Dream come true - and 1st Tractor!

[Boosted4runner]

The wife and I have been working/saving since highschool to start our dream - raising a few kids on some land that is private. We found a 13.5 acre piece close to Portland Oregon that has a creek running the boundary, and took the dive. 9 acres were just logged (I had stumps removed) and now - its up to me to take care of. Our house should be finished being built sometime around February 2016.
The property quickly went from very nice looking clean dirt, to a ton of weeds
We don't know exactly what we're going to do with all of it yet, but I knew I needed a tractor.
I found a Kubota MX5100D with 300 hrs for just over 20K so I hopped on it.
And I don't know how to explain it, but driving this dam'd tractor puts the biggest smile on my face I've had in a long time

This is the first time I drove a tractor (well 2nd besides the test-drive) and first bucket of dirt dumped lol


I'll try to not ask too many dumb questions and do lots of reading.
I do need a canopy, as it's been raining like hell here in the PNW

I picked up a 7ft box blade to work the land (lots of dozer tracks need to be leveled) and oh man - how awesome watching that thing drag behind

 

[Boosted4runner]

Here's my project - lol.
This is what it looked like months back. (House will be down at the bottom on left)


And here's what it looks like now. I thought it would look all pretty until I planted grass. Boy was I wrong! LOL
(There is a pretty decent hill down to the right, not sure if it's too steep to go up with the tractor)
(I have no idea what I'm doing)

 

[CaveCreekRay]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

You are right! That hill is steep!!!

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the Orange.

Take it easy with your new toy. Listen to it. If it complains, you are doing something wrong. Take care of it and it will take care of you! Keep it out of the rain if you can. If you plan to keep it on the site during construction, I'd invest in one of those Harbor Freight cheapy car-port tents to give it a place to live while your build it a proper home.

Probably 70% of Kubota owners are just like yourselves: Newbies to the "tractor world" who know a shovel and a bigger wheelbarrow just ain't gonna do it. Your tractor will become so incredibly valuable during just the construction project that you will find it hard to imagine managing a property like yours without one.

300 hours is barely broken in. You might zero the basic service items out by changing the engine oil and swapping the hydraulic filters out as basic "so I can sleep at night" items. Even if the previous owner said it was done, if he cannot provide service paperwork indicating it was done, put it on your schedule and start a log of what you have done, and when. Service is cheap. Repair is expensive. If your machine is HST transmission, it will be due a fluid change in another hundred hours. Be sure to look at your specific service intervals. They vary widely between machines.

Keep your loader loads as low as you can to keep the CG down to prevent tipping. Take on hills or slopes at right angles. Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure, especially the fronts when hauling loads. The rears rarely bleed down, especially if fluid-filled (for extra rear weight -highly recommended.) Only engage the differential lock foot lever when the wheels are stopped. If your machine goes dead one day, check the PTO switch and make sure its off. And, if your tractor starts to sputter or quit when leaning over to the right side, your seat safety switch needs adjusting as the seat will flex a little and underway, that means no one is in the driver seat and the motor gets shutdown. Most of all, have fun.

That is what the ownership of a grown-up toy like a tractor will do to put that smile on your face. You'll scare the crap out of yourself a few times but, we all have.

Oh, and send us plenty of pictures of your project!

Ray

PS: I recommend the fiberglass roofs like the OEM Kubota sells. They are big enough to keep you out of light rain and light enough not to affect your CG. They bolt right to your ROPS (roll bar). I have one on my L3800... This shot was of my wife the very first time she ever drove a tractor. The hood was trashed when the original owner raised a mobile home axle all the way to the top of the FEL (loader) limit -and dropped it on the hood -and the roof. Had he not had a roof in place, he likely would have been injured. I ended up rebuilding the hood and roof and today, it looks like new. When this picture was taken, I was just starting what would be a nearly three year remodel project and I couldn't stop to repair the hood. So, I took it off. We call that our "ghetto Kubota period."

 

[85Hokie]

Nice place - very nice.

Ray nailed it too !!!

be careful and smart ....O , and ask the questions - every now and again it is a new one!

