As I mentioned in the other thread, I sold my tractor and didn't really expect to.

That was Saturday about lunch. I got to figuring, and I realized that this is probably
the first time in 50 years that I don't have immediate access to a farm tractor. It is sort
of a weird feeling. I want to plow.

One reason I was reluctant to get rid of my old tractor is because of the new emission standards,
"Final Tier 4," or some such. Supposedly, it isn't a good thing. However, at my age, I have heard
that line over the years. Every new set of standards was going to be devastating to performance
and fuel consumption, etc. In the early years, late 60s and early 70s, this was sometimes true.
However, it seems as time went on, automotive and equipment manufacturers seemed quick
to adapt to the new regulations.

Anyhow, any new tractor I buy will have the new emissions equipment. As I understand, it
involves a combustion chamber that will literally burn the "particulates" in the exhaust.
Someone said, probably in jest, that the air that finally is exhausted will probably be cleaner
than the air that was taken in. One of my favorite sensory stimulations over the years,
especially on a cold early spring morning, is the smell of diesel exhaust when that old
Ford/Massey/Case/JD decides to fire up after a quick boost from a good battery and a set of cables.
I suppose that will be a thing of the past.

I started shopping yesterday at a nearby Kubota dealer. I will probably wind up with a 50ish hp
Kubota utility tractor. I have looked at the so-called "compact utilities," and they just don't appear
to have the "beef" I want. They are fine for mowing, light loader work, light landscaping, etc.,
but a sho'nuff farm tractor needs the weight to, for instance, handle a 700 pound bale
of hay on the front spear and on the rear forks. At the same time.

I will post a picture of the new "big iron" when it happens.

__________________
Georgia On My Mind

I want to see a picture of "Old Iron"....