REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => General Vehicle Related Discussion => Topic started by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:06:21 PM

Title: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:06:21 PM
spud
[spəd]
NOUN
informal
a potato.
a small, narrow spade for cutting the roots of plants, especially weeds.
a short length of pipe that is used to connect two components or that takes the form of a projection from a fitting to which a pipe may be screwed:
"a spud washer"
a chisel-like tool, as for removing bark or digging into ice.
VERB
dig up or cut (plants, especially weeds) with a spud.
make the initial drilling for (an oil well).

I am the proud owner of a brand new Kubota SVL 75-2 Compact track Loader
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on January 12, 2018, 06:09:55 PM
nice, did one of the JD tractors get used as a trade in for spud.......or is this one going to be called private?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 12, 2018, 06:11:37 PM
About time  :likebutton: how many lawnmowers with loafers ago did we recommend this? Where’s ash when you need him? :tongue:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:12:30 PM
I am about completely tired with Sarge seemingly always being in some state of broken down. I have several unfinished projects, two ponds, one road, and some leveling that had to wait until winter that could have been done earlier had Sarge not given up the goat with its hydraulics.

No, I haven't dug into it yet to see what it is this time, but this whole idea of doing work, just to be able to work is OK as long as the first part doesn't span several days.

That and watching these little rubber track loaders work, I was quite the candidate for a great deal, and with the long winter ahead, Kubota was very willing to deal.

Mine has the enclosed cab with A/C and heat, and air ride seat, both high flow and standard flow hydraulics and the 15" wide tracks.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:13:26 PM
nice, did one of the JD tractors get used as a trade in for spud.......or is this one going to be called private?
No trade Nate, straight out purchase
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:13:52 PM
About time  :likebutton: how many lawnmowers with loafers ago did we recommend this? Where’s ash when you need him? :tongue:
Where is Ash???

So ya like it?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:18:14 PM
I really wanted to buy the SVL-95-2 which doubles as a bulldozer, but the price was really up there, like 70's!

This one is under 75 HP (74.3) which means no DEF!!!!!!!!!

That was the deciding factor for me to go with a smaller machine and just suck it up. SHops these days are filled with toasted engines because of that DEF bull crap. I'll have none of it!

It has a pretty cool cab as well. Nice seat, air suspension, good ergonomics and really quiet, surprisingly quiet!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:21:58 PM
None of these pics are of my machine.

Mine is still torn down on a pallet, all 9800 lbs of it.

I plan to get some pics of them building it up next week.

I also purchased an extreme duty Blue Diamond cutter, construction bucket, and a rock grapple bucket.

The Blue Diamond cutter is a beast. It can cut down trees or mow field grass. Should be perfect for cleaning up the edge of my fields and putting in mew trails.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:23:48 PM
The specs run out pretty good for this medium-heavy machine.

I'll have a good warranty and a very powerful/capable machine to tear into the farm with.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on January 12, 2018, 06:47:48 PM
so "private" is out of the question?  because you know as well as I do that what you are about to ask of this thing is exactly what is asked/expected of a private......you have been there done that got the t shirt.....HAHAHAHA
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 06:50:50 PM
so "private" is out of the question?  because you know as well as I do that what you are about to ask of this thing is exactly what is asked/expected of a private......you have been there done that got the t shirt.....HAHAHAHA
Yea, ya know, I was wrestlin' back and forth with a name, then "Spud" came to me all at once

Bit out of the norm

Thing looks like a potato

Spud-bar for digging

Dunno, just seemed to stick

No likey?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 12, 2018, 06:56:26 PM
About time  :likebutton: how many lawnmowers with loafers ago did we recommend this? Where’s ash when you need him? :tongue:
Where is Ash???

So ya like it?

I do, I’d buy another they are so versatile it will be first purchase on my next farm...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 07:00:33 PM
It probably won't get a ton of useage until it warms up, then watch out!

Long summer days are really good for farm work

Get the manual stuff done in the morning, then climb on some machine and tear stuff up until the sun is at a low angle then finish the manual stuff if need be...collapse from fatigue...repeat as necessary

I'm almost three times more productive during summer days than now.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bob Smith on January 12, 2018, 07:05:43 PM
A skid steer is a skid steer and it is not a Sarge, take it a little easy on the poor thing.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 07:08:54 PM
A skid steer is a skid steer and it is not a Sarge, take it a little easy on the poor thing.
Think I'm goin' to kill it?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 07:15:28 PM
Hmmm, just found out it has a pressurized cab!

Should be safe to operate post apocalypse in a chemical or nuclear environment...Cool

No crew served gun mount attachments listed in the catalog, though...Bummer! Guess the M2 stays mounted on SquareD
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bob Smith on January 12, 2018, 07:35:28 PM

A skid steer is a skid steer and it is not a Sarge, take it a little easy on the poor thing.
Think I'm goin' to kill it?


Your track record is not the best Don.....
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 12, 2018, 07:35:43 PM
Nice Don.  I have considered one and will look forward to your write up and opinons
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 12, 2018, 07:39:28 PM
CAUTION:  IT IS NOT A DOZER NOR A CHAINSAW.....EVEN IF IT IS ORANGE!

Don Edit: I may just prove you wrong my misguided friend! ;-)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 12, 2018, 07:40:49 PM
Well, at least I don’t think he will run over this.......

Realize you can bury these track loaders rather easily, don’t ask how I know but mine was a rental so it’s ok.... :facepalm:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 09:27:41 PM
Seems like Spud has met with the approval of the peanut gallery!

I am pleasantly surprised by this uplifting reaction

And writeups there will be.

Knowing just how necessary a loader capable of digging is in a survival or farm setting, I have found the tractors to be lacking. I have found Sarge and Sarge like equipment to be slow, expensive, and unreliable. I have discovered that Excavators are totally great, but coupled with a slow loader are encumbered.

I am hoping that this one machine can muck out the pond, once I drain it (And I am considering draining and relining the old pond). It can spread out the piles of dirt, contour the land, move fallen trees, level the road surface, spread gravel, dig flat spots on the hillsides for various needs, make trails with a minimum of damage, upkeep the road, both grading and cutting back vegetation, and a host of things I haven't thought of yet.

By moving the heavy lifting away from the tractor, I may have just saved it. By using its power to push a rock rake through the rocky parts of my fields, I may just save the bush hog and the mower on the smaller tractor.

We'll see how this relationship develops...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 12, 2018, 09:30:14 PM
Oh and the stimulus for this purchase which was driven from a need were the excellent financial terms.

Currently Kubota offers 0% financing and no money down along with incentives for implement purchase. Couple that with an excellent warranty and I was literally sold on this opportunity at this time.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on January 12, 2018, 09:56:39 PM
Wow that looks like a great tool!!

I'm surprised we didn't try to get you to buy one sooner. : Pokechief

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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 09:59:59 AM
^^^^ Funny guy!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 13, 2018, 10:59:35 AM
Don,you've got me looking and I've looked at a few of those models and they have different lifting capacities.  Are their options for lift hydraulics capacities or is it just the different year models I've looked at?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 13, 2018, 11:10:14 AM
On a serious note:

When you DO decide to try and use it like a chainsaw, DON'T - They make a hydraulic cutting claw - equipment company might have one you can rent and attach to "Spud" and use it to shear cedars and SMALL trees off at the base instead of trying to run/ruin your new brush cutter thinking it's a buzz-saw!

 :facepalm:

Documentation of date of "I told you so" 1/14/18  "It's not a dedicated chainsaw"
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bob Smith on January 13, 2018, 02:16:51 PM
Those are nice machines, use it as it is designed to work and it will last many years. Abuse it and you can drag it over and park it in the non running line.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on January 13, 2018, 02:37:50 PM
Those are nice machines, use it as it is designed to work and it will last many years. Abuse it and you can drag it over and park it in the non running line.

 :likebutton: :likebutton: :likebutton: :likebutton: :likebutton: :likebutton: :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cruizng on January 13, 2018, 03:33:11 PM
Very nice purchase. I am patiently awaiting the CARep.


