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  1. H

    Bh77 vs mini excavator / excavator size

    That's a great improvement. If mine had offered that, I might still have it. That said, the way a miniex can move is amazing and no comparison to creeping.
  2. H

    Bh77 vs mini excavator / excavator size

    I had a tractor backhoe for 4 years, sold it, and bought a mini-ex. As a very general rule of thumb, the bucket breakout force of a mini is about equal to its weight. The bucket breakout force of a backhoe, with subframe, on a tractor is *maybe* 2/3 that (i.e., weight of tractor, though it's...
  3. H

    Priced a backhoe at the dealer yesterday...

    Not quite a direct answer to your question, but in Eastern Ontario I sold my BH860 backhoe on consignment at the dealer for C$7,900 last summer. That's with subframe, larger model than whatever you're getting (mine was on a Branson 4225H), 4 years old, well-used with some dings. I bought it new...
  4. H

    Tree shear on mini-ex?

    Both great in theory. And in practice too, if trees are sparse so you can drop it where it wants to go (chainsaw), push it away from you without getting hung up and without discovering its roots are deeply under a large rock (excavator), and you can easily access the trunk at a good angle to...
  5. H

    Tree shear on mini-ex?

    Anyone with experience running a small-ish tree shear on a mid-sized miniexcavator? After a few days of bashing in forest trails with my KX-040 using just blade, bucket, and chainsaw, videos like the below are very interesting. Especially as I contemplate how much of my forest could use...
  6. H

    track width adjustment

    @herm0016, I'll be doing the same on by Branson 4225h this spring, for the very same reason, per the advice given to me at Narrowing 3ph arm angle and/or wheel spacers
  7. H

    Narrowing 3ph arm angle and/or wheel spacers

    Nice one. I'm not sure, I will check. Unfortunately not, at least not the logging winch. 26 1/4" is the inside position. The outside (Cat II) is 32"
  8. H

    Narrowing 3ph arm angle and/or wheel spacers

    I have a Branson 4225H. With it I use some attachments whose 3ph mounting pin spread is pretty wide, for instance a logging winch that has 26 1/4" inside (not centre to centre) between 3ph mounting pins. I also have some nice used Trygg chains for the back wheels in winter. Either the...
  9. H

    Branson 4225h Value in Used Market?

    I get the feeling the value of used Bransons depends heavily on the strength of the dealer support, and therefore brand overall, in your local market. In my area (eastern Ontario), there's a successful, long term Branson dealer and people know the brand (even if they've bought something else)...
  10. H

    Hello from Almonte, Ontario, Canada!

    Before I forget, one suggestion. Make sure during the winter you occasionally move (i.e. screw in/out) your 3ph toplink. Most of a half-decent tractor is pretty weatherproof. But the first winter we had our tractor outside-ish, we ended up never budging the toplink all winter, since it was...
  11. H

    Hello from Almonte, Ontario, Canada!

    The best light-weight steel structure is a hefty pole barn, built and paid for by someone else. The next-best light weight steel structure is any one you already have, given the time and hassle of erecting a new one. That said, in Eastern Ontario winter conditions, we've had much better luck...
  12. H

    Hello from Almonte, Ontario, Canada!

    Congrats on your new "toy". Here's our time progression that you may well end up following: Winter 1. Carefully store our Branson in a "portable garage" just like yours all winter Winter 2. Occasionally get lazy and leave Branson out, with a lovingly attached ATV cover over the cockpit area...
  13. H

    Hello from Almonte, Ontario, Canada!

    Welcome! I'm less than an hour from you with a Branson 4225H, bought new from M&P Farm a few years ago. Murray at M&P and his team are good guys; fair, responsive, and (as you said) with good access to Branson/Tym parts. Just a tad expensive on transport, so try to find ways to bring in your...
  14. H

    Is this excessive wear? (sprockets, track link underside)

    Thanks for the reassurance! Have no trouble with the "new" rubbing off, just as long as it's not a symptom of a problem. Off to dig some more...
  15. H

    Is this excessive wear? (sprockets, track link underside)

    I got a new KX-040 in February 2023. Just did the initial 50 hour service (final drive oil change, turntable greasing, etc.). There's quite a bit more wear on the right track sprockets and track links than I was expecting - see picture, note the exposed metal. Does this look unusual for a...
  16. H

    Stuck loader joystick: talk me through how to diagnose/fix?

    So the good news is I’ve fixed(?) it. I took apart where the linkage cable connects to the SCV valve. There’s a spring there that was full of rusty gunk and seized up. Cleaned it and works again. The bad news is there’s no reason rusty gunk should be developing there (and there was none at all...
  17. H

    Admirable tight-space work, excavators towing trailers, and Mecalacs

    I think you're right, for the typical American small excavation company job. Neither space or manpower is usually an issue, so it's more flexible (and good point about breakdowns too) to bring two machines to the job, whether you have both running simultaneously or even if you're a one man show...
  18. H

    Stuck loader joystick: talk me through how to diagnose/fix?

    Joking aside, thanks for all the advice here. Based on the comments here (and some YouTube videos), I was able to confirm yesterday that the problem is either the cables or mechanically(?) where cables actually open and close the curl circuit in the SCV valve. Flipping the curl and lift...
  19. H

    Stuck loader joystick: talk me through how to diagnose/fix?

    Joystick does not move from side to side at all, so I don't think the cable is broken, but (as mentioned in some other replies) there may be something jammed. So off to follow the cables to the hydraulic valve I go... You guys are too damned fast :) I thought waiting for replies was going to...
  20. H

    Stuck loader joystick: talk me through how to diagnose/fix?

    The curl function on the joystick of my Branson 4225h is stuck. I'm not experienced at fixing stuff; can anyone comment on my reasoning before and suggest where to look next? (It's my week for breaking stuff...including the truck I could use to take the tractor to the dealer/mechanic, so it's up...
  21. H

    Admirable tight-space work, excavators towing trailers, and Mecalacs

    Yeah. I've never seen one live (just on video) but they seem like great, inventive machines. Overkill for my landowner application (I have a KX-040 and like the <72" width, and I suspect Mecalac's pricing would likely be out of my range anyway...) but one can always dream...
  22. H

    Admirable tight-space work, excavators towing trailers, and Mecalacs

    I was browsing/daydreaming about Mecalacs and came across this video: 1. Anyone here pull a trailer with their mini-ex (whatever type/brand)? Hardly useful for buildsite or fenceline work, but gives me ideas for maintaining and extending my forest road. Trundle along carrying a load of gravel...
  23. H

    Is this normal?

    The phenomenon is normal. Yours (36" in 5 hours) seems a bit more extreme than what I've experienced, though. I'd expect that in a couple of days. I've learned to drop the loader to the groud and release the 3PH when leaving by 4225h overnight, and I've seen it sink when I've left it during the...
  24. H

    Branson Tractor Lift Capacity

    Can't help regarding feed totes, but I find myself able to handle 2000+ lb logs as long as I hold/tip them close in to the loader, and lift only a foot or so off the ground. Ditto on gingerly carrying a nearly full 280 gallon IBC tote of water (a bit more than 2000 lbs). However, I don't try to...
  25. H

    Branson Tractor Lift Capacity

    I poked around the BL200 loader manual (I think the 5520 uses that as well as my 4225 does) hoping for a lift capacity by lift height and distance-to-pivot-point chart, but I couldn't find one there. I think that's an oversight; this information should be shared with operators. As an...
  26. H

    Branson Tractor Lift Capacity

    Lift capacity depends heavily on the geometry. In particular, the further out the centre of mass of your load is, the lower the actual capacity. If your cinder blocks were centred 2-3 feet out from the QA face, I'd expect a significant decrease vs the rated capacity.
  27. H

    What do you always carry in your vehicle

    Thank you for the examples, and my sympathies. For reference, I looked it up just now, and Little Rock AR's homicide rate was apparently about 40 per 100,000 population last year; AR as a whole about 11. In my area, Ontario (as a whole province) was 1.87, and the highest metropolitan area in it...
  28. H

    What do you always carry in your vehicle

    Those of you who routinely have a gun in your vehicle: have you ever been in a situation where you were happy you had it? And do you leave in the vehicle when you park somewhere? Not trying to start any kind of political debate, and I recognize circumstances vary around this huge continent of...
  29. H

