freemind
ArboristSite Guru
Freemind - I think I am following your needs.
Take a look in the used market for an older Allis Chalmers 7-12 to 9-16. Now hear me out. I know that you have said you don't want a hydro. You CANT break the hydros on these things. You will tear the back tires off first. Also, duals were an option. Also, there is a bunch of them out there. Also, I have beat the hell out of a couple of them for YEARS. Pull cars, trailers (used to move my superwide 18" tandem with no problem). There are many other attachments for them - make it more of a multi tasker. Snow plow, dirt plow, mower deck, sickle bar, roto tiller, etc. I have one that is a dedicated "mule". This thing doesn't know anything but "Grunt work".
These things can be found in the under $1000 buck range for a pretty decent machine. Take a look, I think you may agree.
Edit: most were powered by a cast iron Kohler. Pretty reliable machine.
Double Edit: and if you don't think a 12HP Kohler will have the power - rethink that. It will pull till the front tires come off the ground and it ain't no light mower. It will move my 18ft bass boat around the yard at just over an idle.
Thank you for the helpful info. I really like your set up pictured. I will keep an eye open for the Allis.
If I had the freedom to travel, I would have a quad. Most folks here fail to understand what it takes to DO my job. Most people take for granted that they have time to go and do things, I don't. I have a hard enough time finding time for my kids, wife, building the woodpile, ect. This job takes alot out of me, and demands alot from me.
It has been over 18 months since I have had a day off, and that isn't going to change anytime soon.
Back to the Allis, sure sounds like a tough machine. I don't care if what I buy has a blade or not, I can build one if I end up needing one. All this machine will do is tug out wood from the woods. If it came with a tiller or a dozer blade, that is just a bonus.
Anyhow, thank you.