What's the right attachment

PaulieD · Apr 11, 2004

What\'s the right attachment

I'm new to tractoring and need some advice on the best implements to use for some projects I have lined up. I have approximately 10 acres of flat non-rocky meadow. In this area I would like to plant 150 Christmas trees, a couple of acres of corn, a couple of small patches 0.5 acres each of clover, and 0.5 acres of pumpkins. I also need to clean up my yard. The well driller did some inadvertent and expected damage, and I need to clear it up.

I'm thinking about a tiller, but I'm afraid the boss, (otherwise known as my bride) is going to panic when she finds out what I need to spend. I've also considered a two or three bottom plow, a box blade, and a disk harrow, or a combination of these items.

I own a TC 30 standard transmission.

Any advice you guys might offer would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul

KiotiJohn · Apr 11, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

A tiller would be great for much of that, a post hole digger is great for planting that many trees. A good box blade with rippers would do many of your jobs and more. Cheaper option for the tiller would be disk plows, you would just need to make more passes and it won't be as smooth as a tiller would leave it. Your tractor will operate just about anything you'll need. The owner's manual should specify the sizes of implements you can use. For the most part, you can handle 6' stuff without problems and some larger. John

GerardC · Apr 11, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

I Just purchased a PHD w/9" auger from Northern Tool for $565 delivered. Would this price make your bride panic? If not, then I would order one. I think they are still on sale.

DannyD · Apr 11, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

Put her to digging the holes while you drag the trees in and she will go for it.

Unless of course she puts you in charge of holes and finds out how much fun driving the tractor is. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GareyD · Apr 12, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

I'm guessing that your trees will be seedlings...now this attachment is not tractor operated, but it is the best tool for seedlings on the market and costs about $50-$75 depending on what you order...with this tool I can plant 3000-5000 seedlings a day, depending on soil conditions /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

HOEDAD seedling planter

PaulieD · Apr 13, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

Thanks for all the help.

Gary, you were right about the seedlings. The Hoedad approach looks like the right way to go for that task. But I do need a post hole digger for replacing some old fencing. I'll take Gerard's advice and check out the Northern Tools site. I think it will be easier to convince the bride we need a $600 post hole digger than convincing her we need an $1800 tiller.

I might have to put off the corn and pumpkin patch to next year. Between the new trees, the fence replacement and the deck replacement, I'll have my hands full this summer.

Thanks again for all the help.

Paul

PaulieD · Apr 13, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

Gerard,

Thanks for the tip, I'll check out that Northern Tools site. In which county do you live? I'm up in Essex, about 12 miles from the Vermont border.

PaulieD · Apr 13, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

Garey,

I forgot to ask in my earlier e-mail, which blade(s) should I order for the Hoedad? I will be planting 100 spruce seedlings (about 10 -12 inches in length) and 50 doug fir 2 year old plant (about 18 to 24 inches).

Thanks,

Paul

GareyD · Apr 13, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

Paulie
I'd use the Straight blade for most applications...The Rasmussen blade works best in sand/soft soil that wants to fall back into the hole...the plug blade is designed for seedlings that come with "plugs" of soil on the roots like the vegetable sets you buy at the garden center.

Mildly sharpen the top edge of the blade to act as a root cutter...If Needed, you can trim the roots on a seedling to about 3/4 of the length of the HoeDad blade without harming the seedlings...some of the seedling you get late in the planting season can have roots 18 inches long....really hard to get in the hole...and you want to get the tap root straight in the hole...not "J" rooted...if J rooted the tree will never grow right!!

The only "trick" to a HoeDad is....swing overhead and drive it into the ground...lift up about 1-2 foot on the back of the handle to start to open the hole...the push down and away from you...this will open a "pie" shaped hole to insert the seeding...after the seedling is straight in the hole, choke up next to the collar on the hoe and drive the hoe down about 1-2 inches behind the seedling, work the handle down then up to close the hole eliminating the air pocket around the roots...finally heel the plant in as you step across to the next hole...

Sound more complicated than it really is....shouldn't take more than a half dozen holes to get the hang of it....a good hand planter can walk/plant as fast as most people can walk!!

Hope this helps
GareyD

Glenn9643 · Apr 13, 2004

Re: What\'s the right attachment

The tool used in this area for planting pines and other seedlings is called a dibble bar, or dibbler. You can see a picture and description at the attached link. If you weld you can fabricate one a lot cheaper than buying.
http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/accessories_productpage.aspx?proid=213