I have read with interest the many discussions helping folks to refine purchase decisions. I have begun discussions with two (relatively) local dealers and just sent an initial email quote request to Carver's. I would welcome you thoughts regarding my situation.
We are slowly carving out a horse farm from 40 acres of very rocky and very hilly land in Northern Vermont. With hired heavy equipment and much manual labor, we have built paddocks, corrals, and much fencing. We are in the process this year of having a pond built and continuing to clear for much needed pastures.
Up to now, the only machine help I have had is large Yamaha ATV. It has done a reasonably good job pulling a drag chain type harrow and is able to handle a medium-sized four wheel work wagon for some hauling chores. We are relying on hired out plowing for a 1000', steep and winding driveway, and hand shoveling or ATV plowing during the winter for access to horse feeding, manure pile, etc.
I expect to use a new tractor to help with a great many chores, and to get a great deal more done in the limited time available. It would be great to spend a decent fraction of free time working with and riding the horses, and not be fully consumed with property improvement and maintainence.
I started looking at the L3010 and have gradually creeped my way up to the L4610. I am totally sold on 4WD and HST. I have some reservation about going above the L3710 and losing the mid PTO, but I think horsepower needs for heavy duty bush hog work and need to help family with ag tasks makes anything smaller not a good idea.
I plan to buy a loader with the initial purchase, and hope to add a heated cab after a few years. I am debating box scraper VS. scraper blade, and whether to add remotes and TNT now or in the future. Of course, if I add everything to the list now, then I can't make the purchase now!/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Boy is there a lot to think about. Any comments would be appreciated.
Driver
We are slowly carving out a horse farm from 40 acres of very rocky and very hilly land in Northern Vermont. With hired heavy equipment and much manual labor, we have built paddocks, corrals, and much fencing. We are in the process this year of having a pond built and continuing to clear for much needed pastures.
Up to now, the only machine help I have had is large Yamaha ATV. It has done a reasonably good job pulling a drag chain type harrow and is able to handle a medium-sized four wheel work wagon for some hauling chores. We are relying on hired out plowing for a 1000', steep and winding driveway, and hand shoveling or ATV plowing during the winter for access to horse feeding, manure pile, etc.
I expect to use a new tractor to help with a great many chores, and to get a great deal more done in the limited time available. It would be great to spend a decent fraction of free time working with and riding the horses, and not be fully consumed with property improvement and maintainence.
I started looking at the L3010 and have gradually creeped my way up to the L4610. I am totally sold on 4WD and HST. I have some reservation about going above the L3710 and losing the mid PTO, but I think horsepower needs for heavy duty bush hog work and need to help family with ag tasks makes anything smaller not a good idea.
I plan to buy a loader with the initial purchase, and hope to add a heated cab after a few years. I am debating box scraper VS. scraper blade, and whether to add remotes and TNT now or in the future. Of course, if I add everything to the list now, then I can't make the purchase now!/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif
Boy is there a lot to think about. Any comments would be appreciated.
Driver