Technology

2020 gift guide for the tractor guru in your life

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Ray Bohacz, the man behind the Farm Machinery Digest website and the Idle Chatter podcast, is helping you again shop for the hot rod farmer in your life. Die-hard tractor folks aren’t always easy to shop for, so Ray is coming to the rescue.

His suggestions range from stocking stuffers to … well … a lot more than that!

Though all are quality products, he recommends that you use his list as a trigger to identify a category or type of gift.

For example, he may suggest a shop vacuum of a certain brand, but you may find one that you think the recipient will like better, is easier for you to locate, or at a different price point. Then GO FOR IT!

He creates this gift guide (now in it’s third year — see 2019’s and 2018’s, if you’d like) to help steer you to presents that will bring joy to the heart of your hot rod farmer and have them think of you every time they use it.

Do not forget to listen to the accompanying podcast where I explain the value of each gift suggestion.

Also, when Christmas 2020 is over, the gift selection article and podcast are archived on the Farm Machinery Digest website. These are excellent items for any special occasion.

May you have a blessed Christmas along with a healthy and prosperous 2021!

Power-Probe-Tek-Maestro

Power Probe Tek Maestro PPMO1AS

The Maestro by Power Probe Tek: a multi-use Circuit-Tester with built-in diagnostic power. This tool simplifies the testing of fuse boxes, verifies correct operation of motors, lights, relays, sensors, wires, and communication-circuits. The large LCD color display makes for easy viewing in direct sunlight or complete darkness. The Maestro wirelessly pairs with our Power Probe Tek App. This allow for a wireless remote display as well as data streaming or recording. All of this information can be emailed, exported or simply saved for future reference. The Power Probe Tek app is available for iOS and Android platforms.


FLIR-TG-165-thermal-imaging-camera

FLIR TG 165 thermal imaging camera

The FLIR TG165 Spot Thermal Camera bridges the gap between single spot infrared thermometers and expensive thermal cameras. Equipped with FLIR’s exclusive Lepton® micro thermal sensor, this camera lets you see the heat profile of the entire component. Easily find unseen hot and cold spots for instant troubleshooting. It store images and data for future reference.


Goodson demagnetizer SPD-46 and field indicator MFI-10010

Goodson demagnetizer SPD-46 and field indicator MFI-10010

Heat, friction, and magnetic particle inspection can cause residual magnetism to build up in engine components and other farm equipment. If not removed, it will attract ferrous materials in engine lubrication and may cause premature engine failure.

The companion field indicator is used to identify magnetism and confirm that it has been eliminated.


goodson magnetic finger

Goodson magnetic finger RW-MAG

Anyone who has ever worked on machinery has dropped a nut or bolt in an area that you can only reach with the tip of your finger… your wish has come true. The magnetic finger is one size fits all and is something that should have been invented 100 years ago.

An inexpensive stocking stuffer that the recipient will love.


sunnen press fit lubricant

Sunnen press fit lubricant B-200L

There are many times when a part needs to be pressed (interference fit) together. Often this task is met with galling of the parts and issues with the two fully seating. This dedicated lubricant will not only make the job quicker but will prevent damage, insuring a proper and professional repair.


Cojali-Jaltest-Agriculture-and-Farm-Diagnostic-Tool

Cojali Jaltest Agriculture and Farm Diagnostic Tool

The agriculture industry needs dealer level diagnostics without calling dealerships, and this tool delivers exactly that.

You can now perform the same diagnostic commands on all farm equipment and run commands such as DPF regens, injector programming, disable de-rate/latched code conditions, and tens of thousands more.

This tool as I understand, will only work on the engine controller and not ancillary systems such as a combine header, etc.


ATD-40-gallon-parts-washer

ATD-40-gallon parts washer 8527-02

Even if the farm shop is already equipped with a parts washer, this well-made and inexpensive version would be welcomed as an auxiliary system. Many have a dedicated washing system so that cross contamination does not occur on delicate parts.


Black-Ox-pin-gauge-set

Black Ox pin gauge set

Used to measure round holes accurately, this tool is a must have in every farm shop. Sets vary in size and the level of accuracy. For the farm, a basic set is all that is required and costs around $40.00.


Goodson-DFL-810-Maxxeon-Workstar-Cyclops-light

Goodson DFL-810 Maxxeon Workstar Cyclops light

Fitted with a magnetic base this rechargeable light (charger included) will illuminate your work area for 4.5 hours with a round flood beam pattern from its LED bulbs. Stuff it in that stocking!


Big-Ass-Tire-Step

Big Ass Tire Step

This is a product unique to David’s Heavy-Duty Tools. The USA made tire step makes working on a truck so much easier and safer. It will also fit some front tractor tires.


OTC-5025-DEF-refractometer

OTC 5025 DEF refractometer

Most are accustomed to using a refractometer to check engine coolant condition or look for sugar content in plant samples. This unit is calibrated to check diesel exhaust fluid. It is an essential tool if you have any Tier 4 engines that employs a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR), especially if you purchase bulk DEF.


DeWalt-DCC2560T1-FlexVolt-60v-2.5-gallon-cordless-compressor

DeWalt DCC2560T1 FlexVolt 60v 2.5-gallon cordless compressor

I have experience with the DeWalt FlexVolt system and their 60v battery and all I can say is… it is phenomenal. This very portable compressor welcomes being used in remote locations and even in the shop.


Drill Doctor 750X drill bit sharpener

Drill Doctor 750X drill bit sharpener

There are few things worse than a dull drill bit. It turns a simple task into a nightmare. With the versatility of the 750X, a bit that is not sharp will be a distant memory.


Bondhus-20899-inch-metric-ball-end

Bondhus 20899 inch/metric ball end L-shaped driver

Bondhus is known for the highest quality American-made tools. This wrench set is a perfect stocking stuffer that will come in very handy for the hotrod farmer you give it to!


Lock-N-Lube-LNL-210-grease-gun

Lock-N-Lube LNL-210 grease gun fitting set

Farm equipment needs to be greased often for long life and the task can be frustrating due to the fitting from the gun not staying on the zerk. This locking fitting set will be praised with every pump of the grease gun. The end will stay on the zerk and put the grease where it belongs.


Trailer-Terminal-Plug-Cleaner

Trailer Terminal Plug Cleaner #8025

Trailer wiring harness are exposed to all the elements and often suffer from a poor connection to the tow vehicle. This is a great stocking stuffer that will not only make your hotrod farmer happy… but the DOT inspector too!


Esco-2408-Tire-Changer

Esco 2408 Tire Changer

This tool makes tire changes safe and easy!

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