Pro Tips, News & Events

Where is the starter located? Common locations by machine type. Where is the starter located? That depends on the machine. On off-road equipment, it’s typically near the flywheel housing. Later sections show you where to look first, what usually gets in the way, and what other starter-related parts are nearby. The starter is usually mounted where it can engage the flywheel ring gear. On many machines, it is bolted to the flywheel housing or bell housing near the rear of the engine. Start by finding the rear section of the engine rather than the front accessories. Follow the heavy positive battery cable. Look for a small motor with a mounted solenoid. Check the side of the engine before looking under the machine.

Dive into our detailed comparison of tractor tracks and wheels. We analyze flotation, soil compaction, fuel use, and total cost to reveal the real-world pros and cons of each system for your off-road machinery.

Excavators are evolving faster than ever and 2026 is ushering in a new wave of groundbreaking technologies that are changing the future of construction. In this guide, we’ll explore 15 of the newest excavator technologies that are set to redefine efficiency, versatility and performance across construction sites.

Ever notice your mower deck blades shifting position? Learn why most don’t need timing and what it means if they hit. This guide covers staggered vs. timed decks, phasing, and the top reasons for blade contact.

Runaway diesel: causes, warning signs, and prevention. Looking for runaway diesel causes and warning signs? A runaway happens when the engine burns oil or vapor instead of diesel from the tank. Turbo seal failure is the most common cause. Worn rings, breather problems, and fuel system faults can also trigger it. Early signs matter. Rising oil use, blue or gray smoke, oil in the intake, and RPM rising on its own are strong warnings. If a runaway starts, the key will not stop it. Protect people first. Use an air shutoff if available. Do not restart until the engine is inspected. Prevention is simple. Inspect the turbo, track oil consumption, and keep the breather system clean. Catch it early and avoid engine damage.

An excavator swing motor plays a crucial role for your excavator. Its primary job is to help the top part turn around, allowing your excavator to dig, lift or move things. The swing motor uses hydraulic power to work. It is connected to a swing gearbox that has planetary gears, which change spinning force into torque. This makes the excavator turn smoothly on its base.

In order to measure the diameterm, you should use a digital caliper or a ruler (not recommended). Measure the width of the plug at the widest part of the threads as indicated in the picture. If your oil drain plug measures 12mm, then you need to look at plugs in the size range of M12* 1.25 to M12*1.75’’. The “M12” refers to the diameter you measure from the widest part of the threads on your OEM sump plug.

Bad tie rod symptoms: a complete guide. Need to spot bad tie rod symptoms on your equipment? Start with steering feel. Loose steering, delayed wheel response, and constant correction on rough ground are common early signs. Uneven front tire wear also points to tie rod trouble. If one front tire wears faster than the other, alignment may be off due to a worn joint. Clunking noise during turns, pulling or wandering on straight travel, and steering wheel vibration are other warning signs. A torn boot is a strong visual clue. Once dirt and water get inside, wear speeds up. Inspect both sides, check for play, and replace worn parts before they damage tires or steering linkage.

Are your tractor hydraulics strong when cold but weak after warming up? This guide troubleshoots the most common causes, from contaminated fluid and clogged filters to a worn pump or a faulty pressure relief valve.

How to replace a tire valve stem on a Ford 3600? The effort required to replace a broken valve stem on a Ford 3600 tractor depends entirely on the tire construction. Tubeless tires are easier. You can reach the stem without taking the tire off. Tube-type tires require more work. Rear tires often contain liquid ballast. Added weight means added risk. Identify your tire setup before starting. That saves time, money, and unnecessary work. For a tubeless front tire, you may only need to break the bead near the stem. For a tube-type rear tire, you usually need to access the tube itself. For a ballast-filled rear tire, fluid control is required before any repair. Know your tire type before buying parts or pulling the wheel.

A leaking tractor tire can turn your fun ride into a frustration. You can use the guidelines in this article to fix most tractor tire bead leaks. Remember, proper maintenance is as important. At FridayParts, you can learn more about your tractor maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs. Also, we stock an extensive inventory selection of quality tractor replacement parts to keep your tractors running at their best performance. Explore now!

If your skid steer hydraulic power fades under load, it’s a pressure problem. This guide walks you through simple checks for fluid, filters, and coolers before diagnosing the main pump, relief valve, or control spools.