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 08:36:46 PM
Don,you've got me looking and I've looked at a few of those models and they have different lifting capacities.  Are their options for lift hydraulics capacities or is it just the different year models I've looked at?
Tex,
They seem to change with model improvements.
From the little I learned prior to purchase, the hydraulics will overpower the machines butt in a hurry.
I think the SVL75-2 has a lift capacity of, what 3200 lbs? or something like that?
The actual lift capacity is just shy of 5,000 lbs!
But it could not safely lift that to full height without some big counterweights, and therefore the skinny rating.
Now roll up to a 2.5 ton lift and that machine will get it done, no problem, but Kubota could scarcely publish that without risking the fury of the predator legal teams.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 08:41:08 PM
On a serious note:

When you DO decide to try and use it like a chainsaw, DON'T - They make a hydraulic cutting claw - equipment company might have one you can rent and attach to "Spud" and use it to shear cedars and SMALL trees off at the base instead of trying to run/ruin your new brush cutter thinking it's a buzz-saw!

 :facepalm:
The extreme cutter is rated to cut 10" material!!!!!!!!!

That's all day long mowing trees with a 10" caliper!

It weight over 2,000 lbs, has a flywheel made of 1" thick high strength steel and can even cut up fence wire. Takes trees all the way down to the ground and turns the whole tree into mulch in seconds. One amazing cutter!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 08:43:35 PM
Very nice purchase. I am patiently awaiting the CARep.


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Hopefully there will be few if any

I bought big to get reliability and longevity.

I need to actually produce a bunch more work if I am going to get that place up to par.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 08:46:34 PM
So, I may be selling landscaping boulders in the near future. Turns out there is a substantial market, so I may take a shot at paying for this new machine with the thousands of the things that litter my farm. The loader feature with a grapple will allow me to load the things up. If it takes off, I'll invest in that dump trailer or dump truck which I'll turn right around and use in the building of the farm.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 13, 2018, 08:49:21 PM
On a serious note:

When you DO decide to try and use it like a chainsaw, DON'T - They make a hydraulic cutting claw - equipment company might have one you can rent and attach to "Spud" and use it to shear cedars and SMALL trees off at the base instead of trying to run/ruin your new brush cutter thinking it's a buzz-saw!

 :facepalm:
The extreme cutter is rated to cut 10" material!!!!!!!!!

That's all day long mowing trees with a 10" caliper!

It weight over 2,000 lbs, has a flywheel made of 1" thick high strength steel and can even cut up fence wire. Takes trees all the way down to the ground and turns the whole tree into mulch in seconds. One amazing cutter!

You say mulch huh? Darn nemesis stuff will be everywhere now and you may be lost to never be heard from again.

Wait isn’t that what happened to sq d? :shocked:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 13, 2018, 09:17:42 PM
On a serious note:

When you DO decide to try and use it like a chainsaw, DON'T - They make a hydraulic cutting claw - equipment company might have one you can rent and attach to "Spud" and use it to shear cedars and SMALL trees off at the base instead of trying to run/ruin your new brush cutter thinking it's a buzz-saw!

 :facepalm:
The extreme cutter is rated to cut 10" material!!!!!!!!!

That's all day long mowing trees with a 10" caliper!

It weight over 2,000 lbs, has a flywheel made of 1" thick high strength steel and can even cut up fence wire. Takes trees all the way down to the ground and turns the whole tree into mulch in seconds. One amazing cutter!

You say mulch huh? Darn nemesis stuff will be everywhere now and you may be lost to never be heard from again.

Wait isn’t that what happened to sq d? :shocked:
I realize the danger in makin' more mulch

Keep me in your prayers for guidance, wisdom, and safety! ;-))
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Farmer Jon on January 14, 2018, 07:20:00 PM
That looks like a nice machine. Way better than our gutless case.

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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 14, 2018, 07:51:37 PM
That looks like a nice machine. Way better than our gutless case.

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Proof is in the puddin' Jon...I'll see if what I suspect is a great machine actually pans out on the farm
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on January 15, 2018, 10:20:19 AM
I see this post and immediately think of the paperwork I'd have to do when I train someone on skid steer useage.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 15, 2018, 11:03:25 AM
I see this post and immediately think of the paperwork I'd have to do when I train someone on skid steer useage.

Can you cover the portion on how to keep it off it’s lid for us? :tongue:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on January 15, 2018, 11:07:21 AM
I can almost read his epitaph from here:

"Hold my beer, I got this".~~Don H.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 15, 2018, 11:14:58 AM
I can almost read his epitaph from here:

"Hold my beer, I got this".~~Don H.

ROFL :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 15, 2018, 12:17:01 PM
I can almost read his epitaph from here:

"Hold my beer, I got this".~~Don H.
True, except insert "Sweet-Tea for "beer" and you got it!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 15, 2018, 12:19:55 PM
So, we ordered the extreme duty cutter, Blue Diamond part # 103025

and

A heavy duty construction tooth bucket with replaceable side cutters

and

A severe duty root grapple bucket, Blue Diamond # 106450

That should get me ankle to knee deep in trouble right there.

Have to bring some of you apprentices in to run some of these toys.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on January 15, 2018, 02:15:38 PM
Have to bring some of you apprentices in to run some of these toys.

is this to show you how to properly run them or...............:stickpoke:   :popcorn:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on January 15, 2018, 04:56:24 PM
Can you cover the portion on how to keep it off it’s lid for us? :tongue:

I can.


Have to bring some of you apprentices in to run some of these toys.

Don't even need apprentices... so easy even a pilot can do it.  :grin:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Superwhdm on January 15, 2018, 07:24:05 PM
Very nice acquisition, Don.  What is your main goal for it?  I didn’t read all the posts so I may have missed it.  Good thing you got the enclosed cab, that is the best way to go for sure.  If not for heat or cold, for thick dust that covers EVERYTHING.  That’s going to be a fine machine for you.  I have  sooo many used for a skid steer at the property. They are one of the most versatile tools Ive ever used. 

When are you painting it Armee Green?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 15, 2018, 09:28:09 PM
Very nice acquisition, Don.  What is your main goal for it?  I didn’t read all the posts so I may have missed it.  Good thing you got the enclosed cab, that is the best way to go for sure.  If not for heat or cold, for thick dust that covers EVERYTHING.  That’s going to be a fine machine for you.  I have  sooo many used for a skid steer at the property. They are one of the most versatile tools Ive ever used. 

When are you painting it Armee Green?
Painting it???

Funny you mention that

I was looking at purchasing a used unit, and you guessed it, I was going to spray it OD then take it down farmside ;-)

As for the main purpose? Well I can see two. First to move a lot of dirt and get those ponds contoured and tracked in

Secondly, With that super aggressive cutter, a lot of property clearing. I'll finally be able to easily cut in some trails, actually, tractor capable roads so that I can access all of my property, which I have never done before. I'll then more easily be able to maintain those trails too.

I called Blue Diamond and talked to them about their extreme cutter. It lists the thing as being able to cut 6" trees all day. THe guy there said that 6" caliper trees was actually well below its capability and he used his to hack down and grind up 10" trees!

The thing has a 3.5" thick main spindle with huge bearings to carry the shock loads. He said they had not had a failure, and that the cutter was a perfect match for the unit I purchased.

So, all the implements were ordered today, and most of the paperwork is complete. Everything is approved, and it turned out the unit I purchased came with a heavy duty construction tooth bucket! Yea! Score!

Looking at a delivery next week sometime
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 15, 2018, 09:35:08 PM
Just making sure I don’t start a duplicate thread etc.

There isn’t already a pool going for the date when he first puts this on its lid? If not I’ll be happy to start that thread and oversee the pool...... :popcorn:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on January 15, 2018, 09:42:14 PM
Just making sure I don’t start a duplicate thread etc.

There isn’t already a pool going for the date when he first puts this on its lid? If not I’ll be happy to start that thread and oversee the pool...... :popcorn:
I don't think there is one yet.

I'll take day two...
Sorry chief...
Pond, mucking said pond spells trouble...lid might be best case.

