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I have to agree, at least from my experience running both Echo and Stihl products on a farm. I used Stihl for many years for trimmers and chainsaws (still miss my ancient Stihl 028...). We currently run an Echo gas 501p chainsaw, an Echo gas pole saw, an Echo 2620t weedeater (for torque) and a...

Yeah, coyotes get a bit of a bum rap on cattle. They will, however, go after sick or dead calves. But mama is usually a match for anything the size of a coyote - they are not really pack animals. I am much more inclined to shoot dogs that venture onto the farm and offer problems. Many times...

I have to agree with this suggestion. I live in the country and often have to fight off things that want to get inside ... I have used 1/4" hardware cloth for years, attached to a securely anchored frame to stop intrusions through vents. I even stopped a determined groundhog once - while...

I agree with Peter on Manual J calculations. While it is the gold standard and is required in many contracts, most HVAC folks here in KY simply don't normally do it. When I was doing calculations for an older home I was working on in KY, I bought the software and did it myself. It does take...

I think the safe thing to do is change oil early...not at 500 hours. Any manufacturing trash is flushed this way. Oil is cheap, metal is not...

Good points. You are doing these folks a favor by maintaining a nice fence and any logical person would not begrudge a small intrusion to repair a fence after a storm. Bottom line - do what you need to do and worry about permission later...

I would go with the folks who say put a snatch block/pulley across that fence on one of those trees in the background. If attached to the butt end at the hinge and your tractor, I would expect the tree might pivot on the "tops" and swing away from the fence when connected to your tractor if you...

At face value, I agree with your first comment. A bush hog is just never going to be a finish mower... As to your hay issues, you are spot on. I love disc mowers, but they simply have to be adjusted well to accommodate each grass type. And never too low - the mower is not a plow, and simply...

Understand your viewpoints. And experience with labor and materials. All a learning process. Many here are willing to help as you go along with our own experiences . Come back as you go along for our own insights which might assist you. Best of Luck.

That's an uncomfortable situation...but you already know that. However, it appears you have lost confidence in these two guys no matter what. Going forward with them will be difficult because you won't trust them now and that will show. You have stated your concerns to all of us; perhaps it's...

Just now saw your response - was out yesterday clipping pastures. OK, my gut reaction is that is high. I thought this might have been a fence company bringing their equipment and workers. To be fair, a good company has to add overhead and profit to basic labor rates to stay in business...

Absolutely. I might want to borrow it again...

They already know it...

The old cast iron Kohlers were capable and dependable engines. I have a 1969 John Deere 140 with a 14HP Kohler K321 in it. Has a hydrostatic in it the size of a 1958 Buick automatic LOL, independent brakes, and a real hydraulic system for attachments. Bought it worn out from a school and put a...

Since a lot of you ask about ZTRs and the like, let me second WinterDeere's recommendation to sign on to "Lawnsite." I have used that site for commercial opinions on ZTRs for over 20 years. If you make your living on these machines, you know something...listen. Based on that site, I bought a...

Another reason for the decline in hunting is the difference in responsible young people as...hunters. When I was young, all you had to do in rural Kentucky was go up to a farmer's door and politely ask if you could hunt. Most times, because you displayed courtesy and a responsible attitude, you...

To add to M59's suggestion, let us know what the fence will be used for; e.g, horses, cattle, sheep, etc. You can develop a pretty good estimate of materials once you define the type and use of the final design. Your extension agent will have good fence material designs for free. And they are...

As I remember, they served as a great "alarm system" on my grandfather's farm, warning of the approach of strangers or predators. Loud...really loud.

Well, maybe good to summarize... So, offbrands may be a bit suspect in their advertisements. Each major manufacturer offers different grades of mowers in the same, well, widths. What you might cut, according to the manufacturer's rating, is not really what you should cut. Meaning, how much...

Anyone that's outside here in KY is a target. Permethrin and DEET are your friends. I order 40% cans of DEET in bulk and put them in the RTV, trucks, tractors, etc. Also talk to any farm worker about dousing themselves whenever outside working. Honestly, if you get a bite, try to get the tick...

X2 on the CV Joint. My Bush Hog 2815 gets pushed full after 8-12 hours operation. The other benefit is that the rear of my tractor(s) will never rust with all that grease slung on them...

