Well done Karen Nice to see a topped field keeps your ground clean your mighty with the 135 good woman keep your topper clean and when your fully finished with it paint the bottom of it with burned oil
What a delightful, beautiful, and talented young woman you are. Your father must be very proud of you! I noticed a man in a wheelchair and have assumed that he was your father and that you have taken on the huge responsibility of running the farm. Your Massy Furgeson tractor must be about fifty years old and still runs well. I have a Kubota B6000, a very small tractor, which is held together by rust, but still starts every time I heat the glow plugs and turn the starter knob. You are very wise not to take risks in the boggy and steep bumpy areas, some fifteen years ago I tipped my tractor on top of myself and was badly injured so now at 85 I can barely walk and when I do it is quite painful. You look after yourself and stay beautiful because one day I think a handsome prince will come and help you run the farm. Farming is hard work and is nonstop. You are doing a great job!!!!!
Finally I've found an Ag channel that i can fully relate to! We run some very old equipment and have a lot of rough land. Respect to you for your hard work and great attitude. Inspiring stuff, wishing you all the best 👍✌
I'm with you on the importance of topping - for two reasons. One is, of course, that every blade and stalk on non-edible plants is robbing the grass of nutrients - so your cows are getting less grass than your land is capable of providing. The other is that most of the non-edible stuff like rushes, thistles, nettles and so on has roots which go much deeper than those of grass. So what happens when you top them is that the leaves and stalks die off and rot down, releasing those nutrients onto the grass as top dressing, which otherwise the grass roots wouldn't be able to reach. You called your topper "my investment", and in my opinion, that's exactly what it it is - and a very sound one, too! Good luck with your farm, Karen, and God bless you both.
good job karen, spraying rushes every year with agritox keeps them under control, they will grow again in reseeding, lime and plenty of slurry helps to, good luck with the channel , its great to see a young irish girl looking after the farm ,its not easy with limited resources , you would need a 85- 90 hp 4wd tractor for bales next year, hopefully some of the big dealers will give you a demo tractor for a few months, your dad has to be very proud of you, best of luck from co tyrone farmer
@@finbarconway-um6ve To make money as the latest greatest gizmo. Most sprays and medications are at least cintaminants if not outright poisions and have to be kept out of the reach of small hands.
Hello Karen it's so refreshing too see a young lady whose prepared too graft and also work within the means of the farm.... Great video your rapidly becoming 1 of my favourite you tube video uploaders to watch out for...👍
If you are having trouble changing the shear bolt. Turn the pto shaft around. Put the shear bolt side at the front. Your topper is offset to the right. Its normally better to top the field going clockwise. . The left wheel of the tractor wont drive down the weeds and its a better finish. Definately look at getting the rushes sprayed with the likes of mcpa. Best done when the rushes are just starting to grow after being cut. . Also try to clean off the top of the topper in the field before you leave it. A lot of the dust on top of it is actually seeds from the rushes. You can end up spreading the seeds to clean fields. Best of luck with the farming . Its nice to see a smaller farm on youtube
If you hit anything with the Topper and the Shearbolt is damaged, Allways Lift it up and check that it is turning Before you Replace the Bolt and check the ground before you start Again, Well Done Keep up the good work 😊👍
Great work Karen. You’re making an early start and it will pay off in grass yield. I was always told topping is like doing a bit of fertilizing. I spend half the Summer topping paddocks! Very therapeutic and who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cut grass!
I am by no means a specialist, but this topping thing seems to be a British Isles obsession. More than ever with inconsistant summers, continental farmers will be reluctant to destroy grass, even though I must agree that it is a source of nitrogen and not a total loss. Here in Switzerland we have plenty of slurry and muck (tip : don't come to visit around mid-march 😅), some regions must even export theirs to remain in balance...
Damn you're like the cutest sounded thing on the world used to do voiceovers or something I just about fell on the floor laughing when you said ear 👂 defenders from now on that's what I'm going to call them there's no longer sound dampeners earmuffs or whatever they are officially known in my book as ear defenders now
You are one tough cookie! Very determined. The first time my shear bolt snapped, I had no CLUE what to do. Probably because I didn't even know what had happened. I am a true amateur at tractoring.
Great job Karen! Shear bolts are a pain. There is an option for a clutch that goes between the PTO shaft and topper gearbox. It just slips when you hit something. No shear bolts to replace.