Very nice addition tho.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 15, 2018, 09:49:25 PM
I’m just hoping he doesn’t discover some underground caverns or such ...... carry a flashlight Don!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 08:59:06 AM
Just making sure I don’t start a duplicate thread etc.

There isn’t already a pool going for the date when he first puts this on its lid? If not I’ll be happy to start that thread and oversee the pool...... :popcorn:
Don't speak that into Spud's life, I rebuke it in the name of Jesus! ;-)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 09:03:45 AM
Just making sure I don’t start a duplicate thread etc.

There isn’t already a pool going for the date when he first puts this on its lid? If not I’ll be happy to start that thread and oversee the pool...... :popcorn:
I don't think there is one yet.

I'll take day two...
Sorry chief...
Pond, mucking said pond spells trouble...lid might be best case.

Very nice addition tho.
Ah, ye who have so little faith!

I can make a Chinook speak french

I can land a jet so smoothly that you don't spill a drop of fine wine on your lapel.

I can cruise over the open gates of hell in air conditioned comfort hanging below five rotor blades

And I can cruise along on the darkest of nights for hours mere feet above the earth

All that,

And you doubt my ability with this tracked shoehorn?

Shame on ya...Just shame on ya! ;-)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bob Smith on January 16, 2018, 10:13:25 AM

Don, practice- practice- practice. Start slowly on a pile of dirt and grow into it. That thing is capable of so many projects. You can buy or build an attachment for most anything needed to be done.
If you try, even a little bit, you can and will destroy something, so take it a bit easy OK....
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 16, 2018, 11:07:45 AM
Keep an eye on the arms for stress cracks etc, usually first sign you’re pushing it a bit far.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on January 16, 2018, 03:46:44 PM
I don't doubt your abilities chief...but those are two sided coins sometimes.

Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 16, 2018, 03:51:22 PM
And you don’t have a dedicated crew standing by each time you use it to repair the carnage inflicted.

I think I just got fired ....


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:17:08 PM
^^^Your testing the limits!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:19:24 PM
The pre-Ranger and I went over to have a look at our particular machine.

Freshly covered with 5" of powder we just got, here is the first view of the exact machine I will be taking delivery of:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:20:31 PM
Pre-Ranger approved!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:25:21 PM
This machine is loaded

It has the wide tracks

and

An air suspension seat

and

HIGH FLOW!!!!!!!

Can you flippin believe that? Its a high flow machine. That increases the pump output from 17 GPM up to around 30 GPM!

Now, I won't ever use it, but that is a spendy option and really places the machine in a different category. It could be used to run a concrete planner used to smooth roads, or the worlds most aggressive cutters if I wanted. (Read potential resale if I ever get rid of it.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:26:45 PM
It is set up for a radio or music player of my choosing
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:27:52 PM
These aircraft style controls make it so easy to operate, I think a child could do it after a couple minutes.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:31:34 PM
The window slides up over your head and back forward making getting out of the thing possible no matter the position of the boom. Consider working next to a pond, then the machine tumbles onto its side or lid in the pond. If the boom wasn't all the way down or all the way up, in a conventional door arrangement, you'd be trapped and likely drown. But with this machine you can get the glass out of the way
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 16, 2018, 10:34:55 PM
Already planning to go swimming in it??
:wink
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 16, 2018, 10:41:19 PM
Already planning to go swimming in it??
:wink
No, but by planning for the contingency, I can rest assured it will never happen...(You know...the way crap happens in life and all...) especially if It costs me money.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 16, 2018, 10:59:23 PM
The high flow doesn’t operate the bush hog you purchased? :huh:

Post hole augers etc......
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bigdave_185 on January 16, 2018, 11:01:30 PM
That’s comedy, we are setting records for January high temps. It was 60 degrees this weekend and you are getting five inches


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on January 17, 2018, 01:44:23 AM
So who gets to drive it first, you or the PR?

I can you working that thing all to Heck and back. The couple of K's I run for a few days never missed a beat, and I pushed.

Now remember, that cutter does not work on rocks.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 17, 2018, 12:23:06 PM
The high flow doesn’t operate the bush hog you purchased? :huh:

Post hole augers etc......

No...My units operate off of standard flow, high flow is not necessary

High flow creates a bunch more heat, but with some implements, high flow is a requirement.

Cost is a factor as well. The standard flow cutter I purchased was $6,900. A high flow unit would probably be thousands more. The motor costs more, then generally the assembly, parts, and similar need to be more robust. I think high flow moves much heavier weights at the same or greater speed. Generally speaking you need 90+ HP to even generate high flow hydraulics but K-bota has gotten it done for the 75 HP unit
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 17, 2018, 12:26:29 PM
That’s comedy, we are setting records for January high temps. It was 60 degrees this weekend and you are getting five inches


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Copy that!

We are experiencing a pretty cold (severe??) winter. Last year we had a sweatshirt winter that was damp and chilly. Now we are hard frozen and darned cold. Duane had his water pipes, three feet below the surface of the ground freeze and break!
He really got jammed up hard. He has a 2" supply line running to his home. He got home after a five day hockey trip to find the water welling up out of the ground. He has no idea how many thousands of dollars of water that may have flowed back into the creek.

Enjoy your warm climes my friend!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 17, 2018, 12:27:22 PM
So who gets to drive it first, you or the PR?

I can you working that thing all to Heck and back. The couple of K's I run for a few days never missed a beat, and I pushed.

Now remember, that cutter does not work on rocks.
How do you know that?

Not even soft limestone???
 :shocked:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 17, 2018, 01:11:49 PM
The high flow doesn’t operate the bush hog you purchased? :huh:

Post hole augers etc......

No...My units operate off of standard flow, high flow is not necessary

High flow creates a bunch more heat, but with some implements, high flow is a requirement.

Cost is a factor as well. The standard flow cutter I purchased was $6,900. A high flow unit would probably be thousands more. The motor costs more, then generally the assembly, parts, and similar need to be more robust. I think high flow moves much heavier weights at the same or greater speed. Generally speaking you need 90+ HP to even generate high flow hydraulics but K-bota has gotten it done for the 75 HP unit

Don, my late 90’s gehl 4625 had the optional high flow hydraulics and it wasn’t 50hp thinking like 48hp or something close.

Edit: so I did a bit of research as I was curious. In the past you needed the high flow to run heavy brush cutters etc. that is now not the case. They are using new larger motors and engineering design changes to the attachments so it is not necessary as in the past. My guess is if you pick up any used attachments you may need the high flow still.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 17, 2018, 05:29:10 PM
The high flow doesn’t operate the bush hog you purchased? :huh:

Post hole augers etc......

No...My units operate off of standard flow, high flow is not necessary

High flow creates a bunch more heat, but with some implements, high flow is a requirement.

Cost is a factor as well. The standard flow cutter I purchased was $6,900. A high flow unit would probably be thousands more. The motor costs more, then generally the assembly, parts, and similar need to be more robust. I think high flow moves much heavier weights at the same or greater speed. Generally speaking you need 90+ HP to even generate high flow hydraulics but K-bota has gotten it done for the 75 HP unit

Don, my late 90’s gehl 4625 had the optional high flow hydraulics and it wasn’t 50hp thinking like 48hp or something close.

Edit: so I did a bit of research as I was curious. In the past you needed the high flow to run heavy brush cutters etc. that is now not the case. They are using new larger motors and engineering design changes to the attachments so it is not necessary as in the past. My guess is if you pick up any used attachments you may need the high flow still.
Good to know, thanks!

and

I stand corrected!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on January 17, 2018, 07:12:17 PM
I would mount a 12ga on one side and a ar on the other right above the Kabota. Joystick aiming, just add a fire button.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 17, 2018, 10:23:37 PM
I would mount a 12ga on one side and a ar on the other right above the Kabota. Joystick aiming, just add a fire button.
Well, now that you mentioned it, I was going to add a shotgun/M4 mount in there somewhere. Critter shootin' if the need arose ;-))
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 07:03:45 PM
Something happened today at the Kubota dealership...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 23, 2018, 07:33:44 PM
TEASE!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 07:35:51 PM
...Nobody asked what happened...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 23, 2018, 07:37:20 PM
Were you there? Was a mulch bed in play? :tongue:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on January 23, 2018, 07:39:17 PM
Do you need bail money for anyone?  Did it have any thing to do with installing gun mounts?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Superwhdm on January 23, 2018, 07:40:34 PM
What....Happened????
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on January 23, 2018, 07:45:26 PM
Did you pick up your next victim???
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 23, 2018, 09:04:22 PM
What he didn’t want to play? I mean after the fifth response roughly someone asked “what happened?”
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 09:05:45 PM
This happened:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: dave945 on January 23, 2018, 09:07:56 PM
Did they get a SVL 95 in and you couldn’t help yourself?  You were going to get the 75, right?

