Well, we bought the farm. Time for a tractor (with pics)

[8Up]

Been almost a year since we started looking at it. It was a short sale, then went into foreclosure. I actually went to the auction and the bank bid more than me. When we contacted the realtor after it went back on the market I offered him (and they accepted) less than I bid at auction. Ended up with a VA loan at 3.375% fixed/30yr, and a purchase price > $100K UNDER appraised value. It was appraised last month.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/other/new%20house/Frontpasturetowardshouse_zpsd0c7688d.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/other/new%20house/barnexterior_zpsfed1f315.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/other/new%20house/ExteriorRear_zps18abd33a.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/other/new%20house/Stairsandkitchen_zps47927de1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/other/new%20house/Westfacingpanorama_zpsded731cd.jpg

[C5SilverBullet]

That's awesome, congrats!

[Montehall]

I've got a tractor available in Indiana. It has been restored since this pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/Wilson1911/ihm.jpg

[8Up]

I've got a tractor available in Indiana. It has been restored since this pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/Wilson1911/ihm.jpg

I actually have my eye on a restored Ford 600 series diesel not far from me.

[jaxgator]

Congrats! :cert:

I like that house and barn but you definitely need a bush hog.

[78SA]

Awesome! That looks great! :seasix:

[Montehall]

I actually have my eye on a restored Ford 600 series diesel not far from me.
Fords are good tractors.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/Wilson1911/ford.jpg

Partial to International.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/Wilson1911/706.jpg

[bradc6]

:seasix:

[Sea Six]

Awesome! I always wanted a farm and some acreage.

[Sea Six]

Oh.

And you do know that the phrase "we bought the farm" means "we died," right?

:funny:

[FasterTraffic]

Land. Tell us about the land. :bigears:

[Torqaholic]

Beauty! Won't take long to adjust to the peace and quiet :lol:

[OddBall]

That is awesome! :seasix: :cert:

How many acres came with it?


Oh, I now hate you. :funny:

[CBonsall]

nice looking farm and out bldgs, needs an old red tractor to go along with the barn.

[8Up]

I actually got a stern speaking to about calling it a farm last year, it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

[8Up]

I just noticed if you look at the lower right corner of the pic of the back of the house, you can check out my wife's ass.:seasix:

[Bill]

I actually got a stern speaking to about calling it a farm last year, it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

The correct term is, "ranchette."

[Sea Six]

I actually got a stern speaking to about calling it a farm last year, it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

We also need to talk about your TPS reports.


:toetap:

[8Up]

We also need to talk about your TPS reports.


:toetap:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/Motivation_zps65726946.jpg

[78SA]

I actually got a stern speaking to about calling it a farm last year, it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

Add those 6 and put cows in the pasture, get some chickens and a couple horses, then plant an acre of vegetables and then call it a farm since you will be working it. :seasix:

[Sea Six]

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/dkp7895/Motivation_zps65726946.jpg

:funnier:

[Loco Vette]

:cool2: Congrats!

[lspencer534]

I actually have my eye on a restored Ford 600 series diesel not far from me.

Please be careful with the older tractors. The PTO (power take-off, the thing that connects to equipment such as a bush hog to make it spin) is connected to the tractor transmission, so it runs when the tractor is moving. It's an ineffective combination because bush hog rpm is dependent upon tractor speed, just the opposite of what you need in tall grass.

Actually, all PTOs are dangerous, since a tractor is the most dangerous piece of farm equipment. Also, most old tractors can be started while they're in gear, so never crank one while you're standing beside the tractor.

Finally, older tractors like the Ford 600 are woefully under-powered, only about 30 hp. While 30 hp will get the job done, it's slow. Likely it'll pull only a 4'-5' wide bush hog (and 5' is optimistic). Time in the early 1950 wasn't nearly a valuable commodity as it is now. You need 45hp-50hp to pull a 6' wide bush hog. The most that can be said about these tractors (and any other tractor of that era) is that they are dependable.

The first few times on a tractor are fun. After that it's just a hot, dirty job. Imagine bush hogging on a 90 degree windless day with exhaust fumes blowing in your face and the sun beating down on you. You'll want to get off that tractor as soon as you can!

[Doug28450]

Please be careful with the older tractors. The PTO (power take-off, the thing that connects to equipment such as a bush hog to make it spin) is connected to the tractor transmission, so it runs when the tractor is moving. It's an ineffective combination because bush hog rpm is dependent upon tractor speed, just the opposite of what you need in tall grass.

Actually, all PTOs are dangerous, since a tractor is the most dangerous piece of farm equipment. Also, most old tractors can be started while they're in gear, so never crank one while you're standing beside the tractor.

Finally, older tractors like the Ford 600 are woefully under-powered, only about 30 hp. While 30 hp will get the job done, it's slow. Likely it'll pull only a 4'-5' wide bush hog (and 5' is optimistic). Time in the early 1950 wasn't nearly a valuable commodity as it is now. You need 45hp-50hp to pull a 6' wide bush hog. The most that can be said about these tractors (and any other tractor of that era) is that they are dependable.

