Thanks for all the input. I didn't think about the manual steering with a load in the bucket as well as the hydraulics cutting out if the clutch is put in. I will have to check out the setup the guy is using for the hydraulics. here is a pic of the machine I am thinking about.
So for about $3000 i can get a Ford #N or a mid '80's kubota or yanmar. With the kubota or yanmar I worry about part availability and longevity of the tractors. The old #N's seem to have quite the following and one can still get parts for them. One thing I like about them as well is they are like older Porsches is the value of one seems to hold very well.
Speedy
__________________
1983 944 guards red with 16" Fuchs, Host of Wisconsin area timing/ balance shaft belt tensioning party
1987 944S Purchased from Legion. Corvette LT-1 V-8 conversion with Mega Squirt II
Check on progress --->
www.porschehybrids.com/gallery/speedracing944
Favorite Road =
www.tailofthedragon.com 318 turns in 11 miles (11 min 20 sec best run)