What should I buy or rent?

[Kenfyoozed]

I have a MF 135. I have a "lot" that I plan to build my house on. I have had most of the trees removed and I am in the process of burning. What can i use to remove the roots? I know that I also need a box blade to smooth and level some minor low spots. I really dont have a use for my tractor after I build my house, so i dont know if its better to rent some implements or buy one that could do all the work i need. Basically I need someting to use as a rrot rake and to level out my lot. Any suggestions?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I have a MF 135. I have a "lot" that I plan to build my house on. I have had most of the trees removed and I am in the process of burning. What can i use to remove the roots? I know that I also need a box blade to smooth and level some minor low spots. I really dont have a use for my tractor after I build my house, so i dont know if its better to rent some implements or buy one that could do all the work i need. Basically I need someting to use as a rrot rake and to level out my lot. Any suggestions?

Gonna answer your question with a question. Where do you live? That may have some bearing on what options you have. Someone in your immediate locale might be able to offer some localized help.

 

[Kenfyoozed]

Mobile, AL. My lot seems "wet" to me. Im probably about a mile or so "as the crow flies" to the mobile river. Im told the water table is only about 6-8 foot below grade. Thats why alot of homes have the mound system septic tanks. When i was pulling those large pine trees. The tires would sometimes spin and dig down about 8" with ease. So the soil seems wet and loose for the most part.

 

[RobJ]

A BB would be useful but when we cleared our place it took about a year for most of the small elm junk and staubs to die and come up. On their on that is.

 

[sandman2234]

In this county you would be hard pressed to get a septic tank with a below grade drainfield. The amount of perculation has nothing to do with it, they just don't give them out any more. Everything here has the mound, after a certain date. Mine was installed in 1965 and will be below grade as long as I can handle a backhoe and the neighbors don't report me. The size of your property would give us some idea as to other uses of a tractor, but some of us just have them, cause we can. I could do without mine, but don't plan it. They come in too handy for other stuff, and I do like making a dollar with it, or helping out the neighbors when I can.
David from jax

 

[CDsdad]

I'd buy what I needed, then if I didn't need it anymore, I'd sell it. You're in a good market area. There's plenty of construction and farming in the Daphne and Farihope areas. Lots more garden farmers and "hobby" farmers up toward Citronelle and over toward Bay Minette and the surrounding areas. I'm 70 miles from you, and I know some guys here that have bought new and used equipment in Mobile and Fairhope. I'd buy it and then package the whole thing for sale. Advertise it over in the edge of MS also. There's farmers and gardeners everywhere around Lucedale and Leakesville.

 

[Kenfyoozed]

I have just under an acre. I figured if i buy it would probably be used. As far as selling it all as a package, thats not going to happen. I was given this tractor after Greatgrand father passed away. He had an old 1954 chevy pickup he used on his farm. I loved that old truck because it was his, and he knew it. So he sold it before he died. He told my grandmother he did it because he knew I would spend every last dime I had to restore that old truck, and he didnt want me wasting my money on him. I guess he forgot about the tractor! Anyways it has way more personal value than anything. I would have to be hard pressed for money before I sold it. So I really dont have a true use for it after My house is built, other than to restore it and use it for our annual hay rides.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

My dad tried to teach me to leave sentiment and money in seperate pockets. Apparently that didn't stick There is no way I'd ever want to part with a tractor that belonged to my great grandfather. (Especially considering my great grandfather lived an entire generation before farms saw mechanical power!) I see your point. Keep it. Restore it over time. Those 135's are worth MORE now than they were new, so you aren't throwing money away. Unless you go absolutely insane with your restoration, you'll always be able to recover your investment if that becomes an issue. You can find all sorts of NOS/OEM parts on EBAY. Massey Ferguson/AGCO has their "Heritage Parts" line that covers the 100 series tractors. When I'm home (at work now) I'll send you a link to "BIG DEAN" Austin's website. He's the official GURU of all that is Massey Ferguson. Dean is in very bad health now, but he's still sending out his CD's on diagnosing problems and making repairs on the 100 series ($25) Get yourself the owners manual, a service manual, and a parts manual. They'll prove invaluable over time. (Find 'em on EBAY... or get 'em at MF dealer)

I don't know if you have kids or plan on that someday, but having a piece of family history to restore and share with the next generation is a really great experience too. Any day now, I'm starting to restore my fathers old Ferguson F-40. My oldest grandson is chomping at he bit to get started on that project. He helped me quite a bit when I restored my Massey 150. His dad (my son) grew up on that tractor. These old tractors can easily be the glue that bonds a family together. They're not just an old rusty heap of iron. They're part of our history. They're who we are.

 

[Kenfyoozed]

I have 2 boys, one is 3 and the other is 5 months. So I am just getting started. My greatgrand father lived long enough to see a fifth gerneration child. I wish I could buy a spread and farm and live life in the slow lane. Maybe someday. Until then Ill keep my eye out for used implements! especially a Box Blade!