mith, Not sarcastic at all... you said "regardless of what the Kohler tech says. I can only comment based on my experience, and that of others" and I submitted that the Kohler tech is in a position to observe a far larger sampling than your test and your experience. You dismissed, out of hand and in general, the specific instructions of a tech/engineer whose job it is to make accurate tech information available to the end users of its products. So, regardless of what you say I accept what the Kohler tech says... no offense. The manuals for the GT/LT/YT tractors I've owned had specific instructions to use FULL THROTTLE whenever an attachment or accessory was engaged. My GT has a Kohler Command CH18s and an oil temp gauge. I can leave it idling all day long and the temp gauge doesn't rise above the low limit peg. After 10 minutes mowing it is at the mid green zone, about 2/3 across the gauge. I wasn't commenting on welder/generators because this is the tractor forum, and this thread is about tractors, but now that you mention it, every generator I own or have owned gave me no choice but full throttle (as determined by the governor) or off. I am aware of generators than can, and do, vary their speed according to load but I have not owned one.

I happen to use Leupold 8x42 binocs for birding, but I would like a new pair of 7x50 for hawkwatching. The wider field of view is better for that purpose. I have heard that Zeiss is a well-liked brand in that regard. This post was edited by TMFF on Tue, Jul 15, 14 at 9:35

I am in the process of remodeling a bathroom in my home and I have just replaced a hideous (mustard yellow) standard bath tub with a Hydro Systems The Lacey 66x32 (acrylic). The one I purchased is just a soaking tub with no jets and cost (including shipping) approximately $1800. I have not finished the bathroom, so the only use it has gotten is being filled for weight to help set the mortar base properly. Overall I love the look of The Lacey and the quality seems high to me. I had a plumber set the tub and he also remarked about the quality. I was deciding between it and the Kohler Archer due to size constraints, and chose the Lacey to meet time constraints (manufactured closer and could be delivered earlier). The only thing to note is that the slope of the tub is on the exterior (not made on the interior with a bottom that will be parallel to the floor) and requires additional mortar in the mortar bed. Here is a link that might be useful: Hydro Systems The Lacey

Finally got the quote from the 2nd Trane dealer: Furnace: XV95 + Honeywell VisionPro IAQ, new air supply ducting to upstairs bedroom, new cold air return on main - $5865. Furnace Model No. TDH2B080A9V3VA This has an output of 49,400/76,000 BTUH for stage 1 and 2. My current 80% AFUE Heil is rated 75,000 BTUH input, so this XV95 has at least 25% more heating capacity. Heat Pump Option: XL15i - $5905 complete. Model No. 4TWX5036B1000A (3 ton capacity, house is 2300 sq ft, 2-story) Installed with Trane Coil, Model No. 4TXXCB036BC3HCA (other dealer quoted a 4TXCB036BC3HCA, so maybe the above is a typo?) ARI Ref# 1384223 Cooling Capacity, 34800 EER (cooling), 11.40 SEER (cooling), 13.5 Heating Capacity @ 47F, 37200 Region IV HSPF (heating), 8.3 Heating Capacity @17F, 24200 This doesn't exactly look like a very stellar system combination for the price as none of the specs on the HP/coil combo would qualify it for the $1500 tax credit. I do believe the XV95 would qualify however. The other problem is I don't think the furnace or the HP would qualify for our local utility rebate of $350 since you can't get the rebate on a 90%+ furnace if installed as a backup system with a HP, and I don't think the HP listed here would qualify on it's own. Guess I would have to install the furnace and coil 1st, claim the rebate, then install the HP or AC if I felt like it. It's all too damn confusing. Pricing from all the dealers is pretty close, but the quotes are not exactly apples to apples so it is a bit hard to judge. I thought the XL15i had much better efficiency ratings that listed above. Think I need a quote on an AC unit instead of the HP as I still don't like the idea of the 95% AFUE furnace just sitting there most of the time. Would love any input or suggestions.