John Deere 2038R Flat Face Coupler QD

[@jeremyj612]

Thanks for another video! I’m in upstate SC (just below the western NC line) and we just got internet back last night. 18 days down (and no cell signal at our house). The trees went down here everywhere, blocking roads and flattening cars and parts of houses. We are dealing with a lot but have a lot to be thankful for when we look just north of us in the hills. Enjoying the catch up on KZbin now that I’m back online. 2 weeks ago I shelled the transaxle on my 1025r my business is based on. It’s in the shop in the middle of a $6000 fix. Looks like 3.5 years of Baumalight 1P24 stump grinding was probably too hard on this little tractor. Significant part of the business. I’m trying to buy a 3 year old Kioti CK3510se cab tractor on consignment nearby. Really hoping I can add it. Much heavier built and should handle that grinder easily. Might even look at the same one you run. Tractor first. Thanks again!

[@BulldogTractor]

Oh wow! Just 1 thing after another!! Glad you’re safe! As for the tractor, Kioti looks impressive. I’ve never ran one, but sat in a few. Seemed well built. Wherever the chips fall, I’m sure you’ll make any tractor work well. Stay safe! Cheers from the Bulldog 🍻

[@jeremyj612]

@@BulldogTractor Yes sir, but tough odds make the best stories. I really like what I've seen from Kioti. I drove this one around quite a bit and it feels as heavy and well built as a Deere 3046, or maybe even bigger. When a 3039 with a cab is quoted to me at 54k or 69k with a backhoe, but a new CK3520se with a cab is 20k less, and the backhoe costs half as much, something is really wrong. TYM and LS make solid basic machines too for even less than the Kioti. Kioti is basically the Deere/Kubota of the South Korean tractors. I already knew I can't afford a Deere upgrade unless I run the business as a full time gig and ramp up the work and advertising. Now that I found a 3 year old 3510se with a cab with 265 hours on it for a 21k asking price and full financing available for a couple bigger implements along with it, that's hard to walk away from in my position. I especially want to grind more stumps without killing the 1025r and start brush hogging more than a couple acres at a time with a 6 foot cutter and a cab to keep dust and bees out. If that were to work out I'd be looking hard at your rake. We'll see.

[@BulldogTractor]

​​⁠you are 100% correct from my perspective! That is a SIGNIFICANT cost savings, and a significant upgrade in equipment. In business, you need to guard against emotional ties. We all would love an additional 3046R in the fleet. Unfortunately, Want & Need are not always equals. Take a good hard look at the Quick Attach manufacturer. They are built to Construction grade and you’ve seen me put them through “for hire” abuse. Also that TR3 rake is one of my go-to tools for when I really don’t know what I’m getting into!

[@jeremyj612]

@@BulldogTractor Thanks, will do. I’m also looking at the 3 point soil conditioner/harley rake Good Works Tractors recently showcased. Looks like a good compromise between a landscape rake and a tiller where a lighter roughing will do and you meant to avoid the post-tilling work to smooth and firm an area up. They are pretty pricey though unless you really plan to use them.

[@BulldogTractor]

I took a hard look at those styles of attachments. Quick Attach makes one as well (wink). I ended up shying away due to bearings, seals and my experience with rotating carbide equipment. Between the carbide cutters on the stump grinder and now the forestry mulcher, those are wear items that need to be replaced. Start welding them onto a balanced drum, and I don’t know if I want to go down that path. Then it’s bearings and seals as maintenance items. I changed direction and went with a low to near zero maintenance tool such as the TR3. As a bonus the TR3 can reach down below a pothole to break it up. To a lesser extent but still something worth noting. It can double as a tiller if required. Can’t tell you how many times I was only asked to rake, when actually the project needed a full renovation. It’s a hard decision, think on it 👍 Cheers 🍻