Prospective purchase for the mountains.

jeff9366 · Jul 3, 2021

I was going to start with box blade, forks and bush-hog, (and ballast) and wait until determining if I need other equipment.

Box Blade is the most common implement used for Three Point Hitch counterbalance to FEL lifts. Before purchasing your Box Blade solicit T-B-N opinions on what weight it should be to provide ample counterbalance. Appropriate Box Blade weight will be affected by FEL lift capacity and ballast in/on rear wheels/tires.

Egon · Jul 3, 2021

Thirty plus HP, HST, 4x4, loader and a backhoe will meet your needs. HP will effect the rate at which you can do work.

Rdrcr · Jul 3, 2021

Considering all other posts (wisdom and recommendations)...and the description of your property and tasks...I’d start my tractor search with the Kubota Grand L series.

Mike

dirttoys · Jul 3, 2021

Great advice here, I bought 50 acres without 20 flat feet on the entire place. I started with a 70 horse tractor, added a skid steer and mini x. Would probably reverse the order if doing it again.

There are alot of folks here that talk about the powertrack and the like. From what I read I would probably look that direction first.

Best, and do enjoy it!!

ed

oosik · Jul 3, 2021

I have 80 acres and a mile long gravel driveway. WEIGHT is the name of the game - if you want to get work done. I have a Kubota M6040. Also - fel bucket, fel grapple, roll over box blade, land plane grading scraper, rear blade, chipper, disk harrow, single bottom moldboard plow. Each of my implements have a very specific use. They were purchased after a need was identified.

The tractor as shown in the attached picture is the way it's normally outfitted. It weighs -10,100 pounds. 820# grapple on the fel - 1550# of Rim Guard in the rear tires - 1050# rear blade on the 3-point.

The tractor is too big to mow my lawns. I have a JD X570 for the lawns.

Welcome to TBN and the forum.

airbiscuit · Jul 3, 2021

I have a 40hp "large frame" New Holland and I like it's capability much more than the 34hp "medium frame" New Holland I had. I would consider:

Kubota L4060LE
Kubota L4060
Kubota MX6000
John Deere 4052R
Kioti NX4510HST

You can go up or down on hp from there, but I would check those modes out and see what you think.

boozle · Jul 4, 2021

Thanks all. It seems that people really recommend the Ventrac/Steiner or Powertrac instead of a traditional tractor for the inclines and the mountainside. It's tough because it's so niche and limited for 3rd party implements ... My budget was probably around $30k all-in, not sure i"m budgeted to do both, unless we go heavily used. Even so, in this market it'll be tough. I noticed a lot of people recommend a larger series frames, I'm just not sure the agility makes sense in the trails.

A few of the posts here made a lot of sense, and gave me a little comfort but i just have an aching bad feeling about my inexperience combined with the side of these slopes.

jeff9366 · Jul 4, 2021

boozle said:
I noticed a lot of people recommend a larger series frames, I'm just not sure the agility makes sense in the trails.

I have an aching bad feeling about my inexperience combined with the side of these slopes.

Tractors turn much sharper than any other vehicle you have experienced. That is why front wheels are not enclosed and the front axles are narrow. In addition some, not all, have beveled gears in the steering. Turning radii are part of tractor specs.

Tractor "split" rear brakes allow you to reverse a tractor in its own length, but few utilize brake steering unless clearing snow.

Note that the Ventrac and Steiner have a dual pivot separating the front and rear halves of the machines. All three brands will be excellent on slopes. The Ventrac and Steiner are superior surmounting mounds and debris.

Ventrac and Steiner have dealer networks. Power Trac is factory direct from Tazewell, Virginia, not too distant from you. Power Trac welcomes visitors. You can demo everything at the factory.

LINK: Power Trac

A little fear is better than a notion of invulnerability during tractor research.