New land... need a tractor!!

[GManBart]

The reason I am recommending a 40-50hp CUT is because most 40-50hp CUTs are basically the same tractor as the 60hp versions, just less power.They are the same weight, dimensions, and share the same loader.

I think once you get up around 50hp in a CUT in most cases it makes sense to step up to a utility because a utility tractor may be the same price or even less than a CUT and the Utility is a more capable machine.

These two statements contradict one another. First you tell him you recommend a 40-50hp CUT, then you say it makes sense to go to a Utility at 50hp because it will be a more capable machine.

 

[IslandTractor]

These two statements contradict one another. First you tell him you recommend a 40-50hp CUT, then you say it makes sense to go to a Utility at 50hp because it will be a more capable machine.

That's not a contradiction. Consider this analogy: A Toyota Tacoma is enough truck to pull a 5000lb trailer but a Ford F-250 is a larger and more capable machine.

I think Bullitt's point is that a 40-50 hp CUT is all that's needed but if you want/need more power it makes sense to move up a frame size rather than just tune the engine for more horsepower. I agree. The Kioti NX4510 is virtually identical to the NX6010 except for engine tuning. Same loader, same nearly everything including engine except for engine control module programming and $4000-5000+ price tag.

 

[IslandTractor]

Since you will be moving brush, logs, and firewood you are probably going to want a grapple. I like a grapple that is as wide as the tractors tires so you are cleaning the ground you are driving over. I also like two lids because they do a better job at clamping the load. IMO the best way to run a grapple is with a 3rd function.

I would get a cab tractor. I go in the woods with mine and have not done any damage to it. My neighbor goes in the woods with his New Holland T5040 and to my knowledge he has not knocked any glass out of his and he is rough on stuff. He has been using his tractor a good bit recently dragging logs for firewood and cleaning up tree tops from where he had timber cut. I also recommend that you get a gas powered polesaw then you can keep all the tree branches trimmed back from your roads, and it will make some nice roads.

While I agree on the tractor size recommendations, it should come as no surprise that I think a smaller lighter simpler grapple is both better and all that is needed. There have been pages and pages of discussion of grapple types on TBN, Docsfarm should search and read through some of them. I'll just say here that the smallest grapple (practically speaking a 48" single lid) is more than adequate for the job of carrying logs out of the woods and that a tractor with narrow grapple is more maneuverable and digs better too. There are people on TBN who bought wider grapples and then moved to or added a smaller grapple. I don't know anyone who started off with a 48 and decided it wasn't enough grapple. Additionally, two lids is just more weight and expense. One lid works as well on a grapple as one thumb does on a human hand.

The cab vs no cab issue is a trade off. If there is a lot of winter work snowplowing then a cab would certainly be nice. Summers in PA are not Texas summers however and open station tractors are fine. Adding a sunshade is really all that is needed for three season use in the northeast. The cab tractors are not only more expensive but very vulnerable in the woods. Read about Eric's experiences in the Michigan woods (My NX6010 thread) to see how many times he has managed to do serious damage to his expensive cab while doing exactly the same work that Docsfarm is planning.

 

[GManBart]

That's not a contradiction. Consider this analogy: A Toyota Tacoma is enough truck to pull a 5000lb trailer but a Ford F-250 is a larger and more capable machine.

I think Bullitt's point is that a 40-50 hp CUT is all that's needed but if you want/need more power it makes sense to move up a frame size rather than just tune the engine for more horsepower. I agree. The Kioti NX4510 is virtually identical to the NX6010 except for engine tuning. Same loader, same nearly everything including engine except for engine control module programming and $4000-5000+ price tag.

If someone says "I'm recommending a 50hp CUT" and then immediately says "at 50hp is makes more sense to go with a Utility" they're really saying they recommend a 50hp Utility. If he said "over 50hp makes sense to go with a Utility" or something like that, there wouldn't be a contradiction.

I only point it out because it could be confusing to the OP.

The way it was worded, the OP could look at it and say "Why would I buy a 50hp CUT based upon his recommendation, when he said it made more sense to go with a Utility machine at 50hp?"

 

[IslandTractor]

If someone says "I'm recommending a 50hp CUT" and then immediately says "at 50hp is makes more sense to go with a Utility" they're really saying they recommend a 50hp Utility. If he said "over 50hp makes sense to go with a Utility" or something like that, there wouldn't be a contradiction. I only point it out because it could be confusing to the OP. The way it was worded, the OP could look at it and say "Why would I buy a 50hp CUT based upon his recommendation, when he said it made more sense to go with a Utility machine at 50hp?"

I guess my mind's eye just imputed the "over 50 hp" equals utility tractor range. We don't disagree and I doubt the OP will be confused.

