Recent content by bbxlr8

The yellowjackets are really bad here in mid-eastern PA this year. I got hit several times 2 weeks ago weekwacking and I swear I was being stabbed with a red-hot needle. It lasted at the same intensity for about 5 hours, which has never happened to me before (no swelling or other symptoms...

Been there, done that on my old F@rd here in the land of boulders that "creep" out of the earth. My 2-cent solution is a massive crescent wrench from my grandfather, combined with judicious use of a sledge. Also, the gauge on my deck is very thick, and I usually do it while the deck is off...

Soo, you are up against time now and worried JIC because it's expensive. (not a dig at all...) IMO it's 11 hours in and 11 months to go. I would use it hard now because that 2-year mark is firm. i.e. you want to find out IF there is anything major wrong in this window (low probability).

Welcome as well- I say check it over and just start using it! These things sit around for all sorts of reasons and are very tough. Great tractor. BTW if you are handy, doing the 50 hr service yourself is a great way to get familiar.

Following & suspect you need to be lucky as well. I'm on a budget and use a 9" plus the BH if I can work around it. Will be interesting to see it that tunnel boring tip type can do the job. This is my problem on my land here in PA - Glacially deposited boulders typically from softball to...

Not sure what you have or had, but pro-level chain is full chisel and will tend to kick back more. Consumer chain is more safety-oriented for that very reason It gives nice big chips and fast cuts when sharp. It's all I use on my big H. saw with 24" blade. Check the numbers on your new chain...

Same - I found I used it a lot at first for the knowledge and maybe the novelty? I am on Arboristsite wood burning forum and went with one of the recommendations over there (cheap but decent). It is pretty good if you have a lot of wood you don't keep track off and note that sampling/testing...

Speaking as one of "those people" I would either wing it with the next size or stop everything and go buy another one; then have two once I found the original one :p In hindsight, I have determined that I am on the extremes with these things - either a perfectionist or pure bubba/mcgiver...

Welcome & congratulations! My very first "tester" job was removing a stump left over from the Sandy devastation. Getting it has been a game changer for me labor-wise - I am constantly finding new unforeseen uses

I'll be the first to say WELCOME. Great machine and you are already ahead of the game with your research and selection. I am in the camp of get out there and use it! :cool: Go easy early on, check it over from delivery JIC (oil, grease etc). Lots of good mods and advice in the fabrication...

So I did the same a number of years back and started in the shallow end of the pool. Videos, reading are great (I particularly like weld.com's youtube channel), but nothing beats doing. Being home/hobby only, I settled on...

Mine is always in 4WD here due to use case and lots of slope. Only use diff lock in "monsoon season" where I really should call it a day anyway Have accidentally taken similar exciting rides in my 2WD f@rd with turf tires a lot more than I care to admit... :eek:

Got that t-shirt as well. In my case, I was super paranoid in the beginning, and you think you have it down to habit... Until a long day in the seat using BH & loader into late evening (read as dark) then getting a surprise thunderstorm. The shed is/was pretty well built and gave a bit but...

Another counterintuitive thing about HST is getting more power by backing off a bit instead of pushing more under slowdown with extended load. Example - full bucket going up a hill etc.

I use decent paper towels, both dry, then add Simple Green / purple cleaner as needed. Sometimes old rags, which I then toss. In my experience, Simple Green will generally not mess up your paint or lawn if it runs off