You should have hem deliver it to my place, I’m only 25 minutes from you and you could play with it/get some work done for me without having to cart it all the way to your place.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 23, 2018, 09:10:38 PM
Oooh, Shiny  :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 09:21:13 PM
Whenst all this first started for me, I really wanted one of two different machines. Either a Cat 299 or a Kubota SLV 95-2.

I had located a used 95-2 with 400 hours that looked like it was a survivor of the battle of Ramadi followed by being drug along the ocean floor to New Jersey, where it sat in New York's Fresh-kill landfill until I found it.

So I backed away, ran from that stealership, straight to my dealership where I was told that although they had two 95's incoming, Kubota had told them the delivery would be delayed until spring.

But they had two new SVL-75-2's which could get the job done, so I settled, I bought it. I didn't, however sign any paperwork since they would not have any of that ready until my implements arrived, and as of today, they hadn't even shipped yet.

Knowing none of this this morning, I stopped by the dealership to take a look at Spud. We were walking out to the back lot when low and behold, I had to stop where the concrete ended and the mud began because of all this rain. I was looking at my machine all the time standing right beside a brand new SVL-95 which had just arrived within the hour, new from Kubota.

As my eyes focused on those new wide tracks, I was blown away. WHAT??? A NEW 95????????Rick, my sales guy said, yea, what a surprise, they came in this morning, we just unloaded two of them. TWO OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!

I looked at him and asked, "Rick, how much?"

He was super surprised, but thinking I was joking, we went inside and he gave me the number. Within one second, I flatly stated, "Sold!"

So I now own Spud's big brother, who, oddly enough, shares the same name.

So meet the new and mucho bigger Spud!

This thing is a beast. Weighs a ton more. Is a foot + longer. Bigger/longer tracks. Lifts almost a ton more. Is actually rated to work as a bulldozer. It's almost unmatched in this CTL world.

It is a high flow machine, air seat, radio, AC/Heat, wide track, self leveling bucket, and the bucket is a 81" (The SVL-75 has a 72" bucket) This thing can do anything a CTL loader is rated to do anywhere on earth.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 09:28:18 PM
So, Mikey, I need some clipart. Actually I just need the art

Here's what I want to do: The thing is named "Spud"

I would like to get someone to draw up a Idaho Potato with muscular legs and arms. Put a WW1 US Army "Campaign" hat on it, have it smoking a cigar with bushy eyebrows and a stash. Let's have it wearing some Army Camo uniform with combat boots and put some corporal stripes on the sleeve that is visible. Maybe have this military combat spud holding its arms up in a boxing pose with big hands and knuckles, and a determined look on its face.

I want to take that, and have some company make me up a vinyl decal of same so I can plaster it on the side of this new "Spud" to give it some attitude.

Anybody good at drawing something like that? I can't draw a proper stick person!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 23, 2018, 09:46:59 PM
Looks to be a real workhorse, just don’t break its back......
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 09:51:18 PM
What a difference!

                                 SVL-75        SVL-95
35% tipping load         2300           3500

Tipping load                6570           9143

Breakout, bucket         6204           7961

Breakout lift arm         4766           6742

Track Width                 15              17.7

Track Length                56.5in        65.6 in

Track Rollers                4                5

Horsepower                 74.3           96.4

Hydraulic flow Std        17.4gpm     23.1gpm/40gpm HF!

Hydraulic pressure        3185 psi     3553 psi

Operating weight          9,315          11,574

Tractive force               9,678           12,178

Width                          68.3 in         77.2 in

Length w/bucket          140.8 in       154.6 in

Max bucket height        119.1 in      128.5 in

THis SVL 95 just crushes its little brother and most of the competition as well!

Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 23, 2018, 09:52:48 PM
Looks to be a real workhorse, just don’t break its back......
Come on over and learn me how to use this thing

I'm never going to be home anymore! :::-)))
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on January 23, 2018, 10:31:19 PM
Upgrade!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on January 23, 2018, 10:57:22 PM
Upgrade!
m

You think the dealer saw him coming too? :tongue:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on January 23, 2018, 10:59:43 PM
So, will the excavator lift 6 tons while reaching over a muddy pond?  (sorry, it was my first thought)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on January 23, 2018, 11:24:04 PM
No, I think he will sink it long before he breaks it. Still that time of year and he's in a hurry.

Does it use DEF? That was a plus of the 75, right?

I just saw the $$$, sure not what you paid but you can get a new Dmax for that with lots of change!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on January 24, 2018, 08:07:45 AM
SERIOUS UPGRADE!

But...is is just me or is this how anyone else see it going?

I had located a used 95-2 with 400 hours that looked like it was a survivor of the battle of Ramadi followed by being drug along the ocean floor to New Jersey, where it sat in New York's Fresh-kill landfill until I found it.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 24, 2018, 10:47:16 AM
No, I think he will sink it long before he breaks it. Still that time of year and he's in a hurry.

Does it use DEF? That was a plus of the 75, right?

I just saw the $$$, sure not what you paid but you can get a new Dmax for that with lots of change!
Cost: Obscene!

DEF: Yes...(Until I can figure out how to, well, let's say, I'd be interested in freeing up some elbow room in and around the engine bay...

Other than a house and a Farm, the most spendy thing I personally ever had to buy.

So my D-Max will have to serve me for years to come

But that's cool. I am really getting over chasing after the next new toy. I really like my truck, why change it out? This CTL will serve me and after I am once again dirt, my family for decades! Buying things like Farms, Excavators, Barns, CTL's is more of a permanent thing. Witness the purchase of my 4720 JD Tractor. Purchased in 2012 for something under $50K, and paid off in 2017, it sits ready to work having less than 300 hours on it. We're talking a unit that will be cuttin' weeds up with over 3,000 hours on the clock in the 2040's, it answers that need in my life, well, for all of my life.

The Farm will be the place where my sons take their son's hunting for the first time. Then their sons will bring their sons to there as well. This is really heritage kind of stuff we're talking about here, and Spud is/will be a part of that story for a very long time.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 24, 2018, 11:17:25 AM
Here's that Blue Diamond cutter I purchased:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=Stb7JREBQdE
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on January 24, 2018, 11:24:05 AM
Here's that Blue Diamond cutter I purchased:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=Stb7JREBQdE

Imagin what that could do to Zombies or Hajis.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 24, 2018, 02:29:41 PM
Here's that Blue Diamond cutter I purchased:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=Stb7JREBQdE

Imagin what that could do to Zombies or Hajis.
Hmmm, never thought of that...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on January 24, 2018, 05:31:57 PM
I must say, Spud is quite the beautiful piece of equipment, and I don't have one.................yet!  (is jealousy still a sin?)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 24, 2018, 06:57:59 PM
I must say, Spud is quite the beautiful piece of equipment, and I don't have one.................yet!  (is jealousy still a sin?)
Ahhhh...??
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on January 24, 2018, 11:05:24 PM
I've read the 10th commandment several times, and I don't recall seeing anything about a skid steer in there!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 25, 2018, 09:59:34 AM
I've read the 10th commandment several times, and I don't recall seeing anything about a skid steer in there!
Well, then, I submit to the higher intellect!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:00:19 AM
We have a SPE

(Spud Pic Event)

Went over to view it (Again...Kid just before Christmas)

And I got to look over the actual machine I own. They brought it into the shop, awaiting mods and accessories

Oh, mods you ask?

