What do you think I need?

[IrTxRx]

Coronelli,

I am in the same boat you are in (35 acres in the hill country of Texas, lots of cedar and slopes). I would also suggest you look at century and branson to save significant dollars over kubota. I would also suggest you take a look at the power-trac brand of tractors. Cost more than a century/branson/mahindra about the same as Kubota/NH/JD.

BTW - who is the mahindra dealer around Austin, the closest one to me on their dealer locator is about 90 miles away /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

Also, I don't own a tractor and haven't used one in 18 years, so any advice I could offer you is just slightly less than worthless /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. Just wanted to let you know there are kindred spirits in your part of Texas /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Good luck

 

[coronelli]

Bill's tractors from San Antonio opened a branch here in Liberty Hill. It really is just 5 miles from my driveway. I could drive the bloody thing in for service. I like our Kubota but think they are a bit overpriced, as are the Deere's. Most of the other tractor dealers are down south, 35 miles away through the city /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif There are some in Georgetown but nothing I have seen I like. It doesn't hurt that Mahindra has 0% for 3 years either.

Where are you located in Central TX? I'm happy to get worthless advice, central Texans have to stick together /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I like your tune!

 

[coronelli]

Well it's done, I bought a Mahindra 5500 4wd today, it should arrive late tomorrow. I test drove the 6500 model (same frame, just a bigger engine) and it was heads and tails above the 4500. This thing is a bloody tank. I think the extra weight will really help in cedar clearing and dirt work. The bucket is powerful enough that it should allow me to do most of my own work.

The shuttle shifter is a huge plus , it makes everything easier and the 4wd always helps. The machine is suprisingly nimble for it's size and it was very easy to drive.

I just purchased it with a FEL and a 7' blade for now as I have access to most of the other impliments I need. I'll take lots of pictures when it comes in, don't worry /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks to everyone for there info and advice. I had done quite a bit of research but first hand experience is much more useful. I'll be around here now more often, trying to learn how to correctly use this monster. Wish me luck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mark4510]

Congratulations!
I might have missed it but if you have not already you might want to think about spending a bit more and get a toothbar.

Other than that keep up with the maintenance, have fun and be safe.

Oh....and like you said.....post pictures.
mark

 

[Egon]

Have fun with the new tractor.
Egon

 

[KiotiJohn]

congratulations Coronelli. That's a good tractor and will give you plenty of good seat time. I agree with Mark4510, you should get a toothbar for your bucket. You'll be amazed at how much more efficient your loader will work with one. They just bolt on and off when you need them. It will help with carrying loads and breaking up hard packed dirt as well. Woods has one under their skid steer attachments, EZtoothbar is another. I think there's one from Paynes that there have been some post about lately. I believe they're all in the same price range. John

 

[coronelli]

I will look into a toothbar. I assume if they bolt on you just have to drill mounting holes in teh bucket?

 

[KiotiJohn]

Yes, Coronelli, one on each end of the bucket is most common. You will drill 1/2", 3/4" or 1" holes depending on the maker. Mine has 3/4" grade 8 bolts. I got mine from Woods through my dealer. If you contact him, I'm sure he'll give you a good price, and have it shipped right to your door from Woods. Just tell him I sent you. www.bigtractorsupply.com measure the bucket inside just behind the cutting edge, and tell him if it has a bolt on cutting edge or if it's the welded type. Bolt on cutting edges require the heavy duty toothbar for the Woods product. John