    2023 Mule Pro MX EPS?

    We've had one MX Pro since 2019, and added a 2nd in 2021 (gift/long term loan from in-laws who sold their property). We've had no serious problems with them, knock on wood. In-laws used theirs for very short rides, like 3X/day 200' up a hill (FIL had mobility issues). That was hard on the...
  30. H

    UTV's and ATV's at work picture thread

    By the way, interesting examples of putting ATVs to work with new road grading attachment the MUTS guys are piloting at Grader Attachment - MUTS - The “SWISS ARMY KNIFE” of ATV work trailers And other photos of theirs fitting in with the theme of this thread at Photo Gallery - MUTS - The “SWISS...
  31. H

    UTV's and ATV's at work picture thread

    It's a MUTS, made by a guy just a couple of hours away from me: MUTS - Multi-Use Trailer System for your ATV, Quad and 4 Wheeler. A very similar one is Multilander™ They do sell to/ship to the US, but thanks to tariffs and transborder shipping bureaucracy, the prices go up quite a bit. A friend...
  32. H

    UTV's and ATV's at work picture thread

    A couple from me. Our Mule MX Pros are invaluble on our property.
  33. H

    BH860 backhoe model (and brand?) compatibility

    Having bitten the bullet and acquired a mini-excavator (KX-040), I think it's time to sell the BH760 backhoe I bought with my Branson 4225H tractor. It's worked really well for what it is, I just don't see myself taking the time to mount/dismount a subframe backhoe from my CUT (which I use with...
  34. H

    Post COVID CUT tractoring “truths”

    Lots of good stuff all mixed together in this thread, since the original post called out a lot of common wisdom and challenged it. Bravo! This is part of what makes this community so valuable. Let me however challenge back a bit on the premise that hobbyists in particular are too quick (or are...
  35. H

    So I am in the market for a compact excavator, maybe

    So, 5 1/2 months after placing the order, my new KX040 arrived yesterday. Only had 2 hours to play with it so far, but got the blade and bucket dirty, and created some brush piles. Got with the standard 24" digging bucket and 36" cleanup bucket, and upgraded to the 6-in-1 blade. With snow on...
  36. H

    Adding wired remote to winch - is this dumb?

    Good advice on solo work from operator seat, never thought of the wheel side to side trick. Have found pulling anything, even as simple and light as a piece of firewood, helpful for spooling when alone. In any case, I've gone and McGyver-wired the winch as I floated in my original message...
  37. H

    Mini Excavator Brands, pros and cons?? Hours?

    Depends. The "good rental company" part is important. I now have a (new) KX-040 on order. Earlier this summer, I rented one, same model, for a week. Local rental yard, serves mainly seasonal residents and weekend warriors who DIY. Got a good price, but machine came with 317 hrs, a leaky thumb...
  38. H

    Adding wired remote to winch - is this dumb?

    Thanks. Pretty inexpensive and good reviews. If I were buying new, I'd jump on it. But I'm first trying what I already had lying around for $0. If I give up in frustration, I'll give this a try. For my use case, I don't really value wireless that much. When it's under load, I can be in the cab...
  39. H

    Adding wired remote to winch - is this dumb?

    Many thanks for taking the time to look, photograph, and post. Seems broadly similar to mine, but not 100%. As you say, it was a mess to begin with, and not helped by accumulated mud and grime. That's why I'm sorely tempted to simplify life and power directly from the battery rather than...
  40. H

    Adding wired remote to winch - is this dumb?

    Thanks. If you happen to be easily able to see where the red (probably) wire from the socket goes, I'd much appreciate it. The other 2 wires will go to the solenoid. But no worries if you don't get a chance to look, or if all you can say is "it goes somewhere dusty on the inside" :).
  41. H

    Adding wired remote to winch - is this dumb?

    My Kawasaki Mule has a Warn 2500 lb winch, no remote just the switch on the dash. I've gotten hold of a never-installed Warn wired remote add-on (https://www.warn.com/atv-remote-control-kit-64259) which will help in particular when I'm done winching and winding the rope back in. Alone. Now I...
  42. H

    excavator pricing

    I got tired of waiting and am committed on my new miniex purchase, but I'll join in on the bargains with a dump trailer (even dump truck), bigger woodchipper, and portable sawmill if you're right... :)
  43. H

    excavator pricing

    I suspect it may well be quite locally dependent. Some areas of our respective countries will indeed have a housing collapse, job losses, and tons of small landscaping and construction companies twiddling their thumbs. But where the economy continues ticking (energy? natural resources...
  44. H

    excavator pricing

    Interestingly, I raised a similar discussion (re KX040 in particular) back in June, at Miniex price *predictions*, including my musing that there might be a surplus of used for sale soon. Opinions varied, but most (not all..) of the crystal balls consulted didn't endorse that view at the time...
  45. H

