http://www.agweb.com/blogs/ As a farm machinery mechanic and writer, Dan brings a hands-on approach that only a pro can muster. Along with his In the Shop blog, Dan writes a column by the same name as well as the Shop Series for Farm Journal magazine. Always providing practical information, he is a master at tackling technical topics and making them easy for all of our readers to understand. He and his wife, Becky, live near Bouton, Iowa. AgWeb.comhttp://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Cool_Stuff_For_Combines_9557/ Interesting options and gadgets that make combine operation easier and more productive.Dan AndersonSun, 16 Aug 2009 10:50:25 GMT9557http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/The_Truth_About_Farm_Machinery_Salesmen_9625/There are two sides to every farm equipment sales negotiationDan AndersonSat, 22 Nov 2008 11:59:56 GMT9625http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/A_Bit_Grumpy_9725/ Common sense and a dust mask would have saved a lot of discomfort.Dan AndersonTue, 09 Sep 2008 20:22:10 GMT9725http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/The_Next_Time_Equipment_Breaks_Down_9748/ Here's a quick and easy way to decide what's wrong and who is at fault when equipment breaks down.Dan AndersonMon, 09 Nov 2009 10:05:42 GMT9748http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Time_For_A_New_Welder_9835/A new welder might make you a better welder.Dan AndersonSat, 08 Nov 2008 22:58:47 GMT9835http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tool_PreferencesAnd_Maybe_A_Fetish_Or_Two_9933/ I can explain MOST of my tool preferences logically.Dan AndersonSat, 22 May 2010 15:35:00 GMT9933http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Shop_Door_Suggestions_10133/ Here's a few possibilities to consider when designing the main door for your dream shop.Dan AndersonMon, 18 May 2009 09:40:04 GMT10133http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/My_Compressed_Air_and_Air_Tool_Goofs_10179/Maybe you can avoid problems and save money by learning from my mistakes.Dan AndersonSun, 22 Feb 2009 14:03:04 GMT10179http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/What_Id_Do_Depends_on_Who_You_Are_10180/Mechanics have to know their customers to serve them appropriately.Dan AndersonSun, 28 Sep 2008 20:08:32 GMT10180http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/When_The_Spark_Is_Gone_10246/ Testing batteries is an art, not a science.Dan AndersonSun, 31 Jan 2010 22:30:09 GMT10246http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Smokey_The_Bear_Would_Approve_10350/ Garden sprayers make useful, re-fillable fire...preventersDan AndersonSun, 27 Sep 2009 09:47:33 GMT10350http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/You_Dont_Own_Everything_In_Your_Combine_10430/ Manufacturers maintain ownership of technology used in modern farm equipment.Dan AndersonMon, 04 Jan 2010 10:18:30 GMT10430http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Six_Ways_To_Increase_Yields_10441/In The Shop heads to the field to diagnose planter adjustmentsDan AndersonMon, 23 Mar 2009 16:49:01 GMT10441http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/On_the_dull_edge_of_ag_technology_10490/ Sometimes it's tough to make high-tech gizmos on farm equipment pencil out.Dan AndersonSun, 25 May 2008 09:56:08 GMT10490http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Save_Your_Breath_10493/ Air-in-a-can is handy to have in toolboxesDan AndersonSun, 14 Jun 2009 16:54:28 GMT10493http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Trick_For_Allen_Head_Bolts_10527/ A hammer can help avoid stripped-out Allen head screws.Dan AndersonWed, 07 Apr 2010 23:27:30 GMT10527http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Things__Your_Daddy_Taught_You_10720/Never underestimate the value of growing up around farm machinery.Dan AndersonTue, 24 Mar 2009 22:17:00 GMT10720http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/In_Search_of_the_Elusive_Battery_Draw_10780/ How to diagnose pesky draws that drain batteries.Dan AndersonSun, 29 Mar 2009 15:03:00 GMT10780http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Nearly_Something_For_Nothing_10930/ Welder/generators are one of the few true bargains on today's market.Dan AndersonSat, 01 Nov 2008 21:25:34 GMT10930http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tap_Dancing_On_Thin_Ice_11080/ Idle chatter from the back shopDan AndersonSun, 20 Dec 2009 10:29:42 GMT11080http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Never_Turn_Your_Back_On_A_Bored_Co-Worker_11126/ All work and no play is...abnormal.Dan AndersonFri, 12 Sep 2008 19:42:59 GMT11126http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tooling_Up_for_the_Wheat_Run_11130/ A couple suggestions about handy tools for the upcoming harvest.Dan AndersonTue, 09 Jun 2009 11:29:15 GMT11130http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Mechanopomorphism_11184/Maybe I've been around machinery and equipment too long...Dan AndersonMon, 03 Aug 2009 09:50:38 GMT11184http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Soybeansmall_grain_cutting_platform_warning_11256/ You could damage your new small grain cutting platform before you ever get it in the field.Dan AndersonSun, 15 Jun 2008 08:41:46 GMT11256http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Making_Sense_of_Seed_Monitors_11291/ Tips to diagnose problems with seed monitors on planters and seeders.Dan AndersonSat, 25 Apr 2009 15:01:09 GMT11291http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Dumb_quick_question_11304/ Maybe a doctor or physical therapist has an answer.Dan AndersonThu, 25 Feb 2010 22:24:20 GMT11304http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Eventually_Ill_Disappoint_You_11350/ The three phases of life as a tradesman.Dan AndersonFri, 11 Jun 2010 15:40:00 GMT11350http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Substitute_Tools_11383/ Desperation is the mother of tool inventionDan AndersonSun, 28 Feb 2010 20:16:44 GMT11383http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Gotta-have_Tool_List_11390/ What are the bare essential tools necessary for a functional shop?Dan AndersonSat, 16 Aug 2008 14:15:45 GMT11390http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Battery-Powered_Work_Lights_11442/Battery-powered work lights offer advantages for field repairs.Dan AndersonSun, 16 Nov 2008 10:23:13 GMT11442http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Dry_Versus_Oily_Planter_Chains_11534/Opinions on roller chain maintenance.Dan AndersonSun, 02 May 2010 10:39:00 GMT11534http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Meanwhile_Back_at_the_Parts_Counter_11638/ Renewed respect for parts people.Dan AndersonMon, 19 Apr 2010 09:15:52 GMT11638http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Bench_Work_11703/ Good projects to do on cold winter days.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Dec 2008 13:08:54 GMT11703http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Selective_Tool_Shopping_11773/ My toolbox looks junky because I'm more interested in performance and cost than polish and consistency.Dan AndersonSun, 08 Mar 2009 14:42:37 GMT11773http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/How_To_Use_A_Voltmeter_12053/ Voltmeters for beginnersDan AndersonSat, 20 Mar 2010 22:13:46 GMT12053http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Patience_Pays_12193/ Another lesson learned from my mistakes.