I am looking at a rear view camera setup, a "forestry kit" which places steel guards overtop breakable things, and of course the shotgun/M4 mount. Kubota does not manufacture one of those selections which is causing some stir at the dealership...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:02:09 AM
Check out the width and aggressiveness of those tracks! They are nearly 18" wide!. By comparison, Sarge has 15" tracks, but Chief has something like 21" wide steelies

And, this is a new pattern, specifically designed to get a machine around on my farm! Yep, hard to believe...But its designed just for me!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:06:50 AM
Well, I may not be completely truthful here, but who cares! I mean who listens to anything anyway?

Exactly!

One thing that caused me to look at this machine to begin with is the way the track system is unshrouded. Check out the bobcat and you will notice the bogie wheel and suspension cover extends all the way up to the upper track. When working dirt, said dirt packs in, and like freezing and expanding ice, tends to push on things, like the track for example. This pushing action can actually lift the track off the sprocket and cause you a de-tracking event which is up there with a root canal on the fun-meter.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:08:00 AM
Well laid out cockpit and instrumentation. This one, unfortunately has a hippie-juice gage which I hope to redesignate someday soon as the aux-fuel gage
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:08:58 AM
I guess I'll be working in a glass box!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on January 26, 2018, 10:12:58 AM
Other than the hippie juice looks real good.
That track width will be low impact and high floatation, but not buoyancy kind.

The curves in the lug should help flush mud out also,  :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:13:18 AM
So this one does not have an air seat (yet)

See the green thing under the seat?

Works like this: You crank the knob to dial in your weight. Then you operate the thing and jump it a few times in high gear at, say 35 mph. Then check out the green thing and note the "Range" your fatt butttt is operatin' in. Adjust the springs to sync up lines with green range fields and you have a marriage of your fatt buttt and the terrain.

Not callin' you out Nate/Shawn/Matt

(Matt, you're a fatt buttt guy (NCO) right? ;-))
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:13:52 AM
Other than the hippie juice looks real good.
That track width will be low impact and high floatation, but not buoyancy kind.

The curves in the lug should help flush mud out also,  :likebutton:

4.4 lbs ground pressure Sam
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:16:10 AM
Well laid out maintenance access. Radiator slides out to open up access to all filters

Cab raises up and tilts back 72 degrees to get to electrical stuff and extra ammo.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:19:51 AM
Thee is a steelie guard that gets bolted over this hippie knob.

I hear these blue juice caps convert into marijuana bowls for states where the stuff is legalized (or not). Purpose, according to Kubota, is that later on after the hippies are tired from protesting the earth killing devastation you caused by smoothing some gravel or cutting the grass, they can relax, smoke the devil weed, then forget all about why they are actually there!

Brilliant!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:21:30 AM
Oh, and Kubota has tested this DPF up to .45 ammo. You can split the thing after removal and use it as a bullet trap, I am told. Very useful!

Although being from Kentucky, it looks more like a still component to me ;-))
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:26:23 AM
This hingable backstop is pretty heavy. Those slats are something like 3/16 steel, and I'd say the framework is the same. You wouldn't what to drop it on your foot. It was designed so that city boys would sprain their inter-finger muscles and cause discomfort! No, really! That would, according to Kubota, cause them to seek medication and counsel of their zen-therapist. Apparently by designing the door in that way, Kubota was able to obtain some financial compensation from big pharma and the local gay-rights society and pro-choice movement!

Amazing!

I knew we could make money off these idiots, err, I meant progressives...So clever of Kubota. (Note: I guess the Japs picked up on how stupid these people are as well!)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:32:31 AM
You will notice the hard point attachments on the loader arms

Tested to survive the recoil of 20mm cannon, I liked the aviation attachment coming soon.

You see this one has a two speed transmission. Low is zero to 20mps-30mps or something like that. (Millimeters per second)

High range has not yet been fully explored...Really!

So a forward thinking engineer has actually developed bolt on wings!

You see, instead of messin with trailers and the like, the idea for the 95-3 model, I understand) will be to simply fly to the next job site. Hippies love the low environmental impact and we hillbillies like the idea that those idiots would consider such a preposterous idea. But the world is all upside down and backwards, so who really cares?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 10:42:59 AM
Now the beauty of the thing was created by the Ralph Lauren clothing design team and the color by the US Armee, Naddick testing labratory which is "Way out there" looking for the US Armee's next generation camouflage.

Why you ask? Ever see the militarie do anything that made sense? Exactly!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Atkinsmatt on January 26, 2018, 12:36:27 PM
So this one does not have an air seat (yet)

See the green thing under the seat?

Works like this: You crank the knob to dial in your weight. Then you operate the thing and jump it a few times in high gear at, say 35 mph. Then check out the green thing and note the "Range" your fatt butttt is operatin' in. Adjust the springs to sync up lines with green range fields and you have a marriage of your fatt buttt and the terrain.

Not callin' you out Nate/Shawn/Matt

(Matt, you're a fatt buttt guy (NCO) right? ;-))

I am an NCO and I seem to remember you posting a photo of a Warrant Officer PT formation somewhere.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bigdave_185 on January 26, 2018, 02:39:02 PM
You spent far to much time writing all of that don


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: dave945 on January 26, 2018, 08:24:11 PM
I do like the custom tread pattern they made up for you, just a bunch of your last initial. H!!!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on January 26, 2018, 08:30:31 PM
I do like the custom tread pattern they made up for you, just a bunch of your last initial. H!!!
;-)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 07:21:30 PM
I was able to drive today finally, although touch and go...Got the Surgeons report earlier...Severely torn meniscus on both sides of the joint and ruptured rear joint sac blowing fluid out into my leg...
Meaning: Was really happy to get out of the house if even for a little bit, so off to see parts I wnet

The cutter and the grapple came in, the tooth bucket is already here and the auger is on short final, full flaps, thrust to idle and in the flare!

Unfortunately, the cutter was completely destroyed by some dust. dirt and a few streaks of rust...Pity really!

Look into the gaping mouth of that thing
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 07:25:20 PM
This is the very definition of heavy duty!

3/8" to 1/2" steel abounds

500 lb flywheel

And it's heat saving low flow. I think this completely armored direct drive motor requires 16 GPH. My hydraulic flow is actually controllable with a dial, but I am up to 23 gal/hr in low and all the way up to a screaming 40 gal/hr in high flow mode
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 07:27:41 PM
The guy who hauled this stuff out there said he needed a skid steer just to move it!

I think the cutter is over a ton, and if that's not enough, take a look at this grapple:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on February 08, 2018, 08:28:07 PM
 :likebutton:

Nice equipment there....


Pretty soon that knee will match in durability!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on February 08, 2018, 09:04:04 PM
Not sure if thats good news or not on the knee. Hope for the best!

My knee is getting better, think it was a pinched nerve. Someone thought it might be my minucus but I haven't done a thing to it.

That is a machine there, now you need a tractor to go with it.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on February 08, 2018, 09:21:06 PM
What in the world is that shiny frozen water looking stuff hanging from the cutter blade? Never seen anything like that out here!...yeah it was like 80*+ today
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 09:32:34 PM
Cold weather Kenneth!

This thing is definitely built well. Look at the steel guards which float over the cylinder and protect them and the fittings. All in all, a well built piece of equipment
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 09:33:52 PM
And right next door is the papa, just awaiting someone to please put it to work!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 08, 2018, 09:34:39 PM
I think I'll be spending a lot of money in this place in the future:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 22, 2018, 07:41:01 PM
Well, I went down and committed myself to a pretty hefty financial lift this afternoon.

Good news is for some reason they combined things and gave me a great finance rate, 1.47%

I will, of course pay that off as quickly as I can, but considering the quality of the equipment, the warranties, and the work this thing can produce, I am really looking forward to some bright days ahead.

I just hope I get some time in that cab before other commitments bury me.

My knee has gotten to the point where it hurts, but I am mobile. I scheduled delivery for Monday Morning.