    Ratchet straps that actually last

    Just noting my thanks (as the OP) for the suggestions coming along. Have been a bit silent since a lot of them are only available in the U.S., so I'm waiting till I have trip south of the border planned to pick and choose. To the discussion on "cover stuff up/put away", I agree, but sh**...
  46. H

    Should a new tractor come with a full tank of gas?

    Mine came with about 1/2 tank, don't remember if there was any marketing swag. I remember thinking a full tank would have been a nice touch. But much more important in terms of leaving a good impression was that the dealer called me a week or two later, asking how I liked the tractor and...
  47. H

    Have metal carport prices started to decline yet?

    Around here, you really have to gird for battle if you're talking to the "steel building" guys: fake sales, surcharges, sleazy tactics, misleading information regarding permitting. Fortunately, for carport size you can buy a kit from a mainstream big box store or online with transparent pricing...
  48. H

    Have metal carport prices started to decline yet?

    Around here (Ontario, Canada), I'm seeing a lot of pricing variation, also still a lot of stocking issues, and yet elsewhere end-of-season clearance sales. So the answer is "it depends". For instance, I've been looking to get a small Arrow 10x15x7 metal carport. Shoulda bought 3 years ago, oh...
  49. H

    Ratchet straps that actually last

    Thanks for all the comments so far; I will go through them in more detail in coming days. For greater precision, I'm in temperate Ontario, with modest sun, rain, snow all making an appearance. No salt, and not the burning relentless sun of some of you down south. I've had no trouble with the...
  50. H

    Ratchet straps that actually last

    Are there any ratchet straps (tie downs) that actually last? At first, I just got store-brand 2" straps at my local Canadian Tire or Princess Auto (a Canadian Harbor Freight-equivalent). The retractable ones since they were convenient. 3 months later, they no longer retracted. A year later...
  51. H

    Clamp on Bucket Forks

    I don't disagree dedicated forks would be a lot better. For myself, I can't justify them yet given my use pattern. I have found that by standing up from my seat, I can see over the bucket to where the clamp-on fork tips are, which is good enough to get the angle right to slide where you need to...
  52. H

    Clamp on Bucket Forks

    I also have a Titan set, without the stabilizer bar. I have the same experience. Great to have around for moving a pallet with something on it, lifting stuff out of a pickup truck, etc. But given the geometry, don't expect to pick up anything remotely close to the nominal lifting capacity of...
  53. H

    Anyone Ever DIY Homemade Vanilla Extract?

    DIY Vanilla extract: yes. Beans we got in Indonesia when we spent a year in South East Asia. Cheap rum bought at airport with last remaining local cash on a Caribbean island. Combined the 2 and forgot about it for 3 years. Great stuff for baking. Beaver vanilla flavouring: Happy to hear beavers...
  54. H

    Your Yearly Cost of Tractor Ownership

    I bought my tractor in 2019 (3.5 years ago) and use it about 80 hours/year. I have about $45-50k invested in it, including attachments: grapple, forestry winch, splitter, chipper, chains, brushhog, box blade, and backhoe. (I've converted all $ to US in this post, though I'm based in Canada)...
  55. H

    Testing cell signal strength

    If you have a recent-vintage smartphone, one way you can try before you commit is via eSIMs (if your phone supports them). It's basically a "2nd line" on your smartphone that is loaded up over software, i.e. without an actual SIM card. They are often used by travellers to get around either...
  56. H

    Mini trucks

    I followed up (out of curiosity more than serious intent right now...I went and bought a UTV two years ago and am happy with it) with one of the middlemen importers. He confirmed there are jumbos as above, but he hasn't seen one with a dump bed. Of course, he may just not have seen one. And I...
  57. H

    trail clearing technique and tools

    My subjective recollection is that they're very slightly heavier than Stihl gas units - the greater weight of the battery offset by somewhat more plastic vs metal (which is longevity/duty cycle related of course). I see from online reviews the Kobalt, with original trimmer head on, is 13 lbs...
  58. H

    trail clearing technique and tools

    We've done a fair amount of walking/x-c ski trail development on our managed forest and surrounding Crown Land (=public land) in Ontario. A couple of comments: 1. Like OP (and some others in this thread), a pole saw is more valuable than a chainsaw for walking trail clearing. A gas-powered...
  59. H

