tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post3609257247209266302..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: The Beast Is DeadLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-82228817162914568452015-05-30T11:35:42.994-04:002015-05-30T11:35:42.994-04:00Oh, that is great that you have the manuals! I was...Oh, that is great that you have the manuals! I was thinking there might be some illustrations to help you decide if it is feasible to tear into it. We have had a couple of things fabricated for a reasonable price and found another shop that was able to come up with a pulley that would work. Good luck on making repairs or finding a replacement piece of equipment! RanchGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08761617796089994401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-91987802597940337982015-05-28T22:06:24.541-04:002015-05-28T22:06:24.541-04:00Thank you! I will definitely try to do the webinar...Thank you! I will definitely try to do the webinar. Sounds perfect for our needs right now. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34371159794242023992015-05-28T22:05:46.116-04:002015-05-28T22:05:46.116-04:00Kathy, ours actually came with all the original ma...Kathy, ours actually came with all the original manuals, including one for the plow. Trouble is, the company that manufactured them is out of business!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-11441272259921091982015-05-28T22:04:47.332-04:002015-05-28T22:04:47.332-04:00I thought his idea for a coulter was pretty clever...I thought his idea for a coulter was pretty clever too. We've noticed that some of the newer plows, such as the kind Tractor Supply sells, no longer have coulters. I can't find out why, except for one article that mentions plowing without one makes the job more difficult. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-9717508767534578062015-05-28T17:31:52.793-04:002015-05-28T17:31:52.793-04:00Thought you might be interested in this Leigh...
...Thought you might be interested in this Leigh...<br /><br />http://missouribeginningfarming.blogspot.com/2015/05/small-farm-guide-to-selecting-and.html<br /><br />They are having a free web-thingy about buying and selecting implements and tractors for small farms. You got to register but it's free. I would take it myself but I know I have to work that day already.<br /><br />PioneerPreppyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09269878017447335944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-17655321234309084872015-05-28T14:35:15.203-04:002015-05-28T14:35:15.203-04:00We also have a "beast" in the form of a ...We also have a "beast" in the form of a Farmall A, love this thing even though it is only used for knocking down the weeds in our pasture at this time. I don't know if you have already checked, but I found an instruction/parts list manual on ebay for $7.00. KathyRanchGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08761617796089994401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-47991641413886738972015-05-28T09:52:51.444-04:002015-05-28T09:52:51.444-04:00We have found a very likely farm....it has one pro...We have found a very likely farm....it has one problem...lots of old farm junk. I know about plowing and will keep a look out for anything like a coulter if we do get it. Some places call a coulter a cutting disc.....Dan's coulter is an amazing idea!Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05348495575211204989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-23375661091971951942015-05-28T07:40:07.218-04:002015-05-28T07:40:07.218-04:00Funny, that in reality there is a huge demand for ...Funny, that in reality there is a huge demand for small size farm equipment which manufacturers choose to ignore. I suppose if the trend was toward large scale global farming then supplying the little guy would be counterproductive for those goals. <br /><br />We're often torn between machines versus no machines. Seems the best machines are the lowest tech which don't rely on computers and electronics. But those are getting harder and harder to come by. <br /><br />I think, though, that you might have enough land to have horses(?). Horse drawn equipment would be the lowest tech of all. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-50679767149548951322015-05-28T06:21:11.853-04:002015-05-28T06:21:11.853-04:00Ugg. So sorry about this. It's not a good tim...Ugg. So sorry about this. It's not a good time for a breakdown (our rototiller went out just before planting season last year, so I know).<br /><br />Brilliant solution on the coulter issue, by the way. I wanted to buy an old small farm tractor but the demand for them here is high. I could find them in good condition but they were too expensive--I suppose because they're so well-suited for small scale gardening (although we used them for everything when I was growing up). I've been thinking a lot about "working smarter not harder" lately. Part of the plan should be to become less reliant on machines, but I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Hoping the Beast is back in commission soon.Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01640663629610290592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-77112843476247310742015-05-28T05:59:41.364-04:002015-05-28T05:59:41.364-04:00Fiona, thank you form mentioning Earthtools. That ...Fiona, thank you form mentioning Earthtools. That info might be just the ticket for someone. They were one of the first places we looked for parts, except that their tractors use rotary plows rather than turn plows, so no coulter is involved. On a trip to El Paso Dan actually had an opportunity to stop by a BCS dealer, but he didn't know what a coulter was either! We've been noticing that a lot of the newer 3-point one and two bottom plows don't even have coulters anymore. Not sure how that works but it may be a reason no one knows what we're talking about. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-66986105081561975702015-05-28T05:54:57.278-04:002015-05-28T05:54:57.278-04:00And to answer your question, yes! They are still m...And to answer your question, yes! They are still made in Europe and sold in the US. Fiona mentions <a href="http://earthtoolsbcs.com/" rel="nofollow">Earthtools</a> in the comment below. They sell BSC and Grillo walk-behinds with all the attachments. They are located in Kentucky. If we had been in the market for a new one (read, could afford a new one, LOL) we would have bought something from them. The advantage is, of course, being able to buy replacement parts!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42475451136128497552015-05-28T05:49:55.506-04:002015-05-28T05:49:55.506-04:00Thank you for that, PP. Others' experience is ...Thank you for that, PP. Others' experience is so much better than a sales pitch! Right now there seem to be a lot of Fords and Massey Fergusons on offer. Seems Fords are always out there, which may be a good indicator that replacement parts would be easier to find.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-83051006883918700782015-05-28T05:47:45.036-04:002015-05-28T05:47:45.036-04:001st Man, I have to agree about borrowing. It can b...1st Man, I have to agree about borrowing. It can be a great way to meet more needs but it does require working things out, which as you say, may or may not be convenient. Pity about your tiller. It's almost getting to the point where it doesn't make sense to buy things anymore.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-36524489254911600472015-05-28T05:45:14.907-04:002015-05-28T05:45:14.907-04:00Jay, hello and welcome! Thank you for that! It wou...Jay, hello and welcome! Thank you for that! It would be wonderful if it was something that simple. I'll pass it on to Dan. The built-in weakness are a really frustrating part of making large purchases, and I think the practice is only getting worse. But I suppose one can't make a decent living by making quality products that last for a lifetime. <i>sigh</i>Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-5557081549089265402015-05-28T05:41:16.981-04:002015-05-28T05:41:16.981-04:00Ed, he thought the JD dealer would be able to get ...Ed, he thought the JD dealer would be able to get one because I believe some of their larger lawn and garden tractors have smaller size attachments. Not sure why the salesman didn't know what he was talking about. ????? Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-8355604798758224682015-05-28T05:38:34.962-04:002015-05-28T05:38:34.962-04:00I'm guessing that's why it was a good deal...I'm guessing that's why it was a good deal.One year, however, is a poor showing for a piece of equipment like that. Disappointing!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-31076610820217701272015-05-28T00:36:59.612-04:002015-05-28T00:36:59.612-04:00There is a place in Kentucky called Earthtools.......There is a place in Kentucky called Earthtools....they sell the two wheel tractors....he may know where you can get parts or even a good used or traded in tractor. service.earthtools@gmail.com<br />phone# 502-484-3988Fionahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05348495575211204989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-76717876669912904802015-05-28T00:16:03.239-04:002015-05-28T00:16:03.239-04:00Just as Sandy above, we got a great deal on a till...Just as Sandy above, we got a great deal on a tiller a couple of years ago, it worked great for two seasons then pooped out and now they don't make parts. Ugh. We haven't come to the point yet of needing a larger tractor, but we do have 'access' to one if we need it but still, the old 'borrowing' thing is nice but always feels like an inconvenience. I love that walk behind tractor...do they still make anything like that? That's very cool. <br /><br />Hope you get a great deal soon!!!1st Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04861609647607912193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-57257565636594124342015-05-27T22:40:44.114-04:002015-05-27T22:40:44.114-04:00Back in the dark ages I worked at a small engine/m...Back in the dark ages I worked at a small engine/mower shop as a mechanic. I'm thinking that your trouble may be as simple as a broken woodruff key.