Brianator's "Mud Duck"- Tractor Recovery Rig/Mudder

Not really but thanks for asking! It's gotten a little bit of use this past summer and just last weekend I've moved it out from the tractor shed and up to the workshed so it's ready for winter, I love how it never struggles to fire up after sitting for a couple of months that engine is definitely healthy!

I'd still like to build a tow yolk for the rear (have most of what I need) and have been thinking that linear actuators instead of turnbuckles for the plow tilt would be pretty slick! I'm going to try and paint the body panels and rear wheels over the winter by taking them into work one at a time to work on them, I think it'll look great dressed in black and gold!

Brianator wrote:

 I think it'll look great dressed in black and gold!

@Rustbucket Garage looks like @Brianator is going to grant your wish!  HAHAHA

Perhaps I was the one who planted that seed way back when I posted a teaser shot of the front wheel(s) donning black and gold.... mwuhahaaa

MightyRaze wrote:

@Rustbucket Garage looks like @Brianator is going to grant your wish!  HAHAHA

I’m never living that down, am I?

Brianator wrote:

Not really but thanks for asking! It's gotten a little bit of use this past summer and just last weekend I've moved it out from the tractor shed and up to the workshed so it's ready for winter, I love how it never struggles to fire up after sitting for a couple of months that engine is definitely healthy!

I'd still like to build a tow yolk for the rear (have most of what I need) and have been thinking that linear actuators instead of turnbuckles for the plow tilt would be pretty slick! I'm going to try and paint the body panels and rear wheels over the winter by taking them into work one at a time to work on them, I think it'll look great dressed in black and gold!

Awesome! She’s going to look mint!

Glad to hear she’s treating you well!

I look forward to the day I can say the same to you! I miss seeing White Lighting, she's a beauty, and a beast! (of a tractor) Lol.

I promise I ain’t forgotten her, I’m in college now (do not recommend, BTW) so time has been scarce.

This isn't as much up an update as it is me sharing an expensive lesson learned... earlier this year I forgot to turn off the main power which in turned drained the battery after a few weeks and I just couldn't get it to bounce back. Because of the specific battery I choose (small in size, high cranking amps, non-spillable AGM) it cost me a couple hundred to replace so that's a mistake I'm not likely to repeat any time soon! Lol. I painted the battery hold down bar while it was out as well.

Brianator wrote:

This isn't as much up an update as it is me sharing an expensive lesson learned... earlier this year I forgot to turn off the main power which in turned drained the battery after a few weeks and I just couldn't get it to bounce back. Because of the specific battery I choose (small in size, high cranking amps, non-spillable AGM) it cost me a couple hundred to replace so that's a mistake I'm not likely to repeat any time soon! Lol. I painted the battery hold down bar while it was out as well.

Not fun, did the battery not have any kind of warranty?

The warranty was run out plus it was my own fault anyhow. Accidental discharge is something not covered under warranty unless it's a deep cycle battery, something I learned in my days slinging auto parts.

I’ve fried batteries before too, don’t beat yourself up over it! I found that you can get some pretty compact lithium phosphate batteries with a lot of amps for less than I’d expect. I’m getting one of these for WL.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B091P9QXX7/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_7?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1