FallingGirl

My tractor obsession began when I returned from living overseas for 8 years to a home in Myrtle Beach that I purchased 20 years ago. Ignorantly the former owner had recently planted several gorgeous species of bamboo in the yard. It was very tranquil and only consisted of a few patches with no more than 3-4 stalks each. It was a zen heaven.
So fast forward, I move to Asia for business and leave my home in the hands of my sister for 8 years. When I returned the bamboo had destroyed my yard, torn up tile on the guesthouse patio, grew over and under concrete paths and driveways and was even found sprouting in the main house crawl space. I was in sheer panic. The once very fertile loose soiled lawn was now non existent. It had been replaced by a bed of woven roots as strong as steel and absolutely no challenge to any other tree I might consider planting.
I had no idea what a tractor was before discovering this nightmare but read about them online and in this forum. I knew I had to remove all of the contaminated soil with the roots and dump it all in dump trucks to be hauled away. Then I would bring in all new fresh soil.
I first rented a larger compact John Deere tractor with loader and backhoe. It worked fairly well but I was too much of a novice to realistically complete the job on my own. Also the front end loader did not reach the height of the long dumpster I was using to offload the contaminated soil.
So I ended up hiring an excavation company (a guy with a mini excavator) who estimated that removal would cost about $4k and that new soil would be about $3k. That was a lot but I had to do it. I’m the end the excavator removed 24” of soil and replaced it, unbeknownst to me, with soil so expensive that it was probably flown in from Paris. The final price stag for everything was $32,000! I’m not rich either. But at least the bamboo problem was completely solved and I had a sodded blank slate to start my garden over with again.
But I still had the idea of buying a REAL tractor on my mind. Having read so much about them I knew they could do everything I dreamed and more. From trenching irrigation lines, to carrying mulch and rock, to leveling my unattended to front yard, lifting pallets . . It was just too tempting. But tractors are very expensive, especially used subcompact tractors. I simply couldn’t afford a subcompact with a loader so I purchased a Kubota BX2230 4x4 off of Facebook Marketplace from some guy who totally ripped me off. I just paid $5,000 for it but it was plagued with problems. The first time I drove it the gas pedal literally broke off! It also had a broken power steering motor, would t turn off (but I actually fixed that myself with a 25amp fuse) and nothing on the dash worked. So I called our local Kubota dealership to pick up the machine and fix the problems, go over the tractor thoroughly to detect any latent problems that might pop up and I had them install a hydraulic top link on the back because I don’t have a FEL. I figured I could use a rear scoop kind like a mini FEL with the hydraulic top link. Unfortunately and for God knows what reason the dealership installed the control to the hydraulic top link BEHIND THE TRACTOR which makes absolutely no sense and destroys the purpose of having a dynamic top link in the first place. So, as of right this second, the dealership has picked the tractor back up and is going to relocate the control to somewhere near the front controls. They also neglected to install the new treadle pedal correctly and it does not spring back to neutral when you take your foot off the gas. I am completely new to tractors and wasn’t sure if this was how all tractors work until I googled the topic and found that pedal “sticking” is a common problem with my model tractor. It cost me a bush that I ran over. I a, also having a weight bracket installed on the front to offset the weight I will be applying to the rear scoop that I yet to have purchased.
Just a little about me. I am a woman and work as an artist but was an attorney for 17 years. I try to fix all problems myself which might label me as a tomboy. I hate paying to have household problems fixed by a pro. It normally costs me more in the long run but I use my degree from YouTube University to learn how to fix or build anything I need on my own. I am a seasoned welder and own a Lincoln Ranger, a Lincoln MIG, a cheap but decent plasma cutter and a torch setup. I have been studying CNC software, Luke Fusion and plan on purchasing a plasma table when finances will cover it. I am also looking for a regular cnc with an extended bed for cutting wood parts and building intricate fence screens. I have turned my garage into a pretty kickass wood and metal shop. Although I typically weld in the driveway out of fear of fire. I prefer stick welding so wind doesn’t affect my welds. I am also a tool ***** and have an avarice to own every obscure tool on the planet. The only problem is that I own so many tools that I can’t find them when I need them.
Sorry for the long bio. I’d appreciate if people could recommend attachments for my BX2230. And if anyone ever comes by an LA22 loader could you please let me know because I’d love to have one.
I look forward to meeting you all and contributing to the forum.
Cristina