Awesome mow “topping” job Shear bolts are just that, made to shear. Don’t get ones too hard or you will loose topper gear box or even your tractor PTO gear box Topper looks offset on tractor when you washing. There should be be stabilizer bars sway bars to keep three point hitch straight. I am liking your channel from Texas. Good work
Tidy Job Karen tidy farm great to see a farmer taken pride and looking after the equipment would a ratchet strap help with keeping the concrete blocks in the front box. ratchet spanners great job and keep all the joints greased I have heard of people bailing the rushes for bedding show us the transport box some time all the best
Karen you are a legend your topping skills are great, if there is one thing that rush’s don’t like it’s continued topping. Dad you have made one carrying farmer bless you all.
The rushes grow because it's their native ground. All you can do is what you are doing and slow them down. From what I recall, the cattle will eat a small amount anyway. Just 1 thing, when you are cleaning anything, do it on the grass to the side. Saves you having to clean up the concrete. ALWAYS take the path of least resistance - make life easy😉
You need to engage the pto very gently Karen in order to not break the shear bolt with those toppers. A fully offset topper or an old rotary mower will do a better job when topping also. You are doing a great job and your weanlings are looking great 👏
Hi Karen great video the topping cleaned the ground well I found that lime works well after topping the rushes I used granulated lime it knocked them back well the grass grew really well
Topwoman Karen. I worked on a local farm in the 80s and spent many a happy day topping in a Massey 135… it’s great to see someone like yourself keeping the farm going … I sometimes wish I was still back in those days….
Well done girl! As my late father used to say a bit of topping makes the place look like someone owns it, next step a couple of tonnes of lime to the acre and you will have to get more cattle to keep on top of the grass!
Karen like you I enjoy being on my tractor it's satisfying when you can see the fruits of your labor.Good luck with all of your adventure on the farm . From a new subscriber from the United States 🖐️👍🚜😎
Fine tidy job on the topping. If you can get a good spreading of lime out on it that's help control the rushes. Removing them also gives the grass a great head start. I knew lads at home who used to bale the rushes and use them for bedding. Fantastic soakage from them. If you could invest in a set of balloon tyres for the 135 that'd help you stay a float on the softer ground. 👍🏼 Great video, very enjoyable.
Thanks very much. We used to bale them years ago but didn't find the soakage great. Would probably be good to use with straw though and would stretch the straw a bit too
@@karenmoynihanfarm would you let them wilt and dry out lots before baling? Hopefully if you get some lime out it'll help the situation,and encourage more grass 🤞🏼
Karen, you take pride by topping the field to control the weeds. You care about the farm and want everything to look nice as is evident by you washing the topper when you finished for the day. Yes, your father must be very proud of you.
The 135 is a great machine, I have a '73 165. I just stumbled onto your channel. Your heart and work ethics seem to be in the right place. A big hello from a backroad in Canada and look forward to more vids.
You did a great job, Taking a half bite in the damp areas helps to not get stuck. A used lawn tractor being lighter could be useful to extend the cutting in the iffy areas.
Well done Karen 👏 iv just come across your videos, and I am really enjoyed the content, you have taken on a big responsibility and a lot of extra work it is so admirable, I was involved in a bad workplace accident and have been left partially paralysed in recent years, only for my wife and children I don't know where I would be, all the best to your dad I'd say he is so proud of you!! Keep up the good work , looking forward to the next video
Great job with the topping. It keeps the weeds down and adds bio-matter back into the soil. I think over time you'll find that your pastures will produce more, and it does look much better.
very nice video always nice to find a new thing out had no idea what a topper is or what it does was hoping to get a view of the underside but great work and it looked good when finished hope you efforts pay of and you get a ton more grass
Great to see a tidy looking field, when topping I done, I’ve found, that the Shiney or galvanised sheer bolts are easily sheared, as they have bein heated in manufacturing , the black shear bolts are stronger, & don’t shear as easily, both are the same thickness , well that’s what the spare parts guy’s told me, about my abbey topper, you might need to replace the blades underneath, as the edges of your blades must be blunt, it’s worth checking…
Hello Karen , i "m from Germany and i like this video so much ! I"m very impressed how you handle your daily struggle !! keep going on and use the force!! you make your job very well, and i"m watch out for your next time ...🤩🤩💪💪
Hello Karen, great work on the farm, when u putting on the topper if u put the pto on the tractor in nature it's easy to get the shaft on so keep up the good work, if u run the weedwiper on ruchs when there green its a good job, chat soon, kieran from Laghey donegal town
Nice one Karen. You have it like a golf course. With the stronger shear bolt there might be a risk of doing more damage as it may not shear in time. Might be best to use the bolt recommended by the manufacturer. Keep on keeping on
Topping is my favourite job on the farm, something therapeutic about it and the results are great. Topping rushes when it's frosty can help kill them too, they act as fertiliser as they decompose also. One thing, you've a semi offset topper, you're better to go around clockwise so your left wheel isn't driving over rushes or grass before it's topped. You'll probably see in a week or two the rushes will stand again where they aren't fully topped. Maybe it won't be as noticeable with the 135 tyres...another perk!