    So I am in the market for a compact excavator, maybe

    Just rented a KX040. Canadian Shield (Ontario), so rocks, boulders, oak and white pine stumps all over the place. Had no trouble moving 3' x 2' x 2' standalone boulders, and only the expected amount of trouble digging out the stump of a standalone 18" oak. However, digging out a 2' x 2' x 2'...
  60. H

    Thinking about purchasing a mini Excavator for the farm Part 2

    Yup. Rented a KX040 two weeks ago. 316 hours on the meter. Rubber tracks were cracked and pitted, ready for replacement, as if the hours were 6-10X that amount. Big scratch around the whole back of the house, from someone thinking they were running a zero-tail. I *could* see a bunch of...
  61. H

    Mini trucks

    Interesting! I'll have to keep a better eye out for those. Back when I was looking, I came across (online, not in person) one jumbo, which did have a stretched cab but *behind the seats* rather than more legroom. And no mention of the roof being raised. So I didn't pay much attention (or explore...
  62. H

    Mini trucks

    I (now) know someone with a mini. Extremely capable machine, in many ways more so than my Mule. But that's now that they've heavily customized it, with off-road tires, lift kit, and a winch in particular. Without those customizations, I wouldn't dare take it onto wet ground like I do with my...
  63. H

    Re-establishing Survey Corners and Way Points?

    I'm late to the party, but there a couple of emails in this long thread asking if you can get better-than-consumer-grade GPS accuracy, to hunt up corners/monuments yourself. I happen to have looked into this. "Better than consumer grade" GPS is very expensive. Tens of thousands of dollars. But...
  64. H

    Latest grab by auto manufactures

    I get the visceral "yuck" reaction to this and I feel it too. We're a (virtual) commodity of people who are more self-reliant than average, who make thoughtful(?maybe) decisions when it's worthwhile to spend $$ now to buy and own some equipment, to save precious time or bleeding $ over time...
  65. H

    Excavator v. Skid Steer for Hobby Farmer?

    Oversimplifying: Miniexcavator: digging and grasping stuff at awkward angles Skid steer: carrying stuff, and making almost flat stuff even flatter :) The ex would help you more with trees (pushing them down and moving bits of them around, minus the big logs) while the skid steer with moving...
  66. H

    Lyme Disease

    In my region (Eastern Ontario), ticks are becoming more numerous due to warmer temperatures. And the prevalence of Lyme in ticks is increasing. Now about 30% of ticks in my area carry Lyme, and I know some people suffering from the disease. It's not pretty. Fortunately, it takes some attachment...
  67. H

    Miniex price *predictions*

    Bigger is always better. Until you're doing roadwork on your logging road, which is sized just right for your 5' wide UTV and 6'-bucket compact tractor....with your bigger, stronger, but 6'5" wide excavator.
  68. H

    Miniex price *predictions*

    Thanks for the feedback, which ably demonstrated both philosophies :) Joking aside, it IS good to see both opinions are held by others, even if there is no clear consensus. As it happens, the decision is out of my hands. It turns out no dealer within a reasonable drive of me can get me my...
  69. H

    Miniex price *predictions*

    I'm great at overthinking things, so please poke holes in my logic. I thought I was ready to buy a miniex (KX040, Bobcat E42, or similar) this summer, for personal use on my land. I have plenty of use for one, and would prefer using it for a few hours here and there rather than batching...
  70. H

    Newbie mini ex questions, and Kubota KX vs U series?

    I'm currently considering mini-excavators, so take this for what it's worth from a "pre-newbie" who's tried a few but has little true experience. Zero tail is useful in close quarters, but does reduce ability* and at least perceived stability versus a "normal-tail" excavator of the same weight...
  71. H

    What is the dumbest thing you have done with your equipment ?

    On the more comical / harmless side, we have one of these metal pole and canvas / small hoop barn-like garages as a lightweight storage shed. First year with the new (compact) tractor, I was not intending to use it during that winter so thought I'd park it inside and let it hibernate there until...
  72. H

    City kids do not leave keys in vehicles. . . It’s different out here...

    At our property, there's Out Front and Out Back. Out Front is 200 yards from the road. There's recreational cottages around, so I wouldn't be surprised someone swoops through at some point and grabs what they can. So we lock vehicles and equipment Out Front, and keep items of value in a locked...
  73. H

    Why are hoses hard to connect???

    I like the idea of the XBoom, but you have to have space to insert both jaws. No problems for couplers with hoses on both sides, like a grapple on the front loader. But wouldn't help me with connecting the backhoe to my rear remotes since I don't think I could get the far end of the clamp around...
  74. H

    Why are hoses hard to connect???

    Mike Morgan recently showed this tool on one of his YouTube videos. Seemed to work very well. Personally I use The Waite Hydraulic Decompression Tool - BoltOnHooks LLC which releases the pressure like the various "cover with a rag and hit with a hammer" tricks, but with more control. In theory...
  75. H

    Compact Tractor Dealers Ignore Two-thirds of Their Potential Website Customers, Industry Survey Shows

    An equipment dealer, especially for a newbie like me, is not a transactional sale. It is a relationship which will see me coming back for service, for advice, to buy attachments, etc. If it is to be a relationship, we need to have a method of communication that works for us. I prefer email...
  76. H

    Proposed update to front porch forum rules

    Generally supportive, *except* I put for consideration a different approach to "only one thread per topic". I'd suggest to allow multiple threads, and in fact close threads after x days or y messages and force people to start a new one. I've seen it here and elsewhere -- threads on...
  77. H

    Compact Tractor Dealers Ignore Two-thirds of Their Potential Website Customers, Industry Survey Shows

    The craziness of the past 2 years aside, there's a generational shift occurring. As a tech-y about-to-turn-50-y.o., I'm used to doing all sorts of stuff by email. Sure, sometimes you need to discuss with some back and forth, and then phone or in person works better. But whatever is a simple...
  78. H

    Which tools for tractor toolbox?

    Not quite tools, but I've been happy to have a small first aid kit along. My blood type doesn't quite match Branson's shade of red. And a "tick key" (easy tick removal gadget) - we're in Lyme territory.
  79. H

    The Quarterly Messick's Report

    While interest rates are trending up, they're still pretty darned low. If Messicks was smart/lucky, they will have secured financing a while ago at even more favourable rates, and hopefully secured some tax incentives too. In other words, that $10/30mm/whatever may cost them much less than one...
  80. H

    WHAT ARE YOU USING TO HAUL YOUR UTV

    I have no embarassment at all at overengineering for safety and simplicity. I use 6 tie-downs. 4 corners, plus extras mid-side down from the door cage. That's because my short (10') trailer forces the back corner tiedowns go at an angle that limits how much they really control potential roll. I...
  81. H

    Do you take it to the dealer for maintenance or do it yourself.

    This is me, but for different reasons. I'm still physically in good shape but have little mechanical experience. Our rural property is off-the-grid, undeveloped, with we only have basic tools there so far. I only moonlight there, and still work part-time "in town" running my own business doing...
  82. H

    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    I'm contemplating a bandsaw mill too. May pull the trigger once the bank account recovers a bit. However, I first plan to hire in an experienced local sawyer who charges C$55/hr (about U$40/hr) to bring in and operate his own portable mill. My wife and I will be the unpaid hired help and...
  83. H

    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    In my instance, this is hobby use but I have 700+ of wooded, moderately hilly acres. I will not ever manage all of it unless science figures out human cloning, and I'm not logging "for a living". However, along my ~3 miles of 15'-wide cleared private forest road are a) several hundred...
  84. H

    Creating a property map

    For iOS or Android devides, as a possible alternative to HuntMaps, there is also Guru Maps (Guru Maps - Offline Maps & Navigation ). The free version lets you download vector maps and use them offline, record and export up to 15 GPS tracks (trails) and 15 placemarks. The premium version gives...
  85. H

    Creating a property map

    Given the number of mentions in this thread, I took a look at the HuntStand app. I like what I see, with reservations. I'm not going to change, and I continue to think building one's own map using GIS software is a lot more flexible, but it's certainly a good-enough solution for many people. I...
  86. H