<br /><br />Those implements were made fairly robust on the inside but had a built in weakness that would (hopefully) break before something expensive would give up.<br /><br />If that's the case keystock is cheap and easily found at even the worst hardware store.<br /><br />If'n I was closer I'd love to tear it apart and find whats wrong, that's the fun part. You would have to put it back together though as that parts isn't as much fun.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01076178262164483193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32845388353232792872015-05-27T18:58:31.858-04:002015-05-27T18:58:31.858-04:00I can sympathize with you because small tractors a...I can sympathize with you because small tractors around here are like small pickups these days. They cost way more than they should for their size. Everyone wants one which keeps the price up high. Many of the people I know that have ones that were reasonably priced, all completely rebuilt the engines and transmissions before using them. <br /><br />I love the saw blade and two grinder disk coulter. I'm surprised you couldn't find a coulter blade at John Deere but perhaps it was the small size that was the issue of finding. I've replaced tons of coulter blades on my dad's equipment over the years but they are probably 14 to 18" in diameter.<br /><br />Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214319366049620074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-50113455121615722382015-05-27T15:31:37.892-04:002015-05-27T15:31:37.892-04:00Leigh,
It never fails, when you're trying to ...Leigh,<br /><br />It never fails, when you're trying to get things done in or on the property a piece of machinery will stop working or die completely. I hope you and Dan are able to locate the part needed or come up with a reasonable solution. We ran into a problem with our tiller purchased last year......it was a great deal. Worked one year, now won't work and the parts no longer exist. Sandy Livesayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06183449816586125720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-75852500746548730772015-05-27T14:03:28.108-04:002015-05-27T14:03:28.108-04:00People might say I am biased, and I am sure I am, ...People might say I am biased, and I am sure I am, but if I only had one tractor to use it would be a Ford 8N. I love my Diesel 861 too but that little 8N is the handiest thing on the place. I have used it for just about everything from running my post hole digger, plowing, pulling a wagon around, raking hay. I even hooked her up to an old JD214 baler and baled a bit with it. Even without a front bucket I bought a boom attachment (65.00 used) and can lift just about anything I want with it and a three point scoop acts almost as good as a bucket for what I need. Easy to work on, last for literally years and if it does have a mechanical issue I can't handle I can load her up and take her to the nearest New Holland dealer and they will still work on them. There is not a part on them that cannot still be bought from fenders to cylinder sleeves.<br /><br />I have even used mine to move 1200 lb. round bales by rolling them along with the grader blade attached. That way when I do have to buy hay and all I can find are the big round bales I can just have my neighbor drop em off where ever (since he always shows up when I am not home) and I can just roll em where I want em as needed.<br /><br />I even built a carry all for it that I use to move bee hives around with. It's also light enough that I don't make ruts where ever I go with it.<br />PioneerPreppyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09269878017447335944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-35561144162808672015-05-27T13:26:39.085-04:002015-05-27T13:26:39.085-04:00We've come up with so many imperfect plans tha...We've come up with so many imperfect plans that I wonder, LOL. The one good thing about not having much money is that it forces us to research and thing through each decision. I appreciate your confidence!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-64282542271871193732015-05-27T13:24:20.809-04:002015-05-27T13:24:20.809-04:00Nate, hello and welcome! I'm delighted that yo...Nate, hello and welcome! I'm delighted that you took the time to comment. I have to tell you that <i>The One Straw Revolution</i> has been on my wish list for quite some time. Thanks to your comment it's just been pushed up to the "to get next" spot! Thank you. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-64540310358330076662015-05-27T13:18:51.213-04:002015-05-27T13:18:51.213-04:00Mark, +1 for less complicated. Seems the newer one...Mark, +1 for less complicated. Seems the newer ones get computerized and electronically sophisticated which makes them more difficult to maintain. <br /><br />Interesting about the 3-point attachments. We are not in a big ag area so what I see on craigslist are mostly class I. That's good for us because of the smaller areas we need to work.<br /><br />I wish we had a local tractor enthusiasts club. Classic cars, yes, tractors here are just bit lawn mowers. :)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.com