Starting over - the allure of country!

[rScotty]

I think the right machine for landscaping is a Kubota TLB. Either a B26 or L47. That's what we got 12 years ago and it works well. Reason for the TLB is that as an over 70 guy who enjoys landscaping I find I need something easy to get on and off and an implement that will reach out and do something and then pick something heavy up and place it somewhere. That's what I do a lot of...whether dirt, wood, or rocks. Plus Kubota's TLB line are simply heavier built than a compact tractor, so their FEL works much nicer.
Be sure to get the hydraulic thumb on the hoe, and might as well get the 3pt kit....although I rarely use it.

I also have an old JD 2 cylinder for PTO and 3pt work.
And that's another way to go. I bought it almost by accident one day, and its a keeper.
That tractor didn't cost much compared to the cheapest new compact tractor. Old JD 2 cylinders run forever, and require nothing. The last models had power steering and modern hydraulics. But even when restored they just don't cost much.
With its wide front, power steering, and a nice OEM quick detachable loader that old JD 2 cylinder it is just about perfect as a backup. And incredibly stable. It will still do it all and is an oddly comfortable tractor.

 

[BackRoad]

Good on ya' Mr. Thunderworks!

Dreams and goals are what keep us moving forward. It's powerful medicine to keep one "living" rather than just being alive.

We're 65, and doing the same thing on our 35 acres. Clearing land, carving out walking trails, even have a spot for the pond, while living in an RV as we get ready to build in the Spring.

As you mentioned, sometimes I shut off the tractor (an MX as suggested above, which has been perfect for our needs) and just sit and listen to the quiet...

...or watch the Monarch butterflies...the deer with their fawns...or the local flock of wild turkeys as they relentlessly walk, de-bugging the property.

And the stars at night...un-countable!

Keep your dreams alive Mr. Thunderworks!

You'll find the right tractor, and the energy to use it...

 

[thunderworks]

L 3800 ???

Any concern about securing equipment with no one around?

Yes. I do have a place to store a tractor over this winter if I find something soon. After a pond gets sited, I'll figure out where a small machine shed and/or cabin will locate. I doubt I'd leave the tractor there before a locking shed is built.

 

[WranglerX]

Shipping container are great already constructed secure storage.... Paint it camouflage it will blend in to back ground and no one can see it....

 

[RalphVa]

A B2300 would do it for me and is what I may get after this JD 2025R. First tractor was an 18.5 hp 4010. Was fine for bush hogging and wood chipping, most of what I do. Only need full power for when digging in the dirt with the FEL. Otherwise, I run the 2025R and the 1025R before it at 2500 rpm instead of the "540" 3000 rpm because I don't need all that power.

 

[shooterdon]

IMO you will get a lot more tractor buying an LS, Kioti, TYM etc. in my case, I got anew machine for the same $$ as a decent used JD or Kubota.

I have 20 acres, bought my tractor 2 1/2 years ago and have 210 hours on it. I am 71 and will never wear it out. Suggest looking at the LS XR3000 series. I move 2000 lb totes of firewood and decided on the XR4000 as the price difference was not a lot to get more machine.

Good luck!

 

[CADplans]

I have 20 acres, bought my tractor 2 1/2 years ago and have 210 hours on it. I am 71 and will never wear it out.
Good luck!

I am the same age, and I have 40 acres,,
I ran into this JD 4105 when I was hunting for a machine for my daughter.

I lucked out, the dealer thought the tractor had a MAJOR problem,, and I got it cheap,, as a "project", so they thought.

A bushing in the hydro linkage was worn,, it only needed a 5 minute adjustment.

I have mowed with it for 6 summers, and I expect to own it as long as I can climb on it!!

JD's,, even CHEAP JD's,, can be found,,, the hunt is ON!!

 

[shooterdon]

I am the same age, and I have 40 acres,,
I ran into this JD 4105 when I was hunting for a machine for my daughter.

I lucked out, the dealer thought the tractor had a MAJOR problem,, and I got it cheap,, as a "project", so they thought.

A bushing in the hydro linkage was worn,, it only needed a 5 minute adjustment.

I have mowed with it for 6 summers, and I expect to own it as long as I can climb on it!!

JD's,, even CHEAP JD's,, can be found,,, the hunt is ON!!

My first tractor was a JD855 I got cheap ($3500) and it took a long time to find it. . Spent $2500 getting into decent shape I learned the value of size with that machine, and wound up getting $7000 when I traded it almost two years later. No regrets. I also learned I have no interest in wrenching on a machine...LOL...and not to buy my new tractor from the local JD dealer.

That 4105 you got looks great and LUCKY YOU!!! People who can wrench have a huge advantage over guys like me.

 

[Budweiser John]

I’m 78 my wife is 75 we have lived on our 80 acre farm for 50 years this November. About 12 years ago we seriously considered relocating but given the fact that would interrupt our life and cost a bunch of money we elected to stay put and looking at the trials and tribulations of several close friends who thought the grass was greener on the other side of the fence, I’m sure we made a wise decision.
Buy that new tractor and a have a ball. Age is only a number so don’t count the days, make the days count. As for me, I love projects and when my number is up my son and son in law are gonna have a ball sifting through a a shop full of nice tools and wondering what the hell did that ole fart have in mind saving all that sxxt.
B. John

 

[ljjhouser]

thunderworks,
My hats off to you. 70 is the perfect time to start another project. It may even keep you going to reach 90. Then you can sit on the bank and fish - pretending to care if you catch anything or not. Sometimes, without those projects, we don't last very long.
My wife tells me that when I an old she is going to walk me around the shopping center fountain so I will think I am fishing. Then, when I am gone, put me in a rocking chair in the dining room with my fly rod. She tells me that will work great - Finally, I won't have anything to say. I am 77. Good Luck Larry