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  1. M

    Rethinking Asphalt Millings - Addressing Washout

    Thanks, everyone. looks like I will focus on grading/crown and ditches first and foremost.
  2. M

    Rethinking Asphalt Millings - Addressing Washout

    About a year ago, I had rolled asphalt millings installed on my ~1/2 mile driveway. They were supposedly screened millings, and they were put in with a paver and rolled. Initially, they held up well. Over time, they have started to unbind and the top layer is a very fine material that gets...
  3. M

    Honda Pioneers

    I've heard a lot of good things about them. When I was shopping, it was between the 1000-5 and the Mule Pro FXT. Those I knew who had the 700 wished they had gotten the 1000, so that was what I was looking at. Ultimately, lack of availability and pricing led me to the Mule Pro FXT I bought used...
  4. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Little update. I have since added a Warm Provantage 4500 with dash rocker and wireless remote. KFI 72" plow (not pictured) and a full soft cab.
  5. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    After having this for a few days and driving around the property in snow/slush and on some steep grades, I really like this thing! I only have my dad's 570 Mid Size to compare to, but it is night and day different (in a good way). The EPS makes a big difference and the engine braking is far...
  6. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Yep, that's the plan. Trying to figure out what setup.
  7. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    We were out driving it today. Don't mind the road salt. That was from the trip home yesterday.
  8. M

    UTV Plow Setup - Hydro vs Manual/Winch

    Well now that the purchase of the UTV is official (picked it up yesterday), I need to get more serious about the plow. I think I ruled out the Boss setup due to cost. Leaning toward the KFI system with a Provantage 4500. Might add the hydraulic option down the road.
  9. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Went to look at it and drive it yesterday. Appeared to be in fantastic condition. Went back up this morning and brought it home.
  10. M

    UTV Plow Setup - Hydro vs Manual/Winch

    I have access to my dad's F250 with a plow and his JD 990 with a FEL and rear blade if we get big snows. I just don't want to wait around for him to get us cleared out during our mostly nuisance 2-4" snows we get. It's not his responsibility, even though I know he doesn't mind. Not to mention...
  11. M

    UTV Plow Setup - Hydro vs Manual/Winch

    I'm hoping to purchase either a new or used Mule Pro FTX (see previous thread on inflated pricing). One of the items on its' long list of duties in plowing our ~ 1/2 mile driveway. It is a milling base, and a simple up and back push with minimal elevation changes or turns. We have a substantial...
  12. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Good point. Never really thought of it like that.
  13. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    I can definitely afford new, but I don't really want to outlay that much cash from my liquid funds when I still need to make room for a winch, plow, roof, windshield, soft cab, etc. You're talking $22-$23K minimum at that point. I could finance a portion of that, but even at 3.24%/3yrs which is...
  14. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    True. I don't have plans to finance this. I don't like carrying debt that is unnecessary.
  15. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Yeah, that's a REALLY clean one, and I like the color better (I know...color shouldn't matter). However, I do feel that his unit is still a decent miles/hrs ratio and he's already come down to $12,500, and if I go and like it, I may ask to see if he can do $12k even. As for the used market, I...
  16. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Rest of the machine looks great for its age.
  17. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    I really can't make up my mind. I'm looking back over the pictures of the underside of the machine, and maybe I'm being OCD, but I feel like it could look better. Some dirt still caked up in some spots. Some paint flaking off with some surface rust, etc. Take and look and let me know what you...
  18. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    It's a one owner machine with relatively low mileage for its' age (2015 with 339 hours/1280 miles). Supposedly heated garage stored its entire life, and not plowed with. Sent me more photos of the undercarriage, and it looks pretty good for 8 years of age.
  19. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Thanks everyone. I would feel better buying new, but financially, I'm not sure it makes sense.
  20. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    Agreed. I don't really NEED one, but I do feel like there are a lot of reasons to have one (I borrow my dad's 570 Mid-Size a lot). It just seems like these tools/toys aren't getting any less expensive with each year.
  21. M

    Inflated Prices. Buying Used vs. New.