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Feb 2010 10:48:05 GMT12193http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Perfect_Platform_Performance_12309/ Adjustments and attitudes help small grain platforms cut grain "pool table smooth."Dan AndersonMon, 31 Aug 2009 15:17:25 GMT12309http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Double_Check_Fuel_Filters_12505/There's a chance you've got the wrong diesel fuel filters on your late-model farm machinery.Dan AndersonSun, 15 Feb 2009 11:28:14 GMT12505http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Get_A_Grip_On_Your_Checkbook_12564/ Add the escalating price of farm equipment parts to your list of skyrocketing input costs.Dan AndersonSat, 11 Oct 2008 11:43:19 GMT12564http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Everybody_Talks_About_Picket_Fence_12598/Everybody wants a "picket fence" stand of corn. At least until they find out what it will take to produce it.Dan AndersonSat, 14 Mar 2009 10:44:56 GMT12598http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Beware_Of_Internet_Bargains_12652/ There's more--and less--than promised to repair and diagnostic software programs sold on the internetDan AndersonSun, 18 Oct 2009 22:22:14 GMT12652http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Giggle_Tools_12666/Some tools are worth more than their price.Dan AndersonSat, 31 May 2008 14:13:38 GMT12666http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/All_For_Naught_12728/In the end, what really matters?Dan AndersonSun, 26 Oct 2008 12:37:39 GMT12728http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Unsophisticated_and_Unashamed_12815/Sometimes elegance isn't efficient.Dan AndersonFri, 29 Aug 2008 21:39:01 GMT12815http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/More_Than_Maintenance_and_Repairs_13006/ Farm shops often foster far more than just repair and maintenance of farm equipment.Dan AndersonWed, 10 Dec 2008 21:47:01 GMT13006http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Whats_A_Mechanic_Worth_13105/Are you paying too much, too little or just enough for farm equipment repairs?Dan AndersonSun, 08 Feb 2009 14:07:19 GMT13105http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Cue_the_song_Also_Spake_Zaruthustra_13136/ The only thing more intimidating than the "intelligence" of modern farm equipment is where it's all leading.Dan AndersonThu, 14 Aug 2008 20:30:29 GMT13136http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/The_Civil_Rights_Act_And_The_Service_Sector_13160/ At what point am I justified to load my tools and leave?Dan AndersonFri, 30 Apr 2010 09:06:20 GMT13160http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Big_Boys_Toys_13185/ If I had the money to buy these tools, I would have enough money so I wouldn't need to work.Dan AndersonSun, 29 Nov 2009 15:25:08 GMT13185http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/MIA_Tools_13242/ Keeping track of tools can be a challenge.Dan AndersonSun, 01 Nov 2009 11:05:40 GMT13242http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Sprayer_Storage_Tips_13283/ A few minutes this summer can save hassles next spring.Dan AndersonMon, 06 Jul 2009 09:16:01 GMT13283http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Dream_Shop_Opinions_13328/ Out on a limb with opinions about the specifications and design of a "dream shop".Dan AndersonSun, 14 Mar 2010 11:28:14 GMT13328http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Insatiable_Software_13451/ Before you head to the field with equipment that uses computers, feed those computers the latest and greatest software.Dan AndersonSun, 18 Jan 2009 14:19:05 GMT13451http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/How_Much_Is_Advice_Worth_13474/ Lawyers bill by the minute clients who call with legal questions. Do mechanics have the same option?Dan AndersonFri, 18 Jul 2008 20:45:48 GMT13474http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tools_You_Never_Heard_Of_13553/ If you've heard of these tools, you either own a tool warehouse, or live in your shop.Dan AndersonThu, 01 Jan 2009 12:13:00 GMT13553http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Best--and_Worst--Tool_Purchases_of_2008_13661/ Sometimes I buy "right," and sometimes I buy "wrong." ]]>Dan AndersonSun, 21 Dec 2008 10:39:29 GMT13661http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Nag_Nag_Nag_13695/ Knowing model and serial numbers of equipment is boring, but essentialDan AndersonFri, 26 Jun 2009 21:43:24 GMT13695http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/To_Wrench_Or_Not_To_Wrench_13770/ Whether 'tis nobler to fix your own equipment, or pay someone else to do it for you...Dan AndersonSun, 03 May 2009 10:29:47 GMT13770http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tough_Stuff_13882/ Is it weather or is it genetics? Either way crops are "tough" this year.Dan AndersonSun, 04 Oct 2009 13:19:23 GMT13882http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/A_Very_Slow_Learner_13906/ Following my family's tradition cost me a lot of skin off my knuckles.Dan AndersonSun, 26 Jul 2009 23:31:07 GMT13906http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/In_The_Shop_Chemistry_Lesson_13984/ Good intentions and faulty knowledge of chemical reactions can lead to "excitement."Dan AndersonMon, 11 May 2009 11:14:02 GMT13984http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/My_BestWorst_Tool_Purchases_for_2009_14055/ Not every tool purchase is a winner.Dan AndersonSat, 26 Dec 2009 13:24:48 GMT14055http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/You_Know_More_Than_Most_14109/Never underestimate the remarkable knowledge required to be a farmer.Dan AndersonWed, 17 Jun 2009 22:40:14 GMT14109http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Spend_Quality_Time_With_Your_Combine_14139/ Dedicate one day to combine clean-up before storage to save time and money next harvest.Dan AndersonSun, 22 Nov 2009 11:13:02 GMT14139http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Midwinter_Annoyances_14407/ The gray days of midwinter magnify minor irritations when working on equipment.Dan AndersonSun, 17 Jan 2010 12:20:18 GMT14407http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/You_Talk_Funny_14418/When you need a burr nut to repair the bubble-up auger on a combine parked on the turn rows.Dan AndersonSun, 27 Jul 2008 09:41:20 GMT14418http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Top_10_Explanations_for_Harvest_Breakdowns_14694/ How many of these explanations have you heard or used?Dan AndersonSun, 25 Oct 2009 12:56:18 GMT14694http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Most_Annoying_Equipment_Design_14904/ There are days when you wish you get your hands on an engineer...Dan AndersonWed, 14 Oct 2009 09:32:04 GMT14904http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/More_Oil_More_Juice_14999/ Bigger equipment taxes hydraulic and electrical capacities.
]]>Dan AndersonWed, 12 May 2010 20:00:19 GMT14999http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Questions_Without_Answers_15020/ Some questions don't have answers that are fair to everyone.Dan AndersonThu, 13 Nov 2008 20:20:17 GMT15020http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Minimize_Brake_Bleeding_15179/ We're talking blood as well as brake fluid.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Mar 2010 12:10:45 GMT15179http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Spend_Money_To_Save_Money_15199/ Is it better to spend extra money in the short-term to save money in the long-term?Dan AndersonSun, 17 May 2009 20:46:25 GMT15199http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/When_Is_Machinery_Worn_Out_15301/ "Worn out" to one farmer is, "just getting broken in" to his neighbor.Dan AndersonSun, 06 Dec 2009 11:06:46 GMT15301http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Confessions_Of_A_Tool_Tightwad_15376/ The things I do to save money...Dan AndersonThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:05:04 GMT15376http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/With_Age_ComesSomething_15577/ Age changes our perception of things.Dan AndersonSun, 10 Jan 2010 13:20:42 GMT15577http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Computers_Make_Me_Stupid_15673/ Sometimes common sense is more powerful than a multi-gig hard driveDan AndersonThu, 08 Oct 2009 22:14:14 GMT15673http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/AC_Aggravations_15681/ Air conditioning system tips and suggestions.Dan AndersonFri, 07 Aug 2009 11:58:15 GMT15681http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Shoulda-Bought-Sooner_Tools_15683/ Sometimes being a tight-wad keeps me from buying useful tools.