new tractor, new board, advice?

[dgl24087]

Originally Posted by Gittyup

So, did you buy one of those DK35's? Free loader right now. Probably as good a deal as you'll find.

Nah, I have a JD utility tractor, 45 PTO HP that's used to keep up 31 acres in north central WV.

[Semipro]

Armed with all this info I plan to take some time off next week and visit some dealerships. I'm pretty much open to any brands made in Japan, Korea, US right now.

Since I plan to keep this tractor until one of us dies, and hope to pass it on if I go first; cost and availability of maintenance and repair parts is an issue. Anyone have thoughts on that? I've heard some of the MF maintenance parts are expensive. I've got no problem with buying online.

Thanks.

[Gravy]

Have you considered dog power? (snicker)

[Semipro]

Originally Posted by Gravy

Have you considered dog power? (snicker)

Oh, they're willing to dig, just not where I want them to ;)

I drove and dug with some MF and NH at Boone in Salem, VA yesterday. The owner, parts, and sales guys all seemed honest and straight forward. The only hydro they had in my targeted size range was a NH and I see now why folks complain about the single pedal control. I found it very awkward to use. That dealer doesn't sell many hydros. I believe MF has gone to a two pedal control system so I want to check one of those out probably a 1531 and 1533.

[Semipro]

Just a follow-up.

If you're interested, I've posted a MF-specific question to that forum with regards to my search for my new 3rd best friend (behind wife and dog). Don't ask who's 1st now and I'm not sure how that ranking might change once I get the tractor. :)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/m...ml#post1632919

Andy

[LarryD]

Originally Posted by Semipro

The only hydro they had in my targeted size range was a NH and I see now why folks complain about the single pedal control. I found it very awkward to use.

The rocker style took me very little time to get comfortable with and now I don't even think about it. It's not somthing i would run from. However, NH put the brakes and go pedal on the same side with a latching bar on the brakes so you could use brake steering.

I'd like to see the three legged engineer that tested that feature during the design phase.

[Gravy]

Originally Posted by Semipro

Just a follow-up.

If you're interested, I've posted a MF-specific question to that forum with regards to my search for my new 3rd best friend (behind wife and dog). Don't ask who's 1st now and I'm not sure how that ranking might change once I get the tractor.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/m...ml#post1632919

Andy

Oooh!

I could get you in so much trouble with your DW.

If I told her.

What's it worth to ya?

(I can't help you with that goofy pup of yours. If he finds out, you're toast!)

[Semipro]

Hello all.

I posted an update in the MF board on my search for a tractor if you're interested. Thanks.

1531, 1533 HST pedals - Page 2 - TractorByNet.com