    I'm in the market (and have been for some time) for a UTV for work and light recreation around our property (we own 25 acres but are in the middle of my parent's 220 acres). After a lot of research and knowing I want seating for more than 3 people, I have settled (I believe) on a Mule Pro FXT...
  22. M

    Looking to add a garage heater. 43' x 30'

    I should note that cooling isn't an issue. It never gets overly hot in the summer, and I have adequate windows in the garage that I open in the summer to get air circulating. Heat is my biggest concern. I haven't done any load calculations, nor is that an area I'm comfortable in. I had...
  23. M

    Looking to add a garage heater. 43' x 30'

    We built our house a few years ago with an attached 43' x 30' garage. The plan was to keep this garage for cars, ATVS, tools, and then attic storage above (which we have). I have since put off plans to build an exterior building for a workshop, so I have found myself working more in the garage...
  24. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Well, the firepit is more permanent, but the 1b stone around it was to make mowing easier this summer. We don't know what our final plans are with the pool, but once we decided on that, we want to to a flagstone patio there. It wasn't too bad. I've been doing a lot of PT with my back, legs...
  25. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    It's been a while since I have updated as I have been recovering from a back injury for much of the past year. I was able to complete some projects this summer/fall as my back has finally started to really improve. The driveway is finished, we put up a 24' pool, I put in a temporary fire...
  26. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    It was really nice! If this seat modification doesn't suffice, it (the Titan) will probably be my next mower in the future.
  27. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    Well, I ALMOST pulled the trigger on a new mower, but I thought better of it. I ordered a TRAC suspension seat kit instead. I will report back when I get it installed and try it out.
  28. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    Just test drove a 54" Titan with the MyRide on some bumpy yard. Wow!!
  29. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    What about the Toro Myride system? I have been looking at those the past few days.
  30. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    Thanks! I really started hitting the rehab hard the past few weeks before my appendectomy, but plan to start again once the surgeon clears me. These were one of the exercises I started to incorporate along with various spine safe core work, glute bridges, etc. How long did it take for you to...
  31. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    Thank you! They also have a regular suspension seat that fits my exact model, too.
  32. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    I do have one (bought it right after this injury). I definitely plan to try it (I was actually on the mower today cleaning up leaves), but I just had an appendectomy 11 days ago, so I don't want to go putting pressure on my abdomen quite yet.
  33. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    As for the tire pressure, I already run under the recommended. I have ever since I bought it to soften up the ride a bit.
  34. M

    Need a solution. Back problems and my Zero Turn.

    So, I'm not old but any stretch of the imagination (37), I have had off and on lower back issues since I was in college due to lifting, but never too bad. I injured it this fall pretty bad and am still recovering/rehabbing. Not sure I will get to 100%, but I have improved. Anyways, my Gravely...
  35. M

    Looking for a work capable and light recreational UTV.

    Yeah inventory is pretty limited. There's not a ton around here. A local shop has a Mule Pro MX EPS in stock for ~14k OTD, but most places it's orders only. I'm not in a huge rush to be honest. I would love to have one this summer for running around, but by next winter, ideally, I want something...
  36. M

    Looking for a work capable and light recreational UTV.

    I can build out an RTV 520 with full cab, heat, plow, and winch for well under 20K, but it worried me that it's only 17hp. Seems woefully underpowered for my needs. I've been watching a lot of videos on YouTube, and it seems like quite a few people like their Ranger 570s. I always wrote...
  37. M

    Looking for a work capable and light recreational UTV.

    Thanks, everyone. Availability is definitely going to be limited, so that's why I'm starting to research now.
  38. M

    Looking for a work capable and light recreational UTV.

    Yeah, they are #1 on my list right now. I originally liked the FXT due to the 4 passenger capability with my family, but not sure about adding a cab to that. I know I can, but it gets pricey.
  39. M

    Looking for a work capable and light recreational UTV.

