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Would you rather have a tractor that keeps breaking down or a stubborn mule that never wants to work

 
Matt McSpadden
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If you like these, search for "would you rather" on the forums. We have quite a few started. This one is about animal vs machinery when they are both being problematic :)

Would you rather have a tractor that keeps breaking down or a stubborn mule that never wants to work?

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Matt McSpadden
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Personally I am horrible when it comes to mechanics... I think I would take the Mule.

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I have a tractor that keeps breaking down.   I will keep it.

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Timothy Norton
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Ohh man, this one is a tough one.

I think I would prefer the mule. I would chalk it up to it's personality and have a laugh about it.

I have a hard time laughing off having to rebuild an engine...

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I hate breathing tractor fumes, and at least I can compost stinky mule poop, so I guess I'd vote for the mule! Forlorn hope that I'd find the right bribe for the mule.

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This is an easy one for me.  
I'll fix the tractor anytime over dealing with a mule.
Besides my neighbor happens to have pack mules, if I need one he will bring it over.

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Scott Weinberg
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Weighing the pro's and cons

A tractor--I fuel and fix when needed  Housing optional

With a mule to match what a tractor can do---I can toss in about 4 mules per 10 HP needed,

so I need about 100 of them from time to time.. but not all the time of course. But I still need to keep on hand. Thus.....

I always have to feed,  brush clean, make hay, feed hay, clean out fed hay, house in winter most of the time.  Times the number of head required.

Yes the list is lopsided.  I did not toss in STUBBORN mules.

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James Bridger
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Definitely the mule. You never have to buy parts for the mule. And if all else fails, it can become a pet for the kids.
 
Samantha Lewis
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I will take the mule!   I can do something about the does not want to work.   Maybe he has pain, I can give him body work, balance his feet and his teeth.  Give him good nutrition, more treats and kind words.  

With a tractor...  unless it is basic maintenance...    I gonna have to call somebody.  

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C. Letellier
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I am a farm equipment mechanic.  And my mother would have told you that I had no patience for working livestock.  What you you think is the answer?  Shoot the mule and give me the tractor.

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Sara Hartwin
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This is the first question I've come across that I wanted to answer "Neither!"
I've experienced that "breaking down" thing for extended periods, but never permanently. It's never fun or enjoyable or lighthearted, especially when it's something you rely on daily. I've experienced both different parts having issues and the same part/system having an issue over and over. Not. Fun.
I guess I'd have to go with the mechanical problem over the animal behavior problem. I have zip experience with mules. Much more confidence in my basic level mechanical-troubleshooting abilities.

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S Smithsson
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Matt McSpadden wrote:If you like these, search for "would you rather" on the forums. We have quite a few started. This one is about animal vs machinery when they are both being problematic :)

Would you rather have a tractor that keeps breaking down or a stubborn mule that never wants to work?



tractor, since I dont know anything about mules!  Although I do know some things about being stubborn...

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Susan Boyce
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A mule, it doesn't need any kind of gas and being stubborn is something I can work with, I do pretty good with animals.
 
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