Dave,
Whew! Lots of questions! I'll take them one at a time and answer all that I can.
<font color="blue"> What kind of tranny does it have? </font> Hydrostatic
<font color="blue"> How many speeds? </font> 3
<font color="blue"> Is the PTO run by mechanicals or hydraulics? </font> I think hydraulics
<font color="blue"> How does the PTO clutch work? </font> Don't know if I understand exactly what you are asking. You depress the clutch pedal, engage the PTO, then release the clutch. I haven't hooked up a PTO-driven attachment yet so I don't know if I can answer more than that.
<font color="blue"> How much pressure and GPM out of the hydraulic system can you get? </font> The System Relief Valve Setting is 2133 PSI, the Pump Capacity is 7.6 GPM
<font color="blue"> Also, what type of work has to be done on your large property to prepare it for a homesite? </font> The 12 acre parcel is heavily wooded with gentle-to-moderate slope downward from the front to the rear of the property. There is a creek runing along the rear of the property. The home site will be positioned more toward the rear boundary than the front to take advantage of flatter terrain and increased privacy.
We will hire out the major excavation for the home site and driveway preparation. Although we have not finalized our plans, I'm thinking that I will clear about 1 acre (maybe more) around the home to provide a sizable lawn for the kids. Tractor will be used for landscaping the yard area, clearing undergrowth from the wooded areas, maintaining the gravel driveway, fence installation, etc.
<font color="blue"> (I'm assuming you already have it the property, of course.) </font> I am buying the property from a relative who (for tax purposes) did not want to close on it until next year. As we are about 2 years away from being ready to build, that was not a big deal for us. However, now I am anxious to go over and start making some improvements. Oh, well, I have enough to do here to keep me busy for awhile.
<font color="blue"> How did you decide that you needed a 29 hp model to do what you intend to do? </font> Based upon the numerous threads I read on TBN concerning tractor size combined with the advice I received from my dealer, I felt that this tractor would allow me to do the things I wanted to do. As this is my first tractor, it ended up being a guesstimate.
Obviously, I am in no position to make a tractor recommendation to anyone at this point. Because my insurance agent was out of town Friday (when the tractor was delivered) I didn't want to take any chances with it this weekend. So, my total experience is driving it a little, sitting on it in the garage, taking pictures and reading the manuals. Would have done a little digging today but rain has kept me from doing that.
I hope what little information I have provied has been helpful. Please feel free to ask if other questions arise.
Bruce