If any of your funding for that line came from the Rural Internet government funding...try to get it while you can. Trump's quote on this:“a racist and illegal $2.5 billion giveaway.” Translate that for rural folks...like me...who pay far more than others for any kind of service.

Your comments are timely and IMO correct. I am in KY and I pay attention to the weather. There's no farmer who does not. People's lives and our livestock, structures, equipment, and our crops are in peril in these events. And there seem to be more now than in my long ago youth. As PonyTug...

The death toll in KY is now up to 21, mostly in Laurel County in south KY. My partner's tenant lost his mother in this large long track tornado. KY is rapidly becoming part of a new "tornado alley" vs the midwest. The administration seems to want to cut the National Weather Service (NWS) to...

That's an excellent way to get a shot. Groundhogs are shy and cautious, but not as much from above. I would think they would watch for hawks, but it doesn't seem to be the case. I have had good luck doing exactly what you have done.

Well, I'm going to stand by my description of large, aggressive coons. Most are smaller and quieter, but I can assure you some are ready to fight and do not hiss like an opossum - if you have coon hunters around ask them... But...you bring up another nemesis of mine - groundhogs. I have...

If you've heard both, Yes... A bit more bass with a puma, but a 35# coon sings the same song...

That's hilarious. Thank you for sharing that. Some of the folks get way too serious on here. If you've still got your major limbs after an event, say thank you to some deity and move on. And for heaven's sake, laugh a little bit...

Yeah, the closer you get to raccoons, the less cute they begin to appear. If you have ever trapped a large boar raccoon in a cage and go to pick it up, you honestly begin to fear for your own safety. The growl they emit sounds like a mountain lion. And they can back it up... A groundhog can...

Absolutely agree if he has access to on farm diesel. I sold a really great Ferris ZTR with a 30HP Vanguard engine. Great mower, but big mowers drink a lot of gas. Not worth the hassle. I currently have a Bad Boy diesel that's 12 years old with the CAT/Perkins engine. Cruder than the Ferris...

I'm going to second the dog proof (paw) trap. I have used the old Hav-a-Heart cage traps over the decades. They do work (marshmallows, sardines, etc.), but then you have to dispatch an exceptionally unhappy animal. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the raccoon runs straight out of the trap...

I agree with some of the sentiments others offer. Obviously, if you enjoy killing an animal and the suffering it experiences, you need professional help. That said, wild animals are to be enjoyed in their own environment. They normally do not really domesticate well and feeding them or putting...

Yeah, not really a bad idea at all. I have seen cows scarf it up if burnt, but everything I've read in the past says it has no nutritional value...so why bother. And old damaged hay does help heal washes and ditches. But, as 5030 mentioned, a moisture and temp probe is really a good idea...

Good deal. After that, it's all just a learning experience. 5030's advice about using certain moisture thresholds is good IMO - above 15-16% readings, then you begin to watch internal temps closely. If you are unsure about any hay, just leave it outside in the field for a few days and keep...

If I'm reading this correctly, you might still have some other wet bales in a barn. You simply have to get them out or ensure the internal temps are not climbing. You can worry about the value of the hay later. You can check this with a temperature probe or a metal rod or rebar. The...

No mere words suffice at these times. But I know from your description that she knew she was loved and safe with you there.

Unless you have a dedicated weather station on your land (I do), I know of no better source than the National Weather Service. Just put your zip code into the box on their link and you get excellent forecasts, radar, and a wealth of detailed information if you drill down. All free (well, our...

Kerosene heaters here in KY

Seems like there's no downside to the gutter and underground drain system. I'm a little amazed that water and foundation problems haven't cropped up in all this time with these buildings having no overhead gutters. But I will admit brick/stone ground gutters with decent fall worked on a lot of...

I don't know your area in terms of hydrology, but somebody does. I have re-established productive springs, but it does require a bit of study (and sometimes luck). Since other springs nearby are still flowing, I would believe your spring has found a lower pressure route underground (away from...

Peter has given a great summary on painting in general (and yes, I painted my way through school, too). Water is always your enemy - let it inside next to the wood and rot (mold organisms) begins to eat away the wood substrate, releasing the paint cover. If hiring someone, the first question...