Great job Karen Great to see a young person working with limited resources an getting the job done .there definitely nothing wrong with the lift on your 135 the way it can handle them bales. I hope they are agri dealers get behind you an support you it's so important that our younger generation is supported mind your selves
Hi Karen. Doing a great job you are the sort of young girl I am proud of. Regarding the rushes if you can get hen manure and put a good heavy coat over the rushes for two or three years the rushes will be gone and lot of extra grass for your work. If you have a large poultry farmer near hand you will probably get the manure for free. I have one near me Co Down and he is glad to get someone to take it way. Good luck and keep up the good work. Graham
Usually run the shearbolt tractor end not implement, that way if the shearbolt goes the entire shaft doesn't continue to spin, and should give a little more room to get in there too change it. Great video though.
Great video Karen. I love the way you don't ''sugar coat'' anything. All of your hard work will pay off in the end. I was thinking, all those rushes would make great St Brigid's crosses lol Keep up your great work and thanks for sharing.
I remember when I was in primary school we'd have to make the crosses in class so my Dad would be out that morning cutting them and I'd bring in enough for the whole class 🙈😂
Topping rushes is tough on the kit..yes definatly need a good high tensile bolt..anything less is a waste of time...I used to top solar farms before having to centre on the farm..and I'd find concrete blocks and steel beams ...and end up using the topper as a levelling box too...nightmare...!!! I nearly invested in a automatic setting pto it was so bad..now I have to do them on my farm however because of environmental payment that we get I leave small areas too..but the best tool i found in my experience for taking them out was a flail head on an old forage harvester....!! They beat the heck out of the root ball..also once I'd topped I'd use a grass mower next time to keep them down tight..that works too..better than a standard topper...i use a spray in a knapsack with a cloth wrapped around the lance and wipe the rushes ..that way it doesnt kill any grass...its a nice evening job as its quiet and can think as you do it..I l8ke your choice of machinery ...a small 135 and topper can get into the right places and is very cheap to run..everyone has big new kit round my way and it uses alot of fuel...sinks 9n the ground and cant get into places that the small tractor does..I am going to put a set of wider tyres on the front when my meadows are wet...which is 9 -10 months of the year..!! It's nice to see someone using similar kit to myself with similar groung..not every girl on utube drives a huge new john deer then...!!😂you are real farming ..the tough shitty type where having yo make do is the way it goes...its good cos it makes you inventive..just subbed so will have a look see what else you been up to...!!! its never easy..!!!😄😄
You're doing great kar and I bet there's plenty of young girls watching and getting the confidence to do a bit around their own farms. Well done Karen 👏
Hi Karen just watching your videos in Australia and subscribed. Many irish farmers are born into profitable dairy holdings with infrastructure in place and systems in place . Your story is very different . You should be as proud of yourself as I'm sure your dad is of you! In life we often over estimate what we can achieve in a day but totally under estimate what we cab achieve on a few years .just keep doing the simple things right and make a small improvements along the way.. your on the right track no doubt about it!!!
Great video, no bother to ya, always found cutting rushes later in the year from August onwards is best for control, early cutting seems to prune them and they grow back more vigorously, keep up the good work 👍
Great to watch your father must be so proud of you there must be plenty of young farmers chasing after you I'm to old or I would have swept you off your feet you are wondrefull girl godbless you and your father Andy Ayrshire
You done an excellent job with the topper . And you washed it down after, that increase the life of it, as you say it's your investment. Absolute brilliant video . 👌
Well Dang Girl, You did a great job Bush Hogging. That is what it is called here in the States. Little tip for you, If you set your up and down lever for the Topper at about 1 1/2" or 3.81 centimeters the downward float will keep the topper at about 1" off the ground so you won't leave ruts in the ground. Our Bush Hogs have a rear caster wheel on them so it has the float effect built in to a point. Wait till you see a Bat Wing Mower or a Boom Ax. that will scare the crap out of you. Enjoyed your video, Thanks for sharing. PS just saying if you need some tips on things, I would be willing to give you some free advice.
What I have found with rushes is they need cut back 3 to 4 times a year, when they put all the energy into growing new 6inch stalks cut them back. It takes many years if you don't use chemicals, but even chemicals only slow them down
Ya its the camera. because the Tax disc holder is also on the other side of the cab. A tip for you . put the stabilizer bar on the topper end first then lift the topper off the ground which will inable you to push it over or back to fit the Tractor end. Am i sorry i sold my 135 ??? Michal Walsh Garage Tuam Co Galway specials in 390s, big money needed for one of thoes. All the Best.
