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Duane -

Just a thought... I don't own a logsplitter (yet), but I've been following a lot of threads on them, here and on other boards. There are a lot of arguments being made for a stand alone splitter (not driven by tractor hydraulics or PTO)... and the more wood you split, the more sense those arguments seem to make. The main point is: do you want to tie up your tractor in one place while you split the wood? You could be hauling in more logs, holding a FEL full of logs at a convenient height to feed the splitter, hauling off split wood, etc. all while leaving your splitter set up (and running, if you've got some help).

Not trying to talk you out of a good project... building one sounds like fun. But perhaps you might want to design it with an easy conversion in mind to a separate gas engine powered unit, just so your options are open down the road.

B7500 and a Log splitter
Kubota Tractors
Replies 41 Post by John Mc

Bird -

If you have decent blades on your Howse cutter (and decent grass conditions), can you do a passable job as a finish mower? This was one of the big selling points for me on the Woods cutter... several people in my area have said they have a good quality of cut.

I'm happy with mine, and I'm not exactly looking for a manicured lawn anyway, but I've often wondered if there really was much difference from brand to brand. The Woods sales guy claimed their higher deck design creates a better flow pattern of the cut clippings (he also sells Brush Hog). I've seen mowers some that cut lousy, but I never thought to look at the blade condition when I saw them.

John Mc

5FT ROTORY MOWER VS 6 FT ROTORY MOWER
Mowers Field and Finish
Replies 11 Post by John Mc

TomG - Sounds like you had some fun with that Luscombe! I've done stalls, and had to do spins while working on the CFI rating (fun, once you got used to it). They don't require spins for a private license any more.

You are right about the attitude being different for power-on and power-off stalls. Angle of attack is the angle formed by the relative wind and the wing, not the angle of the wing to the ground. With power on, this changes the motion of the plane through the air (and blows prop wash over the wings), so the attitude vs the ground is different.

Your cross wind landing technique is what is used on most light training aircraft today. The crosswind landing gear never really caught on. (The only time I've seen them was on an Ercoupe, I think.)

If you are ever in the neighborhood of Burlington, VT look me up and I'll take you for an aerial tour.

John Mc

Kubota on a hill
Kubota Tractors
Replies 26 Post by John Mc

Tom -
For more info on Net Metering (or Grid Interconnect systems as they are sometimes called) check out Home Power Magazine at the link I hope I attached below.

I would not be using my generator to feed back into the grid. That's too expensive. (Initially, it's for power outages from the grid and portable power needs.) What most Grid Interconnect systems do is synch the inverter (which takes the DC from you solar cells, windmill, or mini-hydro system) to the utility power. When you are generating more than you use, you run your meter backwards, and are selling power to the utility. When you need more than you generate, your meter runs forwards and you are buying from the utility (hence the term "Net Metering").

The disadvantage of this system is you still have to pay to get the utility power installed at your site (unlike a completely off-the-grid system). The advantage is that you don't have to buy and maintain a bank of batteries... the utility grid acts as your battery. Another advantage is that you don't have to size your "Green" power system to handle your whole load. Surges for starting up motors, for example come from the grid, if needed. You can also start small and slowly build up to a system that meets all or most of your needs, as opposed to an off-grid system where you have to buy a good sized system from the start.

A lot of state in the US have Net Metering laws which require utilities to buy back this "green power". Vermont is one of these, and from what I've heard, most of the utilities are OK to work with on it. (In some states, the utilities make it a real hassle, even though the law requires them to do it).

Features to look for in stand alone generator
Shop Tools
Replies 32 Post by John Mc

Bill -

I may be wrong on this, but I believe some of the forces which can cause problems with the frame might be downward, so you would not see your front end rise up. I'm picturing that you've got the backhoe bucket below surface level, pulling towards you. It seems this would pull down on the front end.

Perhaps not having a FEL will still help... without it dug into the ground, your front tires could act as a "shock absorber" when you hit a large rock underground ???

John Mc

Caddigger Trial Run
Loaders Back Hoes
Replies 11 Post by John Mc

If I'm following what you guys are saying, the best precautions when using a 3pt hitch backhoe (or any backhoe?) with a compact tractorare:
1) don't use a unit too large for the tractor
2) go slow when digging, especially where there are large rocks
3) dig in closer, rather than with the hoe stretched way out. If you are doing lighter digging (i.e. in sandy soil) you can probably stretch out further.

additions or corrections?

