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Post by jrbhunter on Jun 7, 2009 18:29:59 GMT -5
It sounds like you're on the right track. 4x4 is nice... perhaps unnecessary but won't hurt unless it breaks. The 30hp and front end loader and brush cutter sounds like a great combo for what you're doing!
The 8N's are tough and easy to work on, the Kabota's are unstoppable but expensive. Not familiar with the Japs but it sounds like you've done the research.
I think you'll find some great "shooter boxes" online if you need plans. I have built and hunted out of about 18/20 boxes on our properties for guiding/filming purposes. My only suggestion, don't be worried about getting up high... it causes more problems than it's worth. If you bowhunt, make the windows low and the cieling high. If your dad is involved (like mine), lean toward a stair over a ladder. Lastly, carpet the roof... it's annoying as hell to hunt under a tin roof in a hard rain. Yeah its nice for about 20 minutes- then it's annoying! LOL!
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Post by swilk on Jun 7, 2009 19:10:46 GMT -5
There are basically 2 kinds of refurb Yanmars....refurbed over seas and shipped here (very bad) or shipped here and refurbed (good).
The company in Ohio does the refurbs on the units they sell and offer a 6 month warranty. My research tells me they are a top quality outfit that sells a good product.
I view 4x4 just like the winch on my atv ..... might never need it but it sure will be nice to have if I do.
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Post by dadfsr on Jun 7, 2009 21:03:02 GMT -5
The little tractor I've got is a '92 Ford 1520 4X4 that came with a front end loader. Don't get a front end loader for a small tractor unless you get front wheel assist!! Can't imagine using mine without the front end assist. If at all possible go with a hydrostatic drive too-it really comes in handy when your mowing with a bushhog and getting into and out of heavy stuff. We had a 1920 at work that took exactly the same loader as mine does but nobody would use it because it was a standard shift and was not easy to use when doing anything that required a lot different speeds and direction changes. One of the guys from work was on mine and said that he would much rather use mine even though it was smaller than the one at work.
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Post by swilk on Jun 7, 2009 21:32:01 GMT -5
The Yanmars have what they call a "power shift" transmission......it is similar to an automatic transmission with a clutch. You use the clutch to change the range (some models have 2 ranges ... some 3 ... some 5) and once the range is selected you can switch between any of the gears (including reverse) without using the clutch.
This system also makes the PTO "live" .... you can increase/decrease speed or go from forward to reverse without the PTO stopping.
I agree with the 4x4 needed on a small tractor with a loader ... I think the one I am looking at will weigh about 2500lbs and would require weights over the rear of the tractor if it didnt have 4x4.
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Post by danf on Jun 7, 2009 21:58:58 GMT -5
Back to the Round-up for a second. What you are looking for is 'glyphosate' as the active ingredient. We use generic glyphosate at work, and while it may not kill AS FAST as true Round-up, it will still kill the weeds. The strongest you can get is 42% active ingredient, mix it at 2 ounces per gallon of water and you'll be fine. Glyphosate kills grasses GREAT. It never has been wonderfully effective on broadleaves, but will still do the job. Depending on the size of the tree seedlings you will be getting, find a 3-point mounted tree planter. They are hard to find, but well worth it if you are planting any more than a couple hundred trees. I know where 3 different ones are and can put you in touch with the owners if you are interested. I don't know if they'd be willing to rent or not though..... If you are only planting a couple hundred or so and they are 2-3 year old (or less) seedlings, I personally would use a spade and stick them in that way rather than using an auger. The auger is more work, IMHO. Cut the roots so they are 6-8" long, stick the spade in the ground, wiggle it back and forth to open up a slit, pull it out, stick the tree in, stomp it closed and go on to the next one.
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Post by tickman1961 on Jun 8, 2009 9:20:56 GMT -5
I have purchased trees from the Indiana State Nurseries in the past with good success. Check out: Seedling Sales at the link below www.in.gov/dnr/2336.htm
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Post by steiny on Jun 8, 2009 17:34:53 GMT -5
Congratulations ! A few years down the road you will look back and realize that the price wasn't all that high, and that it was probably your best purchase ever. Farms are a lot of work, but it is very rewarding seeing you efforts pay off. Get a small tractor, loader, wagon, dsic, chain saw and a few basic tools soon as you can. They will make your life a lot easier.
That river bottom location is a real plus too. Waterfowl hunting nas fishing right in the back yard. Better set up a nice camp site.
Have fun! I've been at the same game since 1990 and have turned 140 acres into the best hunting area in the neighborhood. Can just about count on killing a couple good bucks off the place every year, plus plenty of does, rabbits, pheasant, quail, etc.
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Post by duff on Jun 8, 2009 18:35:30 GMT -5
Congrats!!! I too just got a place of my own in Lawrence Co but a lot smaller in size!!! 10 acres but it's a start for me. If you need any help on those ducks/geese in Gibson Co give me a shout.
I've been wanting to get some fruit trees as well thanks for the links guys
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Post by featherduster on Jun 19, 2009 6:18:50 GMT -5
Stay away from honeysuckle. The best way to kill it is to chainsaw it down then spray the regrowth with ROUNDUP. In the spring you can spray ROUNDUP on the new leaves and it will knock it out.SPARE THE BUSH HOG. SWILK: In my opinion if the property is home to deer and turkey then why change things? also I will bet you that sooner or later you will end up walking through those OFF LIMITS AREAS.I live in my woods and the animals share it with us.
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Post by swindianapaul on Jul 21, 2009 10:07:40 GMT -5
swilk:
Congrats on the purchase! You're pretty close to me distance wise (20-25 miles). Ever need an assist with anything drop me a line.
You're on the right track with the tractor purchase. While I no longer have access to a trailer (18-20 foot) to haul my tractor on, if you have access to one I am more than happy to help you out. Tools I can provide: tiller, bushhog, post hole digger (9" & 12"), front end loader. Also have about 300-400 feet of fencing I will donate to you when you are ready to wrap those fruit trees.
Just let me know.
Paul
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Post by swilk on Jul 22, 2009 9:53:42 GMT -5
Wow! Thank you very much for the offer .......
I have a local rental place that has a really nice Kubota L4400D that I can rent for $125 a weekend ..... until I can afford to get my own tractor that is the route I will take.
Already put it to use a couple weekends ago .... mowing and cutting about 3 miles of trials along every wooded edge. That tractor, 6' cutter, chainsaw and a weekends worth of time made a biiig difference.
I did learn a new way to tear up a chainsaw ..... but that is another story.
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Post by swindianapaul on Jul 22, 2009 10:27:39 GMT -5
LOL. It is amazing how easy it is to find news ways to tear things up. Sounds like you are having a good time and are off to a good start laying in the trails and getting things dialed in. I know how tough it is to look at the things you want to get done versus how quickly you can do it.
Let me know if you want/need the fencing whenever you do your tree planting. It is just taking up space in my barn and I finished putting in fences. Also more than happy to lend a chainsaw and my back if you ever need an assist.
Good luck, I know you'll enjoy it working on the place!
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Post by bigballer on Dec 21, 2009 12:59:37 GMT -5
So swilk how did the hunting go this year??? Interested in knowing how things all turned out for you?
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