Ever purchased additional land primarily for more time in the seat?

[Gizmo2]

I bought 10 acres where I plan to build a home (hopefully next year), but I have to say I enjoy working on it, mowing, cleaning it up, etc. I am doing things backwards from most people (improving the land before I build), but it is what I can do now.

Will

It is a whole lot easier to improve the land before everything gets put up and in your way. Buy the biggest dozer you can find, clear the land then sell it and build your house. :thumbsup:

 

[warhammer]

I am in my mid 50's and my first foray into land/farms/tractors came at the end of 2007 when my wife and I bought a 38 acre farm.
It had been leased out and row cropped for 20 plus years. The actual fields were in good shape. Everything else like the barn, tanks, vacant terraced acres etc. were left to overgrow or not so gracefully weather.
When I started I had plans of trying to buy the adjacent absentee owned farm to get more land.
Now 2.5 years into barn repairs, acreage clearing, fence building, establishing pastures etc. on just about all days off from my regular job I am thinking 38 acres is a pretty big chunk and is enough for my old bones.
Don't get me wrong I really like the farm and find it endlessly fascinatiing but my favorite part of a project is when its done and can be put into use.
Can't say I really "enjoy" using a tractor in the fun sense of the word but the alternative of doing these tasks on many acres by hand would be impossible.

Owning a tractor opens up a lot of flexibility and opportunity for developing and maintaining property while providing a rewarding and enjoyable pastime/hobby but I'm curious how many home owners here, despite whatever bs justification to the wife or significant other, purchased more land simply as a means to spend more time on the tractor?

 

[gwdixon]

Didn't buy more land but do "charity" or "community" work on land surrounding and/or near my property.

We live in a fire hazard area and discing firelines, fields, leveling, harrowing, ditching, etc. gives lots of extra seat time. Helping a widow, a neighbor, a friend, or an absent owner makes sleeping at night just that much more peaceful.

The real motivation is selfish "tractor time".

 

[Thomas]

I would but the taxes..OUCH..just barely escaping view tax now.

 

[TripleR]

It is a whole lot easier to improve the land before everything gets put up and in your way. Buy the biggest dozer you can find, clear the land then sell it and build your house. :thumbsup:

Agree, we did a little land work then built our house and brought the dozer in; big mistake.

 

[LBrown59]

Didn't buy more land but do "charity" or "community" work on land surrounding and/or near my property.

Do you have extra insurance to cover this?
I don't but I took a chance and helped my neighbor anyway.

 

[Jaylegger]

Quite honestly all the posts so far were not exactly what I expected but every one of them has been enlightening and very educational, to say the least, and greatly appreciated.

Regarding the insurance issue brought up by LBrown59, I would like to here more on this as well from those in the know. I would think insurance would make a distinction between private and commercial use and leave it at that. An individual donating his private time and private equipment I would think would not fall into the realm of commercial use therefore would not require additional insurance. I don't know how it's treated, just throwing out my thoughts. Mowed my neighbors yard when he was was hospitalized and can't imagine my tractors liability insurance not providing coverage in that circumstance.

 

[LBrown59]

Regarding the insurance issue brought up by LBrown59, I would like to here more on this as well from those in the know.
1* I would think insurance would make a distinction between private and commercial use and leave it at that. An individual donating his private time and private equipment I would think would not fall into the realm of commercial use therefore would not require additional insurance.

I don't know how it's treated, just throwing out my thoughts. Mowed my neighbors yard when he was was hospitalized and
2*can't imagine my tractors liability insurance not providing coverage in that circumstance.

1*With most polices you are only covered on your own property.
2*There is no liability property damage or personal linjury coverage .
No theft or
vandalism protection either.
Usually you have to add a rider or take out another policy to get this coverage .

 

[Jaylegger]

1*With most polices you are only covered on your own property.
2*There is no liability property damage or personal linjury coverage .
No theft or
vandalism protection either.
Usually you have to add a rider or take out another policy to get this coverage .

I just finally put liability on my tractor today but was hurried and really didn't delve into the finer details but did indicate that usage would "primarily" be on my own property and that didn't seem to raise any red flags with the insurer. Think I'll revisit this issue tomorrow with them.

Thanks.

 

[Gizmo2]

Quite honestly all the posts so far were not exactly what I expected but every one of them has been enlightening and very educational, to say the least, and greatly appreciated.

After 25 years worth of seat time I can always find something better to do. I do however know exactly the nature of the original post, been there done that. And by all means don't let us (older guys??) slow you down, enjoy your tractor life is short and if you can help neighbors out doing so, all the better.