    I'm looking at possibly purchasing a UTV in the next 6 months for light recreation, plowing (1/2 mile driveway...straight and quite flat), and light utility work. I own 25 acres surrounded by my father's 220. I know many don't recommend plowing with a UTV, but I have access to my dad's JD990 and...
  40. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    That was just the sub-base, and I wasn't there during the application, but I would guess it's 70/30 or 60/40 shale/millings. If/when I finish the driveway with millings, it will be screened washed millings. They put them on with a paver at 4" thick and then tar/chip. The lights aren't dimmable...
  41. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    It's been a while since I've updated this thread, but we're always busy. I built a drop ceiling under my deck and finished it off with metal roofing the drains into a custom gutter system. I also wired and installed 12 low voltage "can" lights which provide just the right ambience at night...
  42. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    Just an update. I placed my order today. Looking like maybe February for installation, maybe earlier. I couldn't see investing in the two ATS's only to let them sit idly by. I will post an update when it's installed. Thanks for all of the input!
  43. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    Just confirmed I don't have Intellistart on my Geo System, so that will be at least another $400 to add on to be able to use a generator. I might just forget it for now
  44. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    Thanks for all of the various replies! Certainly a lot to consider. Now if I could just find that money tree somewhere...
  45. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    The one major concern I have with a portable in unit is the inability to handle my geothermal heat pump. If we were to lose power in the winter, my only heat source would be my gas fireplace. That may not be enough depending on length of outage.
  46. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    Good question. $5200 for the generator and the rest is labor. I don't really have a lot of Generac installers in my area.
  47. M

    House generator questions...second thoughts on whole house system.

    So when we build our house two years ago, we had full intentions of putting in a whole house backup system in the future. As such, we installed two Generac Automatic Transfer Switches (to carry the two 200A panels). We have an all electric house (minus the gas fireplace) with Geothermal heating...
  48. M

    Under Decking Roofing Concerns

    Sorry about the delay. I was waiting for lumber prices to drop and they finally did in late July around here. I essentially built a drop ceiling suspended from the existing joist framing of the deck. Imagine an inverted "T." This gave me the pitch I needed while also maintaining air flow under...
  49. M

    Under Decking Roofing Concerns

    Thanks for all of the feedback. It's greatly appreciated. So, you are saying you would recommend pitching the roof to match sewer and drain pitching vs. the 1" per foot?
  50. M

    Under Decking Roofing Concerns

    So we have an ~40' x 16' deck that has about 20' covered by a roof, with the remaining 20' exposed. Underneath, we have a full length/depth patio with furniture and a hot tub. In fact, here is a photo that shows what I'm talking about: The hot tub and some furniture are under the non...
  51. M

    Circle Driveway or No?

    Thanks for all of the input so far. I do not have a drone shot of the property and aerial imagery doesn't show our house since it's so new. I do have a question about the power/water run. This isn't going to necessarily be landscaped like an estate, so aside from watering plants/accent lighting...
  52. M

    Circle Driveway or No?

    My wife and I had a circle driveway designed in the initial plans when we built in 2019, but when we roughed our road in, we left it out because we wanted to figure out where it should go after landscaping and the yard was done. Two years later and we're trying to decide how we want to do this...
  53. M

    Let's talk driveway material. Just under 1/2 mile long.

    I would be looking at around $20K-$30K to have that section paved in our area. Obviously that would be my first choice, but not in the budget. Asphalt millings are hard to come by locally as well. I think the word is out on them and supply is limited.
  54. M

    Let's talk driveway material. Just under 1/2 mile long.

    Bumping this back up here as I want to pull the trigger on this by Fall. I'm planning to do the first 900' from my house along with my parking area by the garage. I was quoted $7600 for 276 tons of 2A, spreader truck application, rolled, along with Geotextile. While pricey, I think it's fair...
  55. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Thanks! We used Timbertech/Azek.
  56. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    My plan this summer was to wrap all remaining posts and beams in 3/4" cedar, but given how much prices have risen, I'm thinking of postponing. A lot of things I'm reading are saying to expect a retreat in prices in about 18 months, but other experts claim that we most likely won't ever see...
  57. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    So a side question. My driveway is still the original shale base from initial construction of the road two years ago. It's holding up fine with the exception of two spots during heavy rain. In the pictures below you can see where water is pooling on the side. I'm wondering what my best approach...
  58. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Other than some wiring, framing in an office for my wife, and two sheets of drywall hung, the basement project has been put on hold until lumber prices stabilize. Attention is being moved to the outside. I spent some time this winter downing some trees on the property to allow more morning sun...
  59. M

    Fall top seeding vs. dormant seeding. Drought warning.