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Sep 2008 09:48:50 GMT15683http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Prepping_Yield_Monitors_15717/ Some things to check to optimize yield monitor performance.Dan AndersonMon, 07 Sep 2009 11:32:03 GMT15717http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/MIG_Welding_On_Big_Equipment_15793/ An attachment that helps MIG welders extend their reach.Dan AndersonWed, 13 Jan 2010 21:30:50 GMT15793http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Shine_A_Light_On_Night_Repairs_15812/ A high-tech option for repairs after sundown during harvest.Dan AndersonMon, 14 Sep 2009 11:53:57 GMT15812http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Ridding_Shops_Of_Mushrooms_15895/ Maintain mushroomed tools, for safety's sakeDan AndersonSun, 24 Jan 2010 17:35:00 GMT15895http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Never_Again_15901/ Most of the time, I learn from my mistakes.Dan AndersonSun, 21 Feb 2010 12:39:51 GMT15901http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/What_I_Learned_This_Week_15923/ If I learn something new every day, then why do I stay so dumb?Dan AndersonSat, 19 Sep 2009 21:00:09 GMT15923http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Hidden_Costs_of_Trading_Equipment_15945/ Figuring out how to make modern farm equipment communicate can add bucks to the final cost of trading.Dan AndersonMon, 04 Aug 2008 09:09:38 GMT15945http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Confession_Time_16020/ ]]>Dan AndersonFri, 26 Dec 2008 20:42:29 GMT16020http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Good_Goop_16098/ Once you understand dielectric compound, it makes good sense.Dan AndersonSun, 23 Aug 2009 12:46:12 GMT16098http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Sprayers_Are_Simply_Complex_16363/The principle of sprayers is simple. Diagnosing problems in sprayers can be complex.Dan AndersonSat, 05 Jun 2010 14:12:00 GMT16363http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Your_new_combine_could_perform_more_poorly_than_your_old_combine_16390/ Things to think about when you trade combines.Dan AndersonFri, 20 Jun 2008 09:48:37 GMT16390http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Im_Wearing_Your_Shoes_This_Week_16627/ It's interesting when a mechanic has to take his personal vehicle to another mechanic for repairs.Dan AndersonMon, 02 Mar 2009 06:47:42 GMT16627http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/48-Row_Planter_The_Daisy-Chain_Effect_16946/ Big equipment often leads to big complications.Dan AndersonTue, 14 Apr 2009 21:53:05 GMT16946http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/What_Would_You_Do_WIthout_16961/ We complain about expensive extra bells and whistles on farm equipment, but would we really want to be without them?Dan AndersonSat, 18 Jul 2009 12:11:42 GMT16961http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Another_Smashed_Fingernail_16978/ It only took me 40 years to get enough courage to try this home remedy.Dan AndersonSun, 15 Nov 2009 21:11:21 GMT16978http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Simple_Tools_Satisfy_17036/Price doesn't always mirror performance when it comes to tools.Dan AndersonSat, 07 Jun 2008 08:52:44 GMT17036http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/How_Long_Should_This_(Console_Auger_Etc)_Last_17049/ It's a roll of the dice when it comes to, "How long till this needs to be replaced?"Dan AndersonTue, 21 Oct 2008 22:35:36 GMT17049http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Fun_With_Hydraulic_Cylinders_17110/ As long as you know your limits, repairing hydraulic cylinders is almost sort of fun.Dan AndersonSun, 30 May 2010 10:27:00 GMT17110http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Talcum_Powder--Your_Diagnostic_Friend_17204/ No fluid leak can escape this diagnostic trick.Dan AndersonSun, 25 Jan 2009 11:57:46 GMT17204http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/The_Temptations_of_a_Tool_Tightwad_17210/ How many times will I fall for cheap, rather than economical, tools?Dan AndersonSun, 11 Jan 2009 12:25:08 GMT17210http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Tools--The_Gifts_That_Keep_On_Giving_17367/ I remember every tool that was given to me as a gift, and I bet you can tooDan AndersonThu, 27 Nov 2008 22:24:44 GMT17367http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/48-Row_Planter_Follow-up_17441/ Have we finally found the limits of big equipment?Dan AndersonSun, 31 May 2009 14:34:40 GMT17441http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/About_duct_tape_baling_wire_and_zip_ties_17481/ Confessions of the desperate things I've done to get a customer running again.Dan AndersonThu, 21 Aug 2008 21:18:51 GMT17481http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Archimedes_Understood_17497/A good pry bar is a thing of beauty.Dan AndersonSun, 21 Sep 2008 19:03:37 GMT17497http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/More_Is_Not_Always_Better_17541/ Why do we always take things to the extreme?Dan AndersonSun, 19 Apr 2009 14:53:53 GMT17541http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/RIP_Stoltzie_17758/ The world lost a great mechanic and I lost a good friend.Dan AndersonFri, 14 May 2010 21:37:10 GMT17758http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Red_Flag_Tools_17763/The existence of some tools hints at repairs gone awry.Dan AndersonSat, 12 Jul 2008 21:43:23 GMT17763http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/First-day-in-the-field_follies_17778/ Some things are easy to predict...and preventDan AndersonSun, 24 Aug 2008 12:02:37 GMT17778http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/More_Giggle_Tools_17881/ More tools you're glad to have.Dan AndersonSat, 05 Jul 2008 08:27:30 GMT17881http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Should_We_Require_Licenses_to_Operate_Farm_Equipment_17923/ People can buy more technology than they can understand.Dan AndersonSat, 04 Oct 2008 20:12:56 GMT17923http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Youre_Over-Tightening_Hydraulic_Fittings_18030/ More is not always better when connecting hydraulic fittings.Dan AndersonSun, 11 Apr 2010 11:25:35 GMT18030http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Temptations_For_The_Toolbox_18044/ It's difficult to anticipate which tools give the best bang for the buck..Dan AndersonSun, 13 Dec 2009 11:18:51 GMT18044http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Do-It-Yourself_Tools_Revisited_18055/ Ingenuity can make creative mechanics extra money.Dan AndersonMon, 13 Jul 2009 12:27:40 GMT18055http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Are_Perfect_Planters_Profitable_18064/ Is there a limit to precision when it comes to planting?Dan AndersonSun, 04 Apr 2010 15:44:58 GMT18064http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/A_First_For_This_Mechanic_18078/ I've seen a lot of customer reactions over the years, but never one quite like this.Dan AndersonThu, 06 Nov 2008 20:56:45 GMT18078http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Smokey_The_Bear_Would_Approve_18153/ Garden sprayers make useful, re-fillable fire...preventersDan AndersonSun, 27 Sep 2009 09:47:41 GMT18153http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/KISS_equipment_for_simple_repairs_18252/ Technology often encourages us to make things more difficult than they need be.Dan AndersonTue, 27 May 2008 20:52:30 GMT18252http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Stop_The_Madness_18320/ I can only take so much before I must speak out in defense of tradition.Dan AndersonWed, 24 Mar 2010 19:51:21 GMT18320http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/The_Goat_or_Hero_Gamble_18602/ Trying to be a nice guy sometimes makes a person the villain.Dan AndersonFri, 23 Apr 2010 22:13:04 GMT18602http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/One-of-a-Kind_Tools_18701/ Not every tool is fancy, chromed or store-bought.Dan AndersonFri, 19 Dec 2008 14:16:34 GMT18701http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Santa_Claus_Shops_Online_For_Tools_18784/ There are many ways to use online tool catalogs in preparation for ChristmasDan AndersonSun, 30 Nov 2008 12:06:58 GMT18784http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Speaking_of_Farm_Fashions_18881/ A follow-up to my tirade about the current state of farm fashions.Dan AndersonSun, 28 Mar 2010 12:49:31 GMT18881http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Most_Frequently_Used_Tool_19184/ Everybody has at least one tool they won't leave home without.Dan AndersonSat, 08 May 2010 21:22:26 GMT19184http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/KISS_small_engine_diagnostics_19386/ Diagnosing small engine problems is easy.Dan AndersonSun, 01 Feb 2009 14:53:55 GMT19386http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/A_Third_Hand_19560/ A few gadgets that can save lots of time and effort.Dan AndersonMon, 25 May 2009 16:42:34 GMT19560http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Another_Thing_I_Never_Thought_Id_See_On_Farm_Equipment_19712/ Rear view video cameras are not only functional on farm equipment--they're economical and darned cool.Dan AndersonThu, 15 Jan 2009 22:12:01 GMT19712http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Harvesting_Trees_With_Combines_19737/ Mechanical engineering is increasingly challenged by genetic engineering.Dan AndersonSun, 14 Feb 2010 11:02:08 GMT19737http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Good_AND_Cheap_19897/ There are times and places when cheap tools are the best tools for the job.Dan AndersonThu, 17 Jun 2010 21:52:31 GMT19897http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Maybe_You_Know_20153/ Are these automotive kits as good as they look?Dan AndersonThu, 08 