 

[TripleR]

Pretty much what CaveCreekRoy said, I've been driving tractors for over 60 years and I'm still learning. I can't over emphasize the importance of proper counter balance when using your FEL. We have fluid or fluid and cast centers or wheel weights on two of our FEL tractors and that really helps stability and traction.

The tractor is going to feel more "tippy" than it really is, but that "pucker factor" may serve you well and take a LOT of time getting use to the basic functions.

If you don't have it, I highly recommend a hydraulic top link. I have OEM and aftermarket from Fit-Rite (MtnView Ranch), great price, service and quality. TnT even better, but $$$$.

These are very easy to service following the manual, we've never paid to have it done, just take your time.

The FEL is very easy to remove for better maneuverability while mowing, but need weights on the front unless you are on pretty level ground or have a light cutter, mine weighs 1100 as does my box scraper.

Be sure to keep your screens clean, I use a leaf blower if I'm not near a compressor, but prefer a compressor and wand with holes n the side to reach all the fins.

You have a beautiful place and family.

There are a lot of knowledgeable people here willing to help when you have questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMgylltsh8

https://www.youtube.cohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loMgylltsh8m/watch?v=bSatF4QoqmI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pH9Tmdtsgg

 

[D2Cat]

Two things not mentioned yet. Keep you fuel tank topped up. When working all day, make sure you don't run out. When your tractors sputters the first time, and you know you should have added diesel, shut it off. Then add diesel and it will probably start right up. If not you'll have air in the system and require bleeding.

Also, when you have a ROP, seatbelt is required! If you'd tip the tractor you don't want to be thrown off the seat.

As mentioned, go slow, keep loads low. Most accidents happen when you get to the point you know it "all" and don't think about what you're doing.

Welcome here, and remember there are no questions considered dumb. If you can get the answer you need, don't guess----ask.

 

[Burt]

The wife and I have been working/saving since highschool to start our dream - raising a few kids on some land that is private. We found a 13.5 acre piece close to Portland Oregon that has a creek running the boundary, and took the dive. 9 acres were just logged (I had stumps removed) and now - its up to me to take care of. Our house should be finished being built sometime around February 2016.
The property quickly went from very nice looking clean dirt, to a ton of weeds
We don't know exactly what we're going to do with all of it yet, but I knew I needed a tractor.
I found a Kubota MX5100D with 300 hrs for just over 20K so I hopped on it.
And I don't know how to explain it, but driving this dam'd tractor puts the biggest smile on my face I've had in a long time

This is the first time I drove a tractor (well 2nd besides the test-drive) and first bucket of dirt dumped lol


I'll try to not ask too many dumb questions and do lots of reading.
I do need a canopy, as it's been raining like hell here in the PNW

I picked up a 7ft box blade to work the land (lots of dozer tracks need to be leveled) and oh man - how awesome watching that thing drag behind

Boosted4Runner,

Smart couple. Getting a tractor before house! Enjoy all you can do with it.

Caveat: Do consider hiring out any dozer work you need...or any other heavy work instead of trying your tractor out that way.

Getting a tractor is one of life's best adventures.

Welcome to the Orange.

Burt

 

[ShaunRH]

Boosted-

You aren't alone. I'm in the same boat as you and my L3200 was purchased new and is working my Texas 6 acre ranchette before I even have a house on the place. It has an OLD 5th wheel RV on it that we sleep in when we are there and the Kubota lives in a shipping container.

I agree with the statement that says keep it covered. I've had no issues with water or fading or anything with the L3200 in the container when I'm not there. I just keep the tank full of fuel (so I agree with the full tank bit as well!) and pull the positive lead on the battery. I get back there, put the positive back on and it fires right up.

We're putting our first home on the property this spring, it's going to be the 'mother-in-law' house or 'granny home', take your pick. It will be far more pleasant to live in than the 5th wheel and pretty luxurious inside for as small as it is.

When my wife and I retire, we'll move there permanently and put the main house on the property. So, I get what you're doing.

Congratulations on the property and the tractor, find a neighbor with a backhoe and you're set!

