Where's Mr Earthforce these days?

[Woodbeef]

Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Hey Mark,

How's the EF doing? I've not seen anything from you of late. You must be busy!!

I was talking to Mrs. Scissons last week.

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Hi Woodbeef - I'm still skulking around - not too much to report about the EF-500, though. I'm still looking for something it won't do... /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I did recently get a root grapple rake from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.loflinfabrication.com>Loflin Fabrication</A> (their site seems to be down as I write this). It's a 72" model, but I had them customize it so the grapple arm spacing would be the same as on their 66" model, which is about a foot closer together, rather than the 6" you'd expect. I did that because one of my primary uses for it is to pick up large landscaping rocks. On my last project, I picked up one that was big enough to almost take the rear wheels off the ground - which is pretty spectacular when you consider that about 2/3 of the EF-500's 11,000 pounds are on the rear axle.

As for other changes, I put a high-airflow fan in the front corner of the cab - it's the only way I can stand it in the hot weather. On a related note, several of the mods I'd planned have now taken a back seat to trying to figure out a way to shoe-horn an air conditioner and air filtering system into it.

You can also tell Mrs. Scissons that the only thing the absurd power of the EF-500 has been able to do to her Brush Brute is scratch some of the paint off. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[DarinRay]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

After viewing Harv's Holiday Grettings and then realizing how long I've actually been here. WOW! Time flies when your having fun. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif But anyway then the tractor on the greeting reminded me of Mr. Earthforce so I then tried to see when his last post was... It's been a while that's for sure. Just seeing if anyone knows or has seen him. Boy then I got on that thread "Buying a first tractor; HST or not? Holy almost forgot about that one. LOL

Darin

 

[MChalkley]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Darin,

I'm still around. I've seen (and appreciated) the comments about my "tractoritis" and "Earthforceitis", etc. I've been through a lot of things in the past months, some that just kept me busy, some that were very trying personally, etc. Just like life (and death) for everybody else.

But I'm still "Earthforce'in'". It's still unquestionably the best machine for my needs that I've seen yet. I'm still waiting for the Earthforce/Bobcat/Ingersoll-Rand thing to settle out to see how much support I'm actually going to get with my "one-of-a-kind" machine. So far, the preliminary indications aren't very good. I've gotten a fair bit of talk and very little action. But I can squeak very loudly when the wheel needs greasing, and will do so if it becomes necessary. For now, I'm just trying to be patient - not my long suit. The problems I've had are pretty minor overall. About the only one I've had that they haven't fixed is with the flexible exhaust pipe that connects the turbo housing with the muffler. When the engine torques up, it pulls the pipe out of the fitting and I start getting exhaust in the cab. Not too much problem in the summer, but now that it's winter, it's getting ugly and I don't fancy carbon monoxide poisoning.

That issue aside, the EF-500 continues to be amazingly capable. It will do so much more than a standard tractor can with the same amount of horsepower that it's unbelievable. I haven't made any more modifications, though. I haven't needed to, But there are a few on the radar, I think.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Glad to hear your machine is working well for you. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Woodbeef]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Hey Mr.Chalkley,

Good to hear from you!!

Unfortunately it sounds like you are getting caught up in the troubles of a small market segment compared to the whole of the company. Hopefully they'll come around very soon!

Do not feel bad,I've given up on getting brochures from them. I tried three different times to order them from the site. Of course though I know that it is not because they are out moose hunting!!

Best of luck with your machine and its problems. Did you happen to ask Santa for a gas mask by any chance?

Have a Great Holiday Season,sir!!

 

[DarinRay]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Hey glad to hear everything is working out for you with your machine. It's funny sometimes that everytime I see an earthforce ad I always think of this place becaue this is where I first heard of them. I've always considered buying one because of your comments and from what I've gathered elsewhere too but just never have had the right opportunity. : ( Well goodluck with everything and really hope to hear more stories once you get a chance. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Darin

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: Where\'s Mr Earthforce these days?

Mark:
Great to hear from you.
I am happy to report that I am as happy with the Power Trac as you are with the EarthForce - and with about the same reservation. My only persistent problem is overheating in high-chaff mowing, which I have mostly cured myself, and may have to install a permanent cure without Power Trac's assistance. A bit irritating, but when I went to Tazewell determined to berate them for it, I ended up buying a set of forks.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a great 2003.