New here and maybe off topic.

PineRidge · Dec 10, 2003

Re: Lot of information and ideas so far, thanks!!

NOT trying to start any wars here but before you settle for a gear rig please try an HST for comparison. I did the gear thing for 5 years and graduated to a HST. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's a LOT easier keeping both hands on to that steering wheel instead of jamming that shifter when you need to make a change. A hydo pedal is no different than a clutch pedal. Just one less thing to worry about when doing your chores.

Woodbeef · Dec 10, 2003

Take your time and check out all the brands. 100 miles is not all that far,you never know Mahindra might be your best deal,and be the tractor you like the best.

Golfgar4 · Dec 10, 2003

( ...you will have to excuse my grandfather... )

Junkman,

No problem! I'm going to be a grandfather real soon myself, so I'd better be willing to be understanding about these kinds of things. Besides, I can't read without my "spectacles" either! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

( that's quite alright. someone has to keep you "old timers" on the up and up.. you passed the test with flying colors..
)

lamarbur,

Just remember that you "young whipper snappers" are supposed to respect your "old timers".....er.......ELDERS! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

( OK GARRY: HERE IS ANOTHER WELCOME : that should get u thorugh post 4000 )

Frank,

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I see that you're well over the 2,000 mark yourself! I wonder if Muhammad will start giving out service stripes for every 2,000 posts? You know, like they give out in the military for every 4 years of service. Bird would have a whole sleeve of them! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

lamarbur · Dec 10, 2003

Us young whipper snappers may very well be in the same age group

))

PineRidge · Dec 10, 2003

2000 plus posts here at the TBN site? You guys have earned a paid vacation! Take the rest of the day off and report for work in the morning. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

normde2001 · Dec 10, 2003

All of the tasks you mention would be best handled by a small bulldozer. I have seen a nice used one in my area in N. Ga. for sale for several months for $11,900, so I'm sure they can be had for $10,000.

SPIKER · Dec 10, 2003

Hi All:

well I would like to say welcome too, anyhwo like others have said try out as many tractors as you can, too bad you missed fair season it is a great way to try out a bunch of tractors and see a bunch of dealers at one time.

anyhow I have a 284 JINMA, with FEL , Hoe, box blade and mowers. great little maching, with the FEL on it runs closer to 4K lbs, than any other CUT. It feels a bit more top heavy than I'd like with my stream/vally I can get it down into the creek with out much trouble, but sometimes it really feels on the ragged side of tippsy. I have pulled some 24" x 20' logs with it with out grunting at all. It is a geardrive, and NEW models have shuttel shift available now. That system hasn't been proved too well yet, (most people say wait a year for bugs to get worked out) anyhow there are many import dealers up there in OR. check out the CTAO site and JohnS's dealer page for info about nearest deares to you.

here is a link for them

http://www.homestead.com/ctoa/

http://johnstractor.homestead.com/

there is lots of support for these inexpensive tractors now more so than even 2 years ago when I got mine. maintenance is easy enough (like working on an old N) plenty of power in the engines too. I haven't had a problem pulling anything or traction either. though I almost got stuck in a bog part of the creek. had to dump the FEL bucket and push it out with the fel and lock in the DIF lock, but she came out dragging the hole bottom side.

also check out the chipper review here

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=implement&Number=308383&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=186&fpart=7#Post348082

I would suggest it for the heavy wooded areas, up there in OR you get a tax break and a refund of 1/2 price for one if what others have said is true !!! state pays for it back so you CHIP instead of burn brush, helps stop fires!!!!!!

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Golfgar4 · Dec 10, 2003

( Take the rest of the day off and report for work in the morning. )

Gee, thanks Mike! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

But I think, if they'll let me, that I'll save the day off so that I can tack it on when I'm ready to retire so I can get out of here sooner. Every little minute helps! Only 19 months to go! WOOHOO!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

PineRidge · Dec 10, 2003

Golfgar4 I'll bet you are counting down the days. I know I would be......

JDgreen227 · Dec 10, 2003

Yes, we ARE off the topic....but I retired 13 months ago and am enjoying every minute of it. I am happy for any TBN members counting down the days.

Slamfire · Dec 10, 2003

Maybe then you can start work on that country golf course. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

frank_f15 · Dec 10, 2003

i just retired 2months and 4 days ago(actully plant closed and i am on unemployment) but i will be 62 in 3 weeks so i consider myself RETIRED. DON'T KNOW HOW I GOT ANY THING DONE when i was working. MABEY WE SHOULD START A THREAD JUST FOR RTIRED FOLKS OR SOON TO BE,RETIRED , OR THOSE THAT WISH THEY WERE RETIRED? opps guess that covers everybody already here? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif loving it /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JDgreen227 · Dec 11, 2003

Don't know how you got anything done while you were working, huh? Frank, you took the words right out of my mouth, only you said them better.