 

[GManBart]

Additionally, two lids is just more weight and expense. One lid works as well on a grapple as one thumb does on a human hand.

Two lids is more weight and expense, but it offers the ability to better secure irregular objects. That isn't always needed, but it does come up. There are many times when the human hand would work better with two thumbs.

 

[abeal]

I was in the same boat about exactly 4 years ago. Bought 200 acres with roughly the same mix – only in the mtns of VA. Primary use is cabin in the mountains escape and hunting/fishing. So over the last 4 years things have changed a little bit but I know exactly what position you’re in. The house had not been lived in for 2 years so the house and property needed work.

Year 1. Ordered a L3200 with loader, bushhog, box blade and a couple other items right away just to get things going. At the same time also bought a used Kawasaki Mule 3010. One of the best purchases ever. That thing is amazing and gets used more than anything. Unbelievable how it will climb and the amount of stuff it carries. Definitely recommend a UTV. Also bought a ncie big Stihl chainsaw and weedeater and all the attachments to go with it to leave there.
Probably have about 2 or 3 acres of yard grass to mow so next was a BX1860 in the spring of that year. It has a 48” deck and loader valve but that’s it. Just a good basic 4x4 lawn mower.

Year 2. About a year after buying the place I bought a Yamaha Big Bear ATV. Wanted something simple and 4x4 that is a little more nimble than the Mule but helps when other people are around. There is always somebody that wants to ride the 4 wheeler.

Started to work on food plots a little more this year. The first year I attempted to use the box blade with the sheers down for a disc. Results were marginal so I bought a used 5’ tiller and rebuilt it over the winter. I think I have $500 in it and it was been great – through the rocks and all. Also found a nice spreader on craigslist that was used once. Bought a wood splitter and of course more tools.

Year 3. All day bushhogging with that 5’ bushog is getting old so picked up a 100hr M5640 /loader (wanted to stay away from tier4) with a new 8’ Woods mower. Mowing time now cut in half but barn space is becoming limited quickly. Also picked up an old JD 2 row corn planter from my butcher for $300. Neat old piece of equipment. Had my wife planting corn.
So the “farm” has been a work in progress with every year something being improved upon. The house has also needed a lot of work but it seems that gets pushed back when it’s nice outside. There’s always something to do. Trails are mostly cleared now, some new ones made, food plots established, etc. Pond still needs attention, some gates/fences need work – always something but always fun.

I think I have $80k - $85k in equipment/tools now. Adds up quick but I like to buy new or as close to new as possible (exception of the corn planter – probably from the 60s) since I do not want to spend time working on equipment. I started with Kubota and stuck with them as it is easier for maintenance, they seem to be very reliable and parts are easy to find. Fortunately no repairs needed.
Enjoy it! I know I have. Feel free to PM with anything specific.

 

[docsfarm]

First I wanted to thank everyone for a really informative thread here! Keep it up!!!

Then to answer some questions and ask some too...
I had thought about a grapple, but haven't researched them much. I will go read about them now.
I do have a chainsaw. Stihl MS362-CM with 18" bar. I love this saw. Like tractors, I'm sure everyone has their own favorite, but I have a great dealer locally and am very happy with them and the saw.
I'm definitely zeroing in on the 40-50HP range CUTs... I can see moving to the smaller Utility tractors too... I'll keep looking.
I like that Mahindra package on Craigslist linked on page 6! Seems to have most everything I would want early on. Could someone give me an idea what the implements are worth so I have an idea about how much the tractor itself is of the package price? Its tough for me to judge the price since most everything I look at used only has FEL.

I wonder @abeal... do you wish you would have started with the M5640 instead of the L3200? Would that have saved you in the long run and still be fine (not too big) for all your tasks?

UTV's are how I started down this road... I started looking at them and got good advice that I probably should make the tractor my first purchase and the UTV my second one.

 

[jenkinsph]

For your uses I would want a good 4x4 pickup, next a tractor then a utv. Mowing around a house is also a separate purchase. Just trying to help you spend money.

 

[abeal]

I wonder @abeal... do you wish you would have started with the M5640 instead of the L3200? Would that have saved you in the long run and still be fine (not too big) for all your tasks?

Tough call but I think not. Almost went with a MX5100 and 6' cutter to begin with but I appreciate having 2 tractors - especially when there is somebody to help. That L3200 is so handy and useful. I can get that through the woods while there is no way I would be able to get the M5640 in there. It's a dream for food plots. I have found that it is difficult to find the "one tool for everything" approach and while I was able to manage with the L3200 for a couple years the M5640 basically just reduced mowing time and is used almost solely for mowing. Would have been much cheaper just to hire mowing but it's fun buying tractors!