Patrick Mann wrote:Stefan, in a different thread you mentioned you use a mechanized mower between your rows. What other machinery do you use? And up to what scale do you think that it makes sense to work with hand-tools only?
Machinery: 20hp Sears
lawn tractor mower for most all work (mow, pull trailer), chainsaw for pruning and mostly now a stihl pole chain saw since it's so much safer than a regular chainsaw (pole allows a much higher reach, so not much ladder use, which is much safer, plus I'm a Pole in origin so I have an affinity for Poles). Sometimes I borrow and use a 2 wheeled tractor with sickle bar mower to mow, since it's more bird nest friendly and frog friendly (I'm always concerned for those ally friends that do most of the work). That's it. We have a small farm just 12 acres total. Most people are FAR OVER EQUIPPED. Thinking that since they have a farm they NEED a tractor and a pickup and maybe a second tractor and a .... Realize what you need to do, RENT EVERYTHING you need the first time so you can see if you will REALLY NEED it. If a tool is used for less than a week a year don't buy it, rent it. That's my take on tools and machinery, in fact none of this machinery is mine I borrow it all from Frank who rents a piece from me for vegetables. More machinery means more repairs and maintenance.
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