Make102,
Here is some more free advice. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Remember that Time is Money. And vice versa.
As you have already done, figure out what jobs you need to get done. AND
if they are continuing jobs like road fixing, snow removal, mowing or one
off jobs like hopefully concrete moving. If its a one time deal its pretty
hard to justify spending lots of dollars to get the job done especially if you
can hire the job out for not much money.
I'm constantly hit in the face with the Time is Money saying when I'm running
my equipment.
One of the reasons that you were given the suggestion to get a Tractor Loader
Backhoe(TLB) is that the "real" backhoe machines allow easy movement from
the "driving" position to the backhoe operating position. Its real helpful if you
have to move the machine alot and then operate the backhoe. I would think
it would be real handy if one did not have good legs.
The other reason for the backhoe suggestion was the use of the thumb attachment
which would make it real easy to move the concrete. However, most of the tractor
mounted backhoes, I have a JD 48, have limited reach. Depending on the slope around
the lake the backhoe might not have the reach to get to the concrete.
The FEL 4n1 bucket is a must have if you have things to grab vs scooping. I have a 4n1
and I would not be without it. Without the 4n1 I think I would loose a good 30% of the
use of my tractor. The 4n1 works like a regular bucket but can open and close.
I use it all the time to grab logs and brush to put into burn piles.
IF you really want to dig your own 1 acre pond you would need an FEL for sure and
most likely a 4n1 as well. When open the 4n1 can function as a dozer blade. But
don't think you have a dozer and it will push up lots of dirt, a tractor likely will not
have the traction. If the soil is rocky a backhoe would help since it could dig holes
which would allow the FEL to move the spoil. It would be time consuming but it
likely could be done depending on how much time you want to spend. IF its a pond
that requires a dam all bets are off. The state likely has lots of rules and regs on
the permits/building/maintaining of a dam. They are almost certainly going to require
soil tests, compaction, etc., which can only be done by large machines.
Besides HST look into JD's PowerReverser tranny. Its a gear tranny with a twist.
There is a lever on the dash that makes the tractor go forward, neutral and reverse.
Once the tractor is in the right gear, moving foward and back is all hand operated
if that is the way you want to do things. It does have a clutch on the left side
and brakes on the right that you would have to make accessible.
For your road fixin make sure you get a box blade and a hydraulic toplink. There
has been lots of discussion on the hydraulic toplinks but what it allows you to
do is easily adjust any three point hitch implement via a lever. You don't have
to get off the tractor to mess with the toplink. Its all done via hydraulics.
And you where afraid your post would be long! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Ask more questions, read the past discussions and you will learn quite a
bit. Once, I was able to read ALL the discussion areas on TBN. Not
anymore, just to much danged information! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Really read the
attachments discussions. There are conversations about tools you will
never have known about which might solve some of your problems.
Oh! Welcome to The World of TBN! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
Later...
Dan McCarty