Tractors Rule!

[Axxe55]

I like tractors! Have used them, and worked on them for a great number of years. I think learning to work on them at a very early age shaped the direction of my professional career in many ways, leading me into working on large trucks and heavy equipment for many years. And to be honest, it was a career that I truly did enjoy for many years.

But I do like tractors. I enjoy working on them. I enjoy spending time in the seat working with a tractor, whether it's doing dirt work, or just brush hogging a field.

My father bought a 1975 John Deere 1530 for the farm when we first moved here, after he inherited the farm, and we started farming operations. He bought several pieces of equipment we needed to do various jobs around the farm. That tractor is still going strong and we still use it regularly around the farm. Dad added a front-end loader to the tractor back in the mid 1980's. He says it's the best money he ever spent on the John Deere!

My brother bought a smaller more compact tractor in 2011, a Cub Cadet Yanmar EX3200, with a front bucket and a small backhoe attachment. That tractor probably gets used more than the others. It's small enough to gt into many places a larger one can't, but still has plenty of power to do many jobs. It's an awesome tractor.

A couple of months ago, he bought a used, but in good mechanical shape, 1979 IH 1086 tractor. It needed some repairs, but the engine, trans and hydraulics were in near perfect operating order. It needed some attentiuon cosmetically! It's fixing to get a paint-job here pretty soon. We are now working on the A/C system, and if things work out, we should have that fixed by next weekend. Friday, he left to go to Missouri for an auto electrical members convention, taking his trailer with him. He already had that trip planned, but a couple of weeks ago, he purchased a front-end loader for the 1086 in Missouri. He found out that the loader was only about an hour better from where the convention was being held. So no shipping costs on the front-end loader for the tractor!

[Shield45]

Well I am a tractor newb. As far as ownership.
Over my lifetime Ive been around and learned to operate at every opportunity many pcs of equipment from tractors to cranes fork lifts to skid steers.

With the purchase of my lil pc of TX heaven last yr I found out quick a tractor is a necessity with any sizable pc of land.

After looking in to the various Kubota JD Mahindra Kioti and renting a HST Kubota.

I was referred to these LS brand units by a customer and friend of mine. He has been dealing with same dealer and has several larger models (he has a100+ac) of the brand.

Price was about 2500 less than the others and about 5k under a deere.
As all these smaller units are primarily using eng trans etc all built by same suppliers it is pretty much color and lay out that differs.

Settled on this LS XG3135 33hp
25hp pto.
12 spd shuttle 4gears x 3ranges.
Got the loader shredder PHD and box blade with it.

So far Ive run it about 10hrs getting acquainted with it and I am satisfied it will do what I need to do with it.

Planning in the future to pick up the Backhoe attachment as I have to install septic and water lines (after dig a well) and I plan to do the septic myself.


Same spot after a couple hrs with chain saw and tractor.

Still gotta get that last stump out and smooth it over.

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[Tango]

.
Kubota 39hp compact - front bucket, tiller, post hole digger (w/stand), rotary cutter, hydro static trans, 4wd - thought about getting a box blade but I'm finding that I can do an adequate job with the front bucket

an enclosed cab would be "nice" but my thought is that if it's too wet, cold or hot I'll do something else besides Tractor work around the property - and there is ALWAYS something else to do.....

my Wife on our "just got" Kubota (at our previous place) - Tiller attached - all my attachments are Land Pride (color matches the Tractor  )

[Axxe55]

Shield, get the back-hoe attachment! The one we have on the Cub Cadet came with it, and it gets used, a lot!

As soon as it dries out enough around here, I plan on bringing it back over here to trench a new water line to the house.

One thing we plan on getting for the 1086 is a 15' bat-wing mower and a baler. We also have our eye on a 20' disc that has been sitting up unused for at least ten years.

[Shield45]

Shield, get the back-hoe attachment! The one we have on the Cub Cadet came with it, and it gets used, a lot!

As soon as it dries out enough around here, I plan on bringing it back over here to trench a new water line to the house.

One thing we plan on getting for the 1086 is a 15' bat-wing mower and a baler. We also have our eye on a 20' disc that has been sitting up unused for at least ten years.

I will but I couldnt justify 6k for it now as it would be sitting.
I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work.

Electricity hopefully this yr later on.
Then likely well (as I cant do a well with out power) then the septic.
I am 4/5 yrs from that if my plan comes together.
All I have now is a camp house and the shed where the tractor resides.




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[Tango]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

[Shield45]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


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[Axxe55]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


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Yes! The upkeep is never-ending! Even if you aren't currently living there permanently. And Tango is correct, it will really take off when you do move there. There will always be things that need doing. Always.

