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Got the seeding done today. Ran out of straw and couldn't find any on short notice, so I just used some old hay. I seeded everything, but only used the hay/straw on the ditches and the more erosion prone areas. Spreading the hay is very time consuming because it likes to clump. It was also windy...

Graded and compacted the rock today. There were some areas that were 12+ inches thick and other areas were only 6" thick. Did my best to even it out, but it's not perfect. Probably going to order another couple loads of rock, but doubt I'll rent the compactor again just for a couple loads...

Had a bit of a rough day today. I managed to rip the fabric twice. Once with the box blade near the entrance and the other with the loader at the other end of the driveway. Both spots were pretty small, but it's frustrating because I know better. I used some scrap pieces to repair the areas. I...

Yeah I'm surely to blame for most of the imperfections. There weren't too many, I should've taken a couple pics after I was completely done compacting. It looked much better than the pics I posted, but you could tell in a couple places where I had gotten a little deep with the blade. A friend...

Compacted yesterday and today with the smooth drum roller. The vibration seemed to help quite a bit. The roller has a way of making imperfections in the dirt work show up. We had just enough rain on Friday to help the compaction, but it dried out pretty quick. Spent most of today extending the...

Got the hillside seeded, silt fence installed, and put 3" rock in the ditch. Wishing now that I would've waited to put the 3" down until after the driveway rock was down because it might be in the way when installing the fabric and water will probably just run around it and make a new ditch...

Got the pipe installed today, then extended the driveway another 100' or so. Thanks for the suggestion on the check dams. I was thinking about putting some large rock in the ditch. Maybe 3" clean or possibly rip rap. Don't think it would cost much because it would only need to be about a foot...

After 2 weeks and $1200 the tractor is fixed. A bolt that holds the ring gear in the front end sheared and got into the ring and pinion. The mechanic commented that he's seen a couple others do that and Branson is using different bolts now. Unfortunately this didn't translate into a better price...

Well I found out why it doesn't pay to do things yourself. I was using the box blade to scrape dirt from the high side to build up a portion of the driveway. I was pulling the dirt down the hill and dropping it in the middle of the driveway, then backing up the hill. When I went from forward to...

I was taking a break today and looking at the driveway about where the 710 contour line crosses and was thinking the same thing you mentioned. The ditch on the north side of the road doesn't have any place to empty until it reaches the county road and by that time it could flood my driveway...

Got about 8 hours of seat time today. Almost done with the entrance, working more now near the top of the hill. The top soil up there is really thick and very time consuming to remove. Still have some work to do on the ditch and some final grading. Hard to tell in the pics but the ditch it...

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going with the fabric because at $225 for 15 tons of rock it seemed that it will probably pay for itself over time. The cost of the fabric was just over $1000 after shipping so if it saves me 5 loads of rock over the next 10 years I'll be happy. Common practice...

I started dirt work for our new driveway today. It will be approximately 1200 feet to our future home site. I plan on doing the dirt work, compacting with tractor (or a sheep foot compactor), installing 200 lb driveway fabric, covering with 8 inches of 1 inch minus rock (as recommended by the...

When I started designing a playhouse for my daughter, I couldn't find many design ideas, so I came up with my own. It didn't end up exactly like I planned, but I used a lot of materials that my dad had lying around as well as some damaged materials from Lowes. It's 8x8 interior with a 4x8 deck...

I recently purchased my first tractor hauling trailer and would like some help getting the tie-downs set up correctly. I've attached some pics of one possibility. I was thinking about changing the front so that the chains cross and are attached to the hooks using two binders instead of one. I...

A set of these forks are up for auction tomorrow. I noticed they only have three notches for side to side adjustment on the forks. I'm wondering how much this matters. Obviously more adjustments would be better, but is it a big deal?

I'm thinking it's time for some new equipment, but can only get one. I have plenty of uses for each of these and have the required hydraulics. Here are the options: 1 - pallet forks. I borrowed some clamp on forks from a friend and found them useful for moving most brush and logs. I would like...

I am new to sickle mowers and have been wanting one to mow around the pond and some various other areas. I picked up this Ford 501 at an auction for $300. I didn't get a chance to look it over before bidding, but it seems in decent shape for the price. I greased everything up and it works fine...

Can anyone explain how to unlock the draft control on my 4720h. The manual outlines a procedure that is nothing like like what is on my tractor. I think the manual references the standard 4720. I attached a few cell phone pics if they help. Thanks

My brother inherited this 7ft sickle bar mower when be moved into his new house. I was thinking about making an offer on it, but I don't know what it is, what problems to look for, or what it's worth. I realize it needs a belt and some grease, but the cutting teeth appear to be in good...

Does anyone have an opinion on Sam's Club Heavy Duty Hydraulic/Transmission oil? I've done a search, but haven't found much. I'm due for 50hr service and the dealer recommended to just get my fluid wherever. Manual says Texaco TDH or Chevron Tractor HYD fluid, but nobody in my area carries...

I'm almost due for the 50 hr service on my 4720h, so I stopped by the dealer yesterday and got the filters (2 hydraulic, 1 engine oil, and fuel). Total came to $63 and the dealer recommended that I get fluids elsewhere as they would be cheaper. My manual recommends Branson, Texaco TDH oil...

Well, a year and a half after purchasing our property, my wife and I are finally getting a pond built. After interviewing a few contractors, we hired the guy who owns the farm across the street. I have seen a couple of ponds they built and it seems like they do good work. They are planning on...

My Branson 4720h has a popping noise coming from the rear end when placed under load. It is pretty loud at times and it doesn't always happen. My tractor is still under warranty and only has 25 hrs, so I had the dealer pick it up last week. They tightened the lug nuts and found a drive shaft...

The new tractor arrived last week and then three days later my wife gave birth to our first child. Now it's just a matter of finding time to spend with my daughter, build a tractor shed, and get some seat time.

I have a co-worker who is looking at a tractor and asked if I thought it was a reasonable price. I'm not sure so I was looking to get some opinions. Also wondering if there is anything in particular to check when he goes to look at it. I copied this from the add: 2004 FORD NEWHOLLAND TC40A 4wd...

I am planning on going to look at a box blade this weekend and I was wondering if someone could help me identify it. The link is below and the seller said he didn't know what brand it is. I'd like to get some general feedback on rollover box blades and what I should look for to make sure it's in...

What are the advantages/disadvantages of self leveling loaders? I have priced a new Branson tractor and can upgrade to a mechanical self leveling loader for about $300, but I can't decide if I want to. I've been told that you loose some rollback, but gain a little lifting capacity. Is this true...

I've been lurking around here for about a year now and have finally started to do some serious shopping. The amount of information available on this forum is incredible, so a big thanks to all contributers. Anyway, I got a quote today on a 2010 Branson 4720H and would like to get input on the...