redlinefever
Member
I have looked at new and used tractors and read forums for pros and cons and I still cannot decide ...
I need a tractor capable of handling a FEL, backhoe, brush cutter and small grapple. I have to stay with a compact or utility tractor, some of my pine rows are narrow - I think the previous owner might have had one too many brewskies when he planted them! If it is wider than my Dodge truck, it won't fit. I know I need a tractor with at least 30hp diesel and 4x4, its the options that are fogging my brain.
I don't mind buying a used unit, if I can find one that has been maintained. I can always purchase a small grapple later, so it is not a requirement at this time. New tractors seem to vary by over $10000 from here in FL to AL or GA. Not much flexibility in pricing down here in FL. I have read in forums the pros and cons of different models until I almost cross-eyed. And I have asked people at the dealers (who would rather sell a new one and talk down their used units) and still I am confused. I have found one guy at a used tractor dealer who was very informative and honest. Most salesmen around here acted like used car salesmen - women are easy prey, LOL - wrong! I would rather trust the opinion of people who have used models similar to what I need.
Some dealers say their tractors will not handle a BH, others say theirs cannot handle a small grapple but is ok with a FEL. Makes no sense. I don't care about the tranny having to be HST, I would rather shift gears all day long. When I ask about the hydraulics, that is when I get that "deer in the headlights" look from the salesman. I understand that without dual pumps and a large reservoir, the FEL or BH will operate poorly due to serious pressure fluctuations. Not all models come with dual hydraulic pumps, so which unit is the most efficient with a single pump? Aren't the pressure ratings in the mfr charts taken at idle, not under working forces, which is the true test of the system's capabilites?
Serious drainage issues on my property, so I see many french drains being dug - lol! Thus, the need for a BH and FEL. I live the heart of FL where the last tropical storm tried to drown us, even if we seriously needed the rain.
I also need a tractor that can handle a small grapple, since I will be cutting my 4 acres of pines in the next couple of years and I know what kind of mess that leaves. Those large piles of cuttings that are left behind are rattlesnake heaven - don't get much work done when I am standing on my truck tool box trying to kill the critters. Last but not least a rough cut mower to keep the pine tree rows clean.
I just don't understand why some manufacturers put a backhoe option on a tractor if it is not truly designed to carry the load and handle the forces the backhoe creates when in use. Some people have said they find cracks in the frame and many other nightmares. I have a very tight budget, so I need a reliable unit, not some chinky junk model I will have to keep welding together or continually replace parts that break easily.
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks. :drink:
I need a tractor capable of handling a FEL, backhoe, brush cutter and small grapple. I have to stay with a compact or utility tractor, some of my pine rows are narrow - I think the previous owner might have had one too many brewskies when he planted them! If it is wider than my Dodge truck, it won't fit. I know I need a tractor with at least 30hp diesel and 4x4, its the options that are fogging my brain.
I don't mind buying a used unit, if I can find one that has been maintained. I can always purchase a small grapple later, so it is not a requirement at this time. New tractors seem to vary by over $10000 from here in FL to AL or GA. Not much flexibility in pricing down here in FL. I have read in forums the pros and cons of different models until I almost cross-eyed. And I have asked people at the dealers (who would rather sell a new one and talk down their used units) and still I am confused. I have found one guy at a used tractor dealer who was very informative and honest. Most salesmen around here acted like used car salesmen - women are easy prey, LOL - wrong! I would rather trust the opinion of people who have used models similar to what I need.
Some dealers say their tractors will not handle a BH, others say theirs cannot handle a small grapple but is ok with a FEL. Makes no sense. I don't care about the tranny having to be HST, I would rather shift gears all day long. When I ask about the hydraulics, that is when I get that "deer in the headlights" look from the salesman. I understand that without dual pumps and a large reservoir, the FEL or BH will operate poorly due to serious pressure fluctuations. Not all models come with dual hydraulic pumps, so which unit is the most efficient with a single pump? Aren't the pressure ratings in the mfr charts taken at idle, not under working forces, which is the true test of the system's capabilites?
Serious drainage issues on my property, so I see many french drains being dug - lol! Thus, the need for a BH and FEL. I live the heart of FL where the last tropical storm tried to drown us, even if we seriously needed the rain.
I also need a tractor that can handle a small grapple, since I will be cutting my 4 acres of pines in the next couple of years and I know what kind of mess that leaves. Those large piles of cuttings that are left behind are rattlesnake heaven - don't get much work done when I am standing on my truck tool box trying to kill the critters. Last but not least a rough cut mower to keep the pine tree rows clean.
I just don't understand why some manufacturers put a backhoe option on a tractor if it is not truly designed to carry the load and handle the forces the backhoe creates when in use. Some people have said they find cracks in the frame and many other nightmares. I have a very tight budget, so I need a reliable unit, not some chinky junk model I will have to keep welding together or continually replace parts that break easily.
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks. :drink: