Buying Advice Opinions on 4wd compact tractor

[rd_macgregor]

Ditto. But granite is NOT 2691#/cu ft. In any case, that is too big to lift with an FEL. Use a backhoe or excavator.

JayC

Obviously, I'm not just getting old, but also careless/sloppy. I left pi out of the equation and didn't even notice the table was in kg/m3.
That explains why I was able to pick up a sandstone foundation stone that fit snugly in my 6ft. bucket (Kioti DK 45S)...I'm estimating just over 8 cu.ft.. Of course, I had almost no braking when I did that, but it lifted it with no strain.

Thanks for the (humbling) corrections on my calculations.

BOB

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Obviously, I'm not just getting old, but also careless/sloppy. I left pi out of the equation and didn't even notice the table was in kg/m3.
That explains why I was able to pick up a sandstone foundation stone that fit snugly in my 6ft. bucket (Kioti DK 45S)...I'm estimating just over 8 cu.ft.. Of course, I had almost no braking when I did that, but it lifted it with no strain.

Thanks for the (humbling) corrections on my calculations.

BOB

Sorry Bob, wasn't trying to "humble" you, simply noticed something you missed. In any case, it could happen to anybody -- just ask those really high-paid NASA engineers that had a similar issue on that failed Mars mission not too long ago. No billions of dollars was involved in your post.

 

[nebraskasparks]

HHR....as you can see by the response...no one is saying that their compact tractor and FEL can do this job...especially changing slope. We don't know how much rock you have to move etc...but if you check the safety forum you will find that high weights, big moment arms and slope will exceed most compact tractor capacities and put you at an extreme risk. I concur with renting an excavator and putting it into a dump truck, sled whatever but don't start moving big rocks with an FEL on a compact. Compact FEL's will lift them but the physics are going to move your tractor where you don't want to go. Lots of times...it's cheaper to rent.

 

[HHR]

I think I have narrowed the list of semi-finalists to four.
John Deere 4320 HST
Bobcat CT445
New Holland Boomer 3050 (CVT? 2011 models go back to hydrostatic)
Kubota L4400 HST
I like the Cub Cadet/Yanmar EX450. However it looks like it is not available with an HST tranny.
The feature I like is automatic bleed fuel system if you run it out of fuel.
I would like to get an excavator attachment for the rear. Are the factory models good, or is there a good aftermarket brand to get?

 

[nebraskasparks]

HHR...

With all the data being thrown at you in reference to weight and size of rocks that you will be moving...are you going to use a FEL with loader, grapple...what weight are you trying to move and how much of it?

 

[Johno Geo]

Before you buy a Deere, or a Low price foreign offering, Look at the NH -4060
vs the Deere 4720.
Performance is more than just HP.
Look at how the machine is built...
I believe it always comes down to the quality and your confidence in the dealer.
I am sure all of the big three are all good.
\I bought NH, as an engineer by education, I liked the design of NH.
I am sure JD is a good machine but I did not like the JD Dealer attitude.
I am sure Kubota is a good machine as well..
Also, as far as attachments...
I happen to like Woods.
You do not need to necessarily to buy the brand of your tractor...
Good luck in you selection!

Johno Geo

 

[dex3361]

I dont know the weight of these rocks but the largest was all that I would want to handle with this sized tractor(Kubota L4400HST). Notice I have a
7 foot Box Blade(600#) on the rear and the optional weight box(500#) adds about 1100# to the rear and it needs it.

 

[dex3361]

I could only get 4 pics to the post so is another pic. The Grapple is a
Anbo GRL 66" with 6" spacing between the tines. The grapple weighs Less than 400#.

 

[lilranch2001]

I am new to the site and I need to purchase a 4wd compact tractor with loader to move 3 foot diameter rocks and climb steep grades. I don't know what brand would be best?
I have had good experiences with Yanmar diesels in skid loaders and I have had had bad experiences with 3 22-57hp Belarus tractors. Local dealers in my area are John Deere, Bobcat, Cub Cadet/Yanmar and Challenger. I have seen some Montana tractors around, but do not know how they hold up. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Look at the big bobcats or kiotis, those brands seem to have the strongest loaders on the market, and a nice heavy tractor to boot to be able to handle those big rocks

 

[HHR]

HHR...

With all the data being thrown at you in reference to weight and size of rocks that you will be moving...are you going to use a FEL with loader, grapple...what weight are you trying to move and how much of it?

The property is rocky clay with many 1-4 foot semi-buried boulders. I would be gathering rocks to build retaining walls on site.
If I get a quick-attach, I have a 72 inch Virnig grapple with 2 inch rock teeth available to me. It does weigh about 1200 lbs. so that wold cut my lift capacity in half. If I get a backhoe attachment, I would dig up the big rocks and what I could not lift I would push. Would filling the rear tires be a good idea, or does it suck power and hinder braking?