Recent content by deepsleep

I got to my place this afternoon and put about 3 hours on the rental (Kubota U55-5). I managed to clear some roads of trees we cut in January, dug up several stumps and rough graded a small plot in the woods. There’s definitely a learning curve, but I’m getting some work done. Digging is...

I should just hire you as my purchasing agent! This is why I’ll probably go for a lower hour machine. I have no idea what to look for mechanically. I guess the other question is how big do repair bills get on this size machine? Is it a thousand here, thousand there or can you get hit with...

This is great info. On the repair charges, that's just another reason renting would be cheaper for a guy like me. I recognize that this is a luxury recreational item and not something I'll be using to make money. That being said, I bought a used Kubota tractor several years back, and it...

The only place it will be moving is at 3 mph on my property, so no worries there. Popping a track in the most remote areas of my property would indeed be a nightmare!

I guess part of my question is what hour range I should be looking for. I am definitely looking for reliability as repairs are a pain to organize when you live on the other side of the country. On the other hand, I will probably put less than 100 hrs per year on it. would something in the...

I'm also going to rent a CTL and mini-ex for a week when I'm at my place in a few weeks. I'm sure as much as I'd use it, it would be cheaper to rent, but I'm a pretty distant landowner so when I do get up there, renting is a hassle if I'm only up for a weekend or a few days. Good equipment...

Thanks to this thread, I am researching excavators. I am thinking a Kubota KX-057 or 080 would be about the right size for what I have in mind, mainly clearing and smoothing some more plots, digging stumps, cleaning up a small pond, moving desirable shrubs and removing undesirable shrubs...

That, combined with the fact they're both available immediately, pushed me to buy yesterday. The only thing I have left to acquire is a hydraulic top link. Any recs?

The same as you (I think). Woodmaxx 78” hydro. They’re back in stock.

Well, I finally decided on the 3p600 and put one on order. I also ordered a flail mower. I'm looking forward to sharing experiences with the group and appreciate all of the great info shared thus far.

It is definitely a step up in price, but the Stihl BT 131 is in a different league. It has a clutch that triggers and stops the bit when you hit something underground. It’s still hard work to run it, but much less of a beating when you encounter roots, rocks, hard pan, etc. I also have an...

Thank you for the great info Foggy. I don't see myself needing if for any really heavy stuff (I have a Kunz mower for that if I need it). It sounds like the knife blades are plenty durable for my needs, and should cut plenty fast through clover or alfalfa. One of the best attributes is the...

I may join you two in the 3p600/WoodMaxx 78 club. I know you both do similar plots/rotations to me in MI. I think I've convinced myself the 3p600 will be the best all around for me. As for the WoodMaxx, I'm wondering how fast you can mow with it. I know that depends on what you are mowing...

My place is around 30 miles N of Farmlegend's, and we had the same experience where we noticed all of our ash die over 2-5 years and fall over the next 5 or so. We do have some seedlings that have sprouted, but I haven't kept track of them to see their fate. A few years ago, you could drive...

100% correct on a sharp chain. It doesn’t matter how strong your power head is if you’re pulling a dull chain. It sounds like that 250 is great for your needs. The difference with the 261 is 33% more hp at the same weight. The 400 is 20% heavier with roughly double the hp (it exceeds Stihl...