Doctor says the knee is sound and won't come apart, will just produce lots of pain. So the way I see it, if I can stand the pain, there is nothing stopping me from working, so ah-werkin I will go!

Oh and the Blue Diamond Auger came in as well, so I am 100% up and ready!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on February 22, 2018, 08:19:37 PM
Pain is weakness leaving the body


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on February 22, 2018, 10:47:15 PM
Pain is weakness leaving the body


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Sure Don is tuff, but knee pain can really get you. We need pics of course!! (not the knee)

Dr said mine is sprain, but I have a pinched nerve also. That is keeping me from sleeping way to much. Only hurts when I lay down??
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on February 23, 2018, 12:14:44 AM
Did anyone else notice how he slipped “warranties” in there on us? Yes, I read that as plural. Now I’m not sure if that was a warranty for each piece or was the boss thinking ahead and purchased extra protection for spud on top of standard manufacturer type warranty?

I’m wondering if he gets towing included? Think triple A offers that? I’m sure he added something like that on you know with C Max getting quagmired in all those cedar mulch beds. No way Don can eat loses of two machines down and for twice the time length. Granted if Sq D was operational, oops sorry didn’t mean to mention that unmentionable again.  :undecided:

Yes, I’m thinking maybe he took out an extra insurance policy, it would make sense after us taking bets on how many days before he had it on it’s lid. We all know the manufacturer won’t cover that and I doubt a roll over with that beast will buff out easily.

Then with him being former Army do you think he had to disclose that when buying the extra coverage? I’m sure the actuaries take stuff like that into account when tallying the damages for such a policy. Although maybe it was a wash with his AARP membership discount included?

For the record Don, I noticed you taking cheap shots Again recently on the ol Jeep of mine so this is payback......  :beercheers:

And if you get too upset, just fire Ken again. The thought of that always makes me feel better!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on February 23, 2018, 01:20:30 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 23, 2018, 09:33:22 AM
Cheap shots-returned fire: Noted

Warranties :In place, all equipment

Insurance against gettin' all buggered up: In place for 60 months/all equipment
                                                           Readin' the fine print, looks like it covers deep paint scratches which cause rust which
                                                           causes machine failure, little else!
Something said about the Armee: Not understood

and

New rule: Whenever Ken is fired, so is Shawn, Just Cause! (Hey didn't I do an invasion once by that namesake?)

CM
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on February 23, 2018, 12:03:32 PM
Ok fine, I'll come down and put the equipment to work. I normally charge BBQ and sweet tea, but it can be negotiable.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 23, 2018, 06:03:11 PM
Ok fine, I'll come down and put the equipment to work. I normally charge BBQ and sweet tea, but it can be negotiable.
;-)   :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on February 23, 2018, 10:57:44 PM
Hey, don't blame me for that hippie rabble!

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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on February 23, 2018, 11:12:02 PM
Hey, don't blame me for that hippie rabble!

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Ken, I think I should be the one saying that not you
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 24, 2018, 11:09:34 AM
^^^^^ :knucklehead:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 26, 2018, 09:41:12 PM
Delivery day was today!  Finally
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 26, 2018, 09:43:33 PM
The auger came in and was mounted to the machine when I arrived. It sports a 9" bit that is rated to bore through the limestone if I so choose

The bucket has those cool removable side cutters. One HD unit!

No slip steps are welded all over the place
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 26, 2018, 09:45:41 PM
And here it is sitting at the farm
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bigdave_185 on February 26, 2018, 09:49:14 PM
wow that is a mighty fine looking machine!! all sorts of shiny parts!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 26, 2018, 09:50:01 PM
Getting used to it, I first spread gravel, then leveled some of the crude work I had done with sarge last summer

Then I discovered that the new pond had filled completely to overfilled and was running out and cutting away at the levee. I used Spud to fill in the eroded area and even build the levee a foot higher. It is so fast. Makes short work of big piles of dirt. This thing is amazing. Out works Sarge which is twice its size.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on February 26, 2018, 10:10:21 PM
What’s that TV for?  You watching All My Children while you work?


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on February 26, 2018, 10:41:54 PM
What’s that TV for?  You watching All My Children while you work?


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 :popcorn:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on February 26, 2018, 11:48:45 PM
You could have at least taken 1 picture before you go it all dirlty!

Did you try out the auger?

I bet sarge is not happy with the new kid.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Superwhdm on February 27, 2018, 07:13:39 AM
So when are you planning on deleting the DPF and SCR on that thing?  :grin: :beercheers:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 27, 2018, 08:14:57 AM
What’s that TV for?  You watching All My Children while you work?


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When one spends 80K for a toy it comes with a year of HBO and SHowtime...Free!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 27, 2018, 08:15:23 AM
So when are you planning on deleting the DPF and SCR on that thing?  :grin: :beercheers:
I'm talkin' to a guy at the moment...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on February 27, 2018, 08:16:41 AM
You could have at least taken 1 picture before you go it all dirlty!

Did you try out the auger?

I bet sarge is not happy with the new kid.
Dunno, I put em' bucket to bucket to let them work out their differences

Today, Chief gets intro'd into the mix...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Superwhdm on February 27, 2018, 09:22:09 AM
So when are you planning on deleting the DPF and SCR on that thing?  :grin: :beercheers:
I'm talkin' to a guy at the moment...

 :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: wyorunner on February 27, 2018, 04:36:56 PM
You know, you should probably send sarge to auction, like an old cow. Ain’t much left but might get something :)


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Atkinsmatt on February 27, 2018, 05:31:46 PM
You could have at least taken 1 picture before you go it all dirlty!

Did you try out the auger?

I bet sarge is not happy with the new kid.
Dunno, I put em' bucket to bucket to let them work out their differences
Ok
Today, Chief gets intro'd into the mix...

Take the 2 that don't get along and make them share a foxhole.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:34:18 PM
I'm at 16.6 hours now on the machine and sadly, I have to report my first CARREP.

First a hydraulic line was ripped out by an intruding limb while back dragging and mulching a pile of branches
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:36:22 PM
So, I pulled it off to have a new one made. I think I'll actually have two built or figure out a way to protect that hose with maybe some covering. Kubota adds covers over the manifold and clamps the lines every couple feet, all part of a good design.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:38:03 PM
Next up, I was surprised to discover the guard/push rail up front was dented and pushed in on both sides. THat is unexpected as it is designed to push over trees to stress them while the blades do their thing.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:39:48 PM
And the blades are really chunked up. But they saw their share of limestone and thick tree bases. They have probably cut a couple hundred trees and saplings at this point, and munched up a bunch of years old piles of trees and branches.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:41:34 PM
The rest of the chassis is doing well, as are the tracks.

But it sure does accumulate its share of debris!

Well, it will be back to shuttling dirt in a few days!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 09, 2018, 08:44:23 PM
Looking above the loader arms at the closest left corner of the pondage, is what Spud will be shuttling next. I'll cut that area out with Chief, then dig another adjacent pond, and break that levee. Idea is to lower the water enough to snake in that drain pipe and start to get control of the water level.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on March 10, 2018, 01:21:07 AM
Well, you knew it had to happen. At least its friday and not late Sat or Sun so you can get hoses.

As for the dents, are you taking a run at em or what? Maybe cut some next size up tube in half and bolt/tac weld it on?

Sounds like you are happy with it so far, doing its job well?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on March 10, 2018, 06:42:33 AM
Quite the machine there Don!  Now, when using it, maybe approach what you're cutting the same way you landed your Chinook when TOUCHing down in pine trees?  Slow and steady as if you expect those blades to need to carry your craft home, and not like a teenage boy and........well you know.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on March 10, 2018, 07:38:50 AM
Don you might want to consider looking on CL or elsewhere for a used gates hydraulic hose maker and keep some supplies around.  Bet it would pay for itsself PDQ
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on March 10, 2018, 08:31:43 AM
 :popcorn:

Not been on it's lid yet, ok keep going..........

more, faster.......  :facepalm:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 10, 2018, 09:06:06 AM
Well, you knew it had to happen. At least its friday and not late Sat or Sun so you can get hoses.