The first few times on a tractor are fun. After that it's just a hot, dirty job. Imagine bush hogging on a 90 degree windless day with exhaust fumes blowing in your face and the sun beating down on you. You'll want to get off that tractor as soon as you can!

Spoilsport.

[lspencer534]

Spoilsport.

Maybe...but I have that little "farm" (20 acres), and I've had it since 1990. Sure, the peace and quiet are nice, but it's an all-consuming chore. Weekends are totally used for lawn and pasture car. All in all, I doubt that I could ever return to "City life", but it would be nice to have a break for the constant maintenance.

[8Up]

Please be careful with the older tractors. The PTO (power take-off, the thing that connects to equipment such as a bush hog to make it spin) is connected to the tractor transmission, so it runs when the tractor is moving. It's an ineffective combination because bush hog rpm is dependent upon tractor speed, just the opposite of what you need in tall grass.

Actually, all PTOs are dangerous, since a tractor is the most dangerous piece of farm equipment. Also, most old tractors can be started while they're in gear, so never crank one while you're standing beside the tractor.

Finally, older tractors like the Ford 600 are woefully under-powered, only about 30 hp. While 30 hp will get the job done, it's slow. Likely it'll pull only a 4'-5' wide bush hog (and 5' is optimistic). Time in the early 1950 wasn't nearly a valuable commodity as it is now. You need 45hp-50hp to pull a 6' wide bush hog. The most that can be said about these tractors (and any other tractor of that era) is that they are dependable.

The first few times on a tractor are fun. After that it's just a hot, dirty job. Imagine bush hogging on a 90 degree windless day with exhaust fumes blowing in your face and the sun beating down on you. You'll want to get off that tractor as soon as you can!

I knew about the PTO but hadnt thought about a tractor being able to start while in gear! Good to know, thank you!

[OddBall]

Add those 6 and put cows in the pasture, get some chickens and a couple horses, then plant an acre of vegetables and then call it a farm since you will be working it. :seasix:

Goats. You forgot the goats. Goats would be cool. :yesnod:

[Bill]

Please be careful with the older tractors. The PTO (power take-off, the thing that connects to equipment such as a bush hog to make it spin) is connected to the tractor transmission, so it runs when the tractor is moving. It's an ineffective combination because bush hog rpm is dependent upon tractor speed, just the opposite of what you need in tall grass.
Actually, all PTOs are dangerous, since a tractor is the most dangerous piece of farm equipment. Also, most old tractors can be started while they're in gear, so never crank one while you're standing beside the tractor.

Finally, older tractors like the Ford 600 are woefully under-powered, only about 30 hp. While 30 hp will get the job done, it's slow. Likely it'll pull only a 4'-5' wide bush hog (and 5' is optimistic). Time in the early 1950 wasn't nearly a valuable commodity as it is now. You need 45hp-50hp to pull a 6' wide bush hog. The most that can be said about these tractors (and any other tractor of that era) is that they are dependable.

The first few times on a tractor are fun. After that it's just a hot, dirty job. Imagine bush hogging on a 90 degree windless day with exhaust fumes blowing in your face and the sun beating down on you. You'll want to get off that tractor as soon as you can!

Something different about the design of old tractors? The PTO speed is dependent on the engine RPM's. Unless the old tractors you speak of have only one speed, speed is mainly determined by gear. Are you in low 1? Probably not moving to fast. High 4? Yee-haw! Sure you can go a little faster by increasing the engine RPM's, but the main determinant is gearing.

[8Up]

Goats. You forgot the goats. Goats would be cool. :yesnod:

you know, I see alot of adds in craigs List for 'dwarf' goats and 'dwarf' pigs and mini horses. My guess is that someones daughter thinks they are cute and gets one and then realizez they are good for nothing but are named and now part of the family so they cant eat it either.... I wont have that problem. Mostly because I wont be getting a 'dwarf' anything, but also because I dont care what my bacon's name used to be. FULL SIZED goats are a strong possibility. :seasix:

[Bill]

Goats. You forgot the goats. Goats would be cool. :yesnod:

While goats would pretty much keep everything eaten down, including tree limbs, brush, grass, tin cans, car motors, etc., the OP would need a dedicated chicken wire (or equivilent) fence. Goats are escape artists. Perhaps Monte Hall can discuss this. I think he has goats (or maybe, they have him).

[mrvette]

I actually got a stern speaking to about calling it a farm last year, it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

I telling you a little story, my Dad bought 2 acres with a new house on them, well septic, and it turned into a break in target.....any time they left the house the section 8's from 1/4 mile away would break in, clean the joint out.....

second off, there was another two acres on opposite side of the hill for sale, trick IS....the land will never pass a PERK TEST to enable a septic/leach field, there will never be any city water/sewer to that burb....

so the land was not ever bought, and no reason to ever buy it, never can be built on, so why get stuck paying taxes on it???

:issues::rofl:

[8Up]

I telling you a little story, my Dad bought 2 acres with a new house on them, well septic, and it turned into a break in target.....any time they left the house the section 8's from 1/4 mile away would break in, clean the joint out.....

second off, there was another two acres on opposite side of the hill for sale, trick IS....the land will never pass a PERK TEST to enable a septic/leach field, there will never be any city water/sewer to that burb....

so the land was not ever bought, and no reason to ever buy it, never can be built on, so why get stuck paying taxes on it???

