New Guy here and thanks!!

[ncnewbie]

I have been lurking for about three weeks now and reading on all the tractors and implements. We bought a large tract of land...11 acres and are building a house on it. I needed a tractor for landscaping, bushhogging and mowing.

I just purchased a 3540 with 514 loader QA, Bushhog Squealer, and Bushog 72 inch finish mower. Paid $25000.

Get delivery on Saturday and just wanted to say "Thanks" for all the advice and guidance that is given here...IT was really helpful in my decision!!

 

[lp333]

Congratulations on your land and equipment purchases. It must be a very exciting time for you. When you have a moment, kindly let us know how things turned out. Your experiences may lead to some valuable advice for other TBN members.

 

[crbr]

Congratulations on your land and equipment purchases. It must be a very exciting time for you. When you have a moment, kindly let us know how things turned out. Your experiences may lead to some valuable advice for other TBN members.

And some pics too, please.

 

[ncnewbie]

Sorry but did not use the camera today...just wanted to share some thoughts after spending over 5 hours on the tractor today.

1. I do not understand why anyone would buy anything other than the HST if you are going to use the front loader!!!

I filled a dump truck with concrete, brick, block and mortar using my front loader today. It was SO NICE to never change gears or even have to think about anything other than just moving my foot

2. The southern sun is a #$%^$. I have a true red neck now. GET A COVER!! There is a nice canopy at Tractor Supply COmpnay that will attach very easy and remove very easy if you need to fold down your ROP to get inside a building or shed.

3. Pay attention to what and where the block are when you are using a front loader. I had a block fall, hit my hood, leave a nice bid dent and paint chip, bounce off and hit the left rear wheel housing, leaving a nice paint scratch. I was pissed about it......at least the tractor is broken in now

I had a GREAT TIME on that tractor today..bushhogged over 5 acres and loaded trash for over 2 hours. Could not even think what my leg would have felt like if I had not had the HST. The GSL would have driven me crazy b/c I used the HST-R once I got the load up...turned it to high to move faster to take the load to the dump truck.

It was just a great day!!!!

 

[DieselPower]

Sounds like you had a good day on the tractor. It's a shame about the block hitting the hood, it happens. Like you said, at least now it's broken in.

 

[lp333]

... Pay attention to what and where the block are when you are using a front loader. I had a block fall, hit my hood, leave a nice bid dent and paint chip, bounce off and hit the left rear wheel housing, leaving a nice paint scratch. I was pissed about it... /QUOTE]

OUCH! That actually hurts the owner... more than the tractor.

 

[texasjohn]

Welcome!

Yep, sounds like your experience is expanding.

Yep, I suggest not lifting the FEL too high or loose stuff can fall back... don't ask me how I know.