Tractor Sizing Compact TLB for cutting trails into a sloped hillside?

[jeff9366]

Perhaps a rear/angle blade will be better for this trail maintenance on slopes. OP will want to move dirt, in and out, across the trail periodically.

Offset blade adjustment would be a useful feature to shop for. (See video #1)

A rear/angle blade should be wide enough to cover tire tracks when blade is set on a 45 degree angle.

Implement weight per unit of width is the key metric for ground contact work.

I am considering the following models:
- Kubota B2601 w/ BH70 backhoe
- Kubota B2650/L2501/L3301 w/ BH77 backhoe.

VIDEOS: "grading road" with Kubota B232 and a 6 way international 3 point blade - YouTube

tractor rear angle blade grading - YouTube

 

[dragoneggs]

Perhaps a rear/angle blade will be better for this trail maintenance on slopes. OP will want to move dirt, in and out, across the trail periodically.

Offset blade adjustment would be a useful feature to shop for. (See video #1)

A rear/angle blade should be wide enough to cover tire tracks when blade is set on a 45 degree angle.

Implement weight per unit of width is the key metric for ground contact work.




VIDEOS: "grading road" with Kubota B232 and a 6 way international 3 point blade - YouTube

tractor rear angle blade grading - YouTube

That’s what I do. I have a bit oversized/heavy back blade I use that sticks out well to the side even angled. And also use a box blade. Still need to install my top and tilt kit to make things easier to regrade.

 

[chas0218]

Found this video, not sure how steep your property is (looking at your photo it looks steeper) but to give you an idea.

Part 3: Cutting a trail into a hillside using the tractor and backhoe - YouTube

 

[dfkrug]

Found this video, not sure how steep your property is (looking at your photo it looks steeper) but to give you an idea.

That vid, showing a tractor like mine seemed to be working a pretty low-sloped trail. Hard to tell in a video.

This vid shows an operator using a 1+ ton mini-X on a much steeper slope: Bobcat 418 Singletrack. Trail construction on steep hill. - YouTube

I measure my slopes, using a 4-ft level and measuring stick to get the rise/run percentage.

 

[ultrarunner]

I worked similar with my BX23 for about a year and what an improvement over pick and shovel!

Needed to put in some fire trails so bought. CAT D3 and in one day did what I did puttering around with the BX

Ran out of things to do with the D3 so sold it for about what I paid...

Next year my brother bought an old tree farm and needed dozer work.

Found a JD 350c dozer which was used by the forest service in Nevada County... does a good job but much slower going than the D3... but the 350 is like a little mountain goat compared to the D3... and perfect width for ATV trails...

All will get the job done...

 

[Tractor Seabee]

That’s what I do. I have a bit oversized/heavy back blade I use that sticks out well to the side even angled. And also use a box blade. Still need to install my top and tilt kit to make things easier to regrade.

Yeah Mark, when?

Ron

 

[dragoneggs]

Yeah Mark, when?

Ron

Ron, soon... I hope. I could use your wisdom for sure. Work is way too much in the way. I have a new role and it is consuming me.

 

[not2old]

I think that all depends on the tasks at hand on one's property. I have made several long trenches for water lines, power, drainage, etc on my property with my little BH along with digging out stumps, planting trees/plants, digging a pond, diversion ditches and some sloped trails. I wouldn't have done hardly any of it with a hand shovel, maybe a hole for a plant to two.

Not arguing that it is a bit of a luxury vs. renting, but if you have the projects, it is extremely useful. I also don't have the time to rent and get a job done in quick order. Having it available anytime is great.

My experience too. It may not be the best tool for any particular job, but got it done. It helps to be retired and have the time to enjoy doing it.