Backhoes and breaking frames
Loaders Back Hoes
Replies 48 Post by John Mc

TomG said: "phones with a variable level of inverted phase feedback might be a good thing. That way, the amount of noise rejection would be variable and could adjusted for various operating conditions. Some things on the tractor I just have to hear irrespective of the effect on my ears."

The level is not adjustable in any of the aviation headsets I've seen. I have noticed something unusual, however. In a plane, the importance of hearing anything unusual tkaes on a whole new meaning. Contrary to what I expected, I can pick out changes in the type of sound on a long flight BETTER with the ANR headset than I can with no headset or with a Passive NR model. I think just the sheer volume of the noise with little or no protection makes it tough to pick out the changes. Reducing it to a more manageable level makes it easier to hear the subtleties.

The ANR headsets I've used do target certain frequencies more than others. You can also flip a swith to shut off the ANR feature, and use them just as a passive headset, so I guess there is a bit of "adjustment"

If anyone wants to try some out, two of the better rated, less expensive brands are LightSpeed (models 15XL, 20XL, and 25XL) and a company who make what I think is called the DRE 6000 (or DRE 600?). Many airports sell ANR headsets: at a small airport just walk up and ask, at the larger ones, you need to find the "General Aviation" terminal. Many of these places will let you try one on. Put one on, go outside and listen to a prop plane. Turn the ANR feature on and off as you listen. Have someone talk/yell while you have it on... you can still hear them.

John Mc

new holland 1920
New Holland Tractors
Replies 18 Post by John Mc

JohnInCA:

Sounds like you've got your work cut out for you! I've not done much with a backhoe, but from what I've observed and read, stumps really give a hoe a good workout.

Thanks for the price info, John & tgello. My dealer was trying to sell me a new 757C for $5900. It was a unit he'd picked up from another dealer that had damage from road salt accumulated during shipping. Mostly cosmetic, but there were some rusty spots on the cylinder shafts that had me worried about tearing up seals. He claimed that he was knowcking off a good bit from his regular price due to the damage. I never did get into the 758C pricing with him, since he said it was not a good idea on my TC33D.

Hope things work out for you JohnInCA. At least with the subframe, you are taking some of the stress of the tractor. Take it easy on those stumps.

new holland tc s
New Holland Tractors
Replies 30 Post by John Mc

Bart:

I didn't know a JD 770 would handle a 6 foot bush hog. (I thought 5 ft was the max.) How is it working out for you (both in terms of weight/balance and mowing)? Are you able to mow heavier brush (e.g. 1" saplings) or are you mainly re-mowing meadows and etc. that have already been mowed in th erecent past (mostly grass/weeds, without many significant saplings)

Is a JD 770 too big for 5 acres and a lawn
Operating and Attachments
Replies 9 Post by John Mc

SuperSteer is something New Holland came up with to allow a tighter turning radius on their tractors. As in other tractors, the front wheels turn when you turn the steering wheel. Unlike other tractors, the whole front axle will also turn a bit to allow even sharper turns (the inside wheel moves back, the outside wheel moves forward). Neat idea, but not something I really needed. I believe on TC's it adds about $1000 to the price (but I may be wrong on this).

The Supersteer option also includes something called "Sensitrack" which automatically switches between 4WD and 2WD as needed. A fair number of people leave the tractor in this setting all the time. Less marking when mowing on firm ground, since it generally stays in 2WD, then automatically kicks in 4WD if things start to slip. You can also set it for full-time 4WD if your in working conditions that need it.

John

New Holland vs Deere-what model and price
New Holland Tractors
Replies 26 Post by John Mc

eddie2-

Flipping the wheels can make a significant difference in stability. You can get an idea of how it increses the tread width by looking at how off-center the mounting hub is set in the rim.

A couple of the dealers in my area seem to set up the tractor for wide tread as a default unless you ask for something different. I guess because it's fairly hilly here in Vermont. You might want to take a look to see if yours is already set up that way.

John

Did I do good
New Holland Tractors
Replies 17 Post by John Mc

Not having any experience with ZTR mowers, I can't comment with any authority on how they stack up against a compact tractor. (Personnally, I didn't want to tie up the $$ in a single purpose machine). KYFARMER may be right. The best way to find out is to see if your dealer will let you use the model you are considering for a demo mow on your property. Take a few passes to get used to it, then come back around and mow around some obstacles. Look at what the Boomer left behind that your ZTR would have got, and see whether it's something you'd be willing to get with a riding mower or push mower -- is it worth $5000 to you?

