~30-35 HP Shopping Results

[batwing]

The most bang-for-buck you're gonna get is most likely going to be the LS G3038 HST. I think there is also a TYM model that might be close, but I've been keeping an eye on that forum, and they seem to have reliability issues. From experience, I can tell you that the LS tractors are very well built and very reliable.

Keep in mind the generally accepted mantra here on the forum: whatever size tractor you think you want, consider jumping up to the next size because tractors shrink very quickly after you begin using them.

I think you will find most of the problems with TYM tractors are the smaller 2 series, my 353 appears to have the same engine and HST as the LS 3038.
Ron

 

[TSO]

I think you will find most of the problems with TYM tractors are the smaller 2 series, my 353 appears to have the same engine and HST as the LS 3038.
Ron

LS says they make their own engine & HST ... are you saying that TYM install LS components? I hadn't heard of that before

 

[batwing]

LS says they make their own engine & HST ... are you saying that TYM install LS components? I hadn't heard of that before

No Just saying they both have Mitsubishi S4L2 engine and Eaton HST.

 

[TSO]

No Just saying they both have Mitsubishi S4L2 engine and Eaton HST.

Ok. I had heard that LS used to use the Eaton, but now makes their own HST... that was from the corporate rep, so maybe it's accurate.

 

[batwing]

Ok. I had heard that LS used to use the Eaton, but now makes their own HST... that was from the corporate rep, so maybe it's accurate.

They may have a license from Eaton to build there HST.

 

[NT304]

I don't know where you are in relation to Bellville, but I would definately consider the Jinma or Foton from Affordable Tractor. I've owned a jinma for about 8 years that I purchased used, and it has been a great machine. If I was making a living with it, I would probably spring for the much more expensive japanese tractors. But if you are working the machine a few hundred hours a year, the $15k you will save, can buy some nice implements. And the folks at Affordable are extremely helpful. Good luck.

 

[torchroadster]

If you're seriously considering a grapple (I want one too), extra thought needs to go into the FEL requirements you have. You'll want to get a grapple that is light, something like the Wicked Grapple series from Everything Attachments, and even those are a minimum 300lbs (only the smallest model is that light). As I'm sure you know, logs, and tree sections get heavy quickly!

You have to subtract weight of the bucket/grapple you choose from the FEL lift capacity to arrive at material lift capacity.

Good points and yes I knew this. I should add bucket weight to my spreadsheet and calculate net weight available for lifting.

After you start considering all the things previously mentioned, pretty soon you end up doing what most of us did - talk yourself into a little bigger machine! Not so bad of thing.

Yes, I can appreciate that. I just need to balance cost vs value to me. I also don't want to increase the overall size of the tractor, maneuverability and parking in my shed are considerations for me.

The most bang-for-buck you're gonna get is most likely going to be the LS G3038 HST. I think there is also a TYM model that might be close, but I've been keeping an eye on that forum, and they seem to have reliability issues. From experience, I can tell you that the LS tractors are very well built and very reliable.

Keep in mind the generally accepted mantra here on the forum: whatever size tractor you think you want, consider jumping up to the next size because tractors shrink very quickly after you begin using them.

You're probably right, considering only new tractors. However I am looking at used ones too.

1. Toppling small trees and raking debris into piles: Ratchet Rake for sure.

2. Moving logs with FEL: Grapple or Chain Grab Hoods on bucket plus 5/16" Grade 70 chain with Slip Hook on one end, Grab Hook on the other. You must have ballast on the Three Point Hitch.

I have Ken's 5/16" Bolt On Grab Hooks and I recommend 'Ken's' as easy install, immovable, indestructible.

3. Pulling or digging stumps: Rent a Mini-Excavator as needed. Bulldozer will do but tends to leave a mess.

4. Three Point mounted Log Splitter: Cut and buck logs in the woods, move sections in FEL. Buy an ELECTRIC splitter and split at home. Simpler and cheaper than a PTO splitter.

Close enough that I wouldnt worry too much about small differences in numbers, rather I would worry about which one you like. Ergonomics, drivability, etc. A tractor may look great on paper but there may just be something you dont like. Like not as comfortable, control locations, visibility, etc.

Also, is there a Missus that is going to have an input that you have to please? In my experience, that trumps everything.:laughing:

Good points, I haven't spent much time researching attachments, but it looks like the grab hooks are obviously a lot less expensive than a grapple and may be suitable for no more than I'd need them. For stumps a bucket spade seems like something to check into. I wouldn't buy a three point splitter just to be able to use it in the woods, I would only buy it if it is cost effective compared to self contained units.

Ergonomics are important. I sat in every tractor on my spreadsheet last Saturday and drove several of them - I definitely formed some opinions on ease of getting on and off and control use. As I narrow down my choices I will probably go back and pay closer attention to these areas.

Yes there is a missus that has input - although she is leaving it pretty much up to me, but I know she would appreciate the simplicity of HST and I'm pretty sure that's where we are headed anyway.

 

[GManBart]

Good points and yes I knew this. I should add bucket weight to my spreadsheet and calculate net weight available for lifting.

You may have to dig a little deeper to be absolutely certain on this. Some brands list FEL lift capacity with the bucket, and some without. My LS FEL manual specifies with a 72" implement (guessing they had to mean bucket). I'm pretty sure Deere specifies with a bucket as well.

 

[paulfun9]

I think you will find most of the problems with TYM tractors are the smaller 2 series, my 353 appears to have the same engine and HST as the LS 3038.
Ron

As I am looking for a new tractor as well and recently a friend stumbled upon a TYM dealer within driving range I would be interested to hear about your TYM as we hope to take a ride and look at them on Friday morning.

 

[batwing]

As I am looking for a new tractor as well and recently a friend stumbled upon a TYM dealer within driving range I would be interested to hear about your TYM as we hope to take a ride and look at them on Friday morning.

I was looking for a used John Deer (My favorite Tractor) or Kubota with no luck, Steve a friend of mine bought a 353 to landscape his new place about three years ago and has had no problems and really loves it. So I looked the 353 over and really like the comfort and the layout of the controls, I checked the specs out on the LS 3038 and felt the 353 TYM had a little more weight and loader would pickup a little more, the 353 had a little less horsepower but could not find out torque rating difference. We have a good dealer about 18 miles away for the TYM and the LS dealer was about 22 miles away. I think I would have been happy with any of the new ones and feel a good dealer is important.
Ron