    WHAT ARE YOU USING TO HAUL YOUR UTV

    Brand-names are different up here in Canada, but an aluminum 5x10 single-axle is the ideal size for our (small) Mule MX Pro. For a larger UTV, or with front blade, a 6x12 would be better. There are 2 schools of thought. Go big (14'++, steel, heavy) for flexibility and convenience; or small for...
  87. H

    Creating a property map

    If it's worth the time and effort to do it well, use the free and open source GIS package QGIS (Welcome to the QGIS project!) It has a learning curve, but it is very powerful; equally powerful to expensive commercial mapping software by ESRI. Grab aerials and property lines off your...
  88. H

    This is my last post on TBN

    I am sad to see k0ua go. I have learned from him, and many others here. I have no opinion on *how* moderation is done, but appreciate that this site generally avoids political topics and that people generally treat each other with respect. In fact, I'm reading this thread rather ruefully...
  89. H

    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    Well, I got myself a Norse 450, for less money that the Wallenstein FX85. Thanks for all the advice here, in particular @mesupra 's mention of the Igland 3501 which sent me off that direction. Iglands are more expensive than the corresponding Norses around here. And while a Norse 350 might have...
  90. H

    Pat's Easy Change System and Canada

    Lots of stuff is more expensive (there are some genuinely higher supply chain costs, plus lower competition, plus vendors can just get away with it since Canadians expect it). But lumber, for instance, tends to be less expensive up here, due to U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber. Ditto some...
  91. H

    Pat's Easy Change System and Canada

    Good find. I prefer to buy the original inventor's stuff rather than knockoffs, but at a certain point you do what you gotta do to get what you need at a reasonable price point. The amazon.ca price of the original is quite outlandish now; it was much more reasonable 6 months ago. I'd suggest...
  92. H

    Branson Tractor Reliability

    I'm very happy with my Branson 4225h. Mind you, at <3 yrs and 250 hrs it would be sad if I were not. All my maintenance has been due to operator error or bad luck/hard duty cycle (e.g. tree top falling on parked tractor, smooshing the loader joystick; broken backhoe teeth clawing hard granite)...
  93. H

    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your and others' input and am hearing it loud and clear. But seems you're a "speak plainly and get the answer quickly" kind of guy, and I'm more a "first understand why sensible people disagree" person. It's not just the dealer, but also a local experienced...
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    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    Thanks for the reactions, guys. Don't think dealer is (deliberately) upselling, though he might be focusing on the wrong factors. I know a number of people running older FX90s (rated 9000 lbs) around here and finding them a good match on similar tractors to mine. And the FX110 is an up-rated...
  95. H

    Skidding winch sizing? and Pat's Easy Change

    I'm thinking it's time to get a skidding winch for my tractor (42HP). Been mulling for a while, but used ones are rare around here, and I doubt new ones are going to get any cheaper anytime soon. According to Wallenstein's website, the 8500lb-capacity FX85 would be the right size for our...
  96. H

    BH860 backhoe transport length?

    Returning to update, in case anyone ever excavates this thread from the archive. The normal way to "park" a backhoe, with stabilizers and bucket down as a tripod, exceeds 12' in length. More importantly, it comes in at about 9' in width, exceeding not only a 6x12 trailer width but normal legal...
  97. H

    Pat's Easy Change System and Canada

    Amazon.ca price jumps around. You can monitor it at https://ca.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B00U00AUNW That's what I did, and bought it this summer when it jumped down to C$281 (+shipping), which was tolerable, if still more than U$ price converted to C$. Of course may not return to that...
  98. H

    Pat's Quick Change Cat 1 or 2?

    Whatever you do, replace the paired nuts on the big u-bolts that adjust the arms with nylock nuts. The normal nuts shake loose. Otherwise a great product.
  99. H

    Branson advise

    Two years ago, I chose a Branson 4225H over a Kubota L4060. Price was a consideration, though up here (Canada) the price differential was less than it is down in the U.S. I've been happy with my choice. As others have said, dealer support is important. Both for warranty (which mine hasn't...
  100. H

    Purchased a mini instead of a UTV

    I strongly considered one a couple of years ago, before buying a Kawasaki Mule. Mini trucks have many advantages. Until you actually try getting into one, and then getting out again. And imagine yourself doing that over and over. At least for me, since I'm 6'4" with long legs. If you're more...
  101. H

    BH860 backhoe transport length?

    Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate the collective brainstorming on how to bend the metal "ear". Unfortunately, on closer inspection it turns out both ears are bent, and the small holding bolt was torn out with enough force to mangle its hole pretty badly. Since the machine is on an...
  102. H

    Front blade for Mule MX: Snow *and* gravel

    Update, 3 mos after getting our snowblade (i.e. mid-summer, not tested on snow yet). Pushing anywhere near a full blade of gravel around - ain't happenin'. I can push a 1/2-bladeful of 3/4"-with-fines, and a nearly full bladeful of 3/4"-clear. But it's clearly a struggle, and not something I...
  103. H

    BH860 backhoe transport length?

    Thanks. I'll take another look, but I think it's not only the cylinder that's bent but also the hoe side plate "ear" on the side where the pin stayed in. But it's possible it's just the cylinder end throwing things off; I'll double check. I'm still pretty new to all this. Is it easy to...
  104. H

    BH860 backhoe transport length?

    Thanks Asteral....too bad the length isn't in the published specs. Oh well.
  105. H

    BH860 backhoe transport length?

    Does anyone know the length of the Branson BH860 backhoe, from the front of the frame to the back of the hoe? I need to get it from my woodlot to the dealer/repair shop (unfortunate encounter with a very large boulder...) and I'm trying to figure out if I can transport it myself on a 6x12...
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    Being dumb repairing winch

    Just looking for rueful sympathy. Bought a snow blade for my Kawasaki Mule (MX Pro). Installed it, left it on to run an errand. Carelessly bashed a large rock with it while raising it out of the way *and* moving forward at some speed (dumb, yeah I know to not go fast while plowing, but I wasn't...
  107. H

    Front blade for Mule MX: Snow *and* gravel

    Thanks for the sanity check, guys.
  108. H

    Front blade for Mule MX: Snow *and* gravel

    Time to get a snow blade for my Mule MX Pro. I want the best of both worlds, occasional snow removal (1/4 mile driveway) in winter as primary use, but also ability to smooth out gravel and earth in the summer. Feasible or dumb idea? If feasible, anything I should watch for (e.g. heavy duty vs...
  109. H

    Towing trailer (5000 lbs) w/ tractor

    I'm in that dangerous stage of having survived my first 18 mos as a tractor newbie, and therefore maybe feeling cocky :) I'd like to occasionally pull a loaded trailer around my forest property with my tractor. Trailer is a 8.5 x 14' flatbed (deckover), when loaded about 5000 lbs. Tractor is...
  110. H

    Buy well-used Honda 2005 TRX500 ATV?

    When we bought our land a year ago, previous owner temporarily left behind his ATV, a 2005 Honda Rubicon TRX500fa, allowing us to use it until he "figures out what to do with it". It's been quite helpful as we get set up, for running around trails on the property, pulling stuff, etc. He's...
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    Tell me if I'm on the right track (newbie)

    Well, just to close the loop, I hereby announce the arrival of Josephine (named by a family member), who was delivered last Friday and is already making herself useful. At 5 hours on the meter, she's run several loads of PT lumber down a wet trail, moved some brush and a pile of rocks, and dug...
  112. H

    L805/L4060 real life lifting capacity

    Hi, I'm a near newbie buying my first tractor (got great general advice at my initial thread) I'm now deciding between a L4060HST+LA805+BH92 combo versus a comparable Branson 4225H, which are surprisingly similarly priced where I'm at. The biggest minus of the L4060 seems to be the lower, at...
  113. H

    Tell me if I'm on the right track (newbie)

    I've just bought a recreational property in Ontario. I'm new to tractors, but based on my reading here and elsewhere, I think I should get a Kubota L3901 or Kioti CK4010. Would appreciate people poking holes in my thinking. When some of this white stuff goes away, I'll start visiting dealers...
  114. H

    Houska from Ontario, Canada

    Just bought a couple of hundreds of acres of recreational land, Canadian shield wilderness. A couple of private lakes and a couple of miles/km of private road, painstakingly developed and maintained by the previous owner on the cheap, using the labour of friends with rented equipment. Pretty...
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