Busy First Day with XU5065CPS

[BlessedMess]

Maybe. It appears to have the muscle, but I lack the skill and cajónes to try much more than minor fore/aft adjustments with all new equipment. Rear tires aren't loaded, but the FEL bucket is almost always down when digging... can you reposition like that on an industrial TLB?

 

[charles todd]

On a backhoe, one can reach the loader controls and raise the bucket. Then use the hoe to push the tractor around, one can even reach the wheel to steer from the hoe seat. IMHO, it would be easier to get off the hoe and get in the tractor to reposition.

CT

 

[Gary Fowler]

I don't know if you could open the back window and reach the FEL controls or not, might be worth a try. Getting on and off the tractor to move a bit is going to get old fast. My B26 TLB uses the same seat for tractor and backhoe, just swivels around so I can reach all the controls from the seat except the HST pedal but no cab on it. I have a rod about 3 feet long that I use to press the HST pedal for moving around when I don't want to use the hoe. I build a little square tubing holder that fits right on the hoe control station so it is handy to use.

Digging stumps requires removal of a lot more dirt than one would think. You have to dig out far enough so you can break the roots with the hoe. I never saw anything, just dig a bigger hole. A HYDRAULIC thumb is just as useful as the thumb on your hand. Think about how limited you would be picking up things if you had no thumb OR your thumb couldn't move. A mechanical thumb is better than no thumb but with a hydraulic thumb you can use it like a bionic powered hand and pick up small to large objects. I can pick up a rock the size of a softball easily with my B26 and the upper size is only limited by the opening size and weight lifting capacity of the hoe.
They cost a lot more, but if you can afford it, go with a hydraulic thumb, you wont regret it.

Great looking tractor by the way.

 

[breadtrk]

I took my back window out during a recent hoe project thinking I would be able to do the above by reaching through, found it was just too much stretch and reach to get to the loader and forget reaching the throttle lever. I imagine on that 5056 it is even more of a stretch.

Taking the back window out did let AC Cooled air blow down on my neck and back, that was nice.

 

[BlessedMess]

Thanks all for the tips, tricks, and free advice. I'll look more into the thumb, and post back if any bargains are to be found... welcome the same. Thanks again!

 

[BlessedMess]

UPDATE: finally had a long enough stretch of warmer, dry weather to get my project nearly finished a few weeks back... now if any new bamboo shoots appear the mower will make quick work of removal. The winter ryegrass is filling in, and the dirt just behind the bamboo poles (most will be cut down level with rock) will become a raised vegetable garden this Spring. FYI: For anybody trying to get rid of thick bamboo, the backhoe is a worthy ally, and it makes a hellish racket when burning!

 

[HarryN]

I take it you do not like the bamboo? Is it a problem?

 

[BlessedMess]

It's totally invasive, and not ideal in close proximity to desirable grassy areas, trees, bushes, pools and houses. Plus now we can enjoy the land and view vs. curse at bamboo for growing back and harboring spiders, mosquitos, dirty birds, possums, etc...

Attached is a before/after view -- notice the tall tree on the right side that was nearly choked out by bamboo. We still have ~1/4 acre of the stuff. The big hole in the middle is where I'm clearing out some more for a chicken coop and/or multi-use pole barn. I'd like to throw a maltov cocktail in there and be done with it, but it's a good windscreen, provides shade, and the bamboo poles are useful. I hope to sell some on Craigslist in 3' to 15' lengths. Shoots are edible in their infancy, but I'd rather not

 

[Bluesteel]

That's a nice machine. Looks like you didn't waste any time putting it to good use. The only thing I have been able to do so far is push snow.:smiley_aafz:

 

[BlessedMess]

Thanks! I've caught the fever and started my own business to spend more tractor, outdoor and father-daughter time vs. 40 hours a week sitting all day in an office + commutes. These projects were good practice. Hope y'all will get some warm weather soon so you can enjoy your XR!