Member of the Month: GManBart
Your Name: GManBart
Post Count: 1,322 (#470 of all-time)
Location: Southeast Michigan
How long have you been a member of TBN?
Since December of 2012, but I used to lurk here for a long time before that. I found TBN while looking for reviews on new tractors.
What do you like best about TractorByNet.com?
The fact that so many people are willing to share their experience and great ideas with people they don’t even know. It’s a safe bet that you can find help here on pretty much any topic you can think of, and that’s not just restricted to tractors.
What type of tractors do you own?
I have a 1948 Ford 8N, and a 2013 LS R4047H. I also have a Hustler Sport ZTR. I also may be buying a nice Ford 961 diesel that’s just a few miles away from my house.
How long have you owned or operated tractors?
I’ve owned at least one tractor for the last four or five years, but used them off and on for many years prior to that.
What do you enjoy most about tractors?
How much time they save me!
How often do you use your tractor?
At least a couple of times a week. I put over 80 hours on the LS in the first four months, and I was out of town for nearly a month of that time.
Tell us about your property.
We have 15 acres, which may grow to as many as 55 before long. We bought the two adjacent lots, and have knocked one of the houses down, with the second to be removed in the next few weeks. An outbuilding/barn will replace the second house soon after demolition is finished. The outbuilding will be the home of all of my tractors!
Tell us about your vehicles.
I have a Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited, 4×4, TRD Off-Road package. I have a Haulmark cargo trailer, and I’m shopping for a heavy equipment trailer to haul my tractors.
Do you have any pets?
We have three shelter dogs: Webster, Daisy, and Charlie. They are a Hound mix, Lab mix, and Pit Bull, respectively. Charlie, the Pit, is the sweetest of the three; he just loves people, and other dogs. We also adopted the neighbor’s cat when they moved out and left him there. He’s just “Cat”, for now, and we figure he’ll make a nice barn cat because he’s super friendly, but smart enough to take care of himself.
What sort of tools, attachments or equipment do you use with your tractor on a regular basis?
I use the pallet forks on my LS all the time—couldn’t get by without them. I have a 7.5′ mowing deck for the LS, as well as a Rhino 6′ brush cutter. I have a 5′ brush cutter for the 8N, that gets used pretty regularly. I’m looking into buying a grapple for the LS in the near future.
What do you mainly use your tractor for?
Mowing, brush hogging, and moving logs/firewood.
Do you maintain crops?
Not yet, but we’re working towards that. We’re thinking of planting some Christmas trees, pumpkins, and sunflowers, as well as a vegetable garden next year.
What do you like or dislike about the area you live in?
The wet spring weather can be trying—too wet to do much work. I actually like winter, so I like that we get snow, and cold temperatures.
What sort of terrain is common in your area?
Gently rolling and relatively flat—no mountains, or big hills.
What sort of trees and vegetation are common in your area?
We have Ash trees that are dying everywhere, as well as Cottonwoods, several different kinds of Maple trees, and several different Evergreens.
What’s something most TractorByNet members don’t know about you?
I’m former USAF, then DOD, and have over 15 years of total federal service.
What are some of your other hobbies?
Fly fishing, flying airplanes, working on guns, and I’m a competitive USPSA shooter.
