landscape implement options??

[Anonymous Poster]

Ok, here is the situation. I have my tractor (TC40), a box blade, disk, and bushhog (actually the disk and bushhog belong to my father, but in repayment for many years of child labor I can borrow them at will). What I need to do is landscape my new yard (around 1 to 1.25 acres), and build a running pen for my rabbit dogs. My wife seems to think the landscaping rates first, so I have to make that the priority.

What is the best implement for landscaping. I have looked at the Harley power rakes, and I would love to have one. The money factor comes in to play on that issue. I talked to a local rental center, and they have a power rake for a Bobcat. I can pick it up on Sat. morning and bring it back Mon. morning ($330). The only issue is that they limit you to 8 hours on the bobcat for the weekend. Will 8 hours be enough time to prep the yard? It is just red clay and rocks right now.

I am also going to need a tiller for our garden. We put in a 40X80 garden each year, and a the old walk behind tiller has seen better days. Would a tiller be a better option than renting the power rake? I can pick up a landscape rake for around $350, but I have never used one and I don't know how well they work.

I am a little new to landscaping, so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[beenthere]

If it were me, I would go for the Bobcat and Harley rake rental and figure that 8 hours on that beast will go over your acre+ several times over. I would guess that you will be all done and sipping brewski's in a couple hours. But if you are having fun, and I think you will be, then re-doing it a few times will only make it better. If me, I would get a bucket to go with the Bobcat to haul away any debris such as rocks and junk that you stir up. Then you could put in the dog runs at the same time. Those Harley Rakes go along pretty fast and one or maybe two passes makes a big difference.

Good luck.

 

[HayDR]

Purchase the tiller and rent a landscape rake from a rental yard. You will not use the landscape rake but once if you work up the soil correctly.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hello Tim--I agree with CCI, I think I would opt for the new roto tiller and have it for the garden for the rest of your life, and the tax break usually helps pay 1/3 anyway?--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co.

 

[markie61]

Tax break? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[b249]

I second that. "Tax Break?" What tax break? How is a person buying for home use entitled to a tax break?

I buy an implement the only thing that breaks is my wallett /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I s'pose where there's a will there's a way.


b249

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi marki61--If you are in a strictly personal use situation, of course you have no tax break. Most of our customers either file a schedule F (showing income or loss from farming operation) or have business that the equipment would be deducted under capital items purchased--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment Co. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The tiller option is sounding pretty good. I agree that the landscape rake will be a implement that would be of little use after the yard is finished. I think I will look into the tillers a little more.

What should I expect to pay for a good tiller (new), and what size would be best for my 40 horse tractor?

As far as the tax break, since raising rabbit hounds can be considered a business I am sure I can manage to write it off on my taxes. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Thanks for the input. If any dealers who responded would like to send me a PM on size and prices, I would welcome them.

Tim

 

[BrettW]

What bothers me is seeing these nice pics of tillers with the little pole holding them up. Mine is just sitting on some 2x6's. and some of the tines have the weight on them. Is this going to hurt my tiller? bw

 

[ScottAR]

The "stand" just keeps the tiller from falling over. The pole for my tiller was misplaced; I've been using a scrap 4x4 for the last 8 years or so. No problems.