Jul 2010 22:30:00 GMT20153http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/In_Recognition_of_Missing_Fingers_20271/ We often forget how dangerous our jobs can be.Dan AndersonSun, 20 Jun 2010 22:06:20 GMT20271http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Dont_Do_This_20364/ My list of dumb moves I've made in the shop expands daily.Dan AndersonSun, 04 Jul 2010 12:03:54 GMT20364http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Good_Excuse_To_Buy_An_Air_Hammer_21016/ Even if you only use an air hammer once a year, this is a good reason to buy one.Dan AndersonWed, 30 Jun 2010 22:43:08 GMT21016http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Is_"Neighboring"_A_Lost_Art_21392/ Another unsolicited rural social commentary from the guy in the greasy mechanic's uniform.Dan AndersonSun, 27 Jun 2010 11:38:10 GMT21392http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/I_Shoulda_Replaced_It_21445/A look at the never-ending debate about whether to repair or replace components.Dan AndersonMon, 12 Jul 2010 23:07:11 GMT21445http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Trying_To_Keep_Cool_Literally_21576/ Until air conditioning is in the budget, any breeze is welcome in a shop.Dan AndersonSun, 18 Jul 2010 13:24:15 GMT21576http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/"Non-Serviceable_Component"_21613/ Get used to the term "Non-Serviceable Component". It means, "You can't take this apart to fix it."Dan AndersonThu, 22 Jul 2010 22:46:20 GMT21613http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/Dirty_nasty_secrets_21659/ The ticklish issue of disposing of environmentally unfriendly wastes.Dan AndersonSun, 01 Aug 2010 11:50:01 GMT21659http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/you_probably_already_know/Stuff you probably already know, but that are handy if you don't.Dan AndersonWed, 04 Aug 2010 21:42:00 GMT21666http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/it_happens_every_summer/Take time when removing combines from storage to avoid nasty clean-ups.Dan AndersonSun, 08 Aug 2010 12:09:00 GMT21682http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/special_tools_for_special_jobs/Special tools cost more but save money.Dan AndersonMon, 16 Aug 2010 20:46:00 GMT21728http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_piercing_problems/You're not supposed to pierce electrical wires when testing circuits, but sometimes you have to. Dan AndersonSun, 22 Aug 2010 10:06:00 GMT21777http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_get_ready_for_a_tough_harvest/Modern crops are a challenge even for the latest combines.Dan AndersonWed, 25 Aug 2010 18:54:00 GMT21800http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_prep_fuel_systems_for_harvest/Spend time with fuel filters in the farm yard to prevent diesel fuel baths in the field.Dan AndersonSun, 29 Aug 2010 11:38:00 GMT21826http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_reprising_praise_for_farmers/I've said it before, and I'm saying it again: Never underestimate as a farmer the incalculable skills you have as a farmer.Dan AndersonWed, 01 Sep 2010 18:16:00 GMT21859http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_bearing_busting/Ways to remove bearings. Some fast, some slow, some crude, some elegant.Dan AndersonMon, 06 Sep 2010 09:42:00 GMT21883http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_the_difference_between_a_good_press_and_a_bad_press/There difference between a good hydraulic press and a "bad" hydraulic press often isn't hydraulic or sheer press capacity.Dan AndersonThu, 09 Sep 2010 21:29:00 GMT21907http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_it_worked_for_me/Adding a chain to a combine helped keep its window cleaner.Dan AndersonSun, 12 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT21917http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_easy_does_it_on_u-joints/More is not better when tightening u-joint clamp bolts.Dan AndersonSat, 18 Sep 2010 18:54:00 GMT21966http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_simple_terms--potentiometers/A quick, simple explanation about the potentiometers found frequently on modern farm equipment.Dan AndersonMon, 27 Sep 2010 08:16:00 GMT22022http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_avoiding_disappointment/Nothing is more disappointing than grabbing a fire extinguisher to put out a fire and discovering it's empty.Dan AndersonSun, 03 Oct 2010 09:55:00 GMT22081http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_flammable_raccoon_dung/One more thing to worry about while combining.Dan AndersonFri, 08 Oct 2010 19:33:00 GMT22141http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_score_another_victory_for_an_air_hammer/Another example of the right tool saving a lot of time.Dan AndersonSun, 17 Oct 2010 10:00:00 GMT22195http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_nag,_nag,_nag/I've posted it before, but some of you aren't listening.Dan AndersonSun, 24 Oct 2010 09:08:00 GMT22243http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_sometimes_i_get_too_fancy/Sometimes simple tools are as good as fancy tools.Dan AndersonWed, 27 Oct 2010 20:20:00 GMT22275http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_ear_protection_optional,_but_recommended/Getting disk gang bolts tight is a noisy, two-man job.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Nov 2010 09:22:00 GMT22346http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_soap_or_grease/If you're lubing seals or o-rings, think twice before you use grease.Dan AndersonWed, 10 Nov 2010 20:51:00 GMT22374http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_most_expensive_gotta-have_tool/Some tools are outrageously expensive, but when you need them...Dan AndersonSun, 14 Nov 2010 11:26:00 GMT22392http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_a_rural_business_opportunity/This one isn't about shop tools or techniques, it's about the sort of shop talk that makes life interesting.Dan AndersonWed, 17 Nov 2010 18:45:00 GMT22429http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_reading_customers_minds/"What would you do if it was YOUR machine...?"Dan AndersonTue, 23 Nov 2010 20:05:00 GMT22473http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_why_you_wear_what_you_wear/Function is fashion for farmers.Dan AndersonSun, 28 Nov 2010 08:36:00 GMT22489http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/In_The_Shop_184/in_the_shop_the_christmas_tool_lottery/Will the gifts you share "hit the jackpot"?Dan AndersonWed, 01 Dec 2010 21:02:00 GMT22512http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_tough_lesson_learned/A neighbor taught many of us a strong lesson 30 years ago.Dan AndersonSun, 12 Dec 2010 14:33:00 GMT22584http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_not_the_way_i_want_to_be_remembered/It's good to help other people, but...Dan AndersonMon, 13 Dec 2010 21:09:00 GMT22596http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_a_tough_way_to_be_remembered/I'd rather not be remembered for the way I died.Dan AndersonSat, 18 Dec 2010 11:01:00 GMT22632http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_if_i_could_talk_to_engineers/Engineers are apparently 98 percent geniuses and 2 per cent idiots.Dan AndersonSun, 30 Jan 2011 08:58:00 GMT22959http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_toasty_tools_and_warm_toes/A look a heating options for farm shops.Dan AndersonWed, 02 Feb 2011 08:14:00 GMT22980http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_best_welder_for_you/The best welder for your situation may not be the welder you want.Dan AndersonSun, 06 Feb 2011 08:45:00 GMT23008http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_skinny_on_installing_bearings/"Official" guidelines for installing and maintaining bearings.Dan AndersonTue, 08 Feb 2011 19:43:00 GMT23030http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop/Driveshaft and PTO stuff you may, or may not, knowDan AndersonSat, 12 Feb 2011 14:09:00 GMT23074http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_7-pin_problems/If you have problems getting electrical power to a planter, seeder or other towed implement, the first suspect should be the tractor's 7-pin connector.