Those things are more of a pain than people understand that are not in business. It's not just the loss of expected income, but also the expensive equipment that you have invested in that now is idle more than you want. Even more importantly, since you did not expect this, you may not have the...

Like others here, for raccoons, first line trap(s) are the Dogproof paw traps baited with mini-marshmallows. I also have several Hav-a-Heart traps. Either way, I would shoot them. They aren't "cute," they are trouble... Same with fox squirrels. If you have a garden, orchard, or an electrical...

Well, as the folks before offer, there's really no easy way to do this. In a perfect world, I suppose you could cut off everything above the old fenceline, hire a bulldozer, and then dig a pit and bury everything. No one I know lives in that perfect world. I have taken down miles of old...

Same for me. The NWS does offer the short daily forcasts, but if you sift through all the open doors on their site, you will find a wealth of information. I particularly like to use the "Forecast Discussion" link at the bottom of the local forecast to read in detail what's really coming up and...

I think having a larger trailer for local use is a good idea. Cross country, going through several states, might be problematic. I have certainly done it myself (trying for weekends/Sundays...) but Federal and State DOT regs are not in my wheelhouse. I am safe and go by DOT regs, but I do not...

All good points. I would also add in highway fabric under the base materials to stabilize everything. If the OP really wants to pour concrete, he certainly can, but the dirt work under gravel or concrete is still going to have to be done for success, i.e., digging down, adding substrate, etc...

Is that the Canadian manufacturer MK Martin that markets snowblowers under the Meteor brand? If it is, they have parts manuals online and dealers in the US.

You might consider searching for AGCO/Massey dealers also as well. As Hay Dude noted earlier, you get a lot of the Fendt drivetrain engineering along with reliable diesels up front in their higher horsepower utility tractors. I have a MF 5465 - that particular tractor has a SISU (Finnish)...

Have you soil tested? That might give you a better target to shoot at. Clover will respond to proper lime values (even some of the seed you already spread). Might talk to your local ag extension agent for some advice, even as to which quarries supply the "best" lime. Best of luck.

What about a compromise? Unless you're dealing with unusually high drifts, an "inverted" or "pull type" snowblower behind your tractor might be a considerably more economical solution. I have an 8 foot Meteor pull type - I just bought a cheap camera and monitor for the cab and it works quite...

Well, as an opinion (and without seeing the OP's ground), mowing 100 acres with a smaller 6 foot mower is just biting off too much to do long term. And, it sounds like you need a stouter mower if you're going to keep this work up. So, since you're upgrading your tractor from a Kubota dealer...

You might consider defining your task at hand in a bit more detail. A 2WD older MF of that horsepower and weight will certainly handle either a 12 or 15 foot mower, assuming the land is reasonably flat. And that you are not charging through heavy 4-5 foot high thick weeds or woody...

Ferris will have a diesel also. But...if you have a good Kubota dealer and it's cheaper, I'd go with the Kubota ZTR. But, as Haydude states, get the best seat and platform you can buy with the unit (it will be cheaper with the sale). You will thank yourself later. Best of Luck

Which may argue for investing time and a few minor repairs in a used, low hour, commercial unit for many of us. I picked up that F2680E I mentioned for $6300 plus shipping. Looked almost new when it came off the trailer with about 460 Hrs on it. And looked new when I pulled maintenance on it...

I read Haydude's summary on ZTRs vs Kubota's F series and I basically agree with his points, having owned ZTRs and now also a used F2680E. The Kubota is a used unit with less than 500hrs - bought it to back up a diesel BadBoy 60" ZTR with a Cat/Perkins engine. In essence, the Kubota will mow...

Although heavily advertised in farm pubs, Rim Guard isn't always available locally. Shipping might be somewhat pricey from a stocking dealer. What I did was simply use a couple of clean 55 gal drums (with intact bung plugs) and drive an hour to a farm implement dealer who had it in bulk...

Eddie, your question is a difficult one to answer as others note above. The USDA provides some baseline date on rents by county. You can find information and links on their site: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Surveys/Guide_to_NASS_Surveys/Cash_Rents_by_County/ But...that's just a starting point...

