Recent content by WaltWestbrook

Crunched the rental numbers yesterday and I'm leaning heavily in your direction. If the used market was not so tight (and mind boggling), then the math would probably come out to used. Just bid up a 3 year old, 190 hour MX6000 with a loader, cab. Went for $33,000. Not a bad price for the machine...

I found an Mx6000 coming up for auction a few hours away. Thanks for this input.

Your input is valuable, thanks Elliott. Would you say that an M6060 is too large over the long term? The idea of getting into a lower priced MX or L4701 is really appealing based on the math alone. I do wonder about maneuvering in the trees, creek embankments, etc. and thought the M6060 might...

I'll admit it hurts me to sink $5000 in grading and clearing services when that same cash could go toward equipment. I think, or assume (yes, I know), that I'd be trading speed / time more than anything. Yes professional services have the right gear and are fast, but not only do I not learn...

Box blade, bucket, 3rd function with grapple, forks and probably bush hog are on the list. Bucket and grapple first, as there are many, many trees to clear and brush to strip out.

While probably not surprising to y'all, I just got back from the dealer and a new M6060, 3rd function, no cab, Ag tires (filled), is not much more expensive than a 2 year old version with low miles. I asked about a cash discount and was told there really isn't one, as I'd guess they make more...

Turns out my brain box was off by a foot diameter. I measured a few of the big pines circumference today. Largest tree I could get to (lots of brush and brambles around the stand) was 9'6", equating to 36.25" diameter. I think the two big stands of pines are at least 40 years old.

Excellent commentary. Thank you. Buy a tractor with loader, 4wd (given)...got it. The M6060, or perhaps one of the Mx series seems to be the right direction. I've got searches on all the auction sites, etc. and I'll report back as I go.

Sometimes I’m a moron…this is a good example. I should have paid more attention in math class.

I'm seeing a number of older M series tractors without loaders. Is it possible to add one to these models without them? Also, found a used auction M6060F (no loader) but can't find out what the F designates.

No sir, diameter. Next time I'm down in that stand, I'll bring a tape get the circumference, too.

This is such valuable input! Thanks, Jerry.

Opinions on when the Law of Dimishing Return kicks in based on used tractor operating hours? Seems most used machines I'm looking at are 1,000 hours and below. When does the wear and tear get close to a major tear down?

You and Elliott asked the good question. Priority. I don't want to step over the $ to pick up the ¢ for sure. We've pushed all the chips in on the land purchase so I'm pinching pennies mentally, and probably not valuing TIME properly. I'll revisit it. Thanks for this.

Thanks Jerry. No plans to hay. Neighbor has been managing the pasture (for the cost of taking the hay off) for 25 years. Sorting out the opinions, indeed. But I've always been a fan of soliciting wisdom where I can find it. I'm lazy like that.