​Dan AndersonThu, 17 Feb 2011 21:31:00 GMT23116http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_i_dont_get_nascar/I love racing, but I just don't understand the attraction of NASCAR.Dan AndersonSun, 20 Feb 2011 09:09:00 GMT23134http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_another_duh_moment/This week I realized that jumper cables may be obsolete.Dan AndersonSun, 27 Feb 2011 14:36:00 GMT23191http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_is_tmi_a_bad_thing/I used to think the more information I could give a customer, the better. More and more, I'm wondering if I'm guilty of foisting Too Much Information (TMI) on customers.Dan AndersonTue, 01 Mar 2011 19:26:00 GMT23208http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_fear_factor/Experience makes a better mechanic, but experience also makes a more timid mechanic.Dan AndersonSun, 06 Mar 2011 09:09:00 GMT23235http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_shyster_sauce/Am I overly suspicious of "quick fix" products?Dan AndersonWed, 09 Mar 2011 18:38:00 GMT23259http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_lock_it_down/A few factoids about ensuring nuts and bolt stay in place.Dan AndersonSun, 13 Mar 2011 15:04:00 GMT23284http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/machines_that_never_break_down/Yes, it is possible to design/build farm equipment that reduces breakdowns to a rare occurence. How much are you willing to pay for that privelege?Dan AndersonWed, 16 Mar 2011 21:06:00 GMT23317http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_gps_the_cure_for_spring_fever/Playing with GPS systems now is a good way to ensure they work when you hit the field later this spring.Dan AndersonSun, 20 Mar 2011 09:47:00 GMT23334http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_absolutely_no_breakdowns/There are ways to absolutely minimize breakdowns---if you're willing to pay the price.Dan AndersonWed, 23 Mar 2011 21:30:00 GMT23369http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_so_thats_whats_clogging_the_drains/It's surprising, what you can learn when you read between the lines of advertisements.Dan AndersonSun, 27 Mar 2011 20:29:00 GMT23388http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_battery_testers_that_test_you/Buying new gadgets either keeps a person young, or makes us age faster.Dan AndersonWed, 30 Mar 2011 18:55:00 GMT23409http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_planter_emergency_kits/The stuff of quick fixes for plantersDan AndersonSun, 03 Apr 2011 14:09:00 GMT23426http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_misc_planter_tips/A few simple tips, ideas or suggstions as you prep your planter for battle.Dan AndersonWed, 06 Apr 2011 21:40:00 GMT23451http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_when_colors_dont_match/Connecting Brand X equipment to a Brand Y tractor creates challenges.Dan AndersonSun, 10 Apr 2011 08:48:00 GMT23469http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_making_the_electrical_connection/Connectors between tractors and implements are often the source of problems.Dan AndersonWed, 13 Apr 2011 07:37:00 GMT23489http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_hi-tech_rock_locator/The longer I think, the more uses I come up with for hand-held GPS devices.Dan AndersonSun, 17 Apr 2011 08:58:00 GMT23515http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_sensor-tivity_training/Sensors and switches on modern planters can be easy fixes or major headaches.Dan AndersonThu, 21 Apr 2011 19:03:00 GMT23546http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_seed_tube_sensor_sensitivity/Different people view seed tube sensors in different ways.Dan AndersonSun, 24 Apr 2011 08:49:00 GMT23552http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_heat_defeats_thread-locking_compound/A little time with a torch will ease removal of bolts cemented with thread-locking compoundDan AndersonWed, 27 Apr 2011 07:41:00 GMT23602http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_lose_that_test_light/It's time to upgrade to a multi-meter.Dan AndersonSun, 01 May 2011 08:52:00 GMT23621http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_electronic_grapevine_is_amazing/Teenage girls have serious competition from farmers when it comes to communicating electronically.Dan AndersonThu, 05 May 2011 21:19:00 GMT23653http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_ban_finger_twisting/Could we please ban, prohibit, and make obsolete the practice of twisting electrical wires together with our fingers?Dan AndersonSun, 08 May 2011 09:24:00 GMT23670http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_planter_school_is_now_in_session/Now is the time to learn how well your planter worked, and what you need to change to improve planter performance.Dan AndersonThu, 12 May 2011 21:07:00 GMT23707http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_vinegar_smell_means_caution_when_working_on_electronics/Use caution when using RTV silicone sealants around electronic circuitry.Dan AndersonSun, 15 May 2011 11:31:00 GMT23720http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_expense_of_critters_and_sunshine/Damage to machinery wiring by animals and exposure to weather can lead to expensive repairs.Dan AndersonSat, 21 May 2011 11:09:00 GMT23769http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_old_school_radios_vs_new_school_gps_systems/Electrical interference from FM radios can cause goofy malfunctions in GPS guidance systems.Dan AndersonWed, 25 May 2011 19:19:00 GMT23813http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_farmer_personalities/You can't change the way you feel, but you can change the way you act.Dan AndersonSun, 29 May 2011 09:21:00 GMT23840http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_maintainance_now_or_maintenance_later/There are advantages to prepping machines for use before storage, and there are advantages to waiting to prep until just before you go to the field.Dan AndersonTue, 07 Jun 2011 20:48:00 GMT23907http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_patience_is_the_expensive_part_of_repairs/Shortcuts during repairs are okay as long as they don't compromise quality.Dan AndersonSun, 12 Jun 2011 11:17:00 GMT23925http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_a_better_way_to_splice_wires/A follow-up to an earlier blog about splicing electrical wires on farm equipment.Dan AndersonWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMT23956http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_what_farmers_say/It's interesting to hear the opinions, experiences and ideas of farmers. And entertaining.Dan AndersonSat, 25 Jun 2011 19:48:00 GMT24029http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_simple_special_tools/Useful tools need not be expensive tools.Dan AndersonSun, 03 Jul 2011 10:11:00 GMT24083http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_random_mid-summer_mechanical_considerations/Some things to consider related to sprayers, planters and combines.Dan AndersonSun, 10 Jul 2011 09:34:00 GMT24133http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_why_you_need_a_die_grinder/Even if you have only a rudimentary shop, a die grinder should be on your tool list.Dan AndersonThu, 14 Jul 2011 14:02:00 GMT24168http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_things_not_to_do_in_the_shop/I continue to expand my list of dumb things I shouldn't have done while working on machinery.Dan AndersonSun, 17 Jul 2011 12:57:00 GMT24187http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_an_ode_to_pry_bars/A simple tool with complex functions.Dan AndersonFri, 22 Jul 2011 19:48:00 GMT24231http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_tiny_tools/Sometimes smaller is better.Dan AndersonThu, 28 Jul 2011 09:02:00 GMT24263http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_most_important_tool/All the tools in Snap-on's catalog are useless if you aren't confident you can make a repair.Dan AndersonSun, 07 Aug 2011 09:52:00 GMT24324http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_related_to_wrench_design/Every bump, hump and bend in a wrench is there for a purpose.Dan AndersonSat, 13 Aug 2011 08:49:00 GMT24390http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_tool_design_considerations/More things to think about when buying or replacing tools.Dan AndersonThu, 18 Aug 2011 18:39:00 GMT24431http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/you_might_be_a_shop_rat_if/With respect to Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck..." routine, here's how to tell if you are spending too much time in the shop.Dan AndersonSat, 27 Aug 2011 08:56:00 GMT24484http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_pros_and_cons_of_impulsively_buying_tools/Sometimes you get more than you pay for, and sometimes you get less.Dan AndersonWed, 31 Aug 2011 21:35:00 GMT24508http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_prepping_your_head_for_harvest/Mental preparation for harvest is nearly as important as mechanical preparations.Dan AndersonSun, 04 Sep 2011 