Actually, this is interesting for those of us who use Amazon for farm stuff. For the original poster, I have wired several tractors and my RTV with add-on LED bars and pod lights from NiLights bought off of Amazon. No problems after a couple of years of use - buy their lights and paddle...

I sweated copper for my shop main lines - used Type L. Type M is a little thin and K is so heavy as to be cost prohibitive for most of us. I run my main lines at around 170PSI max. I would suggest never putting lines behind a wall. All compressed air will have water in it. You will need...

I've had an RTV1100 for some time. As with several other tractors, I've found the Nilights solutions to be excellent. You choose the bar you want or other smaller lights and Nilights has the harness and switches you need. Just look on Amazon. I believe this kind of solution would beat any...

That's what I hear in Kentucky as well. That's going to be a real problem for cattle, hog, and horse folks in the near future. Particularly now that vets are mandated to be more involved in antibiotic supervision now. I certainly don't know the answer, but when looking at multi-billion dollar...

If you can find one. Many vets around here now only cater to small animal practices. Harder and harder to find a Large Animal Vet anymore.

I would never dissuade someone from trying a rewarding enterprise. If you know all the background info. Here's some hard information to think about if you raise beef to sell: - Cattle operations are based on capital expenses spread across years and many groups of animals. I have many...

OK, the folks here have given you some good information. Here are some of my opinions: - Blacks sell better (often without enough justification). - Bottle feeding a calf is just not where you want to go. - Prices are going to be high. The total US herd size is way down. Some farmers just don't...

I take your point. In a perfect world, we would rotate crops perfectly, use manual labor to destroy insects, pay strict attention to varieties, and a host of other things. But that is not the real world for most of us and not for large scale farming in general. But it should remain...

I honestly think Ponytug and LittleBill21 are giving you some good advice. Yes, a lot of Milwaukee stuff is made in China. But it's made and certified to Milwaukee specifications. The Milwaukee brand is old and that name itself is valuable. They are not going to risk damaging it by allowing...

I have a stable of Milwaukee 18v...and others LOL. Here's my take. Milwaukee makes really good batteries and charges really good prices. But, you can find specials on vendor sites like HD who bundle or offer deals on the batteries. Now, as to China made clones, some may be OK (but not as...

You might stop at your County Agent's office and pick up some materials (or online). We are fortunate in Kentucky to have excellent support from this ancient system. Here's a paper on raising potatoes you might find beneficial. It mentions some of the techniques others here note (need for...

And in Kentucky, just "Digger Bar," and probably why all of us in our seventies have arthritis in our hands...

Ponytug gave you a lot of the basics. Anything I have learned comes from a lot of reading and trying to solve my own problems on the farm with internet access. But, please don't misunderstand why I have Starlink. That's the only sort of high speed internet that many in rural areas have as a...

Here's a specific "system" I use to connect my house internet to the farm shop, about 300 feet away. It demonstrates the Point to Point antenna concept mentioned earlier. To me, this is just a house broadcast signal directionally aimed to another identical small antenna at the shop. The units...

Not sure Mack produced an accepted standard light tactical vehicle as a replacement for the HMMWV (believe Mack does produce some heavier stuff for the services though). The replacement for the HMMWV is the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) from Oshkosh (which is much different from the...

A couple of things come to mind for your research. All military-developed equipment is built to standards that satisfy a tactical mission requirement. Because of that (and sometimes politics), you will find some expensive parts and capabilities never even considered in civilian use. Which may...

The 2815 (with the additional wing) is no finish mower, but I haven't noticed a lot of really uneven distribution of grass. Mine is set up with blade ring steel guards underneath and protective chains all around. Which should even add to disruption of airflow. Any chance you might be allowing...

Thanks, I will.

OK, I'll give this a shot. I have used a lot of chainsaws for farm use, not for logging or arborist use, tho.' Here's my experience... As 5030 said, the best chainsaw I ever owned was a Stihl 028. A younger version of myself heated with wood. I used that saw so much and was so impressed over...

Yeah, the object is to never let the tractor and load get sliding sideways with any speed. When the downhill tire hits the slightest obstruction, the machine will rotate over and start rolling with the result you describe. Quick differential braking and throttle jabbing can keep you at an angle...

