First impressions of TR3...
OUTSTANDING!
I've used it to work my arena (got rid of the hard pan areas, re-leveled, and it even drains correctly now after the torrential rains we've had in Minnesota just recently! It also took out the rocks (even the big ones) and helped clean the grass that had intruded on the edges.
I also used it last evening to clean up the front sacrifice paddock which gets hammered from run-off - removing the washout areas, resetting the dirt and re-leveling. I'm also amazed at how the unit grabs the rocks (even really large ones) and deposits them when I lift it so I can pile them in an area outside the fence. This should make my spring cleanup projects a snap.
Very nice unit and worth the money! Some additional comments:
- Using iMatch requires moving the wheels to adjust for leveling. This was easily done and it worked well. Given the unit weighs 1K, I wouldn't do it without the iMatch.
- Sturdiness is there in it. It is made by Priefert for ABI (was shipped from Texas and the address was theirs) - so you know you can trust the manufacturing. I was questioning the unit's ability to work hard clay and rocks - but after watching what it did in my sacrifice paddock (clay, rock), it handles it just as well as my Frontier Box Blade did without flinching. ABI offers a solid guarantee on it as well.
- ABI's customer service is outstanding. When I was questioning the wheel move, I talked with one of the CS folks who gave me his cell phone number and said I could call on the weekend if I had questions (since I was out during the week and would get to use it on that Saturday). I did talk with him and true to his word, he helped me with some questions. NICELY DONE and MUCH APPRECIATED! I also watched the videos and have learned a tremendous amount about managing arena footing and the impact it has on horse health.
After working with the unit, I think my box blade will stay parked unless I really need to move some significant amounts of dirt. The TR3 means less time for me as well since the self-leveling blade removes my need for working with the boxblade and FEL together to try and get leveling done correctly.
Net/Net, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a combination tool (Rake and Box Blade). And if you have horses, this is the only way to go... the footing results are fantastic and after comparing it to the units we used at the State Show events (OMokSee) in Minnesota, this is far better and faster for shaping an arena for horses (where footing and safety is key). It might be expensive, but so is a vet bill and trip to hospital when footing is an issue. Plus the time and equipment costs for the Rake and Box Blade when compared to the TR3 are something to think if you really don't need them.
I'll post some pictures this weekend when I can.
Thanks to those who assisted in the selection! I'm very happy!
-Bob
