Building a Hobby Farm- from woods to eggs

[tony123]

easygo, are you trying to get me to not buy more tractor items??? Now that just doesn't make sense. This isn't about whats the best tool for the job, its about what's the biggest most impressive machinery can I fit in my yard. Seriously, you make a lot of sense and it is something to consider.

Welcome to the thread SCGargoyle!

We're getting rain all week, and with Christmas around it will likely be slow around the "farm" for awhile.

[easygo]

Tony,
I have always been an advocate of getting the tool that will get the job done without undue expense. The tiller for me came before the tractor and I'm glad it happened so. Otherwise I might be sitting here thinking: How can I justify spending the money for a 3PH tiller that would see about 2 hours of use per year. Although people say it makes a great ballast when using the FEL. See what people use around your area. I looked at new prices then went ahead and bought a used one that was in good shape. If I can till the rocky soil with this little thing you should be all set. You actually seem to have dirt there instead of rocks.
Enjoy the holidays.
Easygo

ps:Look into buying a loader. That should take care of the toy budget for a while. It would ensure a lot more seat time and that really looks cool

[philbuilt]

Tony, Great post keep it up!
I agree with easygo spend the money on the fel. I do have a tiller and it only get used maybe an hour a year. I only bought it because of a package deal. It was used. The fel will help with allot of projects and if you put a tooth bar you could dig that trench. When I read 2" of frost I was LOL here in Maine I have seen 5.5'
Keep up the good work
Phil

easygo if you need the tiller you can borrow it. I live in New Gloucester

[easygo]

Phil,

Thank you for the offer. It is a bit too far for me to travel for that. I'm a few miles east of Bangor in the "metropolis" of Eddington. My neighbor actually has a 65hp tractor and a tiller (the tiller has not been used in 2 years) and he offered to work over my garden. But it would take longer to hook up that giant tiller to his tractor than to do the job with the little walk-behind unit. It is very nice to have a good neighbor though.

[oldhippy]

Tony I have the same model tractor as you do. When I got the tractor the dealer threw in a tiller with the tractor. You might check with the place where you got the tractor and they may have the one that came on it or one that would fit for a reasonable price. If you get some Guinea's for your place make sure that the people around you think thats ok. They tend to roam and are quite loud at times. Can't see myself without Guineas on a hobby farm. Best watch dog you will ever have and are a lot of fun. I really like your project and hope to see more up dates as it progresses. big dan

[tony123]

oldhippy, do you know anything specific about the YMG2000D? I don't know what the G designates? It seems to be a "larger engine in smaller package" tractor, so maybe used specifically for a certain type of work? I know its a good 6" shorter than the YM2000.

In regards to the guineas, I'm going to just have to get a handful of them to give it a try. I'm not opposed to eating them if they creat too much trouble. As said many times, I am concerned for my neighbors, so we'll just have to give them a trial run.

Phil and easygo, I completely buy into the logic of getting the FEL. However, we may be in trouble .... I passed by the tractor store today (he was closed), but I noticed about 8 old Yanmar and Mitsubishi tillers sitting on crates. From researching the forum, it seems these go for 300-500 depending on condition. It will be hard to pass one up if he's asking the lower end of that range. The Yanmar model is made for this tractor, and most seem to feel it is a reasonable tiller, particularly at that price. Oldhippy, is this the type you have? any comments?

Starting to research chicken tractors. Need to have one built in the next two months. I'm currently thinking of a 4'x12'x4'high with wheels on one end and handles on the other.

[oldhippy]

tony I was told that they were built in 1988 and that they had some small frames and large engines left over from other models and combined to make these tractors. I have used mine for just about everthing in the last five years and love it. It is lighter than the YM2000 which is a older tractor. I have run out of traction many times but have yet to run out of power.
I have a yanmar tiller and it works really well. Mine came it the container marked for my tractor so may have been on it for its whole life. If you buy a Yanmar tiller they fit real close to the rear tires and if you use a regular top link it will hit the tires. Mine came with the factory top link a two peice deal that if you could not find you could fab up pretty easy. If you buy one and have this problem let me know and I will post pictures of the stock link.
If you get guineas you will need to keep them pinned up about two weeks to keep them around your area. Lots of fun though.
I remember my dad having chicken tractors when I was a pup. We had a brand new 8n ford and he put skids on the bottom of the chicken tractor and pulled them to the new spot with the ford. Sure did enjoy those fresh eggs.
big dan

[tony123]

Dan,

I run out of traction pretty often too. Judging by your name "Big" Dan, I wonder if you have the same problems as I do. I've got to twist my feet and contort myself when getting on and off. I'm okay once on, but I do lots of on again / off again work, and its killing me.

I do have a toplink for the Yanmar tillers.

Here's a link to a thread I started in the attachment forum regarding tillers.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/a...fy-tiller.html

I don't think I can pass up the ones he has, so I may have a "new to me" tiller by the end of the week.

[scgargoyle]

Tony- How much added weight do you have on that tractor? Possibilities include wheel weights and filling the tires. I think they mix something in with water to prevent rust and freezing. Weight and tire pressure are important- too much pressure won't bite well. Wet clay is slick stuff, though- local knowledge would be best when setting tire pressure. Dual rears might be a possibility, too, but you may not like the price

[tony123]

Originally Posted by scgargoyle

Tony- How much added weight do you have on that tractor? Possibilities include wheel weights and filling the tires. I think they mix something in with water to prevent rust and freezing. Weight and tire pressure are important- too much pressure won't bite well. Wet clay is slick stuff, though- local knowledge would be best when setting tire pressure. Dual rears might be a possibility, too, but you may not like the price

I've only got about 150 added to the front bumper. I'm scared of more weight in the rear, as it may start tearing at my lawn, and I am using this tractor to do all my mowing. Now, you are likely on to something with the air pressure comment. I was at 20pounds, but have since heard most run about 12. I lowered it to that a week ago, but haven't had much use since. I think it will make a good improvement.