:issues::rofl:

Good point, I don't know anything about that land next door but it does seem to be in a basin and kind of swampy. No real plans to buy, just one of those 'maybe's'.

[8Up]

Actually the tractor I am looking at is a Ford 641 diesel, I thought '600' covered all the 6## series but it doesnt work like that.

[78SA]

Goats. You forgot the goats. Goats would be cool. :yesnod:

In Indiana a single man can't own a sheep. :leaving:

[Stangkiller]

Wow! Congrats!

[8Up]

In Indiana a single man can't own a sheep. :leaving:

Our winters aren't that bad down here.

[lspencer534]

Something different about the design of old tractors? The PTO speed is dependent on the engine RPM's. Unless the old tractors you speak of have only one speed, speed is mainly determined by gear. Are you in low 1? Probably not moving to fast. High 4? Yee-haw! Sure you can go a little faster by increasing the engine RPM's, but the main determinant is gearing.

641s did not have live PTO. Live power is when the power takeoff keeps turning when the clutch pedal is depressed. That is a good thing especially while mowing. If it is not live power the mower will keep pushing the tractor during mowing operations until the force of the blades slow down...like through a fence.

Put another way: A live pto has a dual clutch, one for the pto and one for the drive train. You step part way down on the clutch pedal and you disconnect the driveline clutch. If you step all the way down, you stop the pto and the driveline.

A non-live pto has only one clutch and when you step down on it, you disconnect the pto and the drive line. It drives the pto thru the transmission.

There is a third system, the independent pto which does not depend on the clutch at all. it runs independent of the driveline and is turned on and off with a lever.

There is no way to add live PTO to a 641.

[Marc]

Very nice :cert::cert: Good luck with it :cert:

[lspencer534]

Actually the tractor I am looking at is a Ford 641 diesel, I thought '600' covered all the 6## series but it doesnt work like that.

A 641 is a newer tractor that the 600 (1957-62 rather than 1953-57). It also has substantially more hp (~48). Only drawback is no live PTO and just a 4-speed transsmission. Also hard to start in the Winter.

Like I said before, I'm not criticizing older tractors, you just need to be aware of their limitations. For example, my Ford 3930 has 16 forward gears and 2 reverse gears. I find myself using every one of them. It also won't start in gear, and it has seat belts and ROPS (roll-over protection system, the big steel loop that extends above the driver's head).

Mine has 46 hp, the 641 has 48. But, like all newer engines it actually delivers more hp to the wheels than the 641 because it's more efficient both in the engine and the tranny. It's also a lot stingier with fuel. Again, I'm not saying my tractor is better, simply more modern. Tractors are all pretty primitive machines, but the older the more primitive.

[78SA]

Our winters aren't that bad down here.

:lol: I'm just waiting for ours to end so I can work on my garden. Calling for more snow monday morning.

[Mirroredshades]

:seasix:

[lspencer534]

With 8+ acres, you should be looking at ways to lower your property tax bill. It may already be quite reasonable for all I know, but if not here's an idea: Try to get as much of it as you can zoned Agricultural. You can possibly do this by growing hay for your livestock. That of course means you'll have to pay someone to cut it and bale it, but the money might be worth it.

Or grow corn for you livestock and for your use to make corn meal and maybe sell some of the corn meal. Or grow vegetables to sell to restaurants. When I retire I already have a deal with a restaurant for it to buy as many vegetables as I can raise. I'll be "farming", and I plan to use the "loss" on my taxes or at least all my costs (fertilizer, seeds, plants, even labor).

Just an idea.

[FasterTraffic]

... it is ~8.5 acres, so I was told its an 'acreage'. I say it has a barn, hence, its a 'farm'. About 3 acres wooded and 5 acres pasture. There is another 6 acres next door that is for sale, and after we sell the house we currently live in we may take a closer look at it too.

That's awesome.

[Norm]

Way to go, nice! :seasix: So you think you're going to get some Corvette driving time in, huh? Good luck with that, to the store and back maybe.....:D

[FasterTraffic]

Way to go, nice! :seasix: So you think you're going to get some Corvette driving time in, huh? Good luck with that, to the store and back maybe.....:D

Are you kidding? He'll have room to put a permanent autocross course between his garage and the street.

:Jeff '79:

[The_Dude]

Nice! Congrats!

[Chuck A]

very cool, indeed

[OddBall]

Post up some more pics of the spread! :waiting:

[Fasglas]

Tractor?

Call:

http://www.maggiore.net/greenacres/museum/images/mus8.jpg

For all your needs...

[JRD77VET]

Congrats :cert:

Working the ground is hard work but the rewards are great :yesnod:

[Blademaker]

A very hearty congratulations! :seasix:

Need more pics of the interior/exterior of the barn / work shop

[8Up]

Post up some more pics of the spread! :waiting:

A very hearty congratulations! :seasix:

Need more pics of the interior/exterior of the barn / work shop

Sorry was out at the place working on things. I'll put some more up tomorrow.