Buying Advice It shouldn't be this difficult...

[Tom_H]

I thought about getting a F3080 until I priced one.

I hear that, and unfortunately, used F machines are not as easy to come by as used UTs. I think some of the L series (not all-unless things have changed) can take a floating (ground engaging-not suspended) MMM. An L can be heavy on turf, so the only viable way I see of going with one machine (Kubota at least) that can handle the OP's spectrum of work, is to get an MMM capable L with no permanent ballast (loaded tires or wheel weights) so that it is as light as possible when mowing. The MMM would be 72". When doing grunt work, a FEL and either BH or BB could counterbalance each other. Alternately, suitcase weights or custom racks for barbell weights could be used. My guess is that this machine should be able to handle a 6" brush hog, 7' if only cutting tall grass and no saplings.

 

[TripleR]

I hear that, and unfortunately, used F machines are not as easy to come by as used UTs. I think some of the L series (not all-unless things have changed) can take a floating (ground engaging-not suspended) MMM. An L can be heavy on turf, so the only viable way I see of going with one machine (Kubota at least) that can handle the OP's spectrum of work, is to get an MMM capable L with no permanent ballast (loaded tires or wheel weights) so that it is as light as possible when mowing. The MMM would be 72". When doing grunt work, a FEL and either BH or BB could counterbalance each other. Alternately, suitcase weights or custom racks for barbell weights could be used. My guess is that this machine should be able to handle a 6" brush hog, 7' if only cutting tall grass and no saplings.

It sure is a hard and I was unable to do it with satisfactory results. In many cases the "one tractor/machine do it all" is going to be a compromise in one area or the other, but cost often dictates a compromise machine.

 

[bp fick]

In many cases the "one tractor/machine do it all" is going to be a compromise in one area or the other, but cost often dictates a compromise machine.

+ shed storage space and marital bliss.

 

[TripleR]

+ shed storage space and marital bliss.

Ain't it the truth; seems every time I think about buying something, those come up. My wife and I have to move stuff around this week to find a way to get everything under cover. We put a Carolina carport up last year and could use another.

 

[jonyyuma]

Carolina carport??? One of those sheet metal arched car covers? If so $600.00 here.

 

[TripleR]

Carolina carport??? One of those sheet metal arched car covers? If so $600.00 here.

We got a 21x24 with enclosed sides and back, but should have gotten a 26x24. We also have another one which is a two car for a trailer and boat in addition to our barn here and another barn and 50x60 metal building on another farm and on the farm where my brothers live...

 

[Tom_H]

It sure is a hard and I was unable to do it with satisfactory results. In many cases the "one tractor/machine do it all" is going to be a compromise in one area or the other, but cost often dictates a compromise machine.

+ shed storage space and marital bliss.

Ain't it the truth; seems every time I think about buying something, those come up. My wife and I have to move stuff around this week to find a way to get everything under cover. We put a Carolina carport up last year and could use another.

Same here. I keep trying to find new ways to compartmentalize and organize storage better. I really could use a barn for the tractor and attachments, but that's $$ that is needed for a car and tuition for daughter who'll soon be going off to college. Too bad "stuff" isn't like library books-check in what you've finished using and check out what you need for now.