Further farm contemplations

Been having visions of how to assemble, e.g., a machine shed; the couple of books on the topic that I have handy are rather outdated with regard to framing technology and such.

So, off this morning to wander the halls of the local Home Despot.  A particular framing connector that had been part of my vision apparently doesn't exist.  There may be a reason for this; I'll have to ponder further.  Anyway, construction is a couple of months off at this point.

Also looked at fence parts and various other stuff.  I expect I'll do more looking at the Rural King as the time draws nearer.  Various enclosures and exclosures will presumably have bog-standard welded-wire fencing on T posts, but will also need gates of some sort, and some (at least) of those gates will need to be wide enough to accommodate whatever tractor we end up with.  So, there'll be build-or-buy decisions, and it helps to see what everybody else is doing.

... Then there's the ongoing question of what size of tractor to get: a 24 HP subcompact, or a size larger?  Current budget projections suggest that a nicely set up RK37 (with loader, third-function hydraulics, bucket and pallet forks, and sun shade) is not out of bounds, though splurging on the model with the air-conditioned cab might be a bit much.  And then there's always "take a look at what's on the used market when it's getting close to buying time", in case there's a bargain out there.

In terms of capabilities, a subcompact tractor seems like it'll do just about everything I'd want, if perhaps not at top speed.  That's OK; I probably won't be in a great hurry.  The exception might be post-hole digging.  I want something big enough to wield a digger that'll (usefully) take an 18" auger.  Which opens a really big can of worms as I try to identify which post-hole diggers are how real, what their capabilities really are, and whether they'll work on a compact (never mind subcompact) with a Cat 1 (never mind limited Cat 1) hitch.  Filthy Mitts Implements persistently claims, for example, that their heavy-duty model is for Cat 1 or Cat 2, which gets angry reviews from people who have bought the things and found the dimensions for be for Cat 2 or Cat 3, with no hope of mounting properly on a smaller tractor; this augurs not well.  Rural King's house-brand diggers inexplicably take thread-on augers, which is wrong for at least two reasons.  Anyway, I think there's a better chance of successful post-holing (for tree planting, pole-barn construction, and whatnot) with a one-size-larger tractor... which is bigger and less maneuverable.  Always with the tradeoffs!

Oh, and I've once again run into the "Call for pricing!" thing.  Seems to apply to pretty much anything that's considered capital equipment, from some vendors.  I'd often encountered it with regard to software, and occasionally test equipment, and then noticed that pricing on new Kubota tractors is secret, but... well, I came across an implement vendor with an interesting variety of post-hole digger, but there's no published pricing.  Foo.  Well, probably more than my budget.  If you have to ask, and all that.  Look, guys: when I'm doing comparison shopping, or just trying to sort out my budget, I want quick budgetary pricing.  Spending time on the phone playing games with a salesman is very much not my department.

Comments

[Rob]

For the shed, look in the local throwaway paper or craigslist for pole barns & think bigger. If you have the room you are not going to get a shed too big.
Besides the tractor you're going to need a real shop bench and a place out of the weather... I had a place in Minnesota, 10 acres of trees & 2 of a hay field. One of my major regrets was not building a large shop first thing..

[Eric Wilner]

There's an existing barn, complete with concrete floor and insulated walls but lacking electricity. I figure on electrifying that, and using it as a workshop (for all the things that should be done indoors but not in the dwelling).

The machine shed presumably gets built out beyond the barn (where it won't be visible from the road nor too conspicuous from the house), and should be a place to park the tractor, implements, utility trailer, boat, and so forth, plus fuel storage. My construction concept is basically pole barn, and may well evolve into a regular pole-barn design.

[Rob]

A shop is necessary & it sounds like you've got that in hand. I'm just saying don't skimp if you're going to be building something..