Your advice ?

[MossRoad]

The only damage would be is that you have to use the bucket to move it around the yard with the bucket. You could adapt this to the PT with a quick-attach .

One note about the quick attach... if you weld a quick attach plate to where the hitch is on a unit like that, it will be rigid. That is, it will not oscillate with the terain like the mower decks do and that will make it hard to push/pull around without stressing the quick attach system. You would need to put a pivot in that would allow it to roll side-to-side to relieve that stress. It would be better to put a ring or ball hitch on it so that it can oscillate over the landscape independantly of the tractor.

 

[Barryh]

Just something to think about and I'm definately not trying to be a downer .... have you looked into insurance for your business yet? The reason I ask is because you are looking at a backhoe and asking about trenching. I have heard, and it may not be true but you should check into it, that business insurance goes way up when you start digging holes for money. The thing I recall is anything deeper than 3' requires a different level of insurance. Could just be something that is required around here where I live and may not apply in your neck of the woods. May not be true at all. Could be an urban legend for all I know. However, you should check into insurance rates and be sure to tell them what you want to do before you buy equipment that may not pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time.

Good point, I plan to look into that also, thinking 3 ft may be as deep as needed for most ponds anyway. I'm also wondering about a contractor’s license. I'm sure there are state wide regulations on breaking ground if you specialize in landscaping. Hoping it is just a pay as you go yearly thing without to many requirements. Thanks for the input I will be checking into all of this before I buy any more equipment.

I do have a plan B in case this doesn't pan out. I'm thinking a custom built pre fab water feature. Small to large units build here transported there. Stay above ground except minor digging light landscaping, digging maybe a foot or so. I feel there may be a market for that sort of thing. I've not really seen it done, other than home depot pre formed ponds. I could be wrong.

 

[Barryh]

I just ordered this fold up ramp for quick loading of my, commercial Walk behinds, PT and other equipment. Just to use on short runs around town instead of hauling my 16 ft trailer, or until needed for landscaping jobs or additional equipment.

The weight limit is suggested 1200, my PT-180 weighs in somewhere at 1260. Anyone ever use one of these for loading their PT’s ? I'm thinking worst case I can put some additional support under the ramps for the PT.

I’m hoping like most products that it is somewhat over manufactured for at least another 100 pounds or so.

ATV trailer hitch ramp system

 

[Barryh]

Hmmm wasn't thinking of adding on my weight driving up the ramps. I guess I will have to bulid some addtionial supports to place under the ramps when loading the PT.

 

[MuncyBob]

Last summer a buddy had a minor emergency, it was either get the PT to his house or we don't play cards that night! Rented a pair of ramps that were rated for 1200 lb and braced the mid section of the ramps with a pair of jack stands..worked like a charm! This was with the rock bucket attached and up a fairly steep incline into the bed of my truck which is a bit higher up than most 3/4 ton pick ups.

 

[Barryh]

Last summer a buddy had a minor emergency, it was either get the PT to his house or we don't play cards that night! Rented a pair of ramps that were rated for 1200 lb and braced the mid section of the ramps with a pair of jack stands..worked like a charm! This was with the rock bucket attached and up a fairly steep incline into the bed of my truck which is a bit higher up than most 3/4 ton pick ups.

Great minds think alike. That's exactly what I had in mind, right where the ramps have the fold up joint. You just answered my question. It’s always good to be prepared for an emergency. I would hate to ruin card night, or go without having that weekend brew. Thanks much

 

[ernemats]

Теплота і ласка. У такі неспокійні дні дітки потребують підвищеної уваги до себе. Їх потрібно частіше брати на ручки, обіймати, гладити і заспокоювати. Відмінно подіє тиха спокійна улюблена пісня, проспівана улюбленим маминим голосом.

removed link

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[MossRoad]

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Don't you read Ukrainian?

She said....

Warmth and caress. In such restless days, children need increased attention to themselves. They need to be held, hugged, stroked and soothed more often. A quiet, calm favorite song, sung in mom's favorite voice, works perfectly.

 

[scotts562]

Been running my own landscaping business for the past 25 years. My advice on some of the questions you have asked.

Don't bother with the stump grinder for the pt. Works better as a trencher than a stump grinder.

Get a copy of The Pond Builder's Bible and Succeeding and Prospering with Water Features by Aquascapes. These books will help shorten your learning curve. Your market may be different but here there are not many who can/will troubleshoot or repair existing water features.

I am pulling 12 and 14 foot trailers, but the trucks I pull them with have 12 to 14' flatbeds/dumps. Being able to stop is arguably more important then being able to go. I avoid pulling a trailer in snow whenever possible. When you upgrade trucks, consider a flatbed. They are much nicer to work out of and you can side load them with materials and attachments while the trailer is still attached. Your current rig is over 10k in combination. Get very familiar with DOT regulations.

Your state may be different, but in mine, there is no builders license needed for general landscaping work. For ponds, a licensed electrician is needed to install a 110v outlet from the house to the pond location, but the rest (digging the hole, plumbing the pond, plugging in the pump, etc.) is unregulated. The only exception may be ponds deeper than 4'.

For my insurance, tree work and snow removal have rate increases, the rest is included as part of a standard policy. I strongly recommend you find and independent insurance agent who will shop multiple companies for you to find the best rate.

Hope this helps.

 

[scotts562]

Just reskimmed your posts. A couple more tidbits.

Most ponds are dug to two to two and one half feet deep. Fish overwinter just fine in ponds this deep with a bit of water circulation.

Rocking in a pond is hot, heavy work.

I paint my side boards and glue/staple plywood strips to the ends. Also, leave the stakes a little loose in the stake pockets. This makes them a little less prone to splitting/warping and sticking in the stake pockets.