As for the dents, are you taking a run at em or what? Maybe cut some next size up tube in half and bolt/tac weld it on?

Sounds like you are happy with it so far, doing its job well?
It is a tremendous machine. Works more than Sarge. The larger loader has its place, like keeping up with the pile that Chief can generate, but this rubber track thing is not so destructive and so versatile. I really haven't cracked the surface of what this thing really can do.
Next week, I'm going to plug on the auger and punch a million holes for ornamental grass, flower bulbs, rose bushes, buried ammo...err, setting logs, stuff like that...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 10, 2018, 09:07:06 AM
Don you might want to consider looking on CL or elsewhere for a used gates hydraulic hose maker and keep some supplies around.  Bet it would pay for itsself PDQ
Ya, know...???...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 10, 2018, 09:08:13 AM
:popcorn:

Not been on it's lid yet, ok keep going..........

more, faster.......  :facepalm:
You're a bad man!

Go work on your girl's jeep and stop messin' with me...;-)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on March 10, 2018, 09:27:10 AM
:popcorn:

Not been on it's lid yet, ok keep going..........

more, faster.......  :facepalm:
You're a bad man!

Go work on your girl's jeep and stop messin' with me...;-)

I have been and fighting a darn cold while doing so.....

Making good progress on it and will have her do an update this weekend with the results & pics.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: OldKooT on March 10, 2018, 10:36:16 AM
Don... if ya haven't already mounted a decent size fire extinguisher on that machine, do it.  Dry debris, hot machines/bearings and such have a funny way of igniting at times. And be careful with those tracks. They may not be as easy to ruin as a tire...but wreck one on a old tree stump and.... well our Skidsteers all have tires these days LoL

I agree with TRN ya need a few grand worth of Hydraulic line "consumables"  This is standard issue farmer stuff  :cheesy:

Funny story about that.... last night my parts washer in the shop spring a leak where the line runs from the pump to the "faucet" and made a nice mess. Not wanting this to happen again I ran to the farm and whipped up a 1/4" feed line from hyd hose and likely $40 worth of fittings LoL  But hey it was 9pm and I don't want it to leak again.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on March 10, 2018, 11:00:53 AM
Funny story about that.... last night my parts washer in the shop spring a leak where the line runs from the pump to the "faucet" and made a nice mess. Not wanting this to happen again I ran to the farm and whipped up a 1/4" feed line from hyd hose and likely $40 worth of fittings LoL  But hey it was 9pm and I don't want it to leak again.

Time for a larger pump now.....
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on March 10, 2018, 01:45:25 PM
Don you might want to consider looking on CL or elsewhere for a used gates hydraulic hose maker and keep some supplies around.  Bet it would pay for itsself PDQ

That had just gone through my head when I read yours!

 :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 23, 2018, 09:48:38 PM
I checked the bucket for damage. It has been used pretty hard so far.

Inspection revealed nothing but paint scratches so far!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 23, 2018, 09:50:59 PM
The new grapple is a beast. It opens and closes a bit too fast for my liking. I was shearing off the ends of the boulders when that claw would slam down at like a hundred miles an hour. It's more like a mouse trap that the grapple on the tractor.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 23, 2018, 09:51:49 PM
Almost 22 hours on the machine so far and its running great!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 23, 2018, 09:54:09 PM
The rubber tracks are showing some wear and tear. There are some good cuts and gouges in the rubber here and there

I'm good with that

The thing is a dream to operate. It just doesn't seem to have any limits. although today, for the first time it would not climb a steep slope, but chose to spin the tracks and dig the dirt away instead.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on March 23, 2018, 10:34:10 PM
As fancy as that thing is you don’t have a pressure adjustment on the aux hydraulics?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bob Smith on March 23, 2018, 10:48:28 PM
Don, keep the load as close to the ground as possible when traveling. Safer and balances out the weight.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on March 24, 2018, 12:28:41 AM
As fancy as that thing is you don’t have a pressure adjustment on the aux hydraulics?

Thinking the same. Can you limit the flow with the claws on.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on March 24, 2018, 07:42:58 AM
Don, keep the load as close to the ground as possible when traveling. Safer and balances out the weight.

How steep was the slope?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on March 24, 2018, 08:51:53 AM
https://www.zoro.com/parker-flow-control-valve-14-npt-14-npt-pf-400b/i/G3077627/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7u-6f-E2gIVErbACh3pxgfQEAQYAiABEgKMCvD_BwE#specifications

Put something like this on the inlet side of the claw


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 24, 2018, 08:58:23 AM
As fancy as that thing is you don’t have a pressure adjustment on the aux hydraulics?
It does...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 24, 2018, 08:59:16 AM
Don, keep the load as close to the ground as possible when traveling. Safer and balances out the weight.

How steep was the slope?
Steep, maybe 45 degrees...A cut in the field where the road goes through
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 24, 2018, 09:01:57 AM
https://www.zoro.com/parker-flow-control-valve-14-npt-14-npt-pf-400b/i/G3077627/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu7u-6f-E2gIVErbACh3pxgfQEAQYAiABEgKMCvD_BwE#specifications

Put something like this on the inlet side of the claw


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Just to be clear on this

First the hydraulics flow/pressure is all adjustable with electronics

Next, the momentary switch on the control is a variable affair. If you barely roll into it, you just get a trickle, slam it over and you get full power, like right now.

It's all a technique/learning thing...Like flying, yea, like that...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on March 24, 2018, 10:46:44 AM
Are you saying that when you work that thang, it's more like a ninety year old with palsy?



(Lord, please forgive me for making fun of old people)

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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on March 24, 2018, 12:27:56 PM
Are you saying that when you work that thang, it's more like a ninety year old with palsy?



(Lord, please forgive me for making fun of old people)

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk


Having a hard time visualizing that Kenneth...

Whatever that was you were trying to tell me (Not the sender...The sendee..;-))

This thing is a hoot to operate and to own!

I'd do it again, and I hope never to be without one again!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on April 07, 2018, 02:04:27 PM
Still running like a beast. Man this thing is powerful!

Accumulating some scratches, but no additional damage of a serious nature. It just kills every job I feed to it!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bigdave_185 on May 11, 2018, 11:06:52 AM
I just found the next attachment you need here Don!

https://youtu.be/IJ6joh5l6zY


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on May 11, 2018, 07:39:54 PM
Oh lawd noooo!!!!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: cudakidd53 on May 11, 2018, 07:43:55 PM
 How come the green state of Kentucky suddenly looks like Arizona?  Oh that’s right Don got a flamethrower!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on May 11, 2018, 07:45:19 PM
Oh ya!!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Bigdave_185 on May 11, 2018, 08:58:59 PM
I still don’t understand the actual need for the product, I mean really to start pallets on fire?


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on May 11, 2018, 10:02:11 PM
Dave, need? When did that ever become a requirement?  :huh:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on May 11, 2018, 10:05:14 PM
I don’t need one either.
But now I want one for my quad!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: KensAuto on May 12, 2018, 02:15:27 AM
Where is our fearless leader btw?

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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on May 12, 2018, 03:22:01 AM
Dave, I was going to post something earlier, but let it go.  :wink:

Why do we drive these trucks? Why do I want 30+ round magazines? A flame thrower, you betcha!!!!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 08:05:25 AM
I like that

But made me think

If you mounted a flame thrower

then

why not

just mount a GAU-17?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 08:49:05 AM
The machine continues to run well. Now past 35 hours and plenty of hard work in its past.

I used to be a M60A1 Tank Crewman. And from that time I remember well the need to keep the tracks adjusted to prevent you from "Throwing a Track."

In modern linguistics, the unfortunate event is called "De-Tracking"

I remember the awful crunching sound the M60 would make as the track folded to the inside or outside, walking off the sprocket or roadwheel. That sound meant hours of super hard work disassembling it so that it could be worked back on.

The sound a SVL-95 makes when detracking is a lot like that. You just know instantly that your day(s) changed.

