How the Right Equipment Turned a Vision into Reality on the Farm

The landscape of Hanover, Pennsylvania, became more than just scenery for Betty Vancott—it became the foundation of her farming dream. But as many landowners discover, turning open ground into productive land takes more than just willpower. It takes the right equipment, and the knowledge to choose it well.

Finding the Right Tractor

Betty’s first step was selecting a dependable tractor. After exploring her options, she landed on the Kubota L3301. Known for its balance of reliability and versatility, it gave her a solid platform to build her operation on. But having a good tractor is only part of the puzzle—finding attachments that match the work is just as critical.

The Mowing Struggle

Like many starting out, Betty began with a rear-mounted rotary mower. While it did the job, it also made the work harder than it needed to be. Constantly turning to monitor the mower made for uncomfortable, inefficient mowing—especially on uneven terrain or when cutting close to structures and trees.

The Lane Shark Advantage

That all changed with the Lane Shark LS-3. Mounted to the front of her Kubota, it opened up a whole new way to handle brush and grass. No more twisting around in the seat—Betty could face forward and clearly see her cutting path. The Lane Shark gave her the ability to trim low-hanging branches, cut fence lines, and clear overgrowth in areas she couldn’t reach before.

One of the biggest benefits was the ease of attaching and detaching the Lane Shark. Switching between jobs became quick and manageable, which meant more time working and less time wrestling with equipment. That kind of efficiency matters when you're trying to get the most out of every hour on the land.

The Power of a Good Recommendation

Behind every smart equipment choice is often someone who knows the gear and understands the work. For Betty, that person was Kevin Dotterer at Messicks in Abbottstown. His recommendation of the Lane Shark wasn’t just about making a sale—it was about matching the right tool to the right job, for the right person.

When the equipment fits the need, the work becomes smoother, the results more satisfying, and the dream that started it all starts to feel a little more real. For anyone managing land—whether you're just getting started or have years behind the wheel—having the right tools, and the right guidance, makes all the difference.