.
, that is, until I saw my friend's 4WD John Deere loader/backhoe work circles around a dozer clearing brush. I'll keep my 4WD 6520 loader/backhoe. When I retire from Southwest, it is backhoe business all the way! Well, let's hope that YOUR retirement backhoe business is going to be a lot more successful than mine is right now!bindian said:Dougster, I always thought I wanted a dozer
hugs, Brandi
Even my nasty Piranha Root Grapple pales in comparison!
I am already turning down jobs. I already got it figured out......work two hours a day...............drink margaritas the rest of the day.Dougster said:Well, let's hope that YOUR retirement backhoe business is going to be a lot more successful than mine is right now!
That being said, I agree with you that a full-size backhoe is a truly beautiful thing! I hope to own one once I relocate in 2 years to New Hampshire where such things are socially acceptable & commonplace.
But for sheer neighbor intimidation effect right now, you've got to admit that dozer attachment is very hard to beat.
Dougster
After all........it's five o'clock somewhere. Funny thing, I can't imagine my Big Red Beast with a root grapple. It would be unstoppable. I am already clearing up to 4 inch youpon with my stock (spell that untoothed) bucket.Yep... that's my current situation exactly!bindian said:I am already turning down jobs. I already got it figured out......work two hours a day...............drink margaritas the rest of the day.
Ain't life grand? Just about to make another pitcher of Margaritas here... care to join me? I have no doubt that you will get one someday... if not before a big storm, then certainly right after it!!! The grapple bug will hit you sooner or later. Don't fight it!bindian said:Funny thing, I can't imagine my Big Red Beast with a root grapple.
hugs, Brandi
Just pay your money and start having some REAL fun!!!
BobG_in_VA said:
Dealing with customers................that's work.
Yes, I take mine without saltDougster said:Yep... that's my current situation exactly!
The truth be known, this is a dang tough way to make a buck... at least compared to my old (pre-layoff) life. I have never worked so hard before. Tons of competition out there... much of it low (or no) overhead operations... and just when you think you have positive cash flow for the month, something very costly always seems to happen to change that!
I have no doubt that you will get one someday... if not before a big storm, then certainly right after it!!! The grapple bug will hit you sooner or later. Don't fight it!
Dougster
As to a grapple, I'm a Cancer and take change very slowly and suggestions even slower! Not gonna hold it against you being a Cancer since I *are* one too... Happy Birthday by the way... but unless you are going to be running without licenses, insurance, paying taxes and/or doing maintenance, you WILL have overhead!bindian said:Yes, I take mine without salt
hugs, Brandi
Dougster,Dougster said:Not gonna hold it against you being a Cancer since I *are* one too... Happy Birthday by the way... but unless you are going to be running without licenses, insurance, paying taxes and/or doing maintenance, you WILL have overhead!
Dougster
Well, the good news is that there have been no hurricanes brewing so far this year. Al Gore, where are you and your global warming???bindian said:Dougster, Yes, those items are an expense, but I was thinking more along the lines of capital equipment payments. Which I would not have. Since I have three days off a week now, I can just permanently trade a day of work and have 4 days off to build up any "retirement" business while keeping full time benefits. You'll need more effort then a hurricane to convince this.... "box blade learned push it into a pile"......rancher she needs a grapple. Maybe if you come down here and let me play with it. That would be
hugs, Brandi
So we may not find out this year. But the bug will eventually get to you no matter how hard a diehard boxblade fan you may be. You've already got the backhoe & thumb. The next step will be to convert the thumb to hydraulic... and then after that you'll be a prime candidate for a nice, big, nasty-looking MEGA-grapple!!! That big ol' 6520 deserves no less!!!
So that is how one slides down that slippery slope to grappledom.Dougster said:Well, the good news is that there have been no hurricanes brewing so far this year. Al Gore, where are you and your global warming???
Just remember, you heard it here first.
Dougster
It will have to wait until I get some body work done on "my" front end. But it sounds tempting. In the mean time, my 7 foot bucket will be my dance partner. Can you send me a good photo of your grapple?Just the same photo I've posted before I'm afraid...bindian said:
Dougster,Dougster said:Just the same photo I've posted before I'm afraid...
I need to take some new "action" photos... just as soon as the fixed thumb goes hydraulic!!! I like the idea of nasty looking hydraulic jaws on both ends!!!
Note that this is a 66" grapple. The 6520 deserves no less than 72"!!!
Dougster
It would look meaner with Ag tires. I would like to try it on mesquite roots. But can you doze up youpon, small pine and oak trees. Or anything smaller than the gaps on it that grows upright with it, carry your chainsaw and supplies, chains and such and move dirt without changing anything? I mean, my 7 foot bucket can do all of that, but it also takes some dirt into the pile. How much dirt depending on how big of a hurry I am in. I have picked up the rear of my tractor with one corner of the bucket when hanging it on a large root and it still comes back for more abuse. Now maybe you could convince me of some type of bucket mounted brackets for a grapple. But you have it on what looks like a root rake. Also, I have perfected the technique of picking up a tree (with stump still attached) with my bucket and taking it to the pile. I have always taken the trees I dig up or push down, whole, to the burning pile, then I cut them up. So I guess I need more convincing. I can see how it would be useful in storm limb cleanup. After Rita came through, I just dragged the trees whole with my 2WD Ford.