 

[Boosted4runner]

Wow, awesome info!! Thank you ALL!!
The tractor is indeed sitting outside right now
I've been elk hunting the past few weekends and have neglected a trip to Costco for a temporary carport. I put off hunting this coming weekend so I could actually get that taken care of Once the carport is up I will do a service on it. Thank you for making this #1 on my list now
Thanks for the tips on keeping the tank full too - will certainly do! I'm not familiar with diesel engines, so I have some learning to do.
I have the manual version Ray - I wish I had your HST
I'll call the local dealer for a roof and see if they have any in stock. I was debating one of those cheap $275 ones or the factory one. I just need a roof quote from the dealer.
The tires do not have anything in them - and certainly feels tippy to me at times! LOL (I'm a 4x4-offroad guy, and have flopped toyotas on their side - kind of scary. I do NOT want to flop a Kubota! lol) Is that something you can add through the valve stem or do you have to pull the tires off?
I do indeed wear my seat belt. I'd imagine just like a truck, keeps your arms and hands inside if it flops - I like my limbs they way they are

So my first chore is to clear some weeds/brush from the side of our property line. I have 100 trees on order (2ft cedars) so that the property will be entirely surrounded by trees in a few years once they grow.
Now the problem - the hill. LOL I almost tried to go up it, but it started to get dark and I was alone.
Do you guys think the Kubota will go up this side hill dragging a box scraper?
It will be the car side where there is a fence.


Shaun, good call. I tried to do that but my wife wouldn't let me LOL

 

[ShaunRH]

It looks to me like you are going to have to terrace that hill off if you want to get the most of it. I wouldn't try climbing it in any mode other than straight up or down it. Any side action and you'll likely roll it.

So, that's some loader work from what I'm seeing and then the box blade to even things out.

 

[TripleR]

With your size tractor, pulling a box scraper down hill is much easier than going up. I can pull mine uphill taking smaller bites, but I have fluid in the tires and added wheel weights. When I need to move much dirt I use our M8540 with Ag tires and much more weight.

You can get a kit pretty cheap to add fluid, we use windshield wiper fluid, but some use beet juice, RV antifreeze etc. Having a dealer or tire service do this is pretty expensive. You can find a thread on OTT or TBN.

 

[Boosted4runner]

Sorry - I don't have an updated picture. All of those stumps have been removed and I had a dozer clean it up.
It's all weeds now lol
I'm now just trying to basically scrape the edge all the way up the side so that my tree guy can plant the trees.
For some reason I feel safer going up hill than downhill. Should I try going down the hill?
Or I am going to roll this thing do you think?

 

[Boosted4runner]

I found a picture from the bottom of the hill - looking up.
I have a feeling it may be to steep?
(all the debris has been cleared and it's just weeds now)


Here is a side view

 

[Boosted4runner]

For the record - I wouldn't try to side-hill it. I'd just be going straight up/down as best I could close to the fence.

I did go up it in my 4Runner - and I couldn't see the ground in front of the hood (4lo with rear locked).

 

[CaveCreekRay]

You can make it up that hill... Just turn around on top on a flat spot and then drag you box down the hill. With the box (anchor) down, you'll feel pretty secure.

 

[Boosted4runner]

You can make it up that hill... Just turn around on top on a flat spot and then drag you box down the hill. With the box (anchor) down, you'll feel pretty secure.

Cool! My neighbor is a tractor guy and he seemed to think I could.
Up top is the driveway so it's safe once I make it up
True on the box digging in

 

[TripleR]

I don't see a problem going up or down the hill. On really steep inclines, I find it more comfortable to drive down a hill and back up, the FEL will prevent tipping over or to be used as a brake if I lose traction. While I operated up, down and sideways, do a search on the subject and most if not all the safety studies will say to drive down and back up. Of course they warn against side-hill operations, good advice but impractical where I live.

 

[Boosted4runner]

I guess I didn't think about the FEL helping while going down hill - I'll do that. My terrain is really rough in areas so I have been dragging the rake and box scrapper around with the bucket up in the air above the hood so I can see.

 

[TripleR]

I always run my bucket as low as possible for improved stability, yes it's harder to see around, but safer in my experience.

 

[Boosted4runner]

Wish me luck! Hitting it this morning lol.