Buying Advice Tractor HP

[jeff9366]

The tires will be filled on this tractor for added weight and I can always add a box on the back too. I wonder if putting chains on the tires will get more of the HP to the ground or will I still not run out of HP on the smaller 22-25hp machines.

I always keep in mind too is resale value, I don't mind spending a bit more if I get it back when I sell!

I have an L3560, also 37-horsepower but about 800 pounds heavier than an L3700, equipped with R4/industrial tires.

I doubt you will have traction problems. However, as you have not specified your LOCATION as part of your T-B-N PROFILE I am guessing at your soil type and moisture and your altitude. Altitude reduces engine horsepower around 3% per 1,000 feet.

An L2501 should be fine on eight flat acres at low altitude. However, a bare tractor weight of 2,800 pounds for all Ls, save the L4400 models, is very light for "reclaiming woods" and will not pull out stumps over 2" in diameter. Pulling stumps is excavator or bulldozer work, not tractor work.

2,800 pounds bare tractor weight should be fine for your other tasks. I would load the rear tires for stability in reclaiming woods on whatever tractor you buy.

For 1,100 pound FEL lifts, assuming filled rear tires, you will still need a Box Blade weighing at least 500 pounds, 600 pounds better, for Three Point Hitch counterbalance, to maintain the rear wheels securely on the ground.


Spending less now you maintain money in your wallet. Resale is in the uncertain future. HST transmission will hold tractor resale much more than additional horsepower.

A Ratchet Rake bucket attachment is most useful for woods work and light grading.

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[mustangfarm]

Yes this is used 2010 with 250 hours for $16k
Yes I do realize it isn't a bulldozer or excavator but I do need a loader too and hope to be able to slowly do some of the work in the woods.

The ratchet rake looks cool

Only other brand I have looked seriously at is John Deere and they seem like lighter machines, smaller axle tubes, smaller loader frames, etc.. I also have looked at New Holland a little but no dealer close to me.

 

[majorwager]

Jeffinma,
Ignore any direction to disclose location data. Not a requirement for posting and geological location and soil assessments are not a forum function. Just a function of the overly inquisitive ...............

Slowpoke Slim offers excellent advice. In initially purchasing a tractor, resale should not necessarily be a priority. The focus should center around that the tractor is a good match for you and your tasks. I have both smaller (2000 lb) and larger 50 hp Utility tractors. Just yesterday, the little Ford dragged 30 ft ash logs 1/4 mile from woods to firewood staging area. Don't underestimate the smaller tractor abilities.

Further agree that ground excavation using the FEL on a compact is a poor choice of task for compact tractors of any weight of up .

 

[mustangfarm]

I wonder if a skid steer would be better?

 

[4570Man]

I wonder if a skid steer would be better?

Almost certainly if you can live with the ground disturbance they cause. That’s my number 1 complaint with mine. #2 is increased difficulty getting out especially if you need to leave the loader arms part way up.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

....trying to reclaim woods to pasture......I want to be able to drive over lawns too without much damage

These two goals may be somewhat incompatible, depending on what you consider "lawn" and what your "woods" consists of. Big trees? little saplings?

As for a skid-steer, after it's done working, another tractor will need to come in to repair all the damage done to the ground.

 

[4570Man]

These two goals may be somewhat incompatible, depending on what you consider "lawn" and what your "woods" consists of. Big trees? little saplings?

As for a skid-steer, after it's done working, another tractor will need to come in to repair all the damage done to the ground.

I can finish grade with a skid steer. Here’s 2 jobs I did with mine. You just have to work toward the back end and don’t make any turns on the finish area. You’re right that a skid steer wreaks the ground, but wrong that you need a tractor to fix it.