[pointer]

Any suggestions for a good general tractor manual / maintenance guide? A book along the lines of Idiots Guide, not geared at the professional mechanic. thanks

[landroverroy]

Google your make and model and there's bound to be a forum somewhere with all useful info, and then some.

[pointer]

Thanks, yes I've found some bits and pieces online. I'm more looking for a general introduction to how tractors work, care and maintenance. Book preferred to online as it's for a gift.

[arobwk]

I was gifted "Maintaining Small-Farm Equipment" by S&A Larkin Hansen ('Storey Basics Series' of books).  Not impressed & it actually annoyed me:  it's padded out with superfluous sub-idiot advice.  For example:

"Springs.  Springs hold parts together in a number of ways ......"
"Wheels & shafts.  Wheels come in all shapes and sizes ....."
"Bearings & Bushings.  When metal moves against metal, it binds and grinds ....."

Very annoying:  its 108 pages could probably be condensed down to a very thin pamphlet of useful tips.  If you should come across it in your searches, I would recommend you continue searching!

[Edit] After-thought: a combination of the tractor's manual, youtube and asking questions on TAS (other forums available) probably the best option - which, pointer, means you might need to think of some other gift option! 

[bazzais]

Look for whats being exported - buy them.

You need at times to start your tractor with jump leads and a nail.