Landscaper Novice

[drewb]

I am planning on setting up a landscape company in the spring of 2003 (mostly preparing partially graded ground for grass and planting). Hopefully I can decide on a tractor color and implements by then.

I believe I will need a front end loader, box scraper and/or pulverizer (I do not know which will work better or if I need both), maybe a rototiller and a primary seeder (appears far better than broadcast spreader but it is salty; I am looking at the Land Pride). What do you think????? Any experience on implement size needed for 1-3 acre lawns. How about HST???

I am tentatively looking at the Kubota L3010 (32.1hp)???? Is this enough hp???? The L3710 ((38.5hp) simply appears to physically big (also alot more $). Any and all imput would be appreciated greatly.

 

[beenthere]

Before making too many serious decisions, look hard at the Harley Rake and what it will do. Your description of work is right down its alley. I think it is glenmac, and they have a website. Also a thread earlier today on that subject, under this same subject of attachments.

 

[drewb]

When I was at the JD store, the sales guy said that the power rake was a great unit. However, the landscaper he knew had a 40hp JD and it was not enough tractor for the power rake (I do not know the size of the rake). He recomended approx 50hp for the attachment. This size tractor would be out of my price range.

Do you think a 30hp would handle a T-6 (6') at 930lbs, 3-point tractor specs for L3010 are 2200lbs 2ft from lift point???

 

[BeeBop]

Hi Drew, I own an operate an Landscape/Grading Biz that I run w/3 amigos when I'm not working for the FAA. I have a Kubota L2900 GST and it has a woods loader, it will do everything you could ever want. I constatntly think of reasons to get an upgrade, I.e L4610, NH 45D but for the world of me I can't come up w/one other than increased creature comforts. I use a long tiller, cultivator, 6 ft dirt dog pulverizer, 6 ft york root rake, woods renovator as well as others and always spin spread all you do, don't leave anything to chance. I prefer to see where my lime/fertilizer/seed go. I don't see the need for the BIG $ harley rake, you can do anything it can do w/what I have listed at a fraction of the cost. Whatever you get just remember to get the R-4/industrial tires, there are easier on the sod/grass then ag's. Good luck w/the Biz.

 

[beenthere]

My JD 4300 just plays with the Harley Rake that I rent. It is about 60", but don't know the number for sure. I am sure it is not the biggest one for a 3pt. I know it is not as big as the one made for a Bobcat. My JD dealer can't seem to keep these things on hand (for me to rent), as they come in new and are sold immediately, or a landscaper rents them and they then buy them. Guess that means they like them. They know they don't need to keep switching to another attachment when one does it all, along with a FEL. Getting more than one attachment to a job site means a good size trailer to haul everything. But I'm only being a bit defensive here, and trying to provide a few pointers that I know. Its good to get a lot of points of view.

 

[drewb]

No disrespect meant toward a JD! Good units. For all I know the guy had an 8+ footer.

In regards to a single unit: I agree - if this Harley can do the jobe of multiple units then it would be a time saver. How well does this do on a poorly prepped soil? For instance, weeds growing on an old lot, or a lot that is poorly graded?

 

[Turfman]

I'm in the same boat you're in, just a year ahead. We started last year, got the tractor this year and will go full time this summer. I have B2710 with a rear blade, box scraper, and a FEl. I really want a harley rake or similar unit, but don't know enough about them to make a decision and I don't have the money right now. Anyone know if the B2710 is big enough for a harley rake or other similar unit? If so, what size will it effectively handle?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[rdln]

where do you live? Look at my Bio and make me an offer!

Just kidding, maybe.

The 970 is 30 pto HP and 3000lbs. w/o loader and has done every thing you mentioned easily.

Never hooked up a harley rake though, I looked around to rent one for a job but couldn't find one.
I ended up paying 4 kids to collect about 5 yards of you name it from a 1.5 acre site. It was subdivision park/storm water collection area which the developer said he had a lot of "topsoil" dumped and dozed. after seeing the pile of rocks, bricks bathroom fixtures, fence posts I think he got a good deal on some "brownfield" dirt from Detroit.