An update:
Things have been tough at work and I haven't been willing to drop the money on the tractor I want (for now a MF 1531) despite great financing options.
However, my 50th birthday approaches and both my sons will be off at college next year so I've got land to work, a new wood stove to feed, projects to build, no sons around to help me and I think I'm having a mid-life crisis. I'm darn near certain a shiny red tractor with an
FEL and nice blade would be just the thing to see me through the half century. Life is too short not to live it the way you want to after all right?
I called the dealer today and plan to visit them Saturday for some more test rides and a heart to heart talk with the salesman.
Hopefully the next time you hear from me I'll be bragging and passing around pictures.
