Wife voices her opinion about my tractor

grweldon · June 17, 2013, 09:42:34 AM

After a month or so of using my newly acquired Ford 3910, fixing things that broke while I was leaning exactly how to use it, changing a leaky PTO seal, leaky fuel tank valve and putting a new tube in a rear tire, adding a slip clutch to the brush cutter and various other things, I think I have got it to the point where I can use it for a few hours without something breaking!

I asked the wife yesterday if she wanted to take a ride with me to mow a small (acre or so) meadow between two hills at my place and she said she would love to! I make two passes along the periphery of the field and then I asked her if she wanted to finish up the field. I rode along with her as she mowed the field, giving instruction on PTO and RPM and how to use the clutch, brakes, throttle and 3-pt lift. She does very well and enjoyed it. I took over and did some heavier work on some paths that haven't had much attention over the last 5 years.

When we finish and get back home, she tells me "We need to get another tractor for me to use while you use this one." I about dropped the drink I was holding! It was hard enough to convince her we needed to spend the amout we did to get this tractor, now SHE wants one for her.

Maybe I should just look for a bit bigger tractor with a FEL and let her use the 3910! Or maybe I need a $1000 deal on a Ford 1500 like Magicman!

Warbird · June 17, 2013, 10:49:38 AM

Heh. Well done.

Chuck White · June 17, 2013, 11:11:09 AM

It's nice when both are in agreement about getting another piece of equipment! ;D

DaleK · June 17, 2013, 12:40:44 PM

Get her a skidsteer.

grweldon · June 17, 2013, 12:53:21 PM

Not sure, but I think even the least expensive skid steer would be way over any budget amount we might decide upon. Last tractor was $8600 with a few implements. I haven't seen ANY skid steers in that price range...

Good idea though!

clww · June 17, 2013, 01:40:56 PM

She's definitely a keeper. ;)

grweldon · June 17, 2013, 02:00:47 PM

Yes, definitely a keeper! ;)

I took a cursory look at skid steers at machinerytrader.com and there are indeed a handful of skid steers within Alabama and bordering states for under $10K. Most of them seem to have a lot of hours on them, but honestly I don't know what is high for a skid steer. Usually when looking for used equipment, I like to see under 2000 hours. Many of these skid steers are in the 4000-5000 hour range. Seems high to me. These machines are all over 45hp and range from 1300lbs to 1800lbs load capacity. Bigger is better, right?

Of course, I could get a pretty decent tractor in the same price range, what would be benefits of having a skid steer be over a tractor? We MUST exclude the fun factor in our decision! ;D

gspren · June 17, 2013, 02:28:31 PM

Isn't there a C&W song (She thinks my tractors sexy)?

Warbird · June 17, 2013, 03:13:24 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWu4aynBK7E

clww · June 17, 2013, 04:08:20 PM

I have a sticker on my truck, "She Thinks My Chainsaw's Sexy". ;D

grweldon · June 17, 2013, 04:19:09 PM

I refuse to listen to Kenny Chesney!

beenthere · June 17, 2013, 04:50:13 PM

I like that tune.... and the tractor too ;D ;D ;D

mainiac · June 17, 2013, 05:08:28 PM

My wife just said about KC "he looks gay"

DanG · June 17, 2013, 05:13:46 PM

GRW, think backhoe rather than skidsteer.

clww · June 17, 2013, 06:52:02 PM

Good idea, Dan. You can do a bunch of neat stuff with a backhoe. ;)

T Welsh · June 17, 2013, 07:00:34 PM

Yes dear, And start showing her all the pretty tractors,skid steers and backhoes that you can find :D. Keep sweet talking her,telling her how good she will look on it while getting work done around the property ;D You know her favorite color,so show her them first 8). (I,ve been married for 34 years) I know how to get my way without putting my foot in my mouth. Good luck! Tim

samandothers · June 17, 2013, 07:05:55 PM

wow! She is a keeper. She picked the right husband!

Take her with you to look at tractors either from Craig's list type info or to dealers. She may realize the need to allow you to put some extra money toward the up grade.

chevytaHOE5674 · June 17, 2013, 08:41:08 PM

First tractor I got with A/C in the cab was because the other half thought it would be nice for baling hay. Once we had one then I came to the conclusion that A/C truly is a wonderful thing in the cab of a tractor.

tractormanNwv · June 17, 2013, 11:35:17 PM

I made sure my wife got the 1st one.....then I claimed the other 10 ;D But like others have said....you got a good one, might help if the next tractor is "her" color.

Jim

thecfarm · June 18, 2013, 06:56:33 AM

We have 2 tractors. They do come in handy.Mine,the big tractor,as we call it,is really the work house of the this place. Hers,the small tractor,is the one she mows with and hauls a small trailer behind it. I don't use it much,but when I do, I ask if she has plans for it that day.