Thanks for all the replies everyone. Good community here, damn.
Welder Dave: that is what I was thinking in my head as well. But you are totally correct in terms of where are you going to be working. What is your mainstay type of work. So for me, I dont need right now, a 10k skid steer to go out and help clear lots. I am thinking more now 7k-10k. That is why I really like that JD CT315, but that is a lot of money for me. Also, there is a local JD dealer that would def. be a good resource. These are the types of things I think about all the time. "What is my perfect equation, combination". What should I own, vs. what do I rent, etc. These must be calculated moves to truly make these type of investments pay off. Which you all know, but it just isn't as easy as one would think. It a complicated game.
Thank you
AZ and
CM. These are the types of things that I really appreciate hearing. Real life based opinions. I think the trailer is over priced. If I had cash, I wonder if they would take less, etc. That's if it checks out and all. I am sure you all know how Craigslist can go. Lord, some people have no morals or ethics. I have had some horrible past experiences.
How do you normally go about putting on new decking? Like what is the standard for attachment hardware and wood planking? 1/2" diameter bolts every 24" O.C.? Yea know what I mean.
I 100% agree regarding the weight/size of a skid, and I am really glad I just asked for you all to think aloud. If you are going to buy, it should be versatile. I am thinking somewhere between 8-10k weight range the more and more I think about it. As you said, it works for my PJ 14k trailer, and the old stinky 7.3 dually to move it.
Hell yea
td25c. The old JD 1020d is much appreciated. Especially around our 6 acres. I am still making it better. I just did a ported hydraulic filter return for my FEL as an upgrade. The way the FEL was previously plumbed was not optimal. Routing the FEL control valve return oil to a ported filter cover puts return oil back into the hydraulic oil charge circuit much quicker than any other method of returning oil. This will give the fastest FEL reaction time (so says the TractorbyNet gurus). I also plan to add a hydraulic 3pt top link to run off of my rear aux. ports, and would like to add a third function for a grapple. The tractor is capable for many tasks still. From brush hogging, to fine grading.
Before and after photos of the new FEL plumbing. I just brush hogged the pasture, so the old girl is dirty dirty.
---Original supply and return for the FEL---
---Original hydraulic filter housing with port just capped off---
---New---
As for my Kobelco mini, IDK if that is considered "yellow" iron? I thought that was only Chinese iron? But it sure seems to be well built, just leaky...