I inherited this part of the farm about twenty five years ago, while I was still married to my second wife. I wanted to build a house back then, but she didn't want to live this far out of town. It was too "rural" for her! About 14 years ago, the current wife and I decided to build a house here. I do love living here. But, it sure was a lot of work getting it ready to build a house on and clearing the yard of tall weeds and underbrush. And it's pretty much a daily thing ever since. Yes, it's a loty of hard work, but it's worth it in the long run.

[Shield45]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes! The upkeep is never-ending! Even if you aren't currently living there permanently. And Tango is correct, it will really take off when you do move there. There will always be things that need doing. Always.

I inherited this part of the farm about twenty five years ago, while I was still married to my second wife. I wanted to build a house back then, but she didn't want to live this far out of town. It was too "rural" for her! About 14 years ago, the current wife and I decided to build a house here. I do love living here. But, it sure was a lot of work getting it ready to build a house on and clearing the yard of tall weeds and underbrush. And it's pretty much a daily thing ever since. Yes, it's a loty of hard work, but it's worth it in the long run.

All so true.
I enjoy going there and playing and accomplishing something at same time. 6-8 yrs til I can with security retire. Plan to live there then no mas city for me.


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[Axxe55]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes! The upkeep is never-ending! Even if you aren't currently living there permanently. And Tango is correct, it will really take off when you do move there. There will always be things that need doing. Always.

I inherited this part of the farm about twenty five years ago, while I was still married to my second wife. I wanted to build a house back then, but she didn't want to live this far out of town. It was too "rural" for her! About 14 years ago, the current wife and I decided to build a house here. I do love living here. But, it sure was a lot of work getting it ready to build a house on and clearing the yard of tall weeds and underbrush. And it's pretty much a daily thing ever since. Yes, it's a loty of hard work, but it's worth it in the long run.

All so true.
I enjoy going there and playing and accomplishing something at same time. 6-8 yrs til I can with security retire. Plan to live there then no mas city for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shield, I hear ya! I had to live and work in big cities for many years, and since moving here, there is just no way I want to live in a big city ever again. Green Acres for me! 

Yeah, it's much work, all the time, and never-ending, but it's work I enjoy, and gives me much satisfaction in the work itself, knowing what I'm doing is of benefit to the wife and I. I was out working on the vegetable garden this morning. Got lots and lots of rain over the last two days.

[Shield45]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes! The upkeep is never-ending! Even if you aren't currently living there permanently. And Tango is correct, it will really take off when you do move there. There will always be things that need doing. Always.

I inherited this part of the farm about twenty five years ago, while I was still married to my second wife. I wanted to build a house back then, but she didn't want to live this far out of town. It was too "rural" for her! About 14 years ago, the current wife and I decided to build a house here. I do love living here. But, it sure was a lot of work getting it ready to build a house on and clearing the yard of tall weeds and underbrush. And it's pretty much a daily thing ever since. Yes, it's a loty of hard work, but it's worth it in the long run.

All so true.
I enjoy going there and playing and accomplishing something at same time. 6-8 yrs til I can with security retire. Plan to live there then no mas city for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shield, I hear ya! I had to live and work in big cities for many years, and since moving here, there is just no way I want to live in a big city ever again. Green Acres for me! 

Yeah, it's much work, all the time, and never-ending, but it's work I enjoy, and gives me much satisfaction in the work itself, knowing what I'm doing is of benefit to the wife and I. I was out working on the vegetable garden this morning. Got lots and lots of rain over the last two days.

Yup San Antonio for 43 yrs now since 76. Moved from Rural Vermont to SA at 16.

My land is about 75 miles out.

Appears from looking at weather over weekend it enjoyed some precip.

I will be out there this wknd at it some more.

SO looking forward to the tine I GTFO of SA.

May have mentioned I hope to get the power pole dropped sometime this yr if I can.

That will be a major upgrade to get off my generator. I have AC in the building but usually only partake at night to sleep.
Which mean 1/2 way thru night a gas and go is needed.

Oh well I got more time than money but I will be set up when I land there.






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[Axxe55]

I am a few yrs from living on my land. I currently am in process of doing much of the prep work now so when I get there it will be less work

naw, it's "then" that the work will "start"   

Well the upkeep work is never ending. But starting from scratch is a job in itself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes! The upkeep is never-ending! Even if you aren't currently living there permanently. And Tango is correct, it will really take off when you do move there. There will always be things that need doing. Always.

I inherited this part of the farm about twenty five years ago, while I was still married to my second wife. I wanted to build a house back then, but she didn't want to live this far out of town. It was too "rural" for her! About 14 years ago, the current wife and I decided to build a house here. I do love living here. But, it sure was a lot of work getting it ready to build a house on and clearing the yard of tall weeds and underbrush. And it's pretty much a daily thing ever since. Yes, it's a loty of hard work, but it's worth it in the long run.

All so true.
I enjoy going there and playing and accomplishing something at same time. 6-8 yrs til I can with security retire. Plan to live there then no mas city for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shield, I hear ya! I had to live and work in big cities for many years, and since moving here, there is just no way I want to live in a big city ever again. Green Acres for me! 

Yeah, it's much work, all the time, and never-ending, but it's work I enjoy, and gives me much satisfaction in the work itself, knowing what I'm doing is of benefit to the wife and I. I was out working on the vegetable garden this morning. Got lots and lots of rain over the last two days.

Yup San Antonio for 43 yrs now since 76. Moved from Rural Vermont to SA at 16.

My land is about 75 miles out.

Appears from looking at weather over weekend it enjoyed some precip.

I will be out there this wknd at it some more.

SO looking forward to the tine I GTFO of SA.

May have mentioned I hope to get the power pole dropped sometime this yr if I can.

That will be a major upgrade to get off my generator. I have AC in the building but usually only partake at night to sleep.
Which mean 1/2 way thru night a gas and go is needed.

Oh well I got more time than money but I will be set up when I land there.






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I like SA, and have visited there quite a few times. Love going to the Alamo. Took my wife for her first time about ten years ago. All these years she lived in Texas, and had never been to see the Alamo. I was shocked I tell ya!

Lots of great restaurants around SA too. I love me some good authentic Mexican food.

Just takes some time to get everything in place Shield, but it will come together.

[Alte Schule]

I first went to the Alamo 50 or so years ago. Was disappointed with what they had then but it's greatly improved over the years. My mother is buried at the national cemetery at Ft. Sam so we make it down there fairly often but probably not as often as I should.
We usually stay at the Hilton and eat at one or two of the restaurants on the River Walk. Aggies played in the Alamo Bowl a couple of times in the 90's so we had an all expense paid trip. Got free ticket's to see George Strait at the Alamo Dome one year the night before one of the games.
A&M rented a suite one year as a hospitality room. Bar tender never showed up so I pitched in for a couple of hours. A lot of Jack and coke, margaritas, martini's (my dad taught me how to make those), screwdrivers and tequila sunrise were the main requests. The funny thing was I was offered tips which I politely declined. Still, when I finished, there was over a $100 dollars in a red plastic cup at the end of the bar. What's a man to do? I actually split it between the two Aggie's from the Corps of Cadets that were fetching ice and breaking down cases of beer for me.

[Shield45]

I am in no hurry Axxe I have time.
I have a some what plan and I think I will be good.



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[Axxe55]

Well my brother found a 15" Rhino bat-wing mower for sale off Craigslist the other day. We left this morning and went to look at it, and he decided to go ahead and buy it. Glad we took the trailer!

It is in very decent shape. A little surface rust, and scarred paint. Good gear-boxes and hydraulics. Will need some new blades soon. But overall, worth the asking price.

[Axxe55]

Well we found another tractor that we might buy tomorrow. A 1969 John Deere 1020. Needs some repairs, and fixing up, but for the price the guy wants, it's in pretty decent condition looking at the pictures of it.

[Axxe55]

Well the JD 1020 wasn't meant to be. Brother called the guy last night and he sold it yesterday afternoon. So on the lookout for another one now.

[Tango]

.
being an absolute non-mechanical person I wouldn't think of buying "used" (new w/warranty is where stuff is at for me..)

[Axxe55]

.
being an absolute non-mechanical person I wouldn't think of buying "used" (new w/warranty is where stuff is at for me..)

Buying used, if a person has the tools and skills is a good way to get some really good bargains.

If we had gotten that JD 1020, for the asking price of $600, we would have only had to put maybe another $1000 in it and had a tractor that worth about $4000 to $4500.

Many of the guns I own, were bought with money I made from buying and fixing up someone's problem or project that they grew tired of.

[Axxe55]

Well, the A/D was working pretty good, but then one of the old lines that hadn't been replaced blew! We got the back-up camera hooked up and working. This will make hooking up attachments at the back a little easier. Finished installing the radio and got the new speakers installed and hooked up a well. Since most of the cab electrics and A/C are finished up now, we also re-installed the cab roof panel. We made some good progress today.