~30-35 HP Shopping Results

[torchroadster]

That is a fine spreadsheet. I do the same thing when shopping for tractors or major implements. I have a column for dollars per pound.

Here is a LINK to HST Vs. Gear threads in the T-B-N archive:

https://www.google.com/search?clien...+Gear+site:tractorbynet.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8






There is SOME loss but 5/35 is too high. Max torque at low engine speeds is MUCH more important.

You have not mentioned your budget, although all the tractors in your spreadsheet are pretty much utility machines. Have you considered a Kubota 'Grand L' L3560, which has a heavier frame and all the bells and whistles for $8,000 more? I am sure Deere makes an equivalent 'vanity' model.

I evolved 'up' from a Kubota B3300SU tractor/loader package to an L3560. 'Grand L' sure is NICE.

Please expand on what "tree work" means to you.

Thanks for the link, I read through a number of the threads - seems like the consensus is there is no downside to HST for my applications other than the added cost.

I don't have a firm budget, but I don't want to overspend either. I could afford the tractors on my spreadsheet, but wouldn't want to go any higher, of course the less the better, and I have no objection to going with a used rig if it is in good shape, low hours and the right price. I do not want or need a "project".

Tree work to me includes tasks such as pulling down or pushing over small trees, picking up and moving cut logs with the loader - or larger ones with a grapple, moving brush into burn piles, pulling or digging stumps, and if cost effective running a splitter on the 3 point.

 

[kcflhrc]

Didn't see a John Deere on your spreadsheet. Have you ruled them out for some reason?

 

[torchroadster]

Didn't see a John Deere on your spreadsheet. Have you ruled them out for some reason?

Not at all - just haven't made it to the John Deere dealer yet. Hopefully I will get there next Saturday.

 

[GManBart]

Tree work to me includes tasks such as pulling down or pushing over small trees, picking up and moving cut logs with the loader - or larger ones with a grapple, moving brush into burn piles, pulling or digging stumps, and if cost effective running a splitter on the 3 point.

If you're seriously considering a grapple (I want one too), extra thought needs to go into the FEL requirements you have. You'll want to get a grapple that is light, something like the Wicked Grapple series from Everything Attachments, and even those are a minimum 300lbs (only the smallest model is that light). That weight will cut into your FEL lift capacity. So, if you get a tractor that can lift around 900lbs (at 500mm) like the L3200 in your spreadsheet, you have to subtract the weight of the grapple, leaving you with around 600lbs of actual lifting capacity. That's only enough to lift a 12" diameter log that's 10ft long (depending on tree species). As I'm sure you know, logs, and tree sections get heavy quickly! Just something to consider when comparing different models....until you get into pretty large machines, every little bit helps.

 

[jeff9366]

Inexperienced tractor buyers do not realize the FEL lift capacity does NOT include weight of the bucket/grapple/etc.

You have to subtract weight of the bucket/grapple you choose from the FEL lift capacity to arrive at material lift capacity.

I have a Kubota 72" Heavy Duty Round-Back bucket on my FEL; 397 pounds, so this bucket adjustment can make quite a difference.

 

[jtygoku]

After you start considering all the things previously mentioned, pretty soon you end up doing what most of us did - talk yourself into a little bigger machine! Not so bad of thing. I have no regrets jumping from my initial decision (CK 35) to what I bought (DK40). Did it cost a little more? Yes, but I've already encountered a couple of situations where I'm darn glad I had a little more beef to work with.

 

[TSO]

The most bang-for-buck you're gonna get is most likely going to be the LS G3038 HST. I think there is also a TYM model that might be close, but I've been keeping an eye on that forum, and they seem to have reliability issues. From experience, I can tell you that the LS tractors are very well built and very reliable.

Keep in mind the generally accepted mantra here on the forum: whatever size tractor you think you want, consider jumping up to the next size because tractors shrink very quickly after you begin using them.

 

[jeff9366]

Tree work to me includes tasks such as pulling down or pushing over small trees, picking up and moving cut logs with the loader - or larger ones with a grapple, moving brush into burn piles, pulling or digging stumps, and if cost effective running a splitter on the 3 point.

1. Toppling small trees and raking debris into piles: Ratchet Rake for sure.

2. Moving logs with FEL: Grapple or Chain Grab Hoods on bucket plus 5/16" Grade 70 chain with Slip Hook on one end, Grab Hook on the other. You must have ballast on the Three Point Hitch.

I have Ken's 5/16" Bolt On Grab Hooks and I recommend 'Ken's' as easy install, immovable, indestructible.

3. Pulling or digging stumps: Rent a Mini-Excavator as needed. Bulldozer will do but tends to leave a mess.

4. Three Point mounted Log Splitter: Cut and buck logs in the woods, move sections in FEL. Buy an ELECTRIC splitter and split at home. Simpler and cheaper than a PTO splitter.

LINKS:

http://www.boltonhooks.com

http://m.homedepot.com/s/ryobi log splitter/?searchtype=suggest

 

[GManBart]

Inexperienced tractor buyers do not realize the FEL lift capacity does NOT include weight of the bucket/grapple/etc.

You have to subtract weight of the bucket/grapple you choose from the FEL lift capacity to arrive at material lift capacity.

I have a Kubota 72" Heavy Duty Round-Back bucket on my FEL; 397 pounds, so this bucket adjustment can make quite a difference.

That can depend on the brand. My LS loader manual states that the specs were determined with a "72" implement"...guessing that has to be the bucket. The translation from Korean sometimes could be better, but I think that's pretty obvious.

I thought I remembered Deere specifying with the bucket as well, but I could be mistaken.

 

[LD1]

All of the tractors you listed on the spreadsheet so far are really close.

Close enough that I wouldnt worry too much about small differences in numbers, rather I would worry about which one you like. Ergonomics, drivability, etc. A tractor may look great on paper but there may just be something you dont like. Like not as comfortable, control locations, visibility, etc.

Also, is there a Missus that is going to have an input that you have to please? In my experience, that trumps everything.:laughing: