Tough Choice!!!!

Dargo · Dec 13, 2004

I don't know what your truck will pull, but you may want to measure the total length of your tractor from the front of the FEL to the end of your longest implement. Seriously, with my bush hog, I'd be hanging about 7 feel off the end of an 18' trailer. That would put it in the range of "won't work" as far as I'm concerned. Unless you plan on making more than one trip to get your equipment to where you need it, I agree with Bob that you should look at a 22' trailer minimum.

DmansPadge · Dec 13, 2004

( Regarding the 20' trailor, will a 1/2 ton 4x4 1997 Dodge SLT pull it? )

I don't think you'd have a problem as long as your not pulling it long distances. A 1 or 3/4 ton would be a better match, but, I've got a friend who has a '01 Chevy extended cab with a V6 and he pulls a 28' tow behind travel trailer and doesn't have any trouble. I would advise to use a tow/haul option if your truck has it. If not keep it out of overdrive if you are getting up to highway speeds.

I think you are wise to opt for the Kubota. I think you are gonna be real happy... and real busy the way it sounds! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Good luck.

jhbusa · Dec 13, 2004

Thanks Dargo, I'll be pricing 20 and 22 ft'ers tomorrow. I can't believe there would be that much weight difference from 18ft to 22ft.

What is your opinion of surge versus electric brakes? That's a lot of weight back there. My truck isn't wired for electric brakes ... yet. What if I have to back up a hill with surge? Will they engage? Then what? (With my temper, I'll be disengaging them with a sledge hammer)!

I've pulled rental tractors with bush hog, loader, box blade and post hole digger in one shot. Seemed fine if I took it easy.

Dargo · Dec 13, 2004

I've only had surge brakes on a boat trailer. They worked well enough for me. I have electric on my current trailer. They work fine for me too. As long as I can stop it, I guess I'm happy. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

btolle · Dec 13, 2004

( Trailor is 18' by 7' with surge brakes. $2750. Rated for 10K. Bulldog hitch and ramps. If you have any input here as far as electric versus surge, bring it on. I'll do some searches on the forums for debates later tonight.

Regarding the 20' trailor, will a 1/2 ton 4x4 1997 Dodge SLT pull it?
)

I would get the electric brakes. A contoller for your truck is not that expensive and allows you to adjust the amount of braking the trailer does. This is expecially important since you are going to be pulling it with a 1/2 ton pickup.

My concern with pulling heavy loads with 1/2 ton pickups is not whether it will pull it or not, it is whether it will stop it in an emergency situation where your life could be at risk.

I am not a trailer expert but am contemplating buying one myself. I figure I need about 2' more trailer than the length of my tractor with FEL and rotary cutter attached. That will allow me to set the tractor forward or back of center to balance it on the trailer so the tongue weight is correct.

Bill Tolle

jhbusa · Dec 14, 2004

Thanks Bill. I'm leaning toward electric if nothing more than to keep the cost down since I'm aiming for a bigger trailer.

I noticed the Danuser 20/40 post hole digger the dealer quoted me does not seem to be as tough as the Bush Hog 2102. I wanted a BH2101 but the brochure only took it to 9" auger so I moved up to the BH2102 (I wanted to hedge my bet on the future in case I needed a bigger auger). I started comparing and found the boom tubing on the BH2102 is 3 1/2 " OD and the DU 3". Should I be concerned? The 20/40 does take larger augers. I don't expect to dig more than 3 or 4 dozen holes the first year. (Almost warrants a rental ... I know ... call me lazy). What's the deal with single or double flights? I ain't puttin' the auger on a helicopter.

btolle · Dec 14, 2004

( I started comparing and found the boom tubing on the BH2102 is 3 1/2 " OD and the DU 3". Should I be concerned?)

The OD is less critical than the wall thickness of the pipe. If you tap on each one with a metal object the tinner wall pipe will have a higher pitch ring to it.

Or, see if you can get the specs on the pipe. Bush hog's stuff is usually pretty sturdy, I'll bet their pipe has a thicker wall so is actually stronger.

I would not want a digger that could not accommodate at least a 12" auger.

I would really consider renting instead of buying. Last time I rented a PHD it only cost $50 or $75 a day and with a big helper to put some extra pressure on it in a couple of the holes we drilled 15 holes 4' deep in about 5 or 6 hours.

Don't forget, if you own it you have to store it, keep it from rusting, and fend off friends and neighbors who want to "borrow" it and wear it out for you.

Bill Tolle

jhbusa · Dec 14, 2004

Good point on the borrowing, storing and especially rusting. I'm pretty diligent about taking care of my tools. This whole forum talks as if rust is a normal thing for farm equipment. It will kill me to see $5000 worth of implements rusting normally! I better get used to it I guess.

I'll think twice about the PHD.