15:23:00 GMT24530http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_things_to_check_on_combines/Don't overlook "peripheral" components when prepping combines for harvest.Dan AndersonSun, 11 Sep 2011 21:53:00 GMT24568http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_tools_you_should_have/If I was to start farming, what tools would I bring from my mechanic's toolbox?Dan AndersonSun, 18 Sep 2011 10:19:00 GMT24605http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_fixing_things_that_arent_broke/Tips, suggestions and comments related to intermittent or "non-fatal" machinery problems.Dan AndersonSun, 25 Sep 2011 09:46:00 GMT24675http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/an_ugly_secret_revealed/Mechanics are human, too.Dan AndersonWed, 28 Sep 2011 07:58:00 GMT24693http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/things_i_wont_blog_about/I have ethics, I have standards, I have guidelines. These are the things I won't write about in my blog.Dan AndersonMon, 03 Oct 2011 20:00:00 GMT24737http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_read_what_margy_fischer_wrote/Machinery Editor Margy Fischer's suggestions on preventing combine/field fires are must-see reading during this year's windy harvest season.Dan AndersonSat, 08 Oct 2011 11:20:00 GMT24803http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_defeating_rusty_nuts_and_bolts/Alternatives for when rusty nuts and bolts absolutely, positively have to come apart.Dan AndersonThu, 13 Oct 2011 08:11:00 GMT24848http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_puzzle_of_well-used_machinery/Does machinery have to be in good-as-new condition, or is "junk" equipment a viable option for a modern farmer?Dan AndersonSun, 16 Oct 2011 19:46:00 GMT24873http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_fire_is_my_friend/Sometimes you just have to smile when something works like it's supposed to.Dan AndersonFri, 21 Oct 2011 19:45:00 GMT24930http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_welding_shop/Tribute to the guys who could fix anything.Dan AndersonThu, 27 Oct 2011 07:47:00 GMT24968http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_most_important_welding_tips/Patience and preparation are the keys to strong welds.Dan AndersonSun, 30 Oct 2011 09:55:00 GMT24987http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_way_we_talk/About transmission spleens, canister wheels and other things we hear about at dealerships.Dan AndersonFri, 04 Nov 2011 19:37:00 GMT25067http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_welding_stuff/Confessions from an "average" welder.Dan AndersonWed, 09 Nov 2011 19:54:00 GMT25114http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_finicky_fuel_filters/Modern diesel fuel filters can try a man's patience.Dan AndersonSun, 13 Nov 2011 09:32:00 GMT25146http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_machismo_or_lack_of_patience/Why do we do things when working on equipment that we know can cause us injuries?Dan AndersonThu, 17 Nov 2011 21:08:00 GMT25186http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_machinery_thats_worth_the_price/A mechanical cost comparison between the good ol' days and now.Dan AndersonSun, 20 Nov 2011 08:46:00 GMT25203http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shopstill_learning_to_talk/SorryifItalktoofast.Dan AndersonThu, 24 Nov 2011 08:17:00 GMT25241http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/good_christmas_gifts/Sometimes gifts don't have to be expensive or fancy to be useful and appreciated.Dan AndersonSun, 27 Nov 2011 14:26:00 GMT25251http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/fixes_for_frigid_fuel/If you're anywhere temperatures may fall below 30 degrees F, diesel fuel can gell. Here are ideas to prevent it from happening, and fix it if it does, ​Dan AndersonThu, 01 Dec 2011 19:00:00 GMT25300http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_challenge_of_hydraulic_cylinders/Repairing hydraulic cylinders can be easy or nearly impossible.Dan AndersonMon, 05 Dec 2011 20:30:00 GMT25331http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/ambushed_by_the_shop_radioagain/It happens every year at Christmas and Mother's Day.Dan AndersonWed, 07 Dec 2011 19:40:00 GMT25369http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/hand_winch_to_the_rescue/I love it when a plan comes together...Dan AndersonSun, 11 Dec 2011 11:48:00 GMT25394http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_forbidden_topics_for_mechanics/Bravely broaching topics that mechanics aren't supposed to talk about.Dan AndersonSun, 18 Dec 2011 11:17:00 GMT25462http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/to_be_warm,_or_not_to_be_warm/Personal biases and opinions on various kinds of shop heaters.Dan AndersonWed, 21 Dec 2011 19:34:00 GMT25500http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_your_momma_was_right--dont_put_that_in_your_mouth/A partial list of things you shouldn't put in your mouth while making repairs, and the reasons why.Dan AndersonWed, 04 Jan 2012 19:59:00 GMT25597http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_expenses_related_to_gps_systems/A change is coming to "support" for GPS-based technologies in farm equipment.Dan AndersonSun, 08 Jan 2012 15:06:00 GMT25642http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_to_engrave,_or_not_to_engrave/Some folks mark every tool they own, others don't. Dan AndersonWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:51:00 GMT25688http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_aftermarket_add-ons_and_accessories/Sometimes add-ons make farm equipment better. Sometimes they don't.Dan AndersonSat, 14 Jan 2012 09:42:00 GMT25736http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_about_aftermarket_accessories/Let's hear a cheer for the "little guys!"Dan AndersonWed, 18 Jan 2012 20:54:00 GMT25773http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_grease_gun_guidelines/Grease is usually good for machinery, unless...Dan AndersonSun, 22 Jan 2012 09:23:00 GMT25807http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/more_greasy_guidelines/Info about greases that may change the way you lube your equipment.Dan AndersonWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:06:00 GMT25843http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_check_your_batteries/Modern farm equipment is hard on batteries during storage.Dan AndersonFri, 27 Jan 2012 19:42:00 GMT25870http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/how_to_wreck_your_batteries/Several tricks guaranteed to send you to town for new batteries for your machine.Dan AndersonWed, 01 Feb 2012 19:13:00 GMT25906http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/conceding_defeat_to_planter_gauge_wheel_tires/Maybe there's an easy way to replace planter gauge wheel tires, but I haven't found it...yet.Dan AndersonMon, 06 Feb 2012 19:45:00 GMT25967http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_more_battles_with_planter_tires/Score a victory for the old, bald guy in the ongoing battle with replacing various tires on planters. Dan AndersonWed, 08 Feb 2012 19:53:00 GMT25997http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_fixin_frozen_touch-screen_displays/A neat trick that often cures slow or frozen touch-screen displays in farm equipment.Dan AndersonWed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT26066http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_why_repair_bills_may_vary/Reasons repair bills vary from shop to shop, and even within shops.Dan AndersonSun, 19 Feb 2012 15:04:00 GMT26096http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_another_use_for_vise-grips/A clever way to use Vise-Grips to remove seals.Dan AndersonFri, 24 Feb 2012 18:24:00 GMT26162http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_cost_of_being_cheap/Saving a penny when maintaining planters can cost you a dollar.Dan AndersonSat, 03 Mar 2012 13:28:00 GMT26244http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/fantasy_revenge_of_the_combine_nerd/Someday I'm going to get lucky and a computer-help-center geek is going to ask me to work on his combine.Dan AndersonWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:42:00 GMT26276http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/someday_im_gonna/If I'd just take time to do some small things, my tools would be more organized.Dan AndersonSat, 10 Mar 2012 14:28:00 GMT26310http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_the_worst_planter_repair/My vote for the most challenging, unpleasant repair job on a planter is to fix a leaky hydraulic hose that runs through the frame of the planter.Dan