You might consider this independent repair outfit. If you call them, they say they will give you good choices for chargers (they aren't selling anything as far as I can see). I believe if my chargers go bad in the future, I'll give them a try. https://www.fencerfixer.com/repairs Now, to your...

I would use the 12." Don't know your soil, area, and schedule, but waiting for rain is always better. If you have to dig now, I would take your sharpened digger bar and chip off the top layer of sod and hardened soil, to help the auger "bite." Second, sharpen your auger advance knives as much...

Yeah, I'm "that guy" too, on this farm. To the point I have put my hand on the manual throttle and feet lightly on each brake, saying, "When this freight train breaks loose, what's my plan to land it at the bottom?" And I don't allow others to mow certain areas where I go. No bravado...

Your point is well taken, but only in select areas of the country. Two wheel drive used tractors are available with high horsepower at (relatively) attractive prices. The problem comes when trying to have good directional control and provide enough tractive power when dragging a heavy boat...

That's a really good point. Too many younger folks who may actually want to do the right thing and plan for a responsible retirement are sold...nonsense. Most managed funds or investments do not beat the stock market average over time (and some of that may be luck or a statistical trick of...

Lot of interesting and helpful comments here. Also commend you on hiring a "fiduciary" for planning purposes. That's what my wife and I did over 30 years ago and it was worth every penny. I suspect we were like a lot of folks on these forums. We worked hard, saved everything we could, moved...

That's actually what I'm saying about this specific franchise. It is owned and operated by a franchisee who has a real stake in the game and partners with an experienced mechanic. You're simply not going to see some nineteen year old "technician" who is established and well funded enough to...

Yeah, I have done my own stuff most of my life and I'm older than you. But, I think I'm going over to the dark side. I'm going to continue the tractors and trucks and...more. However, for my wife's Subaru Outback and our Honda Ridgeline, I have a new plan. Kudos to my wife - she said why not...

Your points on Midtronics (and similar) are certainly valid. I have a Midtronics and several others, along with carbon pile units, and they do accomplish more discrete battery testing. But for a cheap tool, the "toaster" types can point to where to start (no pun intended). Kinda' like the...

I don't know exactly what your draw is on that unit. I'm...pretty old - an AC compressor "bump" from start up might be 3X the running load in the past. Newer technology (aka "soft start") might not need that capability. Probably need to zero in on that math, though. And, not at all trying to...

I kinda' go with this sort of solution on my farm. But first, I would suggest the OP really look at what they are trying to do. Basically, what is your true emergency load requirement? An old rule of thumb for a whole house was about 80% of your service would ever be in play at the same time...

Good points - "extenders" are not going to do it. I should have used correct terminology: "Point to Point." You're essentially setting up a small radio station at your internet modem source ISP. Then you're broadcasting the signal through the antenna described, directionally, to another...

Like most things...depends. Contrary to what internet gadget guys like to sell, hardwired and shielded is always better. But much more expensive. Underground Feeder ethernet cable is available and can certainly be done with time and money. But, you might try some wireless systems at that...

I use an eight foot Cammond...for years. Very heavy built. They make several weights and widths. Here is the specification page for them: BUILT TO LAST Made in the USA Forgot to add, mine does have scarifiers that can drop down and really bite if needed. Also, a compliment. My sacrifice...

I have had a set of Firestone (I think) air bags on a dual wheel Chevrolet C30 for about 30 years. Even with a factory progressive spring pack, some heavy loads were noticeable. The air bags back then were not that expensive and made a real difference. You can get cab controls to set the air...

I second that idea - if you look at fuel, motels, repairs, etc., it's awfully nice just to wait to see it show up in your driveway. I would get insurance on it before it leaves though.

Well, I don't know (as others) what your available materials are. I (think) pressure treated posts are sometimes a crapshoot. You just don't know what you might get as a finished product. You takes your chances... May I ask if you have round "faced" posts in your area? Common in KY, but...

You folks are bringing back a lot of memories...some not so good. But, here are some of my construction "tools" for wood plank fencing. One, a large round dowel, sharpen one end. That's how you mark exactly where the point of your auger will start in the ground. Pre-plan your route and mark...

Although I have helped "buddys" put in some septic systems (in my youth), I am certainly not an expert. But I do have opinions. So, here it is: a well designed septic system doesn't really need help. If you are having to put "stuff" in, that's a patch, a band-aid. The comments about inside...

