New here and maybe off topic.

[PineRidge]

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]

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]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( ...you will have to excuse my grandfather... )</font>

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

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( that's quite alright. someone has to keep you "old timers" on the up and up.. you passed the test with flying colors..
)</font>

lamarbur,

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

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( OK GARRY: HERE IS ANOTHER WELCOME : that should get u thorugh post 4000 )</font>

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]

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

 

[PineRidge]

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]

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]

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]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Take the rest of the day off and report for work in the morning. )</font>

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]

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

 

[JDgreen227]

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.