O.K., I just discovered the page tab and all the extra posts- (duh!)- I really appreciate all the extra input. I'd never even considered the extra braking potential in 4wd, but now it's obvious. I've been concerned about going downhill with a loaded FEL; with all that weight up front, rear wheel braking could skid to zero at any time, and dropping the load to stop doesn't sound like much fun. Actually, having reliable brakes of any sort will be marvelous. The old Massey's brakes aren't worth a ****. Braking with the transmission and clutch was bound to lead to disaster sooner or later. (Comeon baby, get in gear...GET IN GEAR...whew) The other big deal safetywise are the rops, of course. I'm not going to know how to act.
Birdman, I know what you mean about trying to load natural gravel and rock. Aint easy. I built a road years ago with an ancient backhoe and an equally decrepit 1 ton dump truck. I spent a lot of time spinning when trying to get a bucketful. I usually ended up scratching the gravel into a pile with the hoe first. I'm hopeful that a toothbar will make a big difference when digging. I'll definitely have filled tires in the back.
A good friend of mine said the difference between 4wd and 2wd is that if he could always accomplish what he thought he could with his 62 hp 4wd, whereas with the old 2wd plenty of things were impossible, especially with FEL work.
The tractor is coming from Watkins Lawn & Garden in Paris, TN. Nice people to work with, and great prices. I kept adding stuff due to those prices, toothbar, bale spear, rear remote. The caveate to this is that it's taken forever to get the order together. The latest report is that the tractor will arrive today. I CAN'T WAIT.
Cheers
Stackwood