I'll admit, I'm a little confused. Septic systems (mine included) on farms are common. A properly designed system lasts many years, with only some small maintenance. I have never heard of a septic tank, allowed by code, of 300 gallons - perhaps I'm wrong? And, why is your tank above ground...

OK, I'll add one other tip I learned the hard way on fences. To make this fast and efficient, make a spacer out of a scrap 1X6" to separate and align your boards (I still have one in my "kit" for fencing). Get a strong clamp - like a 3/4" or 1" Pony clamp with a worm gear. Why? Well 14-16'...

For those of us that use ATVs (RTV) for work, the Kubota is fantastic. And I don't use those words much. I have a 2010 RTV1100 with over 2000hrs. And not easy use at all. All of the maintenance is done on the farm, pretty close to factory suggestions. Shell Rotella T4 15W40 since new...

Think all the advice is excellent. I won't add much except what my experience has taught. I put up these fences here in KY on our farm (but we use mostly page wire or barbed). We have cattle and a four board fence works well. I used to use white oak, but now I get 1x6 16' pressure treated...

I know you may be angry, but like CH4Ohio says, there are other consequences to lowering your credit score. It may affect your insurance premiums - not saying I agree with that, but understand some companies are linking credit history and premiums.

Many of you gentlemen have much more of a penchant for entertainment than myself. For those of you so inclined to release skunks from traps, I will offer to hold your beer or scotch...from a distance. I will offer my first experience with a skunk at the age of seven for your entertainment and...

I am fortunate to live on a farm and enjoy wildlife...to a point. I guess I am the sort of person that says, "If it doesn't need killing, leave it alone." Enjoy the privilege of observing - most of the country doesn't have that opportunity anymore. I understand some might look upon a skunk...

We did - you said it better, though. And though there are many legitimate criticisms of government, many forget that agricultural programs serve the national interest first.

I respect the opinions and experiences of those on this site. That's why I enjoy (mostly reading) these posts. I will agree that we are over regulated and that's another discussion. But the Federal Ag folks in my county have always been most helpful to me over the decades. The NCRS (sorry...

Might work, might not. There's a lot of science and luck involved. I have a spring fed pond I renovated (cleaned out, raised dam, etc.) The higher the dam the more back pressure you'll have and from the description, a rock bottom may not hold as much as you want. Ponds are sometimes sealed...

OK, enjoy reading a lot of the posts on here. Try to keep my mouth shut when I don't know stuff. But, I do know about Mitsubushi Mini Splits. I too, live in the southeast in an 1840s brick house. Which means solid brick walls with its attendant advantages and disadvantages. I have an old...

OK, I'll bite. LOL - yes, wives and new stainless stuff in the kitchen seem to go together. The good news is I now have two good 20-25 year old refrigerators in the shop with...working ice makers. And I'm never getting rid of them. Last year had to take one to a buddy's - had a million dollar...

Exciting times. You can check for more background here: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/philippines/travel-facts That CIA summary does point to the travel advisory previously posted...

Nope, no hate at all. I like to read and learn, after 7 decades. By the way, your quote from Richard Bach made me remember his account of flying an F-84F in a thunderstorm - "all weather fighters" was probably a stretch back then... I think (others may have experiential evidence) that...

And that's good operational advice for anyone running in your environment. Even in Kentucky, I absolutely believe in warming equipment, especially in cold temps (but nowhere like yours). I do have block heaters on everything and use them (well, except for an RTV1100 - glow plugs and gentle...

Sometimes we get into a cross between philosophy and engineering on lubricants. Me, I compromise a bit...but not on engineering specifications. I would not put any lubricant into your machine that was not specifically named in your manual or identified with a manufacturer "spec" number you can...

They may have a crank you can use manually from your seat...but darned if I'm leaning back toward that grinding auger to use it LOL. Still, since you are on an open station tractor, you will like the fact you can quickly aim the chute away from winds that are trying to make you into a...

I have a tractor with an oil bath and do what LouNY does, except I have enough suspect diesel around I use that to clean with. I would be careful using very strong solvents on unknown materials. I also just fill the base with 15W40 although 30W was originally spec'd (in the dark ages). No...

