Farm Tractor Repair with Dan Gingell

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What does a governor actually do on a tractor, and how do you know when it is failing?

In this episode of the Farm Tractor Repair Podcast, Dan breaks down the purpose of a tractor governor, how it helps regulate engine speed, and why it's such an important part of your tractor's operation. You'll learn the common signs of a failing or improperly adjusted governor, what to watch for when your tractor isn't responding the way it should, and what might be causing the problem.

Whether your tractor is surging, struggling to maintain RPMs under load, or simply not running like it used to, this episode will help you better understand your governor and know what to look for when troubleshooting.

Join us for practical tractor knowledge and advice to help you keep your old tractor running right!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

What tools and supplies should every tractor repair shop have on hand? In this episode, Dan shares some of his favorite tools and shop essentials that make working on antique tractors easier, safer, and more efficient.

From keeping an assortment of hardware and magnetized screwdrivers within reach to choosing the right wrenches and investing in good-quality chisels, Dan discusses the items he finds most useful in the shop. He also explains the importance of keeping your workspace organized and having essentials like a battery jump box and charger ready when you need them.

Whether you're setting up your first home workshop or looking to improve the shop you've used for years, join Dan for practical advice on the tools and supplies worth having on hand.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Whether you’re hauling a tractor home for the first time, taking one to a show, or moving a tractor to a new property, there’s a lot to think about before you ever hit the road!

In this episode, Dan and our host talk all about hauling tractors safely. They cover how to figure out how much your tractor weighs, how to choose a trailer with the right towing capacity, and how to safely drive a tractor onto the trailer.

They also discuss securing the tractor properly, what can go wrong when hauling a load, and important safety considerations.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can my trailer haul this tractor?” or “What do I need to safely transport my tractor?”, this episode is for you!

Whether you’re a first-time tractor hauler or you’ve been doing it for years, there are some important things to check before putting a tractor on the road.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Ever wondered which ignition coil your antique tractor needs? Or why some coils require an external resistor and others don't?

In this week's episode of the Farm Tractor Repair Podcast, we're talking all about ignition coils on antique tractors!

Dan explains the differences between 6-volt and 12-volt coils, how internal and external resistors work, and how to determine which coil and resistor combination your tractor needs.

We'll also discuss common coil-related problems, what can cause a coil to burn out, and some important things to keep in mind when troubleshooting your tractor's ignition system.

Whether you're working on a 6-volt tractor, converting to 12 volts, or simply trying to understand how your ignition system works, this episode will help you make sense of those mysterious little black coils.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

If you've ever opened up the distributor or magneto on an antique tractor and wondered, “What exactly are these points and that little condenser supposed to do?”—this episode is for you!

This week, we're going back to the basics of the traditional ignition system used on many antique gas tractors. We'll explain what the points do, what the condenser does, how they work together, and why they're so important to creating a good spark.

We'll also talk about common problems with points and condensers, what can cause them to fail, and some of the things to look for when troubleshooting an antique tractor that isn't running properly.

Whether you're completely new to antique tractor repair or you've been working on these tractors for years, understanding how the points and condenser work together can make diagnosing ignition problems a whole lot easier - this applies to any brand of antique tractor - John Deere, IH, Farmall, Ferguson, Ford, Case, Allis Chalmers, Minneapolis Moline, Cockshutt and more.

If you've ever opened up the distributor on an antique tractor and wondered, “What exactly are these points and that little condenser supposed to do?”—this episode is for you!

This week, we're going back to the basics of the traditional ignition system used on many antique tractors. We'll explain what the points do, what the condenser does, how they work together, and why they're so important to creating a good spark.

We'll also talk about common problems with points and condensers, what can cause them to fail, and some of the things to look for when troubleshooting an antique tractor that isn't running properly.

Whether you're completely new to antique tractor repair or you've been working on these tractors for years, understanding how the points and condenser work together can make diagnosing ignition problems a whole lot easier.

So if you've ever wondered what's happening inside that old distributor when your tractor is running, tune in and we'll explain it!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Have you ever watched an antique tractor pull and thought, “I want to do that!”? This episode is for you!

Dan goes back to the basics of antique tractor pulling and walks through what a first-time puller needs to know before taking their tractor down the track. From registering and understanding the rules to setting up your hitch, wheelie bars, and weights, Dan covers the practical details that can make your first pull a whole lot less intimidating.

He also talks about how to hook up to the sled, what to expect when you’re ready to pull, how to safely unhook, and even what to do if something breaks down.

Whether you’ve never pulled before or you’re thinking about taking your old tractor to its first pull, this episode will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you get prepared.

So if you’ve ever watched a tractor pull from the sidelines and thought, “Maybe I should try that…” — give this episode a listen!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

How do you get the next generation interested in antique tractors—and more importantly, help them develop a genuine appreciation for the history behind them?

In this episode, we talk about the things you can do (and the things you should probably avoid!) when introducing kids and grandkids to antique tractors. Dan shares stories and lessons from his own experience raising kids and spending time with his grandchildren, along with some of the ways he has encouraged the next generation to appreciate old tractors and the history they represent.

We also hear from our host, who didn't grow up on a farming family, about how he developed an appreciation for antique tractors despite not having that family background.

Whether you're a lifelong tractor enthusiast, a parent or grandparent hoping to pass along the hobby, or someone who simply wants to preserve the history of these old machines, there's something in this episode for you.

The goal isn't just to teach the next generation how to work on an old tractor—it's to give them a reason to want to.

Join us as we talk about passing the torch and keeping the love of antique tractors alive for generations to come!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Can you identify a tractor without seeing it? Put your tractor knowledge to the test in this fun episode of the Farm Tractor Repair Podcast!

In this episode, Dan and Rachel face off in a tractor guessing game. Our host gives them clues about a tractor—its features, specifications, history, and capabilities—and they have to figure out which tractor he's describing.

But don't listen passively! See if you can guess the tractor before Dan and Rachel do.

This episode is a little different from our usual repair discussions, but it's a fun way to test how well you know some of the tractors we've talked about and worked on over the years.

How many can you get right?

For tractor parts, repair information, instructional videos, and more, visit FarmTractorRepair.com.

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Whether you're shopping for your first tractor or just want to better understand how your machine works, this episode breaks down one of the most important topics in the tractor world: transmissions and clutches.

We explain the differences between gear drive, hydrostatic, shuttle shift, and automatic transmissions, including the advantages and disadvantages of each and the types of jobs they're best suited for. From loader work and mowing to field work and everyday chores, we'll help you understand why one transmission may be a better choice than another.

We also cover the different clutch designs you'll encounter on tractors, including single-stage, double-stage, and live PTO clutches, as well as the difference between rigid and dampened clutch discs. If you've ever wondered what these terms actually mean—or why they matter—this episode will help clear up the confusion.

Whether you own a Kubota, Mahindra, New Holland, Kioti, Case, CaseIH, Ford, Ferguson, John Deere, Farmall, Massey Ferguson, or another tractor, understanding your transmission can help you operate and maintain your machine with confidence.

Thanks for listening to the Farm Tractor Repair Podcast! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and visit FarmTractorRepair.com for tractor parts, tutorials, and restoration resources.