AndyBev

A small Merlo is worth considering. All in all they're really good - the main issues with them are the axle trunions and the brakes. Trunions are dead easy to fix and don't use the brakes (use the transmission to stop unlike the JCB)

Australian customs are pretty rigerous - well worth some extra time to clean them properly. Maybe attack with some rubbing alcohol and a rag? Not sure about steam cleaning since it will be sat in a sweaty container for at least 50 days. Maybe also partially strip them? That way, if they get the arse about something they don't wreck the whole thing if they clean it (a lesson I learned the hard way)

Yep. Not sure what devices are normally used for tree climbing, but most rock climbing devices aren't fail-safe so you need to know how to lock them off and use a backup. I used to climb a lot of sea cliffs and would abseil in using an ATC and prusack backup. Usually SRT with a retrivable rope setup but occasionally DRT if the rock was sharp

We used to have this problem with our phesant pens. In our case, it was rabbits for sure. We got round it by using some slightly smaller than usual chicken wire for the bottom 12-18" of the fence and the overlap with the ground.

I've got a 2011 model and love it. Far better ride than the old SJs and I found it more comfortable than a fiesta on a long journey. It cruises at 70 mph too. I just towed 350kg of trailer back from perth (650km) and it took half hour longer than normal

I've found a couple of redbacks in my logpiles, so tend to wear gloves now. More worried about the mozzies... Ross river virus in the area

I used to drive a double cab version of those Renault Dodge trucks in the early '90s. It was ex-British Rail and we used it as a fitter's truck in a granite quarry. Can't remember if it was 4x4 or not, but it was heavy and seriously underpowered

Been using an MS381 with 20" bar lately and loving it. Tons of torque

Does the industry matter? If not, try Mining People. They're always after samplers, pit techs, nippers, offsiders etc... There's quite a few residential mining opportunities in rural WA MPi > Contract and Permanent mining jobs for the resource industry

With you 100% on that Another consideration is the cost of a new roof. Most modern tractors have a 2-piece plastic roof (inner and outer), and it's quite common to find damage ones on S/H tractors. Sometimes they put a new outer shell on to hide the damage, but water still finds it's way in. These are very expensive to replace, so it's that or live with a damp cab. At least a tin top like the Sankey on the MF200 series or the AP cab on 10 series Fords can be beaten back into shape.

32-speed 3000 series best avoided - years ago I worked for a dealership and there was a 16-speed conversion kit on a single part number. That gives an idea as to how bad they were. As others have said, to 300 series is good, but there's a spring that fails and it's the last thing that comes out of the box. I replaced one under warranty on a forestry model 390T & the job took more than a week (about a day longer than a standard model). The 40/50 series John Deere's aren't as suited to loader work as other brands- the clutched wore out quicker than other makes on similar work, and they didn't have a shuttle box. That said, the 2140 4x4 was an awesome piece of kit. If you look at one & the rear link arms judder as they lift, the hydraulic pump needs a rebuild If it's 4x4 you want, try and find something with a ZF front axle. They were fitted to Ford/JD/Case(?). Despite the lack of ZF axle and severe rusting problems, the best tractor I ever ran was a Massey 698T (admittedly in agriculture). The front axles leaked almost from new, so most have liquid grease in them. Simple driveline, solid motor and the turbos were pretty good too

not sure TBH. It's all scrub & gum trees in the Goldfields. Looking on the net the problem seems to be in the Perth hills

Don't get me wrong, it's a great place but I'm working 350 km from the coast, there are no rivers for hundreds of km and if you get caught out in the bush for a day without water you'd probably die (and I spend a fair amount of time in the bush) On the up side, the economy's still good here; there's plenty of work. I'll make the most of the mining boom then head somewhere with a more moderate climate

Second time for me I left WA in 2008 and said I'd never come back. By the end of 2010, I was working fly-in fly-out between Cornwall and northern WA. in the end it was easier to move back Damn the global economic crisis... if there was work in the UK I'd still be there

Thanks for the replies. Conditions are less than ideal; I'm more used to cutting in wet environments (Devon/Cornwall/Vancouver Island) I was asking because I'm in the market for a new saw. I've always preferred Huskys, but heard they weren't lasting, and Stihl customer service is far better in town. As it is, I've just purchased a new Stihl 381 ($50 more than a Farm Boss). This is for firewood, but the timber is harder than hell & I've already discovered that a smaller saw struggles in this environment. From what I've read, the 381 might not be the most modern design, but should last forever. When I finally escape Western Australia, it will be put to real use...