So yea...
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 08:55:52 AM
But the difference with these rubber track machines is that the tracks are one piece, can't split them

But the compensating road wheel that applies track tension, is forced out into position with a grease filled cylinder.

Simply remove the grease fitting cap, and you are immediately greated by a spraying grease shower, but after that, the track tension is all gone.

I backed up over a stump, then raised the front by lowering the front implement, then with spud bar (Hey, same name) worked the track back on. It was a 2 hour job start to finish, I pumped the cylinder back up and was right back into production.

I did sharpen the cutter blades which can be commanded to change direction.

I experimented with putting a knife like edge on one side than a busting axe edge on the other.

I noted that the knife edge would cut a 8" cedar tree in half in seconds, whereas the chisel edge would like to hammer away and pulverize the tree.

I prefer the finer cutting edge, but it will not stand up to rocks, old car suspension parts, fence wire, and did I say, rocks very well
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 08:57:03 AM
The cutter itself is holding up well. I have used it to push over 25-30 foot tall trees by the scads!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 08:59:01 AM
It finished three days of hard work in spades!

What a machine!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on May 12, 2018, 10:13:28 AM
throwing track.......oh the memories!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on May 12, 2018, 01:27:52 PM
I wondered about the tracks being one piece and what would happen.

Guess it is paying for itself well and gets a thumbs up?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 12, 2018, 03:29:04 PM
I wondered about the tracks being one piece and what would happen.

Guess it is paying for itself well and gets a thumbs up?
These things rent for $150-$200 a day, and to get someone in is $125-$150 an hour, five hour min.

I get to use mine whenever I want to, and yesterday, I was cutting in an air conditioned cab. Man it was nice!

This machine is just worth its weight in gold for the do everything piece of equipment. And now with the flamethrower, we can add crowd control and barbecuing to the list of tasks it can do!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on May 30, 2018, 11:00:05 AM
Well, the thing continues to run great. I'm approaching 50 hours on the hobbs and the machine just continues to power through everything I throw at it.

It did suffer some damage though, suffering a busted work light and a bent cutter guard. It sports some scratches, but those are to be expected.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 05, 2018, 03:12:42 PM
Well, at 65 hours on the machine now, it has exhausted its first DEF tank, I'll need to top it off

It continues to run very well. This machine is just great! I don't think I've ever owned anything as productive, solidly built, powerful, and fun to operate. I love it!

I am taking it into the dealership to do a full service, and to replace a busted out windshield. You can read about it on my hideSite thread, but a big rock took a tumble, slowing slightly as it passed through the windshield to eventually enter the cab and join me!

I'll get a pic of it at the stealership.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: TexasRedNeck on August 05, 2018, 03:19:44 PM
You gonna trailer it or have them pick it up?


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Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 06, 2018, 02:00:55 PM
You gonna trailer it or have them pick it up?


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Turns out it is insured

Kubota will come and get it, then repair it, and deliver it back to me when finished.

Cost to me is $250 (Deductible) which I consider quite the deal considering the cost of the repair.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Sammconn on August 06, 2018, 02:45:20 PM
That is quite a deal. I’m thinking it could be around 1k in “towing” if you had to pay.
$250 to replace everything is a pretty good deal too.

Is that going to include the light also?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 06, 2018, 03:09:13 PM
That is quite a deal. I’m thinking it could be around 1k in “towing” if you had to pay.
$250 to replace everything is a pretty good deal too.

Is that going to include the light also?
Copy, good deal

Light??? Dunno. I'll disclose and let nature take its course

All the while being hopeful I win!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 11, 2018, 05:27:46 PM
Here's the broken glass and dirt that liked to fill up the cab!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 11, 2018, 05:29:16 PM
So, it's at the dealership at the moment awaiting parts. I checked on putting that crush and blast proof door on the thing. It is like a $3,000 addition!

Won't be getting that anytime soon
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 11, 2018, 05:30:14 PM
Other than that, the condition of the machine is very good
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Nate on August 11, 2018, 06:59:15 PM
So since they have it at the shop, are they going to give it the once over to make sure you didnt break anything else?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on August 12, 2018, 01:59:15 AM
At least there is not blood mixed in there. Solid machine it appears.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 12, 2018, 02:20:53 PM
So since they have it at the shop, are they going to give it the once over to make sure you didnt break anything else?
Yessir
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on August 12, 2018, 02:22:25 PM
At least there is not blood mixed in there. Solid machine it appears.
Yea, its soild

Around here this machine is preferred over the Cat 299. Just a strong rep for good service, brute strength and great factory backing. I am experiencing all of the above.

Only thing I did not like about this machine was paying for it!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 01, 2018, 11:00:31 AM
SPUDREP FOLLOWS:

Well, Spud is about finished being repaired.

I'll post a pic or two in a bit, but the new glass is seated to the new door frame, and most of the new parts are assembled

The service was completed and luckily, a recall came down while I was in the shop so they did that as well.

The recall addresses the cabin air filtration. I guess they figured out a better way of routing the intake hoses for the environmental unit. That mod required an interior disassembly and installation of new ducting, new filter, and some unique and new parts. Meaning of all that was that the thing got a detailed interior spaces cleaning, and new filters. Somehow that MWO allowed them to change the engine oil and filter as well on Kubota's tab!

I must say, this Kubota machine is so well built, runs just great, and the warranty/insurance/service treatment I received is absolutely outstanding!

I don't think I will ever look at a green tractor again! This has me wanting to switch over to Kubota stuff when the next purchase is required. For now I think I have what I need and am satisfied.

Kudos to Tri-State Kubota in Florence and to Kubota Corporation as a whole!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: JR on September 01, 2018, 12:36:03 PM
 :likebutton:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 16, 2018, 04:06:45 PM
OK, let's get this thread updated

Here is the guys replacing the windshield and installing a newer style air filtration system that is supposed to keep the interior operating room clean!

Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 16, 2018, 04:07:38 PM
And safely delivered back to the demolition derby (My farm)
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 16, 2018, 04:08:47 PM
The new windshield also included a new wiper motor, new hinges, handles, hardware, everything. They also fixed the cracked work light
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 16, 2018, 04:13:09 PM
The modification to the air intake system was quite extensive. The back deck got a new redesigned cover which now has a precleaner for the air intake. This thing has inner rotating arms which sweep centrifuged dirt particles out the back which is said to remove 90% of the dirt before it sees the filter

They also replaced both engine and interior air filters which they told me were trashed after just 65 hours, and the engine oil filter and oil!

They replaced the main hydraulic oil filter, a break-in thing, so the machine came back to me fully serviced and really runs great. I ran it a good hard 6+ hours without a hiccup. This thing remains clearly without equal as the best piece of equipment I have ever purchased.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on September 17, 2018, 08:35:46 AM
So you're working the private who still has motivation, meanwhile Sarge is in the corner with arthritis, back and knee issues and no coffee?
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: stlaser on September 17, 2018, 09:51:19 AM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 17, 2018, 09:59:38 AM
So you're working the private who still has motivation, meanwhile Sarge is in the corner with arthritis, back and knee issues and no coffee?
Well, that's one way of lookin' at it I guess

Bobby, if I had a good NCO (wink wink) around the place, I'm sure Sarge would be pushing dirt with the new guy just fine!
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on September 17, 2018, 11:08:00 AM
Bobby, if I had a good NCO (wink wink) around the place, I'm sure Sarge would be pushing dirt with the new guy just fine!

Probably however I don't have a maintenance staff to work with on site with the required tools to complete the needed Motorpool Monday to make it run.
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: Flyin6 on September 17, 2018, 11:58:00 AM
Bobby, if I had a good NCO (wink wink) around the place, I'm sure Sarge would be pushing dirt with the new guy just fine!

Probably however I don't have a maintenance staff to work with on site with the required tools to complete the needed Motorpool Monday to make it run.
...And I know what that means:

"Do it yourself, Chief!"
Title: Re: New Addition to the family, Meet, "Spud"
Post by: BobbyB on September 17, 2018, 01:36:49 PM
...And I know what that means:

"Do it yourself, Chief!"

Lol never know.
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