Tractors....  Tools for big jobs

Here's a Cub Cadet 129 that I received from my good friend Dave as a very
generous "thanks" for a day I spent atop his 90' tower.

This 12hp beast does a fine job mowing the grass at the "project house"
(yes, there is such a thing-- not on here yet) and it is superb at towing my
utility trailer around the property to haul wood and tools back and forth.

The beauty of this beast is that with a pair of ramps, I can drive it right
inside my GMC van and transport it where it's needed.  It fits with about
one inch clearance between the wheel wells inside.

Here's a photo of my Massey Ferguson MF-135 tractor the day I took delivery of it.

These two photos show the John Deere 45W  loader bucket that I purchased to put on the MF135.
Thanks to some fine welding at Ace Welding, the unit fits.  Thanks too for my being lucky to have an
unusual version of the MF135-- (I'm don't remember if it's the Orchard or Row-Crop special or the 
precise nomenclature) as this 3cyl gas powered wonder has the front and rear axles of the more 
beefy MF165... including gear reduction for the drive wheels.  It's built like a tank, as opposed to 
other 35hp medium-small farm tractors.   1972 vintage.   Turns out to be an uncommon variant 
that is a real workhorse.

The tractor, with this bucket makes for one useful tool!  It's amazing what it can do!

No, it's not trying to lift the van.... 
(I have no doubt that it could if it wanted to!)

That bucket is HUGE!  It's not real great for digging, but it sure is fine for moving "stuff".  It takes good care of keeping the driveway nice and smooth too.

It takes a bit to get used to getting on and off this tractor, as with the loader on there's lots of pipes and hoses all over.  It's not bad at all, however.  I normally leave the snow blower on the rear as it provides a nice counterweight for the weight of the bucket in the front.

You should see this thing knock over trees.  Amazing.