AndersonSun, 18 Mar 2012 20:25:00 GMT26374http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_remember_the_planter_parts_you_forgot_last_year/Be sure to take spare shear bolts, shear pins, chain links and other parts to the field when you start planting.Dan AndersonWed, 21 Mar 2012 19:09:00 GMT26426http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_in_search_of_clean_seed_tubes/There HAS to be some way or some thing that will clean seed tubes.Dan AndersonSat, 24 Mar 2012 09:22:00 GMT26449http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_diagnosing_complicated_stuff/Things aren't usually as complicated as they first appear.Dan AndersonSat, 07 Apr 2012 10:02:00 GMT26574http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/testing_seed_tube_sensors/A few tips and tricks to help you decide if you can trust your seed monitor.Dan AndersonSun, 15 Apr 2012 08:58:00 GMT26645http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_next_step_in_planting_perfection/Though we continue to fine-tune planters, the next big advance in planting perfection may come from seedbed preparation.Dan AndersonThu, 19 Apr 2012 19:09:00 GMT26699http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_it_belonged_to_one_of_our_mechanics/Is that a ringing recommendation or a warning of "buyer beware"?Dan AndersonSun, 22 Apr 2012 14:30:00 GMT26721http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/when_it_takes_more_than_one_try_to_fix_it/Options for when machinery refuses to stay repaired.Dan AndersonThu, 26 Apr 2012 07:48:00 GMT26761http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/youre_never_done_paying_for_technology/Technology, by nature, is a money sponge.Dan AndersonTue, 01 May 2012 20:34:00 GMT26823http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_most_important_tool_for_field_repairs/The machine operator has more to do with an efficient field repair than most of the tools in my service truck.Dan AndersonSun, 06 May 2012 11:58:00 GMT26873http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/prepping_planters_for_storage/Spend time now to save time and money next spring.Dan AndersonMon, 14 May 2012 16:16:00 GMT26970http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/simple_solutions_to_sprayer_problems/Tow-behind and self-propelled sprayers look complicated because of all their hoses and wires, but diagnostics aren't hard if you understand how they work.​Dan AndersonSun, 20 May 2012 08:52:00 GMT27023http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_best_quotes_from_spring_planting/Sometimes people try to be funny. Sometimes people are funny by accident.Dan AndersonWed, 23 May 2012 19:42:00 GMT27077http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_cutting_edge_tactics/There are many ways to cut metal in a farm shop. Some are more elegant than others.Dan AndersonMon, 28 May 2012 15:44:00 GMT27099http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_the_shop_super-special_tools/It's worth it to beg, borrow or buy special tools when making repairs.Dan AndersonSat, 02 Jun 2012 12:59:00 GMT27154http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_name_game/Where else but at a farm equipment dealership would I get to deal with people named Grubbie, Big Al or Mouse?Dan AndersonThu, 07 Jun 2012 20:32:00 GMT27199http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/trophy_tools/Sometimes, tools deserve to be "retired."Dan AndersonSun, 10 Jun 2012 09:26:00 GMT27212http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/one-of-a-kind_tool/If there's not a home-made tool in your toolbox...shame on you.Dan AndersonThu, 14 Jun 2012 20:36:00 GMT27253http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/why_i_rarely_rebuild_/I'm not lazy. I'm not trying to oversell. I'm trying to save customers money.Dan AndersonWed, 20 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT27298http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/when_too_much_lubrication_is_not_good/Another example that more is not necessarily better when it comes to lubrication.Dan AndersonSat, 23 Jun 2012 19:23:00 GMT27326http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/random_thoughts_from_a_vacationing_mind/Thoughts and questions that arise after 10 hours on the road.Dan AndersonTue, 03 Jul 2012 10:33:00 GMT27410http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/your_parts_person_will_love_you/Knowing what exactly what part you need when you walk in the door of your dealership has many benefits.Dan AndersonSun, 08 Jul 2012 11:34:00 GMT27441http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/an_impulse_buy_pays_off/I love it when a cheap tool saves the day or makes the day easier.Dan AndersonSat, 14 Jul 2012 08:09:00 GMT27495http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/annual_critter-in-the-combine_alert/It WILL happen to dozens of farmers across the country. The question is whether you will be one of the "lucky" ones.Dan AndersonWed, 18 Jul 2012 20:20:00 GMT27519http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/make_your_soybean_platform_smile/A flex-type soybean platform should "smile" when it's ready to go to the field.Dan AndersonSun, 22 Jul 2012 09:12:00 GMT27535http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/more_on_soybean_platform_maintenance/More ways to optimize the performance of your soybean harvesting platform.Dan AndersonSun, 29 Jul 2012 16:12:00 GMT27586http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/gonna_be_a_tough_harvest_for_combines/It's going to take patience and a lot of adjusting to optimize combine performance this harvest.Dan AndersonSun, 05 Aug 2012 08:38:00 GMT27629http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/whats_that_smell/Tips to rid combine cabs and other equipment cabs of unpleasant odors.Dan AndersonWed, 08 Aug 2012 08:17:00 GMT27651http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_praise_of_minimalist_shops/"Dream shops" are great, but some of the best mechanics work in shops with dirt floors.Dan AndersonMon, 13 Aug 2012 21:02:00 GMT27691http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/header_height_sensor_diagnostics_--_enter_at_your_own_risk/If you're mechanically inclined, fearless, and/or desperate, here are a few suggestions that might help diagnose faulty height sensors on combine headers.​Dan AndersonSat, 18 Aug 2012 17:49:00 GMT27742http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/matchbook_covers_dont_work_on_modern_machinery/Be sure you know what you're doing before you do it.Dan AndersonThu, 23 Aug 2012 19:30:00 GMT27795http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/more_fetish_tools/A mechanic's affection for some tools is sometimes unexplainable. But I'll try.Dan AndersonSun, 26 Aug 2012 08:14:00 GMT27807http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_next_time_i_buy_that_tool/...I'll know enough to do things differently.Dan AndersonWed, 29 Aug 2012 21:54:00 GMT27841http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/chicken_little_warning_on_black_dust_when_harvesting/It may be a false alarm, but it may be worth the effort to be cautious during harvest.Dan AndersonSun, 02 Sep 2012 11:55:00 GMT27867http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/kind_words_for_engineers/For once I have good things to say about the way engineers design farm equipment.Dan AndersonThu, 06 Sep 2012 20:09:00 GMT27924http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/still_time_to_learn_how_to_adjust_combines/The early harvest has provided graphic lessons in whether or not combines are set for optimum threshing and separation.Dan AndersonSun, 09 Sep 2012 20:24:00 GMT27940http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/update_from_the_front_lines_of_harvest/Flexibility and patience seem to be the keywords for optimum combine performance this harvest.Dan AndersonSun, 16 Sep 2012 10:18:00 GMT27997http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/fix_equipment_over_the_phone/A few tips to help make cell phone calls productive.Dan AndersonSat, 22 Sep 2012 15:10:00 GMT28056http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_mechanical_future_of_small_farms/In the next decade, "small" farmers are going to get caught in a bind as equipment only grows larger.Dan AndersonSat, 06 Oct 2012 10:12:00 GMT28196http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/confessions_of_a_tool_abuser/Do as I say, not as I do, when it comes to tools.Dan AndersonThu, 11 Oct 2012 08:04:00 GMT28235http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/another_trip_into_the_scrap_iron_pile/Metal pipe should never be called "scrap iron."Dan AndersonSun, 14 Oct 2012 08:43:00 