One machine or two
New Holland Tractors
Replies 12 Post by John Mc

I paid $500 "extra" to my local dealer over the best price I found on my TC33D. The local guy had a good rep for service and support, the distant one (80+ miles) did not.

BeeFarmer is right about getting warrantee coverage anywhere, but not special favors. With about 20 hours on my tractor, I was putting in a drainage swale with the boxblade. I backed up over a large flat rock, which somehow managed to flip up and swing around in just the right way to snap off my hydraulic filter and the fitting to which it mounted (up inside the right rear wheel). I called my dealer (after hours) and left a message on the machine, explaining the problem and that I needed a quick repair. They were out there by noon the next day, having stripped the needed parts off a new tractor they had in stock to get me going again. This was clearly an accident, and not a warrantee item. I paid only for the parts no labor or "emergency house call" charges. Can't beat that kind of service.

John

Service on a NH Boomer
New Holland Tractors
Replies 6 Post by John Mc

I'm suprised your dealer jumped all the way from a used 1210 to a new TC30. The TC30 is a nice tractor for the money, but it's a big step up from the 1210.

You might want to take a look at the TC18 or TC21D. They are physically smaller than the TC30. They make good mowers, and will handle some light landscaping (available FEL, box blades, tillers, etc). These tractors are also light enough that you could probably use R4 (industrial) tires without tearing up your lawn: they provide better traction than turf tires, usefull when doing landscape work. I'd look at the models with hydro transmission... these also come with a live PTO, which is greatly preferred for mowing.

Used Ford 1210 vs new TC30
New Holland Tractors
Replies 19 Post by John Mc

I'd take a look at the Kubota L3010. It's available with HST, and the other attachments you listed. You also might check out the New Holland TC33D or TC29D ... all three are in the same range of capabilities.

I've heard that JD is usually more expensive for a similar tractor, but a lot depends on the dealer (for price as well as service). I went with the NH TC33D, because that's what fit me best ... it just felt better (to me anyway) than the other two. I'd recommend taking several makes for a test drive. What will work best for you is very subjective.

JD 4300 vs Kubota
Kubota Tractors
Replies 3 Post by John Mc

Does anyone know if they've come up with a fix for the instrument panel fogging? Is this anything other than an inconvenience? (i.e. does the fogging lead to corrosion/malfunction of the instruments?

If got a TC33D with the same problem. I'm wondering how much stick to raise about it.

Dealer help for TC40D
New Holland Tractors
Replies 12 Post by John Mc

If you can't find a loader to fit, make one. Try the CAD Plans site for some of their plans and kits at the link noted here. I haven't seen their loader, but I have seen a couple of their back hoes... They seemed pretty tough units for the $$.

John

Loader Inquiry
John Deere Tractors
Replies 11 Post by John Mc

Note on Hammer Drills: If you are doing a lot of holes, you want a ROTARY HAMMER, not a Hammer Drill. They look the same, and are used for the same types of things, but a rotary hammer is a much heavier-duty tool, and more effective in rock (either seems to work OK in concrete). Rotary Hammer has much harder percussion , though not as rapid (generally) a hammer drill is basically a drill with a "vibrator" built in ... usually faster blows, but lighter.

I unfortunately found this out AFTER buying a cordless hammer drill (nice unit, but a bit slow in harder rock... though it's about 1/3 - 1/4 the price of a cordless rotary hammer)

3 point hitch rock drill
Operating and Attachments
Replies 9 Post by John Mc

Re: 4wd engagement

Did you try letting up on the clutch, then depressing it again and trying the lever that you think it is again? Sometimes the gears stop in the wrong position to engage. Letting up the clutch will spin them a bit and give you another shot at getting it into 4wd.

Specifications
Kubota Tractors
Replies 12 Post by John Mc

$17,000 is not much of a deal for a TC33D with 300 hours on it. I was able to get my local dealer down to $17,500 for a new TC33D w/filled R4's, block heater, and 7308 loader w/HD bucket. I actually had a quote of $16,900 from another dealer some distance away. I went with the local dealer (good reputation) and ended up paying $200 extra for a Woods 1012 loader (heavier capacity, better rollback and dump angles).

I'd try to get him down a bit on the price, and or get a few attachments thrown in.

TC-33D Price check
New Holland Tractors
Replies 7 Post by John Mc