These are all good posts about options. I will second the comfort and utility of a pull type (inverted) blower. After years of using a grader blade and loader snow blade, I found a used MK Martin Meteor 8 foot blower and had it shipped to Kentucky (we don't get that much snow now, but when we...

I have an MTL Extreme I bought some years ago. Lots of farm use with heavy loads. I can say the welds are excellent and I have not damaged it. That version is pretty heavy, but I see no reason your JD would not handle it fine, assuming loader and hydraulics are compatible. I have abused...

Good topic. I personally agree with getting away from phillips. I have switched almost entirely to Torx screws for farm use (pine, oak, poplar, etc.) and use Bosch or Milwaukee driver tips. I do generally pre-drill for best results (well, maybe not as much for pine). I have to say good...

Agree with all the previous suggestions, particularly on safety. And a properly anchored block and tackle pulley system is awesome. But you can take down even really large trees with a full size backhoe, if you go at it right. I have taken out fence lines with many trees in them by first...

Second the Costco Weatherproof for summer work. Stretchy and cheap. I buy them online in bulk whenever there's a sale. These aren't briar wear, but they're great on the farm and in the shop. Lot's of lawn care guys use these.

While old, and not the shot I used to be, I purchased a Savage .17 Magnum just out of curiosity. Frankly, without wind, at 100 yards, sandbagged, and a scope, that rifle is amazing for a cheap gun. And I assure you, the 25 grain round would put any groundhog down. That said, a Conibear doesn't...

I would agree you should check your state's laws on traps. But, in Kentucky, the University of KY Extension Service has a prepared paper on groundhog control and suggests the Conibear as a go to solution. My results concur. Not saying judgement is not called for, hence the caveats. Here's a...

Most farmers hate groundhogs and perhaps coyotes have driven them in toward buildings. I kill 7-10 each year and they are always here in the spring (this year, so far, 5 are gone). If you enjoy a challenge, as I did in my youth, waiting and understanding their patterns will get you a good shot...

I have had Plantar F OK, since I have had Plantar Fasciitis for a good while, I'll offer what brought me relief. Mine was bad enough I was using an old crutch and cane out in the shop... As several mention, an evaluation by a good Podiatrist is the best place to start. If really bad, they...

I think this is a bit more common than some think. While it is possible to get bearings too tight and experience heat build-up, lubricants do expand as they get warmer and with no place to go except around seals and the cap, they can push the cap off. And like others in this thread, I have...

I agree with all this from my limited (sort of) experience. Deka is in my Generac and all equipment that's "important" around this farm. And I don't care what Consumer Report says, Walmart Everstart batteries are just nowhere close to their equal.

It might depend on what threshold their store sets on the machine as acceptable. It will obviously be something lower than 100% (but how low is acceptable?). Midtronics seems to be the gold standard for professionals, but I suspect any electronic device can get out of calibration. I know...

Those situations frustrate all of us. NAPA batteries normally have a good rep, but this is not good local service. Truthfully, depends on your parts needs locally and the relationship you need to have with these guys. Maybe an honest conversation with the manager stating some of the material...

I agree with this from some other previous research I have done (this small farm somehow has 35+ batteries scattered about). An automotive battery at 12.0v is almost useless. My rule of thumb is 12.8v is a fully charged battery at rest, without a surface charge present. 12.6v is 75%, 12.4v is...

I will offer only a couple of suggestions. First, I personally find value in the synthetics for small engines that we use here on the farm. Most any brand name synthetic that gets close to original weights should suffice and help with winter ops. Second, smaller air cooled engines appreciate...

I have an 8' Cammond "land plane" in use for over a decade. Mostly used on 1/2 mile gravel road. Heavy made, good welds, etc. Only had to replace the wear skids once and the company was helpful with parts direct. You can find their specs for all sizes under the name, "Cammond Industrial...

While others may scoff, I bought a HF Earthquake a couple of years ago. And yes, I have a 1" air impact I have to darn near drag across the shop to use. It has a lot of dust on it now that I got the cordless. I am sure the quality and life will not be as good as Milwaukee or Snap-On, but for...

