If you're like most members on TractorByNet, then you probably enjoy doing repairs and modifications to your tractor. Like member 4shorts, for example, who does incredible fabrications on a regular basis (click here to see his latest project, a ripper tooth!). Many TBN members can't wait to find an excuse to get in the shop. That's why this month we're going to pay special attention to the place where all the magic happens---the tractor cave!

A tractor cave is just another name for where your tractor sleeps at night and where you do your repairs. It could be a small shed, large garage, protection structure, or barn. You may already have your ideal tractor cave, but if you're like most of us, your shop could probably use some improvement.

So you want a clean, pristine work shed or barn? Well first consider your budget and skills. You can build it yourself, contract it out, or opt for a stylish pre-built option. These options are going to come at different price tags and one may work better for you than another, so determining your plan of action is the first step.

If you're going to go the build-it-yourself route, there have been several building projects within the forums lately to draw inspiration from, like this one by Joe G! So if you want to build it yourself, there are plenty of resources to help you learn how. Follow kennesm as he asks all the basic questions for his new building project: click here.

Once you've decided on your plan of attack, the four main components of your building to consider are: foundation, roofing, walls, and structure. Also, do you want a primarily metal or wood building and what materials are best for the different components?

Your total project cost will vary based on the materials, building size, and style you're going for. Also, ask yourself how much the visual appearance and overall quality matters to you. Durable, quality buildings may help improve your property value, so it's certainly worth it to compare quality and price options.

The inside of your shop is almost as important as the building itself. Each owner has their own way about their shop, of course, but it helps to take a peek at what others are doing to organize their tools and equipment. For example, right now members are talking about tool chests and junk buckets. What system do you use to organize your shop? Tell us here.

Of course, the most important part of a tractor cave is what you do with it. So if you're still having some rainy days this time of year, now is the perfect time to get your tools and equipment organized for its active season or maybe even to get creative by modifying your tractor or attachments. And if you've got sun, well then there's no excuse. Get out there and use your tractor!

Until next time...

TractorByNet.com

Innovative Power equipment offers innovative solutions to existing equipment. The heavy-duty cutting edge snow plow system is the toughest cutting blade available for the John Deere 54” snowplow. Made in the U.S.A with 3/8” x 2”” carbon steel, this abrasion-resistant edge stabilizes the plow and reduces bounce. Check out this and other top-notch products at Innovativepowerequipment.com

The new Signature Cut™ Series of walk-behind mowers from Cub Cadet sets a new standard for walk-behind mowers by bringing together the best total package of performance and convenience features – all to ensure homeowners enjoy the experience of maintaining a beautiful yard. With zero-turn capabilities, six-speed variable drive system and the SureStart® Guarantee, these walks can’t be beat. Learn more about this premium line of walks at www.CubCadet.com.

The MAGNATRAC RS1000 is perfect for homeowners that want to do it themselves! Landscape, skid logs, build ponds, doze and. . .more! Hydraulic attachments available, even a backhoe! We offer a variety of models and attachments ranging in horsepower from 13hp to 35 hp. "Tracks Make the Difference" CLICK to request "FREE" info, and pricing today!

Make easy work of landscaping, clear out unwanted bushes and weeds in orchards or clean up construction sites! Move trash, concrete, and debris of any kind! Installs in minutes with a tools-free C-Clamp Pad design that securely fastens the forks to your bucket without damaging your bucket like other clamp-on forks on the market. More Info.

Homemade Backhoe: Members are impressed by the ingenuity of member BFreaky who is setting out to build his own homemade backhoe. Brad_Blazer says, "that's about the nicest work I've seen on [a forum]"! See his design for yourself: Click here.

Can't Get Parts: Dealer service varies from town to town, and while most dealers will take care of you, sometimes you may run into a situation where they are too busy to accommodate you. Find out the best way to get the parts and service you need if you don't have a local dealer to rely on: Click here.

Soundproofing: Tractors can be loud. So if you have a cab, soundproofing it could make your experience that much more enjoyable! Find out how this member is going about the task: Click here.

Kids Not Allowed in Dealership? Was on the road with my brother's family and I asked to stop at a Kubota dealer to have a look at the new models, but they wouldn't let the kids on the lot. So naturally, we left. I wonder how that effects their business. Have you ever experienced this restriction? Click here.

Pulling Weight Towing Minimum: Today, I called to reserve a Ditch Witch walk behind trencher and was told the new policy is 3/4 ton of pulling weight or better. Do they have this policy in your town? Read more.

Watch out for this Kubota BX1860, a.k.a. Missouri Thunder! Click here for more photos.

Tom uses his tractor every day, so it's no wonder why in just 9 months since joining, Big Dooley has become a regular contributor on TractorByNet and is this month's honored member! Tom loves to work with and on his tractor. You can find him out riding or in the shop creating high quality add-ons or modifications. His motto is "I don't like buying something that I can make myself", so Big Dooley is a great member to follow because he always has a great project on the horizon.

Tom lives in Michigan and when he is not doing various property tasks such as mowing or road grading, he's helping out his neighbors or inventing a new attachment. Click here to view his full article and pictures of his tractors and modifications: Click here.

Case IH, a global leader in agriculture equipment, has donated two tractors, a front loader and a utility vehicle to the new Urban Ag program at Vincent. The school and students plan to use the equipment to assist in planting crops –perhaps including alfalfa, corn and oats... Read more.

Continuing its commitment to produce the highest quality sub-compact tractors in the industry, Ventrac recently unveiled the newest addition to the model 4500 tractor, the 4500Y. The new 4500Y features a 25hp Kubota liquid cooled three-cylinder diesel engine. Read more.

At this year’s SIMA trade fair, CLAAS will present another new model series, the AXION 800. This is based on the same successful principles and has been designed and developed using the same technologies, and as a result the new AXION 800 no longer has much in common with its predecessor of the same name. The first series produced machines will arrive on the market from 2014. Read more.

Kubota Tractor Corporation has received the number one rating and “Dealer’s Choice Award” among Major Tractor Manufacturers, according to the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) 2013 Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey. Read more.

If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward it to your friends and associates who might also enjoy it.

If you have any feedback or suggestions about this newsletter, or would like to submit content to be included in the newsletter, please e-mail us at contact@tractorbynet.com!