Hi , as a 67 year old kiwi i get the same enjoyment as yourself. I love the feel of a good topping and the look of the finish, I have a good English harrow 6 meters wide, its just superb spreading the cow shit. I practice rotational grazing with a 35 day rotation. 100 Hereford cows and calves on 110 acres . All grass and bailage system. All year round grazing. Good luck for your future in farming. i was just as keen as you appear. Alas its taken 50 years to buy my own farm. And yes i still love it. Cheers Grant
I know the term Karen is supposed to mean a nasty woman...but you are the exact opposite! Lovely & down to earth!...much love & respect from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 🇿🇼🇿🇼❤️❤️❤️
Those drive shafts are a nightmare to put on, especially when they leave no space for your hands with tiny guards. Had the same problem with my topper till I got the proper shear bolts. She can cut through anything now.
Hi karen new too your channel came across from farmer p channel cant wait to see what you get up too loving the older tractor looking forward too more vids xx
Karen theres a implement called a weed licker that goes onto the back of your tractor and it uses roundup and it will kill off your rushes permanently You might b able to hire one or u could definitely buy one second hand pretty cheap U should google what im talking about maybe great job and great video Those massey 135 were unbreakable
You need to invest in some locktite for the bolts, one on and Balts are tight the locktite keeps them in place, also weld a small panel strip on the front weight box to save losing anything from the weight box
Fair play to Karen I youse to top 800 acres 3 or 4 times a year where I worked it is a stud farm up here in meath and I loved every acer of it please be very careful on that rough ground loved your video keep up the good work
Hi Karen, just started watching on my day off.. think this is the 3rd vid so far 🤔😁. The topper is definitely a good investment for the rushes, I’ve a hay field that was covered in them but I keep cutting them and reducing there size 👍
Well done Karen Nice to see a topped field keeps your ground clean your mighty with the 135 good woman keep your topper clean and when your fully finished with it paint the bottom of it with burned oil
What a delightful, beautiful, and talented young woman you are. Your father must be very proud of you! I noticed a man in a wheelchair and have assumed that he was your father and that you have taken on the huge responsibility of running the farm. Your Massy Furgeson tractor must be about fifty years old and still runs well. I have a Kubota B6000, a very small tractor, which is held together by rust, but still starts every time I heat the glow plugs and turn the starter knob. You are very wise not to take risks in the boggy and steep bumpy areas, some fifteen years ago I tipped my tractor on top of myself and was badly injured so now at 85 I can barely walk and when I do it is quite painful. You look after yourself and stay beautiful because one day I think a handsome prince will come and help you run the farm. Farming is hard work and is nonstop. You are doing a great job!!!!!
Finally I've found an Ag channel that i can fully relate to! We run some very old equipment and have a lot of rough land. Respect to you for your hard work and great attitude. Inspiring stuff, wishing you all the best 👍✌
Sorry I just saw this comment now. Thank you so much!
I'm with you on the importance of topping - for two reasons. One is, of course, that every blade and stalk on non-edible plants is robbing the grass of nutrients - so your cows are getting less grass than your land is capable of providing. The other is that most of the non-edible stuff like rushes, thistles, nettles and so on has roots which go much deeper than those of grass. So what happens when you top them is that the leaves and stalks die off and rot down, releasing those nutrients onto the grass as top dressing, which otherwise the grass roots wouldn't be able to reach.
You called your topper "my investment", and in my opinion, that's exactly what it it is - and a very sound one, too!
Good luck with your farm, Karen, and God bless you both.
Thank you very much
good job karen, spraying rushes every year with agritox keeps them under control, they will grow again in reseeding, lime and plenty of slurry helps to, good luck with the channel , its great to see a young irish girl looking after the farm ,its not easy with limited resources , you would need a 85- 90 hp 4wd tractor for bales next year, hopefully some of the big dealers will give you a demo tractor for a few months, your dad has to be very proud of you, best of luck from co tyrone farmer
Thank you very much!
Spraying with Agritox, MCPA means it will almost certainly be found in groundwater very soon after. Teagasc advise against it for this reason.
@@michaeloconnor9809 what was the point of making it
@@finbarconway-um6ve
To make money as the latest greatest gizmo. Most sprays and medications are at least cintaminants if not outright poisions and have to be kept out of the reach of small hands.
Great job Karen looks great now there 'll green shoots of grass coming now 👍
Hello Karen it's so refreshing too see a young lady whose prepared too graft and also work within the means of the farm.... Great video your rapidly becoming 1 of my favourite you tube video uploaders to watch out for...👍
Thank you so much
If you are having trouble changing the shear bolt. Turn the pto shaft around. Put the shear bolt side at the front.
Your topper is offset to the right. Its normally better to top the field going clockwise. . The left wheel of the tractor wont drive down the weeds and its a better finish.
