Bought the Farm- need a tractor

[Creamer]

"In theory" if the load is carried off the ground by the FEL without cheating to get it there the load doesn't exceed the front axle's ability to carry it.

Agreed in theory but when you subject that front axle to shock loads of hitting obstacles like holes while carrying a heavy load things go south very quickly. Going way back JD 4020s were famoous for broken front axles but then they were never designed for that. newer tractors are made much more robust in this area because of the commonness of FELs. Now it is actually the stub axle or or the vertical that tends to break typically by hitting something or falling in a hole while carrying a heavy load.

 

[jeff9366]

I would compare "reclaiming" to a pasture- mostly weeds with some small brush and a few small diameter (2-4') trees sprinkled about. I thought about going bigger but once the land is up and running I felt it would be overkill.

My plan is to finish getting the brush and fences down this summer and the following spring then have someone come in and take over from there. I don't want to make the investment in enough power to plow or disk it.

It will save a lot of wear and tear on your Rotary Cutter if you use a Ratchet Rake bucket attachment to knock down and tear out the brush and saplings by the roots, before chopping them.

Ratchet Rake is also terrific for woods improvement and maintenance.

VIDEO: tractor ratchet rake - YouTube

 

[Turbo5upra]

Thanks Jeff! Great idea!

 

[Turbo5upra]

Hey guys! been sidetracked the past few weeks! logging seems to be going much better than I expected!

I went to the local New Holland dealer yesterday- a co-worker and friend is friends with one of the owners... he's been offering to see what he can do but being that its 30 mins away (I often work near there just not at the moment) I've been avoiding it.

I walked in without asking for anyone and went to look at some stuff- I really liked the workmaster 60 they had off lease- they had that and two 70's

After I found out that it was $1600 more for the 70 I think it's worth it....

It comes with a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty and brand new loader with weighted tires- They pick up for free for any warranty work and have loaners. I really like the dealer.

I talked to my co worker after and he contacted his friend who seems eager to help.

I think I'm going back to talk price- they do a 120 day layaway with 10% down since I wanted to wait until spring to buy anyway that would work out perfect.

any thoughts on this tractor for me?

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've owned a 50 going on 2 years now. No issues. I finish mow, brush hog, use the FEL, ect...Typical chore tractor use.

I had to tighten the radiator hose clamp 1/2 turn at 100 hours. It would drip antifreeze when cold and stop once warmed up.

The 621 FEL is very strong. Look at the specs.

Only 2 issues IMHO. Turning radius is large. That is a trade off of the planetary front drive system. It is very heavy built unit. Secondly, the dip stick is hard to access with the FEL on. The brackets impede getting to it.
Overall I am very satisfied with the unit.

 

[PILOON]

This is a very original DIY project.

Buying the farm traditionally means somebody died.
Now how would you use a tractor to bury yourself?

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

If it's giving you all the warm fuzzy feelings go for it and don't look back!

 

[ovrszd]

This is a very original DIY project.

Buying the farm traditionally means somebody died.
Now how would you use a tractor to bury yourself?

Haven't you ever heard of "Pre-Planned Funerals"???

 

[PILOON]

Haven't you ever heard of "Pre-Planned Funerals"???

OK, I get it.

Dig first, demise later.

 

[goeduck]

Now how would you use a tractor to bury yourself?

For some if they dug the hole, the wife would be happy to learn how to operate the tractor to fill it in