All of these responses have merit, depending on the job and the money invested. I will say as an old guy that Kentucky tobacco ground in the past was prepared with a lot of different things being drug behind a (disc) harrow. Anything that's heavy and reasonably flat does the job. For many...

Lot of good information here and I can only add a couple of suggestions. A heavy equipment mechanic told me years ago not to let a battery go completely flat simply because it often will not really come back to "full" charge - usable, but not the same as it was. Discharge a new battery 3-5...

These discussions are some of the more valuable on the site. They remind us that we may not be paying attention to some important things. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't always share testing results with us common folk...uhh, customers. These additives are insurance policies against major...

Seems to me you do have a lot of experiential wisdom to choose from. These are interesting discussions and most people on here only seem to want to help. Some, like myself, are farmers and have heavier equipment. Frankly, in dirt or snow, weight contributes to tractive advantage and stability...

I was wondering when someone would comment on these. I have a FEL snowplow blade, rear blade, and a pull type 8' snowblower. And I'm in Kentucky... But, 10-12" snows can drift very high on old carriage roads in high winds and the county can take a while to handle the issues. I have the nice...

Farming has been, and always will be inherently dangerous. The thing that is missing today is the parental oversight of the child in a learning environment. I was taught to drive tractors and heavy trucks as a "child." Without an on-road license. It seems more of a sense of responsibility...

Pro Models only. Echo first, Stihl second. Well, dealer first, but Echo models seem to have less problems of late. Used to be only Stihl, but their carb solutions to emissions challenges soured me... Ah, the old 028 Farm Boss...still miss it.

This post is a few weeks old, but originally these tractors used motor oil for hydraulics. TSC Premium hydraulic fluid meets many manufacturers' specs. It will work and should also work well in colder temperatures. The tractor has only about a 5 gallon reservoir that sits to the rear of the...

I absolutely keep the end (large CV joint) of the main shaft under cover even though under a shed roof in winter. That main zerc fitting calls for about 30 shots of grease every 8 hours, and yes, it sometimes throws grease on the rear of the tractor. And so what...it's a tractor and will never...

My opinion is you have received some good advice. If you want less worry, buy new (I have done both used and new). Many farmers do not let a good piece of equipment go unless they sense a problem coming up. Most name brands are good (believe Bushhog, Rhino, Schulte, Alamo, are owned by the same...

I've had an old Case 580C (1980) on the farm for over 15 years. It is open station and as someone mentioned, those types are available at a sizeable discount. If it died tomorrow, I'd immediately buy another one. It weighs about 15K or 16K and will pick up 5K in the front bucket (which you...

As Torvy opined, I don't quite understand a barbless top strand. While it may make you feel good (about animals), it would have little deterrent value to our woodland friends (and I have many). I do value wildlife, and understand not intentionally harming an animal (and yes, I have, and do...

Here's a practical suggestion - visit your local USDA County Agent with a short term plan and a long term plan for fencing this area. Ask him or her for advice. Fencing types, uses, and legal constraints vary widely from state to state. In my state, if you had livestock to fence in/out, your...

If you really want to do this for a challenge and entertainment, no one can fault you. But as some have alluded to, you have an interim and cheap way to get into this. I have an old 580C on the farm with a 12" bucket - it will do anything I ask (almost). The ground you first described might not...

Well...since I own one of these, I'll give some opinions. I'm on a farm in rural KY and in my seventies...looking backward for hours is not so much fun. I previously had an eight foot plow mounted on a loader and a seven foot grader blade behind, but often winds and old carriage roads invite...

Try Stanford, KY on Danville (KY) Road...

I read here a lot, but don't post much... This one, I will, because I bought a 72" MTL Extreme grapple a couple of years back. That version is probably too heavy for smaller tractors, but I found this implement to be an excellent value and well constructed. Their welds are quite good, and...

Well, I don't normally post (but read on this site all the time...you folks are fun). I do have a couple of opinions on this, so I'll share. I have a small farm and run four off-brand tractors and a couple of trucks, old Case 580C backhoe, etc. So...I'm old, have some minor skills, and still...

I rarely post, but DrRobM is right about MTL. I bought their Extreme 72" grapple a couple of years ago...really heavy and really well built. I have picked up logs really too heavy for the tractor (but carefully), but I never once worried about the grapple. The Extreme is about a 1000# base...