Definately look at getting the rushes sprayed with the likes of mcpa. Best done when the rushes are just starting to grow after being cut. .
Also try to clean off the top of the topper in the field before you leave it. A lot of the dust on top of it is actually seeds from the rushes. You can end up spreading the seeds to clean fields.
Best of luck with the farming . Its nice to see a smaller farm on youtube
If you hit anything with the Topper and the Shearbolt is damaged, Allways Lift it up and check that it is turning Before you Replace the Bolt and check the ground before you start Again, Well Done Keep up the good work 😊👍
Love to see a farmer taking the time to clean equipment straight after use. Keep it up and your topper (investment) will last many years
Great work Karen. You’re making an early start and it will pay off in grass yield. I was always told topping is like doing a bit of fertilizing. I spend half the Summer topping paddocks! Very therapeutic and who doesn’t love the smell of fresh cut grass!
Hopefully it does the trick
Watched earlier session when you took cows off pastures. What a remarkable change for the good pastures have made!!!
I am by no means a specialist, but this topping thing seems to be a British Isles obsession. More than ever with inconsistant summers, continental farmers will be reluctant to destroy grass, even though I must agree that it is a source of nitrogen and not a total loss. Here in Switzerland we have plenty of slurry and muck (tip : don't come to visit around mid-march 😅), some regions must even export theirs to remain in balance...
Your a credit to your dad
You're hilarious, men with big man hands 😂, great work young lady.
Damn you're like the cutest sounded thing on the world used to do voiceovers or something I just about fell on the floor laughing when you said ear 👂 defenders from now on that's what I'm going to call them there's no longer sound dampeners earmuffs or whatever they are officially known in my book as ear defenders now
You made a great job of the fields with the topper. So satisfying to see those rushes gone. Keep up the great work and really enjoy your channel.
Thank you!
You are one tough cookie! Very determined. The first time my shear bolt snapped, I had no CLUE what to do. Probably because I didn't even know what had happened. I am a true amateur at tractoring.
So am I 🤣🤣
Great job Karen! Shear bolts are a pain. There is an option for a clutch that goes between the PTO shaft and topper gearbox. It just slips when you hit something. No shear bolts to replace.
Never heard that one before
Awesome mow “topping” job
Shear bolts are just that, made to shear. Don’t get ones too hard or you will loose topper gear box or even your tractor PTO gear box
Topper looks offset on tractor when you washing. There should be be stabilizer bars sway bars to keep three point hitch straight. I am liking your channel from Texas. Good work
Tidy Job Karen tidy farm great to see a farmer taken pride and looking after the equipment would a ratchet strap help with keeping the concrete blocks in the front box. ratchet spanners great job and keep all the joints greased
I have heard of people bailing the rushes for bedding show us the transport box some time all the best
Easiest way to put on the pto is to line up the tractor with the implement drive forward a foot then put the pto on. Then reverse back and hitch up.
Karen you are a legend your topping skills are great, if there is one thing that rush’s don’t like it’s continued topping. Dad you have made one carrying farmer bless you all.
😊😊
The rushes grow because it's their native ground. All you can do is what you are doing and slow them down. From what I recall, the cattle will eat a small amount anyway.
Just 1 thing, when you are cleaning anything, do it on the grass to the side. Saves you having to clean up the concrete. ALWAYS take the path of least resistance - make life easy😉
You need to engage the pto very gently Karen in order to not break the shear bolt with those toppers. A fully offset topper or an old rotary mower will do a better job when topping also. You are doing a great job and your weanlings are looking great 👏
Hi Karen great video the topping cleaned the ground well I found that lime works well after topping the rushes I used granulated lime it knocked them back well the grass grew really well
Great classic 🚜🚜 tractor love it
New Follower From Farmer P channel looking forward to seeing more videos from you
Thank you! Appreciate it!
Topwoman Karen. I worked on a local farm in the 80s and spent many a happy day topping in a Massey 135… it’s great to see someone like yourself keeping the farm going … I sometimes wish I was still back in those days….
Thank you very much
I love village life.i STRONGLY wish to live there.
Well done girl! As my late father used to say a bit of topping makes the place look like someone owns it, next step a couple of tonnes of lime to the acre and you will have to get more cattle to keep on top of the grass!
Haha that's very true because you wouldn't think it before I topped it 😂
Karen like you I enjoy being on my tractor it's satisfying when you can see the fruits of your labor.Good luck with all of your adventure on the farm . From a new subscriber from the United States 🖐️👍🚜😎
Thank you!
