aesanders
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2005
- Messages
- 722
- Location
- Alachua County, Florida
- Tractor
- John Deere 2320 with loader, BCS 830 2 wheel tractor, Gravely Pro-Turn 160 XDZ, John Deere Gator HPX 615e
Hello all,
I had a very productive weekend. Just put a contract on a house and 6+ acres in north Alachua County Florida. About 12-15 miles north of Gainesville. Wife has decided to get her PHD and is going back to school at FSU. If all goes accordingly, I will be moving from Maryland to Florida over the summer.
I'm not that familiar with the area, but think it is quite beautiful. Looking forward to the move and getting some acreage back and meeting some new neighbors.
We will be keeping a couple horses on the property that we currently board at a local horse farm in Maryland.
Now the questions (not all tractor related).
1) Anyone familiar with any of the local equipment dealers. I will be buying either a subcut or small cut and was wondering about the dealers in the area. Their appears to be a dealer for John Deere, Kubota, and New holland, and Mahindra all on the north east end of Gainesville. All look like decent dealers but I have not stopped in to talk with any of them. Anyone familiar with these dealers or others in the area?
2) I'm very used to heavy clay soil. The soil on the new property is sand. Any pointers that anyone has with sandy soil would be appreciated. The tractor will be used mostly for a general purpose machine. Front end loader use, clearing out brush, mowing some pasture, post hole digger, box blade scraper etc. Would you recommend R4's for general usage on sandy soil or would Ag's be preferred on this very loose sandy soil?
3) The property is mostly pasture. Some in a shady area and some in sunlight. It is not in the best shape as far as pasture grass is concerend. What pasture grass varities grow best in the area.
4) Property is adjacent to a lake and spring fed pond. What kind of critters are expected to be around the lake. Should I worry about gators getting my Australian Shepards? The seller said he had seen a small gator about 1.5 feet long. Since I'm not from the area I'm not really sure how to deal with these.
How about snakes: What kind should I expect to see?
Insects: Any particular nasty bugs in the area to watch out for. I'm already familiar with Fire Ants as my Grandfather use to have them in Texas.
Mainly, I just want to keep my dogs and 2.5 year old Daughter safe. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
I'll post some pictures of the property as soon as possible.
Also, thanks in advance for any help you may give.
I had a very productive weekend. Just put a contract on a house and 6+ acres in north Alachua County Florida. About 12-15 miles north of Gainesville. Wife has decided to get her PHD and is going back to school at FSU. If all goes accordingly, I will be moving from Maryland to Florida over the summer.
I'm not that familiar with the area, but think it is quite beautiful. Looking forward to the move and getting some acreage back and meeting some new neighbors.
We will be keeping a couple horses on the property that we currently board at a local horse farm in Maryland.
Now the questions (not all tractor related).
1) Anyone familiar with any of the local equipment dealers. I will be buying either a subcut or small cut and was wondering about the dealers in the area. Their appears to be a dealer for John Deere, Kubota, and New holland, and Mahindra all on the north east end of Gainesville. All look like decent dealers but I have not stopped in to talk with any of them. Anyone familiar with these dealers or others in the area?
2) I'm very used to heavy clay soil. The soil on the new property is sand. Any pointers that anyone has with sandy soil would be appreciated. The tractor will be used mostly for a general purpose machine. Front end loader use, clearing out brush, mowing some pasture, post hole digger, box blade scraper etc. Would you recommend R4's for general usage on sandy soil or would Ag's be preferred on this very loose sandy soil?
3) The property is mostly pasture. Some in a shady area and some in sunlight. It is not in the best shape as far as pasture grass is concerend. What pasture grass varities grow best in the area.
4) Property is adjacent to a lake and spring fed pond. What kind of critters are expected to be around the lake. Should I worry about gators getting my Australian Shepards? The seller said he had seen a small gator about 1.5 feet long. Since I'm not from the area I'm not really sure how to deal with these.
How about snakes: What kind should I expect to see?
Insects: Any particular nasty bugs in the area to watch out for. I'm already familiar with Fire Ants as my Grandfather use to have them in Texas.
Mainly, I just want to keep my dogs and 2.5 year old Daughter safe. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
I'll post some pictures of the property as soon as possible.
Also, thanks in advance for any help you may give.