Golfgar4 · Dec 11, 2003

( I'll bet you are counting down the days )

What, me count down the days? What kind of government employee do you think I am!?

Actually, I did have a countdown clock on my computer that showed the months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds, but IT made me take it off. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

( Maybe then you can start work on that country golf course. )

Slamfire -

I don't want to start work on that country golf course - just play it! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Actually though, a new 9 hole course opened up a few miles from where I'm located this past summer. The owners plan on adding a second 9 holes within a year or two. I've already talked to them about working part time (hopefully with my tractor!) for them for playing priveledges once I retire. Couldn't beat that, could you. Get to work AND play at one of your favorite things!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

MDNick · Dec 11, 2003

( I've already talked to them about working part time (hopefully with my tractor!) for them for playing priveledges once I retire. Couldn't beat that, could you. Get to work AND play at one of your favorite things!! )

Gary, take their money too! I worked on a course during summers from college. Free greens fees and cart was one of the perks, and you got a pay check. What a country! I had a good time working on the course, though you do tend to get tired mowing the rough.

Nick

Golfgar4 · Dec 11, 2003

( though you do tend to get tired mowing the rough.
)

I don't think that I'd get tired............

............since I spend most of my time there anyway when I'm playing! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KubotaSteve · Dec 11, 2003

I would like to add one thing. A 30 HP tractor can vary a great deal in size. I have the Kubota B-7800 which is a 30 HP and weighs around 1700 pounds (only the tractor with no implements) and then the Kubota L-3130 is right around 30 HP but weighs over 3300 pounds. Just my 2 cents. You should check out Corriher as they have some nice sales on New Holland and a few other brands. They can be found at the link listed. I have heard several people say they were less expensive by several thousand even after shipping.

http://www.corimpco.com/?source=tractorpoint]Corriher[/url]

rjsmit1 · Dec 11, 2003

First- welcome to the board! This is one of the most friendly, professional, discussion sites on the net. There are lots of folks here who will provide a lot of excellent insights and advice.

Just a couple of points:
It's already been said, but I think that 30 HP is not nearly enough to drag 36 inch logs. I was dealing with a 10 inch fallen tree a couple of weeks ago and they are very heavy.

Hydro versus gears. I cannot think of one chore that is easier or quicker with a gear tractor. I used a gear tractor for quite a long while and switched to a Kubota L4330 with a hydro tranny and have been very pleased with the simplicity of operation and how fast I can change direction when doing loader work, backing up to hook up an implement, etc. It's worth it to get hydro- even if it means gettting a few more horses to handle it. Unless you are doing row crop work, there is a noticeable improvement in productivity.

Choice and location of dealer: my Kubota dealer is about 10 miles from the wife's horse farm. I blew a hydrolic hose last night and went there this morning to show them the old one and to order a replacement. It's a metal tube with a few unique bends, etc. The replacement part will be air freighted into the dealer tomorrow ($5.00 charge) morning. I will have to go there to pick it up. Point is that if the dealer were 100 miles away, or if you end up with a gray market import, you may not like having your tractor 'down' for several weeks/months while a part is located. This touches on productivity. I only have my days off to do tractor work, and so they are valuable to me. I believe that this is something that Kubota recognizes and they have put this parts network in place. (This is obvioulsy even more important for those that make their living with their equipment).
One of my points is that these were NOT factors that I thought about when I was shopping. I just liked the Kubota Grand L Series and bought one. However, I will tell you that the dealer support and service after the fact is important.

And finally, whichever equipment you bet, please be careful out there. Lots of accidents happen and they can be the worst kind. Tree clearing is dangerous work- so take it easy and be careful.

sanmigmike · Dec 23, 2003

Still thinking and looking...

We looked at a Deere 790 with a loader yesterday and like it, like it a lot. Dealer offered 14,500 with a loader right off, maybe a little high? Also looked at a Ford, about a 28 hp, a few battered years old, fair shape but looked a bit abused but less that 300 hours, loader and brush hog for 10,500. A new NH in that hp range without HST about 16,500.

Going to go look at Case and MF and see what they have in that hp range.

Will try to take a look Kioti and Centurion soon. Right now the Deere 790 is in the lead and want to see a 990 before commit to the 790. Still not sure if I can afford HST going to try it first.

Thanks for all the help and comments. The Deere dealer in Clackamas seems a lot more eager than in Woodburne.