    #1 I seeded our new construction lawn this spring (Zone 6A "ish") with a mix of KBG, Fescue, and Rye. It took off and we had great growth up through mid July when we hit our now never ending dry period. It has held on in most places surprisingly well (I never mowed around stressed periods, and...
  60. M

    Free Standing Intermediate Deck Stair Landing Footing Question

    So I'm building a free standing 5' x 10' intermediate landing 5' high to accommodate stairs coming off our new deck. The deck is 10' off the patio below, the plan is to go out to the landing, and then switch directions back to under the deck landing on the patio below. I have everything laid...
  61. M

    New Construction Seeding

    We just seeded our new lawn a little over 3 weeks ago (about 1 acre). We hand spread a mix of Perennial Ryegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass (we're in zone 6a), then spread 150lbs of 10-10-10. We did not spread any mulching layer, but received timely rains, along with...
  62. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Finished our back splash and installed the pot fillers while on quarantine: I hired our masons to come back and stone the fireplace since I didn't want to mess with it. All I did was hang the Durock and my dad cut the beams and we installed them (120+ year old chestnut logs). Turned out...
  63. M

    Corona Virus #6

    That looks really peaceful! Here's our view (deer included :laughing:).
  64. M

    Buying Advice  How long can I get by without one?

    I have a new home build over in the Rural Living section here. We're moved in, and with warmer weather arriving soon, I'm moving on to outside work. I have a lot of landscaping/tree removal yet to do, and we've been cutting and skidding with my dad's JD 990. We live on 25 acres, but it's on my...
  65. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Trim is all done, nail holes filled, seams caulked, etc. The hardest part to trim was here: Now on to the outside!
  66. M

    Let's talk driveway material. Just under 1/2 mile long.

    We finished building our home this winter (we're moved in and working on various finish items). However, the driveway will need finished this spring/summer so I want to start planning out my options. The driveway was built almost a year ago. We had a significant amount of shale brought in...
  67. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Still working on trim slowly but surely, so not much to update. I do have a finished photo of the front of the house (minus the stone work and beam wrapping I need to do this summer)
  68. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    I've spent the last few days trimming out the house when I have time. I have all of the interior doors finished. Now moving onto the windows. This one was fun:
  69. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    A few more quick shots of the progress. I finished the stair rail this weekend, and put down the flooring in the pantry and office. Countertops were installed yesterday.
  70. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Floors are finished.
  71. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Flooring is 90% done. I just need to install the office and pantry. The guys who laid our hardwood did a great job. They're getting refinished starting tomorrow. I finished tiling and grouting the laundry room this weekend: Shot of the back of the house as of yesterday:
  72. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Hardwood floors are going down. This wood was harvested off our property and milled 4 years ago (we brought in a portable sawmill). We then had a local firm kiln dry and manufacture it. Looking great so far.
  73. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    My wifes. She's an amazing designer. I'm just the labor. I don't question her. This is her inspiration (our vanity is being made to match this look as well):
  74. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Busy stage of the build. I'm finally taking over a lot of the finish work. I'm laying tile while my wife and friends paint. I have the DITRA down in all of the rooms. Half bath is done, laundry room is next. Only shot of the half bath floor I have.
  75. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Dropped the first load of lumber off at a local mill to have our flooring made. No stickers as we neglected to load ours when we took down the piles at our house thinking the owner would have some. Turns out he wasn't home, so excuse the poor stacking. They will be moving this into their shop...
  76. M

    Pennsylvania New Home Build Thread. An attempt.

    Like the title says, I will attempt this. I was debating whether or not to do it, but I really enjoyed all of the time I scoured the builds posted on here in the past, so I figured I would try. Plus, I'm sure many of you can point out mistakes we're making along the way :) This thread will not...
  77. M

    New Construction HVAC decisions. Geothermal vs. alternatives with upgraded envelope.

    I posted this over on the GBA forum as well, but I've posted here quite a bit regarding my build plans. I will attach a copy of my floor plans as well for reference. I know these questions are hard to answer online, but I will do my best. Most of the information I receive locally is from HVAC...
  78. M

    New Home Build. Plan Review.

    House plan is done (changed a few things), and filing for permits soon. Plan to break ground in June. We just had the driveway built (excavator finished yesterday), septic system is designed and permit issued, PPL plans are done, staked, and just waiting for good weather to put in. Well will be...
  79. M

    Radiant Heat with GSHP...Yea or Nay?

