores.  The success of this new system depends on the kids about 10% and me the other 90%.  I'm going to do my best!
Stay warm!
-Terri