Turn the shaft around and have the shearbolt at the pto for easy access😊
I second this! Much, much easier 👌🏻
Won't protect the gearbox as well though
Actually better as makes no difference to gearbox and you're not left with a spinning shaft when shearbolt goes
Fine tidy job on the topping.
If you can get a good spreading of lime out on it that's help control the rushes. Removing them also gives the grass a great head start.
I knew lads at home who used to bale the rushes and use them for bedding. Fantastic soakage from them.
If you could invest in a set of balloon tyres for the 135 that'd help you stay a float on the softer ground. 👍🏼
Great video, very enjoyable.
Thanks very much. We used to bale them years ago but didn't find the soakage great. Would probably be good to use with straw though and would stretch the straw a bit too
@@karenmoynihanfarm would you let them wilt and dry out lots before baling?
Hopefully if you get some lime out it'll help the situation,and encourage more grass 🤞🏼
Great video. Well done. I love the way you have the logs stacked in the shed!
Oh yes my Dad thought me that. Can't remember what he called it but it keeps the stack tidy
Karen, you take pride by topping the field to control the weeds. You care about the farm and want everything to look nice as is evident by you washing the topper when you finished for the day. Yes, your father must be very proud of you.
The 135 is a great machine, I have a '73 165. I just stumbled onto your channel. Your heart and work ethics seem to be in the right place. A big hello from a backroad in Canada and look forward to more vids.
Thank you very much!
You did a great job, Taking a half bite in the damp areas helps to not get stuck. A used lawn tractor being lighter could be useful to extend the cutting in the iffy areas.
Well done Karen 👏 iv just come across your videos, and I am really enjoyed the content, you have taken on a big responsibility and a lot of extra work it is so admirable, I was involved in a bad workplace accident and have been left partially paralysed in recent years, only for my wife and children I don't know where I would be, all the best to your dad I'd say he is so proud of you!! Keep up the good work , looking forward to the next video
Thank you so much for the lovely message
Great job with the topping. It keeps the weeds down and adds bio-matter back into the soil. I think over time you'll find that your pastures will produce more, and it does look much better.
So glad retired at 40 and now living in the U.S on 4000 acre farm. I didn’t know made Tractors that small
Great job. My father had a Massey 35 back in the day, great on fuel. I ran it half a day doing field work o less then 5 gallons of fuel.
very nice video always nice to find a new thing out had no idea what a topper is or what it does was hoping to get a view of the underside but great work and it looked good when finished hope you efforts pay of and you get a ton more grass
Great to see a tidy looking field, when topping I done, I’ve found, that the Shiney or galvanised sheer bolts are easily sheared, as they have bein heated in manufacturing , the black shear bolts are stronger, & don’t shear as easily, both are the same thickness , well that’s what the spare parts guy’s told me, about my abbey topper, you might need to replace the blades underneath, as the edges of your blades must be blunt, it’s worth checking…
You did a fantastic job, when I was 7 years old we bought our first 135 and the second one in 1974 when I was 10. We still have them and use them.
They are a great machine
Great satisfaction when you can see what you have done, make sure the shear bolt is tightened up well
Hello Karen , i "m from Germany and i like this video so much ! I"m very impressed how you handle your daily struggle !! keep going on and use the force!! you make your job very well, and i"m watch out for your next time ...🤩🤩💪💪
Hello Karen, great work on the farm, when u putting on the topper if u put the pto on the tractor in nature it's easy to get the shaft on so keep up the good work, if u run the weedwiper on ruchs when there green its a good job, chat soon, kieran from Laghey donegal town
You bout a good topper - some of them rot over time but yours look solid well done
Nice one Karen.
You have it like a golf course.
With the stronger shear bolt there might be a risk of doing more damage as it may not shear in time. Might be best to use the bolt recommended by the manufacturer.
Keep on keeping on
This is the one that came with it. The other ones were way too thin so hopefully it's alright
Topping is my favourite job on the farm, something therapeutic about it and the results are great. Topping rushes when it's frosty can help kill them too, they act as fertiliser as they decompose also.
One thing, you've a semi offset topper, you're better to go around clockwise so your left wheel isn't driving over rushes or grass before it's topped. You'll probably see in a week or two the rushes will stand again where they aren't fully topped. Maybe it won't be as noticeable with the 135 tyres...another perk!
Thank you
Great job Karen Great to see a young person working with limited resources an getting the job done .there definitely nothing wrong with the lift on your 135 the way it can handle them bales. I hope they are agri dealers get behind you an support you it's so important that our younger generation is supported mind your selves
Hi Karen. Doing a great job you are the sort of young girl I am proud of. Regarding the rushes if you can get hen manure and put a good heavy coat over the rushes for two or three years the rushes will be gone and lot of extra grass for your work. If you have a large poultry farmer near hand you will probably get the manure for free. I have one near me Co Down and he is glad to get someone to take it way. Good luck and keep up the good work. Graham
Good job Karen you should grease all your grease points after you wash to keep the water out from joints and bearings 👍
Usually run the shearbolt tractor end not implement, that way if the shearbolt goes the entire shaft doesn't continue to spin, and should give a little more room to get in there too change it. Great video though.
farmer p sent me over to your blog 👍
Thank you! That man is something else
Great video Karen. I love the way you don't ''sugar coat'' anything.
