I'm finally really in the market for a CUT and I'd like some advice based on my intended uses. Originally, I was thinking a B series (or comparable) size tractor, in the mid 20s for hp, however, I'm re-thinking it the more I read. Here is the background of my property and what I hope to achieve. I live in Coastal MA on about 2.5 acres. The piece of land is relatively flat, but went un-maintained for years. About 3/4 acre is grass which I mow with a zero turn. The rest is in need of rehab. Years ago, someone must have considered a christmas tree farm. Well, today, I have about 60 spruce tree that are 30-40ft tall and crowding each other quite badly. Those all need to go. Once they go, I need to get the stumps out and grade everything and plant some grass. There is a possibility of adding a pool so the question has come up in my mind if I could at least excavate it with a TLB. There are tons of 1-5" saplings that are in the way. There are lots of flowering bushes that are now large and unwieldy. As most of the US was warm and dry this winter, we froze our butts off and had alot of snow this year. I have a 250' driveway, so snow removal will be on the list as well. Anyway here is the summary of projects in order of priority:
1) Slowly take down the 60 or so spruce trees, grade the land, plant grass, install a swing set, debate the wife about a pool
2) Snow removal - FEL to start, but snowblower might be useful
3) Clean out smaller trees/saplings (<6" most are 3-4")
4) Clean out larger bushes/overgrown stuff
5) Haul out bricks from patio rehab
Key concerns I have - first I have a feeling that what I hope to achieve cannot be done well with one machine, but I'd like input on that. Since I'm going to be moving over finished grass, I'd like to avoid ruining what is in good shape. In terms of snow removal, ideally the solution can handle my walkways (at least most of them). They are straight but not 5' wide which is what had me thinking of something like a B2x20. However, I wonder how much a B2x20 would struggle with the saplings, and the trees. I would cut the trees down and log them into manageable sizes, but what about the stumps? Also, these trees have a ton of small branches, so a tractor would potentially help me pile things and get them set to burn or chip. Since I have a good mower, my only mid PTO need would be for a snow blower, but if the FEL is up to the task, then I could live without one.
Finally, I don't have an unlimited budget. If it's a cash purchase, I won't go much more than $15k. I'm comfortable seeking out a used machine. However, I'm open to leveraging 0% financing etc as well. I've read alot about Kubota's B series. Can that class handle what I hope to do? Is it necessary to move to the L class? In terms of dealers, Kubota and Deere are within an hour, Mahindra a little over an hour, and Kioti is about 1.5 hours away
Input is greatly appreciated!
1) Slowly take down the 60 or so spruce trees, grade the land, plant grass, install a swing set, debate the wife about a pool
2) Snow removal - FEL to start, but snowblower might be useful
3) Clean out smaller trees/saplings (<6" most are 3-4")
4) Clean out larger bushes/overgrown stuff
5) Haul out bricks from patio rehab
Key concerns I have - first I have a feeling that what I hope to achieve cannot be done well with one machine, but I'd like input on that. Since I'm going to be moving over finished grass, I'd like to avoid ruining what is in good shape. In terms of snow removal, ideally the solution can handle my walkways (at least most of them). They are straight but not 5' wide which is what had me thinking of something like a B2x20. However, I wonder how much a B2x20 would struggle with the saplings, and the trees. I would cut the trees down and log them into manageable sizes, but what about the stumps? Also, these trees have a ton of small branches, so a tractor would potentially help me pile things and get them set to burn or chip. Since I have a good mower, my only mid PTO need would be for a snow blower, but if the FEL is up to the task, then I could live without one.
Finally, I don't have an unlimited budget. If it's a cash purchase, I won't go much more than $15k. I'm comfortable seeking out a used machine. However, I'm open to leveraging 0% financing etc as well. I've read alot about Kubota's B series. Can that class handle what I hope to do? Is it necessary to move to the L class? In terms of dealers, Kubota and Deere are within an hour, Mahindra a little over an hour, and Kioti is about 1.5 hours away
Input is greatly appreciated!
