My grandad was not really good at complex mechanical things ,He came up farming behind mules . He had alot of tools though , he loved going to flea markets and getting a "deal".

I will say he could build anything out of scraps sitting around .

He kept the big tractor under warranty . Our trade ins were generally sold before they hit the lot .

Two of the most sucessful farmers i know are both real good mechanics . They dont touch a wrench . If the hired help cant fix it john deere comes out .

Its mot that they cant , its the fact they dont have time . they both also have a bunch of cows . They both have very nice shops . These guys have the stuff clean and in a shop when deere gets there .

I have worked on stuff for both of them quite a bit . Im about 1/4 price of what dealer charges and it gives me a little pocket change .

Id advise if you are not good , Find a fellow like me thats a small farmer . If hes competent let him do some of the repairs .

Id still be doing work for them , except i moved away . One of my long time friends i do make the drive to fix his stuff . Id guess with high diesel im not making much . Its more of a favor to him.