just get out, you wont regret it belive me!Well it was going quite well today. I reckon on downhill slopes it uses no diesel. The machinery just acts as a brake on the engine.
I have lifted 90 tons this week on my own on and off, carting and loading myself. Shed is full again, so have been doing all the awkward bits, gearings etc while its not too wet and and as its slow getting away anyway.
Really my heart says carry on. My head says, no, it's time to call it a day before the old machine has a show stopping breakdown which would be more likely to be beyond economic repair if it occurred in the tractor unit. Rod links are £5 each that's even if you can find them. I would need 300 if I carry on. I would also need 8 cast sprockets at probably getting on for £200 each if you can find them. So £3000 for wearing parts and they will do another 3 years so £1000 per annum or £50 an acre just on harvester wearing parts. Probably add another £300 a year for other breakdowns and refurbs needed to we are at £1300 a year for the harvester. Seed, sprays, fertiliser and cultivations, not sure, invoices are at the accountants but I reckon £400 per acre so £8000. Wear and tear on the farm road which we maintain is quite considerable. Then I'm stuck here for at least 3 months nibbling away a row at time, but is that better than packing widgets in a warehouse at Pratt and Sons? Gross income off 20 acres about £16,000. Sounds like a lot of money. Does it leave £7700 profit, not counting my time. But this year has been exceptional with 40 tons per acre on the best bits here. What if we get virus yellows and drop below 20t per acre? What if it blows away in the spring?
Truth be told you might as well toss a coin like many decisions in life. Well.....errr.