All of your hard work will pay off in the end.
I was thinking, all those rushes would make great St Brigid's crosses lol
Keep up your great work and thanks for sharing.
I remember when I was in primary school we'd have to make the crosses in class so my Dad would be out that morning cutting them and I'd bring in enough for the whole class 🙈😂
Awesome as ❤️. New to your channel.. I’m a sheep farmer I am from Australia
Topping rushes is tough on the kit..yes definatly need a good high tensile bolt..anything less is a waste of time...I used to top solar farms before having to centre on the farm..and I'd find concrete blocks and steel beams ...and end up using the topper as a levelling box too...nightmare...!!! I nearly invested in a automatic setting pto it was so bad..now I have to do them on my farm however because of environmental payment that we get I leave small areas too..but the best tool i found in my experience for taking them out was a flail head on an old forage harvester....!! They beat the heck out of the root ball..also once I'd topped I'd use a grass mower next time to keep them down tight..that works too..better than a standard topper...i use a spray in a knapsack with a cloth wrapped around the lance and wipe the rushes ..that way it doesnt kill any grass...its a nice evening job as its quiet and can think as you do it..I l8ke your choice of machinery ...a small 135 and topper can get into the right places and is very cheap to run..everyone has big new kit round my way and it uses alot of fuel...sinks 9n the ground and cant get into places that the small tractor does..I am going to put a set of wider tyres on the front when my meadows are wet...which is 9 -10 months of the year..!! It's nice to see someone using similar kit to myself with similar groung..not every girl on utube drives a huge new john deer then...!!😂you are real farming ..the tough shitty type where having yo make do is the way it goes...its good cos it makes you inventive..just subbed so will have a look see what else you been up to...!!! its never easy..!!!😄😄
😂😂 thank you
You're doing great kar and I bet there's plenty of young girls watching and getting the confidence to do a bit around their own farms. Well done Karen 👏
I really hope so. Thank you very much
Girl be doing wheelies on her tractor🤣😂🤣 Good call on the topper it looks so much better👍👍👌
It's fun 😂
Cows may be the most curious and impatient domestic animals there are. They always make me laugh. And pto's are a pain everywhere!
Nice tractor never heard of topper or topping in the states we call Bush hogging or brush mowing.
I think they call it that in Australia too
Found your channel today enjoy your video's I have a small cow calf operation here in southern Maryland I do some same things your doing
I'm sure when you say small it's a lot bigger than what I have here 😅
Hi Karen just watching your videos in Australia and subscribed. Many irish farmers are born into profitable dairy holdings with infrastructure in place and systems in place . Your story is very different . You should be as proud of yourself as I'm sure your dad is of you! In life we often over estimate what we can achieve in a day but totally under estimate what we cab achieve on a few years .just keep doing the simple things right and make a small improvements along the way.. your on the right track no doubt about it!!!
Thank you!
Great video, no bother to ya, always found cutting rushes later in the year from August onwards is best for control, early cutting seems to prune them and they grow back more vigorously, keep up the good work 👍
Great job on the topping, field looks nice & tidy . 👍🏼👍🏼
Tip for shear bolts take the pto off the topper side and it's so so easy no tight gap to struggle getting into.
Hello from Russia.🖐 You have excellent English. 😍
Wow you have a wonderful attitude!! Keep up the good work!
Just found your site Karen, loving it,I'm hooked,
Great to watch your father must be so proud of you there must be plenty of young farmers chasing after you I'm to old or I would have swept you off your feet you are wondrefull girl godbless you and your father Andy Ayrshire
😂😂 thanks
hi Karen nice to see some new farmer on youtube nice to see some young like farming i am from Denmark but living in Norway have a nice day from Torben
Thanks you, you too!
Great video.. best of luck with the channel. A finger bar mower on those rush’s would cut them clean off
You done an excellent job with the topper .
And you washed it down after, that increase the life of it, as you say it's your investment. Absolute brilliant video . 👌
Nice to see someone using old kit, most of the youtube farmers are running all brand new machines.