GMT28259http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/more_ways_to_mess_up_a_gps_guidance_signal/The more electronic devices we take to the field, the more ways there are to interfere and disrupt GPS guidance signals.Dan AndersonFri, 19 Oct 2012 18:32:00 GMT28310http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/a_melancholy_mechanical_moment/Remembering the labors of those who went before us.Dan AndersonWed, 24 Oct 2012 19:53:00 GMT28346http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/harvest,_2012_tools_im_glad_i_bought/Not every tool purchase is worth the money. These were.Dan AndersonSun, 28 Oct 2012 14:58:00 GMT28375http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/help_for_the_dead_battery_blues/An alternative to dragging power cords or jumper cables around the farm to jump start dead batteries.Dan AndersonThu, 01 Nov 2012 18:34:00 GMT28423http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/when_in_doubt,_act_like_you_know_what_youre_doing/Sometimes the secret to fixing machinery is to fake it.Dan AndersonWed, 07 Nov 2012 20:39:00 GMT28491http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/storing_hydraulic_cylinders_outside/If you can't retract hydraulic cylinders during outside storage, protect them to avoid damage.Dan AndersonThu, 15 Nov 2012 19:41:00 GMT28596http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/before_you_park_it_for_the_year/A few spots to check before you park machinery for the winter.Dan AndersonMon, 19 Nov 2012 19:18:00 GMT28630http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/a_tip_when_repairing_u-joints/It takes a different approach to repair non-greasable universal joints than when repairing greasable u-joints.Dan AndersonTue, 27 Nov 2012 20:30:00 GMT28698http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/rebuilding_bridges/It only takes one mistake to mess up year's of good will.Dan AndersonSat, 01 Dec 2012 09:14:00 GMT28736http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/dancing_at_dealerships/An affectionate overview of unspoken conversations at farm equipment dealerships.Dan AndersonThu, 06 Dec 2012 19:40:00 GMT28786http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/resist_hoardinghoard_everything/Suggestions on what junk to throw away and what treasures to keep.Dan AndersonSun, 09 Dec 2012 19:49:00 GMT28802http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/computers_can_be_such_a_drag--on_farm_equipment/The more electronic components you have in your tractor or combine, the more reason you have to disconnect the batteries during storage.Dan AndersonWed, 12 Dec 2012 18:18:00 GMT28844http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_mysteries_of_chain-link_connectors/The answer is out there, but I haven't found it yet.Dan AndersonSun, 16 Dec 2012 09:02:00 GMT28877http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/three_tools_you_should_consider_carrying/Three small tools worth keeping within easy reach.Dan AndersonTue, 25 Dec 2012 09:18:00 GMT28943http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/in_anticipation_of_planter_maintenance/It's a long time till planting, but some of you are already tinkering with planter maintenance, so here's a maintenance tip related to "trash whippers."​Dan AndersonSun, 30 Dec 2012 10:28:00 GMT28976http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/words_ill_probably_regret_equipment_cant_get_much_larger/This post will probably come back to haunt me in a few years, and if so, I'll grin and admit I was wrong. I've had lots of practice admitting my errors. But as of January 2013--it's difficult to imagine the engineering it will take to make planters, sprayers and combine headers much larger than they [...]Dan AndersonFri, 04 Jan 2013 18:37:00 GMT29023http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/tough_tools_to_buy/It's hard to write the check to buy these tools, but someday you'll be glad you did.Dan AndersonWed, 09 Jan 2013 20:08:00 GMT29061http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/hanging_electrical_harnesses/A small consideration when prepping equipment for spring work.Dan AndersonSun, 13 Jan 2013 10:01:00 GMT29092http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/midwinter_tool_maintenancereplacement/It's time to either repair or retire and replace tools damaged or destroyed during last year's machinery wars.Dan AndersonMon, 21 Jan 2013 21:12:00 GMT29167http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/whats_your_specialty/Everybody has a talent for something. Sometimes the trick is discovering it.Dan AndersonSat, 26 Jan 2013 08:42:00 GMT29217http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/personalities_are_tools/In many cases, our personalities are tools that help determine our roles in life.Dan AndersonWed, 30 Jan 2013 19:56:00 GMT29248http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/spend_money_and_save_your_back/Bigger agricultural tires and rims make safety while changing tires/rims a significant concern.Dan AndersonSun, 03 Feb 2013 11:16:00 GMT29272http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/overlooked_planter_maintenance/Some areas that get overlooked when doing annual planter maintenance.Dan AndersonThu, 07 Feb 2013 19:27:00 GMT29326http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/if_you_traded_planters/It takes more than dropping a hitch pin into a drawbar to connect modern planters to modern tractors.Dan AndersonWed, 13 Feb 2013 18:22:00 GMT29383http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/not_an_ad_for_a_cool_shop_tool/One gadget-guy to another, here's a cool tool I ran across.Dan AndersonMon, 18 Feb 2013 20:16:00 GMT29412http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/one_more_thing_not_to_drop_your_cell_phone_into/How many ways are there to "kill" a cell phone?Dan AndersonTue, 26 Feb 2013 21:08:00 GMT29493http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/wasting_good_seed/The best planter in the world can't produce a good final stand if it's planting into junk.Dan AndersonMon, 04 Mar 2013 19:10:00 GMT29542http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/hot_rod_planter_units/How close to perfect should a planter unit be?Dan AndersonSat, 09 Mar 2013 08:19:00 GMT29597http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/last_years_drought_could_affect_your_planter_this_spring/Things to think about as planting season approaches.Dan AndersonWed, 13 Mar 2013 19:45:00 GMT29626http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/truck_axle_seals_made_easier/A few tools to make removal of truck axle seals easier. But not necessarily easy.Dan AndersonSun, 17 Mar 2013 09:21:00 GMT29648http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/more_planter_tips/Extra things to keep in mind when prepping for planting.Dan AndersonSat, 30 Mar 2013 21:24:00 GMT29786http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/the_price_of_planter_perfection/How perfect to you want to plant? How much do you want to pay?Dan AndersonSun, 07 Apr 2013 11:07:00 GMT29854http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/no_quick_fixes_for_ac_problems/A quick fix could be the expensive fix or a leaky air conditioning system.Dan AndersonThu, 11 Apr 2013 17:47:00 GMT29899http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/my_magic_box_of_tricks/Frustration sometimes leads to innovation.Dan AndersonSun, 14 Apr 2013 08:19:00 GMT29908http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/first_day_of_planting_landmines/First days in the field rarely go smoothly.Dan AndersonSun, 21 Apr 2013 08:40:00 GMT29975http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/why_i_always_read_the_obituaries/I've learned it's part of my job to stay abreast of what's going on in our local rural community.Dan AndersonSun, 28 Apr 2013 10:12:00 GMT30025http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/a_mechanics_commencement_comments/Words, not necessarily of wisdom, for graduates.Dan AndersonWed, 01 May 2013 18:42:00 GMT30052http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/cell_phones,_mis-used/Time to refine a suggestion I made in a blog.Dan AndersonThu, 09 May 2013 08:16:00 GMT30117http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/parts_info_in_the_palm_of_your_hands/Some of you can use a smart phone app to access detailed parts information. Some of you can't.Dan AndersonSun, 12 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT30141http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/blog/in_the_shop/blind_planters/If your planter no longer has 20.20 vision, here's a way to diagnose the problem.Dan AndersonSun, 19 May 2013 08:13:00 GMT30205