Tractor Sizing Tractor buying advice for 47 acres at 8600 ft

[jeff9366]

How about stability on hilly terrain, lifting larger logs? The log grappler will probably be the most stress I put on the front end of the machine.
With regards to cost, I didnt see much difference between an L6060 and M7060. Am I missing something?

I expect Shuttle Shift costs Kubota substantially less than HST/PLUS. I not an expert on how M7060s are kitted but I can confirm Grand Ls are loaded. There may or may not be same/less deLuxe kit on an M7060.

Both models are heavy-chassis tractors with commensurately strong front axles. You will certainly want liquid filled rear tires, wheels spread wider than normal, but not so wide it restricts movement between trees in your woodland and Three Point Hitch counterbalance is still essential, but with those caveats you need not fear front axle damage and stability will be good.

My last Kubota was a B3300SU, one of the predecessor models to the L2501. With its light weight and powerful Loader I picked up the rear wheels often, even with counterbalance. Decided to buy heavier BEFORE rolling it. Since delivery in January 2013 I have never had the air filled rear R4 tires of L3560 off the ground. My land in Florida is FLAT.

You will still need a chainsaw(s), plenty. While you can pick up felled long trees with a grapple, you cannot maneuver them between growing trees. You can tow large trees and bundles of smaller trees from the rear/center drawbar or an A-frame cross drawbar on the Three Point Hitch. But once towed trees pick up dirt saw chains dull in seconds. When I tow trees destination is the burn pit. I tow long to avoid several chainsaw cuts, every cut a potential hazard.

More tractor weight does not hurt if the budget permits.

Here are a few pictures of my 3,600 pound, bare weight, L3560 Grand L.

 

[jeff9366]

You can tow large trees and bundles of smaller trees from the rear/center drawbar or an A-frame cross drawbar on the Three Point Hitch. But once towed trees pick up dirt they dull saw chains in seconds. When I tow trees destination is the burn pit.

Three Point Hitch Cross-drawbar photos. Rear/center drawbar with clevis chain grab hook also visible.

Large rear wheels configure tractors for pulling/towing.

 

[Jchonline]

Great stuff, thanks Jeff.

 

[jeff9366]

Browsing Kubota's web pages for the M7060 this evening, I noticed bulbous tractor radial tires and rear wheel spacers are M7060 factory options. These additional stability options are not necessary except on fairly steep hillsides. However, for someone new to tractor operation these options would make you more secure on hillsides.

The outside-to-outside wheel/tire width is dependent on max standard wheel width available, tire selection and potential spacer inclusion. With your dealer, consider how wide these options make your tractor relative to space between your trees and rock formations.

My L3560 is 60" wide. I considered the heavier, normally aspirated L4060 and L4760, which are nominally 66" wide, but decided the extra 6" width was too wide relative to my work, which is sometimes opening Florida jungle.

My altitude is 52'.

 

[Tractorable]

Browsing Kubota's web pages for the M7060 this evening, I noticed bulbous tractor radial tires and rear wheel spacers are M7060 factory options. These additional stability options are not necessary except on fairly steep hillsides. However, for someone new to tractor operation these options would make you more secure on hillsides.

The outside-to-outside wheel/tire width is dependent on max standard wheel width available, tire selection and potential spacer inclusion. With your dealer, consider how wide these options make your tractor relative to space between your trees and rock formations.

My L3560 is 60" wide. I considered the heavier, normally aspirated L4060 and L4760, which are nominally 66" wide, but decided the extra 6" width was too wide relative to my work, which is sometimes opening Florida jungle.

My altitude is 52'.

Jeff, what is the height of your L3560 with the ROPS folded? Will it fit through a standard 7ft garage opening? Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

No.

My garage door is 84", decreased about 2-1/2" due to the hinged, motorized door itself.

I had to have my high quality local welding shop section out about 5" of the ROPS so L3560 could enter my garage.

ROPS, of course, is folded to enter garage.

 

[Jchonline]

Browsing Kubota's web pages for the M7060 this evening, I noticed bulbous tractor radial tires and rear wheel spacers are M7060 factory options. These additional stability options are not necessary except on fairly steep hillsides. However, for someone new to tractor operation these options would make you more secure on hillsides.

The outside-to-outside wheel/tire width is dependent on max standard wheel width available, tire selection and potential spacer inclusion. With your dealer, consider how wide these options make your tractor relative to space between your trees and rock formations.

My L3560 is 60" wide. I considered the heavier, normally aspirated L4060 and L4760, which are nominally 66" wide, but decided the extra 6" width was too wide relative to my work, which is sometimes opening Florida jungle.

My altitude is 52'.

This is a good point. While I do have a decent bit of open land and less dense forest, there are certainly areas where it is nice to have a thinner width. Trail development is a great example. I will definitely be able to get more places with the L6060 as opposed to the M7060. Sure it might take me a bit longer to do things overall, but it might also allow me to do more in my environment. Food for thought!

 

[jeff9366]

Buy a 10' stick of 1-1/4" PVC pipe.

Cut pipe to same length as potential width of M7060.

Mark pipe at potential width of L6060.

Gauge around your property. Check your gate widths and garage door width.

Pipe walk is what I did before ordering my tractor and I AM SO GLAD I DID.



Three photos from today. Removing dirt and ashes from our community yard debris burn pit.

HST/PLUS, MED//LOW, 2/3 throttle, 4-WD engaged. Easy-peasy

 

[jeff9366]

While I do have a decent bit of open land and less dense forest, there are certainly areas where it is nice to have a thinner width. Trail development is a great example. I will definitely be able to get more places with the L6060 as opposed to the M7060.

Or you can mount a PTO powered Logging Winch on the M7060 and use the long winch cable to pull out trees.

Advantage: Tractor can remain parked on firm, level ground while you or an assistant walk in to attach cable to tree(s).

VIDEO: tractor logging winch - YouTube

 

[rScotty]

This is a good point. While I do have a decent bit of open land and less dense forest, there are certainly areas where it is nice to have a thinner width. Trail development is a great example. I will definitely be able to get more places with the L6060 as opposed to the M7060. Sure it might take me a bit longer to do things overall, but it might also allow me to do more in my environment. Food for thought!

Have you given thought to what kind of tires you want? Traction is as important as HP or gearing.
It's not too soon to think about tire type; different tires also require different wheels. They are not interchangeable.

The most popular choices are between the farm style R1 agricultural lugged tires, the industrial tread R4, and (probably not)- the turf tread R3.
R1 has the most traction in clay and mud; and of course they are the traditional tractor tire.
R4s are more expensive and rugged for abrasive soils. R4s also have more load carrying capacity, sidewall stability, and a wider stance.
Enjoy the search!
rScotty