    I'm looking for some ways to trim down our costs for building our new home. There are certain areas where I feel must be priortized, including insulation and HVAC. Our plan is to go with a three well GSHP at ~$28k before tax credits. We're doing an ICF basement, but just plain 2x6 NuWool on the...
  80. M

    Andersen Slider - Cladding Peeling Off

    Has anyone experienced this with Andersen products? I'm reading that it's fairly common, unfortunately. I don't know the exact date of the sliding door, but I think the addition the previous owner had done was in 97 where this door is located. Anyways, I just noticed this when I went to slide...
  81. M

    New Home Build. Plan Review.

    Going to try going with something like this: Figured I would also show other possible rooflines and elevations:
  82. M

    New Home Build. Plan Review.

    Not sure I'm ready to turn this into a full build thread at this point, but would like feedback on our plans. I'll give a little (short) background. My wife and I are planning to build on ~150 acres about 2 miles from where we live now. The property borders the eastern line of my parents...
  83. M

    Plowing 1/2 mile driveway with a UTV. Should it be done?

    We are going to building in the next year or so and out property is going to have ~1/2 mile driveway to the home. The elevation gain is minimal (~30 ft of variance across the entire length), and it is90% open field, with the last 10% leading to the house wooded. My dads property borders us, and...
  84. M

    Anyone have experiences with Timber Block homes?

    My wife an I are in the very early stages of planning our future home build and are just exploring some options. I've been saving plans, images, etc., for a few years to help better plan. Now that we're about 1-2 years out from building, we're starting to examine builders in our area. We're...
  85. M

    ATV plow recommendations.

    I'm in the market for a plow setup now that I acquired a "free" 2003 Rubicon. I have a paved driveway that is curved and ~30ft wide and ~135ft long with another 45 ft of township road frontage. I will plow this as well as a path from my barn to the drive and to my lower patio (all through...
  86. M

    Rentals...Worth the effort?

    I've been toying with the idea of picking up a rental property as a long term (i.e. 15-20 yr) investment. I'm 31, I have good job with a pension plan, plus I've been contributing to a TSA since I was 22. My wife has a great job and we've been putting 9% into a 401K for the last 8 years as well...
  87. M

    How long of a driveway is too long?

    Subjective question, I know. I will, in the future, have access to a good chunk of land to build on. It's a perfect piece of property in a lot of aspects (abuts my parent's property that I hunt now, great views, even more hunting opportunity, etc). The downfall is that the only way in to the...
  88. M

    Do you get what you pay for with cylinders?

    First off, I want to thank everyone here for the help/advice last year for the log splitter build for our cabin (thread here). That splitter came out excellent, and we ended up using it quite a bit this fall splitting some very large pieces and it handled them very well (ended up with a 41"...
  89. M

    Buying Advice  Am I nuts? Thinking of leaving ZTR for SCUT?

    Hi everyone. I joined a few years back in hopes of finding whether I would be best suited to owning a ZTR or a SCUT. Many of you said I should go SCUT, but I found a good price on a ZTR, and bit the bullet. I own a little over 2 acres in a rural setting (have plenty of fruit trees and just...
  90. M

    Hitch Pins... 1 1/2" x 9"...Source?

    I need two hitch or clevis pins that measure 1 1/2" x 9" for our log splitter cylinder and I'm having a heck of time locating them. I've tried Northern Tool, Grainger, MSC, McMaster Carr, etc,. and nothing. I would certainly appreciate any leads on a source for pins this size. Thanks!
  91. M

    Log Splitter Question(s)...Two Stage Pump and Situation Specific Questions

    Let me preface this post by stating, that yes, I did search this site as well as arborist site and many others on this topic. I just have a few things that I want advice/clarification on before moving forward. Our hunting club has passed on the responsibility for me to have a custom splitter...
  92. M

    Major differences between BX and B series?

    Looking to buy my first tractor for my 2 acres to mow, plow, and well, work with, as well as possibly helping prepping/planting food plots on my parents property a little over a mile away. Besides physical size and HP, what are some major advantages of the B series as opposed to the BX? Are...
  93. M

    First Post-Tractor Overkill?

    First post here, never though growing up I would be into tractor's as much as my father, but I suppose why fight it? Little background info as well. I grew up on 90 acres, my dad ALWAYS having tractor's, although he and my uncle only actively farmed it for the first few years after they bought...
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