Well Dang Girl, You did a great job Bush Hogging. That is what it is called here in the States. Little tip for you, If you set your up and down lever for the Topper at about 1 1/2" or 3.81 centimeters the downward float will keep the topper at about 1" off the ground so you won't leave ruts in the ground. Our Bush Hogs have a rear caster wheel on them so it has the float effect built in to a point. Wait till you see a Bat Wing Mower or a Boom Ax. that will scare the crap out of you. Enjoyed your video, Thanks for sharing. PS just saying if you need some tips on things, I would be willing to give you some free advice.
Thank you so much I really appreciate that
@@karenmoynihanfarm Anytime. I would send you my email address, But I'm afraid I would get swamped with emails from folks. LOL .
Very good Karen keep up great work if your are doing this by your self brilliant learn as you go
What I have found with rushes is they need cut back 3 to 4 times a year, when they put all the energy into growing new 6inch stalks cut them back. It takes many years if you don't use chemicals, but even chemicals only slow them down
I'd prefer to keep topping than use the sprays anyway tbh
Farmer P sent me. Really enjoy the video!
Thank you!
Ya its the camera. because the Tax disc holder is also on the other side of the cab.
A tip for you . put the stabilizer bar on the topper end first then lift the topper off the ground which will inable you to push it over or back to fit the Tractor end.
Am i sorry i sold my 135 ???
Michal Walsh Garage Tuam Co Galway specials in 390s, big money needed for one of thoes.
All the Best.
Oh thanks for that I never thought of that with the stabiliser. I'll try that next time 👍
Hi , as a 67 year old kiwi i get the same enjoyment as yourself. I love the feel of a good topping and the look of the finish, I have a good English harrow 6 meters wide, its just superb spreading the cow shit. I practice rotational grazing with a 35 day rotation. 100 Hereford cows and calves on 110 acres . All grass and bailage system. All year round grazing.
Good luck for your future in farming. i was just as keen as you appear. Alas its taken 50 years to buy my own farm. And yes i still love it. Cheers Grant
Thank you so much. Sounds like the perfect operation
I know the term Karen is supposed to mean a nasty woman...but you are the exact opposite! Lovely & down to earth!...much love & respect from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 🇿🇼🇿🇼❤️❤️❤️
"Men with big man hands" ha😂😂
Karen pet You should spray the rushes in 6 weeks time when they are small. Youre a great girl. Good to see your Dad out and about. Xx
Here in america we call a topper a “bush hog” interesting how ever region seems to have different names for the rotary cutter
your a handy young lady well done you 👍👍
Those drive shafts are a nightmare to put on, especially when they leave no space for your hands with tiny guards. Had the same problem with my topper till I got the proper shear bolts. She can cut through anything now.
Good job, increased pasture yields will help pay for the topper.
Hi karen new too your channel came across from farmer p channel cant wait to see what you get up too loving the older tractor looking forward too more vids xx
Thanks very much!
Karen theres a implement called a weed licker that goes onto the back of your tractor and it uses roundup and it will kill off your rushes permanently You might b able to hire one or u could definitely buy one second hand pretty cheap U should google what im talking about maybe great job and great video Those massey 135 were unbreakable
You need to invest in some locktite for the bolts, one on and Balts are tight the locktite keeps them in place, also weld a small panel strip on the front weight box to save losing anything from the weight box
Good job, you learn as you go and will get more confident on it
Good job lass Great driving skills pulled the bales out the heap. Respect 👍👍
Thank you!
Fair play to Karen I youse to top 800 acres 3 or 4 times a year where I worked it is a stud farm up here in meath and I loved every acer of it please be very careful on that rough ground loved your video keep up the good work
800?? 😳😳 Thank you
Great neat job. Spraying a few weeks after topping is very effective.
That’s genius, topper on top of round stakes for ease of attachment
I can't take the credit for it. Someone on tiktok gave me that tip and it worked great
Great video Karen,top work lucky with the weather to be able to top so early 👍
I watch a number of farmers on utube farmer Phil, four winds farm and I've subscribed to this chanel best of luck with the videos stay safe.
Thanks very much
Hi Karen, just started watching on my day off.. think this is the 3rd vid so far 🤔😁. The topper is definitely a good investment for the rushes, I’ve a hay field that was covered in them but I keep cutting them and reducing there size 👍
There's hope for me yet so 😂
@@karenmoynihanfarm always hope 🤣👍
You go for it girl doing a mighty job on quite marginal farm land the only thing for rushes is spraying 👍🏼
Love your video karen you keep a very tidy farm which l love to see , keep up the good work
Thank you
Så underbart att se dej använda gummistövlar gröna gummistövlar också 😊😊
I'm biased but thats the best cab for a 135 ❤
Hey well done you. It;s ok to top in reverse. Just to get into rough places. Just go quietly at it in low box. cheers Jim in NZ.
Man hand 🤣🤣
great video 👍
🙈🤣