Looking for ideas...not your normal question actually...

[couchsachraga]

I hesitated to post this as I know we get a lot of "what should I purchase" posts here (I've not been active on this board lately but have been reading it on and off for about 8 years now), but this may be a new question:

What tractor might do all the following:
-Mow 20 acres (some "damp")
-Mostly forest work (roads are nice and open at this point..it's keeping them open, and moving logs around)
-be great for loader work (loading logs on a saw mill, clearing brush (grapple rake), as well as bucket work)
-preferably be less than 6' wide
-less than 8' high
-cab
-other normal uses include road building and maintenence
-backhoe capable (with cab)
-FRONT snowblower capable (mid PTO would be nice)
-AND, the real oddity - snow grooming...which will REQUIRE the ability to either have tracks put on, or be a tracked unit full time. For those in to grooming, I'm planning on pulling a 108" YTS Ginzugroomer. Right now I'm using home built groomers pulled by old Ski Doo Alpines (a '79 and and an '86).

More details on the last - grooming for XC skiing, right now I"m thinking a Soucy track and blade setup. If you're not familiar with them: Trail grooming section Soucy Track | Rubber track system Tracked system Terrain vehicles


Right now I'm thinking something like:
JD 4720
Kioti (if they come out with a hydro cabbed unit)
NH2410?

I was hoping a PowerTrac might work, but I don't see cabs as an option - and between the heat, humidity, and dust in the summer, and blowing cold wind and snow in the winter, my next tractor WILL have a cab. I'm open to all sorts of other ideas if it can meet all my "wants".

I'm leaning towards hydro (I have a powershift now, and as nice as it is after having driven a Kioti briefly with hydro I could see it would be very, very nice with some of the log work I do in the woods)

I may look in to something like a Toolcat, though I'm not sure it would really meet my needs, and I do have a bit of 3ph equipement I'd like to keep rather than sell.

For the curious I'm thinking in the 45-60hp range for a few reasons - hydro takes more power, and I want a tractor with as much or more lift capacity than I have now (1500 lbs (bucket center, not pins) to full height). I move some BIG logs and rocks at times.

I am not brand loyal (though I've always wanted a Deere), but do want to find an exceptional dealer near Johnsburg, NY ("near" being within 2 hours preferably).

Thank you for your thoughts and ideas!

[art]

I know it's not green but you could paint a Kubota green if you want! We have a Grand L-series working with Sousy tracks on the tug hill plateau now. With the high low range on the hydro giving six ranges for power while pulling and the auto throttle the system works good from what we've heard.

[Soundguy]

I was gonna say a 30ish hp unit.. up untill you hit cab, backhow, and tracks... The mowing will take a wile.. but is doable.

Almost sounding like some sort of skidsteer at this point...

soundguy

[MFRED]

Maybe the MF1547 would fit the bill? 47hp, hydro w/ throttle control, dual remotes. I think you're close to Abele tractor in Albany. I don't think a tractor with track would throw them for a loop, they're into about everything.

[daTeacha]

I think that 8 foot height requirement is gonna be a problem unless you lose the cab/ROPS.

I had to look past a lot of tractors due to height of the ROPS before deciding on my DX29 since I have a height limiting door in the barn. Tire types or tracks will make a couple inches difference that might be important.

[4720 OWNER]

Agree with teacha, the 4720 would fill the bill no problem up to the point of the cab. Do not remember how high it is, about 9' or so. But what an enviroment to work in. Very comfy, get the air seat addition. Not sure about the tracks on it but it sure sounds cool!!

[couchsachraga]

Sound Guy ...funny you mention that...my current tractor is 33hp

I've thought about skid steers, but I'm not sure how well they'd work grading the road....

I know the height limit isn't helping...but I'd like to be able to keep it out of the weather like my grandfather did his old Farmall Cub.

From what I've read the 4720 with Ag tires is just about 8' . But I also know not to trust literature....

Sticking with a "large frame" compact seems to be my best bet for my all-around needs, though the deere 5000 series also intrigues me, even though it lacks hydro. Definitely won't fit in the barn though!

I'm curious to see what these "new" Deere utility tractors are.

Thank you for the thoughts so far...keep them coming!

[J_J]

Why not get what you want and build a lean-to , or enclosed shed off the side off the barn.

[couchsachraga]

Ah, that WOULD make sense in most parts of the world...but in the Adirondack's we have rather restrictive building codes (despite the fact, or rather because of, the rural aspect). As it is I need NY state permission to cut any trees withing 100 feet of the seasonally maintained dirt road....

Additionally I want to keep the option of using it at my house...which has a "car port" with 8.5' clearance. Right now I use an old ('68) Land Rover to plow, but I try to keep the "abuse" to a minium as I really like the old beast.