Help Me Pick Out A Model... 3.5 acres 400' driveway

[North Idaho Wolfman]

awww shoot, I just posted the new one, with property pics and all

No you didn't... HEHEHE

 

[chim]

L’s don’t have a mid pto though right? Or no? I’d prefer to not tow a mower….............................................sound like for a few more bucks the 2601 is a lot more tractor than the bx… but any input on how much less maneuverable they are as a mower than a bx?

I've posted before that the L4240 has a sharper turning radius than either the L3200 or the Ford 1210. I use it with that 7-1/2' RFM and can get close enough to everything that the trimming can be done with less than one 5AH 20V battery in my DeWalt string trimmer.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

some hole digging at first if I get one with a backhoe- I need to put in egress windows and plant some pines. Not sure after that initial bit if I'd use a backhoe much besides "toy factor", or is it one of those tools once you have you use more than you think you would? If not I could potentially rent a mini excavator for for the windows and hand dig the trees.

Howdy neighbor….Nice place you have there. If a cab is not important to you, I really like my 2501.

My place is similar in size although about 3’ish hours north of you.

I have found that my 2501 is a very good fit for the work I do. Do I wish the General Lee had more lift capacity sometimes???…..Well sure, but “overall” I think for me, it is the “Goldi-locks” tractor…..”just right"

In regard to the backhoe, my advice is to “Get it…for sure”. You hit the nail on the head with your statement in red.

Are they expensive? Yes

Is a Mini-Ex a “better digging tool”….Yes

But are tractor mounted BH’s useful?……..Hell yes…..I have used it in more situations than I care to type about.

The beautiful thing about having a BH at the ready is that you have it there at all times, so when you need it, you just jump in the seat and use it.

Non of the typical “renting nonsense/BS.” that usually goes something/exactly like this………...

1. Stop what your'e doing.
2. call 2-3 rental places to price out costs/availability
3. drive to rental place, wait for contract to be printed, read it, sign for it.
4. hook up trailer and take it back home, then unload it. (Oh yea, I forgot that the last time I rented a Mini-Ex, when I showed up, the trailer was NOT included in the rental price, so I had to rent that too.)

5. Now you are “on the clock”…….so your ass is digging as fast as you can……
6. Then it starts raining…..MF’R……too bad, keep digging, you're "on the clock".
7. Now you have to clean it for 2 hours cause it’s muddy as hell, and trailer it back.
8. Wait for Joe Suckmeoff to inspect it, then he tells you that you did not clean it good enough and wants to charge you your $100 “cleaning fee"

9. argue with Mr. Suckmeoff for 15 minutes because of “dirty tracks"
10. Now drive home, all pissed off.


OR

1. Simply back up and start digging.
2. When it starts raining, go inside and have a hamburger till it stops.
3. Finish job tomorrow, cause you started drinking after that burger…...


Could be the best 10 grand I ever spent.

Just my $ .02

 

[jimh406]

1. Simply back up and start digging.
2. When it starts raining, go inside and have a hamburger till it stops.
3. Finish job tomorrow, cause you started drinking after that burger…...


Could be the best 10 grand I ever spent.

On the other hand, I have a rear implement on almost all of the time. A Bh would have to come off/on to make the switch.

I’ve had my L2501 for a few years and have never needed a BH.

YMMV.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

On the other hand, I have a rear implement on almost all of the time. A Bh would have to come off/on to make the switch.

I’ve had my L2501 for a few years and have never needed a BH.

YMMV.

Yes sir, I see your point.

It’s sort of a “different strokes for different folks” type of thing.

Heck, I lived the first 52’ish years of my life without even having a tractor.

And had I not bought a tractor, (like none of my “city friends" have), I would be getting along just fine I’m sure.

BUT that does not negate the usefulness of having one, and I make the same/similar argument for the BH.

It’s certainly no secret here, that I am a “big fanboy” of having a BH…..

Hell, most people on this board don’t have a hoist, or a CNC plasma cutter or a Bridgport, or a lathe……..But I do, and I think they should too….

If anyone else here needs help "pissing their money away", I will PM you my phone number

 

[chim]

I can safely say that I don't want a backhoe that needs to be on and off of my tractor. I must admit to thinking about one of those sub-$3000 Chinese minidiggers though. Several have been on Fakebook locally and although most of them had fake pics and questionable sellers a few appeared to be real.

When I bought my first new tractor (B7500 in 2002) Wifey talked ME into including the FEL. The FEL is without a doubt an essential after having one. It is so quick on/off that when it isn't needed it gets left in the shed so the tractor is way more nimble. Prior to that I had an old Cub 1554 LoBoy and the ever-present Ford 1210 (between 1990 and 2002). Neither had a loader but I did get a Tractor Supply rear scoop that seemed to be everything I'd ever need. Generally if you don't have something you'll find a work-around.

My thought process is a bit like RWS's. There are tools and attachemnts in the arsenal that may not see frequent use, but they're available whenever they are needed.