Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'd like to response to some comments to show you my line of thinking and get some feedback on how sane I am. But I do realize internet forums are just another way to rationalize insanity 
For me the time isn't an issue. I'm an avid outdoors person and the idea with the property was to spend some quality time outside... so in terms of hp saving a few hours here and there, not a big deal.
Okay, this is something that may not work with my vision for the property. Buried in all of this brush are some decent oak, black walnut and hickory saplings (and small trees) that I would like to rescue. My fear is that I won't be able to hire someone to do the job so selectively. But based on some of the comments in this thread, maybe yanking with chain using a smaller tractor might work. Or a backhoe, although I don't foresee much future use for the backhoe (small pond maybe?).
Which again, with the type of selective clearing I'd like to do might become a big deal.
For the moment, I have a 11hp Craftsman lawn tractor on that duty. But you're right, when that breaks may a 3pt or MMM makes sense.
This is what I'm hung up on. All the glossy brochures I have indicate that 35 PTO hp is require to turn a "medium" grade bush hog. As I said, time isn't a huge factor, with a standard duty would it just take longer or will I not be able to eat the stuff?
This might work. The back where its really bad is a little swampy, so traction might be an issue.... I will not be getting Ag tires, so the added weight of a large tractor may help.
Again, this is my concern. I'd rather not run the machine sucking air especially since my brush is a lot worse than wet grass (or maybe I'm underestimating wet grass).
Well, first home tractor, I did state park maintenance for a year but ran some very large equipment (outside of small farm scope). As far as the HST, something inside me wants to yell -- well then it's half a tractor. I dunno, something "tractory" about the old manual transmissions Also, it opens up the L4400 as an economical option. The HST time savings isn't a huge deal, but the upgrades going to a grand L around the 3pt hitch might be. I am going to attempt to clear snow with this tractor, thats about the only thing keeping me on the HST Kool-aid.
Thats the one. Being born and raised in Delaware county, the development isn't anywhere near as bad. Everyone on the street has some decent land, we're still in a pretty rural chunk. Nice tax incentives not to subdivide... doesn't seem like the neighbors are in a rush to do so either.
Here's my thinking now... If the B7800 was 35hp I think I won't still be thinking about things. But a 30hp with HST only gets 22hp out the back, which I have serious concerns about running a rotary mower through thick stuff. I think I'm leaning toward a L4400, or if I go for the big bucks, a JD3720 since I like the JD3720 over the L4240 (roughly same price but small size due to the turbocharging).
Again, thanks guys!
Jeff
For me the time isn't an issue. I'm an avid outdoors person and the idea with the property was to spend some quality time outside... so in terms of hp saving a few hours here and there, not a big deal.
Okay, this is something that may not work with my vision for the property. Buried in all of this brush are some decent oak, black walnut and hickory saplings (and small trees) that I would like to rescue. My fear is that I won't be able to hire someone to do the job so selectively. But based on some of the comments in this thread, maybe yanking with chain using a smaller tractor might work. Or a backhoe, although I don't foresee much future use for the backhoe (small pond maybe?).
Which again, with the type of selective clearing I'd like to do might become a big deal.
For the moment, I have a 11hp Craftsman lawn tractor on that duty. But you're right, when that breaks may a 3pt or MMM makes sense.
This is what I'm hung up on. All the glossy brochures I have indicate that 35 PTO hp is require to turn a "medium" grade bush hog. As I said, time isn't a huge factor, with a standard duty would it just take longer or will I not be able to eat the stuff?
This might work. The back where its really bad is a little swampy, so traction might be an issue.... I will not be getting Ag tires, so the added weight of a large tractor may help.
Again, this is my concern. I'd rather not run the machine sucking air especially since my brush is a lot worse than wet grass (or maybe I'm underestimating wet grass
).Well, first home tractor, I did state park maintenance for a year but ran some very large equipment (outside of small farm scope). As far as the HST, something inside me wants to yell -- well then it's half a tractor. I dunno, something "tractory" about the old manual transmissions
Also, it opens up the L4400 as an economical option. The HST time savings isn't a huge deal, but the upgrades going to a grand L around the 3pt hitch might be. I am going to attempt to clear snow with this tractor, thats about the only thing keeping me on the HST Kool-aid.Thats the one. Being born and raised in Delaware county, the development isn't anywhere near as bad. Everyone on the street has some decent land, we're still in a pretty rural chunk. Nice tax incentives not to subdivide... doesn't seem like the neighbors are in a rush to do so either.
Here's my thinking now... If the B7800 was 35hp I think I won't still be thinking about things. But a 30hp with HST only gets 22hp out the back, which I have serious concerns about running a rotary mower through thick stuff. I think I'm leaning toward a L4400, or if I go for the big bucks, a JD3720 since I like the JD3720 over the L4240 (roughly same price but small size due to the turbocharging).
Again, thanks guys!
Jeff
