One thing I can say about older smaller tractors is they really give you a lot of use on just a small amount of fuel. With all the brush hogging, mowing, raking and baling I been doing this year. Not to mention just a million other uses. I have used less than 15 gallons of gas and 8 gallons of diesel this Summer.
I must admit I was curious to see how much fuel I would use and figure how much I could store to come up with a figure for approximately how long I could count on running in a grid down situation. Currently I am shooting for a minimum of two years worth using a stabilizer but I may attempt to increase that once I get around to crossing off some larger storage tanks from my list.
This lean fuel usage is one of the main reasons I decided to limit my homesteading endeavors to small tractors. Easier overall maintenance lead me to the older types for the best of both worlds. I realize opinions vary in that regard but so far the choice seems to be working for us.
Of course the implements have been another adventure all it's own let me tell you. Finding all the old attachments to accomplish each job I would like to use the tractors for has proven entertaining and challenging. I had to take a crash course in all kinds of variables and learn some valuable skills in fixing and reconditioning all types of implements.
And I am not done yet!!!! Although I am getting much closer.
My newest acquisition is a 3 point dirt scoop. I opted for one of these right now simply because of price as finding a used or purchasing a new after market front loader setup for these older Ford tractors is going to run more than a few bills. Truth is I really don't need a full sized bucket anyway and I knew if I looked long enough I would be able to pick up one of these dirt scoops for a good price.
Today was the day as I picked one up for a hundred bucks and brought it home. I have more than a few projects I been digging by hand that this newest implement should help with immensely. Normally these 30 inch King Cutter dirt scoops run about $400.00 so I am feeling pretty good about this purchase. I am not usually a fan of King Cutter stuff simply due to the modern day metallurgy on most large items these days but these scoops have all gotten good reviews.
Stay tuned for some up coming project pictures featuring this little gem. I am thinking about attempting to resurrect my little farm pond with it.
Keep Prepping Everyone!!!!!!
Well that will save the back for a few more years! :-)
ReplyDeleteMike - Ya I have a couple of projects I have been putting off due to not wanting to shovel. We will see how well it works.
DeleteI never thought of a scoop like that but it would do fine for moving dirt and manure. A bucket is needed for loading a truck but I never do that.
ReplyDeleteSf - The height thing is a problem. It won't go high enough to dump into the manure spreader :(
Deletebuild a small ramp out of dirt to raise the scoop end of the tractor!
DeleteMaybe dig out a place and put a small ramp in, you could use the scoop on that project.
DeleteDennis and Sf - That's a good idea. Once I get the Manure spreader out and begin restoring it I should make a special ramp area for loading it!!!!!
DeleteKeep on keepin on
ReplyDeleteBubba - Only about 2 more implements to get!!!
DeleteYou would love a front end loader, the uses for it are endless. I took mine off once, then put it back on after two days and it has not been off of my tractor since!
ReplyDeleteSD - Oh I know. I plan on someday getting one of the after market front loaders for the 861 but well there is a side chance I may have a front loader tractor soon anyway. I almost bought one last week truth be told.
DeleteThe front end loader - backhoe combination is pretty hard to beat for universal digging ability, and quite a lot of various lifting-moving functions as well. One scope can be an hours worth of work by hand.
ReplyDeleteRuss - I have managed to do without the front end loader now for a while. Someday I plan on putting one on something but I have bought and re-sold a couple of tractors over the last two years. I may get one with a front end loader anyway. Trouble is I only have room for two tractors.
DeleteI see a set of front tractor weights in your future.
ReplyDeleteMV - I already got some I use when I move the round bales.
DeleteWe have an old tractor, too. It's a blue Ford from 1974. It gets the job done.
ReplyDelete