My hunt for a SCUT

[seijirou]

I have the 1720 and am big at 6'3", I've found that if using the BH a lot, I remove the backrest from the seat and put it in the BH position, then I can move the tractor around from the operator position just fine by sitting forward on the seat, that way I'm comfortable in BH operation position. Also, there's a quick easy mod to the seat bracket on YouTube on how to move the seat a couple inches back so you clear the throttle lever w/ your knee, so that might help also. Also, when mounting the BH I usually deploy one outrigger 1/2 way and use as a step, makes it a WHOLE lot easier to slip into the BH operation position and not clunk your head. So, you might consider those items before discounting the 1710/20 totally.

Thank you, I'll check it out. Any chance you'd be up to making a video about your solutions for the ergonomics? I know there's no such thing as the perfect tractor, and I have no problems with making modifications for my equipment to work better for me. Anyway I'll do some Googling too. Thanks again.

 

[seijirou]

Good luck on that part. West Texas soil is not like Iowa. You will probably be dealing with a lot of caliche, and your soil will probably have an alkaline pH to it. Not the best for gardening. As to the caliche, you will probably find that as you clear the top stuff off, there will be more under it. Clear the top stuff off, grow grass if you can and enjoy the weather.

Hey now, ignorance is bliss, remember? :laughing:

It is definitely not like Iowa. I think her expectations are reasonably adjusted to that. I'll look in to the caliche problem. I can see your point about it after a quick search, but it looks like it's one of those things that forms a layer of only so much that is only so deep so I see it kind of like the rock situation. If I can get it out, it's gone. That does mean I'll have to dig out the entire area where the garden will be and then likely bring in some soil. I don't know but for some reason that actually sounds appealing!

 

[frugalangler]

Here's one from the guy that he modd'ed his FEL, he's a really BIG boy, so I can see why

Massey Mod Yup, it's better - YouTube

 

[jeff9366]

Basically I have a number of trenching and digging jobs lined up.

1) A lot of drainage,

2) burying gas lines, burying power lines,

3) deck footers, some stump removal,

4)body disposal.

1) Drainage ~~ $300 Three Point Hitch Middlebuster or Subsoiler. I prefer the Middlebuster; AKA Potato Plow.

VIDEO: tractor middlebuster - YouTube
tractor potato plow - YouTube

2) Local codes vary a lot.
VIDEO: tractor burying lines - YouTube

3) STUMP REMOVAL: Rent a 5,000 pound tractor with backhoe.

4) Use FEL equipped with a bucket toothbar to dig grave. For SCUTS Piranha brand toothbar receives top reviews.
VIDEO: tractor with toothbar digging - YouTube
LINK: piranha tooth bar - Google Search


Get out what rocks you can, then form raised beds. "Bedders" are common, simple, implements. Compost.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tractor+forming+raised+beds

 

[frugalangler]

here's the thread on the seat mod to get more legroom

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../379727-gc1715-seat-adjustment-want-more.html

 

[plowhog]

if using the BH a lot, I remove the backrest from the seat and put it in the BH position, then I can move the tractor around from the operator position just fine by sitting forward on the seat

That is really good advice. The tractor needs to periodically move for typical backhoe work. You dig a little, then move a little forward, then dig some more. Each time, to move, you need to be in gear pushing on the pedal to move the tractor. Between each time of backhoe lever operation. Frugal has a good way of doing it. There are others also. Again, for little jobs I just step up on the tractor platform facing the rear, and operate the levers.

People have strong views about YES or NO to buying a backhoe. I don't use mine a lot, but I am very glad I bought one. When I do have a need for it, nothing else is a good substitute.

 

[bp fick]

There is no finer set of reviews and videos for the LS MT125 series ANYWHERE.. LS should send Tony a big royalty check for what he's produced.
Made me think hard and long about that new Yanmar powered LS.

Tony's LS MT125 Tractor Page
- YouTube


Tony is a member here on TBN with the screen name of Rider7767

 

[seijirou]

There is no finer set of reviews and videos for the LS MT125 series ANYWHERE.. LS should send Tony a big royalty check for what he's produced.
Made me think hard and long about that new Yanmar powered LS.

Tony's LS MT125 Tractor Page
- YouTube


Tony is a member here on TBN with the screen name of Rider7767

Thanks!

I did find his channel before actually and made my way through his entire library over a couple of days. His channel really is by far the leading source of information on the LS MT1 tractors. I actually let him know that if he ever visits central Texas and looks me up, he drinks for free.

Related to that, based on what I learned from rider about the MT125 I made a 2nd trip to the LS dealer to ask what they knew about the rumor of a kit being released to fix the situation with needed to remove a wheel to install or remove the 3PH. On this trip I actually ended up speaking to the other sales guy and the 1st one wasn't there. Initially he didn't think that problem existed when I brought it up, but when I insisted he started making some phone calls and then apologized and confirmed the scenario. In regards to the fix the best information he could find was that it should be available in March.

In addition we got to bullshitting for a while and when he discovered I was new to the area he told me not to buy in January. Apparently there's a local rodeo and stock show next month. During that show there's always some additional special going on. He didn't know yet what models they would have deals on but he felt like LS was really trying to put some momentum behind the MT1 series and he would not be surprised if I could get a better deal in February. In fact he told me that even if I was going to buy another brand, wait until February because all the dealers in the area are making deals during that show so it's the best time of the year to buy any brand around where I live. This is just something the locals know and it was clear that I didn't.
I appreciated that, he didn't have to do it. Truth is I was probably going to make my purchase next week and he knew that the LS was one of the few that fit me. Apparently he doesn't just want to sell me a tractor, he's looking to earn a customer. I can say I did not get level of respect everywhere I went.

 

[bp fick]

I was very interested in the MT1 series, but i would only select the loader and mowing deck. So, that "too long" bolt issue with the "after thought" bolt on of the backhoe wouldn't have impacted me. After watching Tony's mod and "fix" of that bolt? Shoot. I've a world class machinist neighbor who would fab that up in no time, charge me nothing but the tiny cost of the metal bolt stock and enjoy doing it. That issue is big, from an LS-Get-Your-Act-Together point of view, but in real life? I'd have that deal solved in a day or two and done.

 

[seijirou]

I was very interested in the MT1 series, but i would only select the loader and mowing deck. So, that "too long" bolt issue with the "after thought" bolt on of the backhoe wouldn't have impacted me. After watching Tony's mod and "fix" of that bolt? Shoot. I've a world class machinist neighbor who would fab that up in no time, charge me nothing but the tiny cost of the metal bolt stock and enjoy doing it. That issue is big, from an LS-Get-Your-Act-Together point of view, but in real life? I'd have that deal solved in a day or two and done.

:thumbsup: