5500 or 4530 4WD for light clearing

[michellesc7]

I have evaluated JDs (5105, 5225), Kubota(M4800, M5040), Massey (451) and Mahindra.

I am down to a Mahindra 5500 or 4530 because of the robustness heavy duty, cost and ergonomics.

I already have 6 foot attachments.

I want to do light clearing (5 to 6 inch) diameter trees and smaller brush on the understory around my bigger trees and will buy a beefy root rake and/or grapple. Seriously considering the rake shop's medium duty root rake.
I have about 45 acres to do this on.

Will the 4530 work? Do I new a 5500 for longevity and extra power.
The loader specs are aout the same other than a little bigger with the 5500.
How much is enough with these heavy tractors?

Do I need a 6520?

I will order a tractor and rake/grapple after the fourth.

Please give me your opinions and advice.

I know this will help my trees.

Thanks,
Michelle

PS-I will use a bulldozer for the bigger trees I want out.

 

[Maine_Polack]

I have a 6500 4wd. I routinely "pluck" trees up to 8"+- up and out with little effort.

Larger trees depend on conditions. Type of root system, location, and, the big one is traction. Even on trees 14" 18" in dia., I can usually dig a very little, push over, and dig/lift and push, (traction!) at the same time, in a very few minutes. Of course there are exceptions, and limitations.

I spent about 2 hours trying to dig/push over a 24" Beech. This is when I learned that it is a good thing to have room around to dig and push. There were too many other trees that this one was leaning against, and I could only dig on two sides.

Digging stumps on cut trees can be done, but on larger ones it is hard and time consuming. After spending two hrs. on a stump a few times I will now either work aroung it or leave it for a backhoe.

It is essential to have some overhead protection. I built a canopy, skidplate and other tractor protection. Even a small tree when falling on your head can cause some hurt, and larger and dead trees can cause major damage to the body.

I would like to have a backhoe at times. If I did, I would still "pluck" trees out with the loader, and use the hoe for the problems.

It seems like that is all I am doing lately with the tractor. Building woods roads for myself, and clearing house lot and long driveway for my son. Anymore, when I can just cut a tree down and haul it off, it seems easy.

Hope this helps some. Would be glad to help more if I can.

 

[Fredex]

Michelle: First, I'm not very experienced with tree removal with FEL. However Maine_Polack has described that rather well IMHO.
I have been around tractors, off and on, most of my life so here's my suggestion - Get the bigger machine. Here's why.
4530:
146 cu.in. 3 cyl engine w/ 42.5 hp
length 134 inches, width 73 inches.
weight 5720 w/o loader
turning radius 11.6 ft.
Front tires 9.5x20, rears 13.6x28 (R1 ag)
72 inch loader bucket
Price around $22,500 w/ FEL (WestCentral MO, advertised Dec. 2005)

5500 4WD
186 cu.in. 4 cyl engine w/ 54 hp
length 150 inches, width 77 inches
weight 6230 w/o loader
turning radius 11.5 ft.
Front tires 9.5x24, rears 14.9x28
78 inch loader bucket
Priced as above at $23,500 w/ FEL

Prices, as you know, are regional, subject to change, and negotiation. So:
a) for approx. $1000 extra you get 11-12 more hp
b) 16 inches more length & 4 inches more width = better stability with the FEL
c) same turning radius = same maneuverability
d) bigger tires = more traction
e) 510 lbs more weight = better traction & stability.

I might even consider the 6000 or 6500 in 4WD. More hp and bigger tires than 5500. Only 30-50 lb. more weight. Same size & turning radius. $24,500 & $26,900 from my old price list. 5500, 6000, & 6500 use the same loader.

6520 is about 1000 lbs heavier, same engine as 6500, same rear tires as 6000, same front tires as 5500, 12 speed instead of 8, 13 ft. turning radius, & slightly heavier loader. Pricey: around $30,600 w/ FEL

Hydraulic pump output is nearly same from 4530 to 6520. 3pt. lift capacity is higher for 6520 POSSIBLY indicating higher pressure.

Don't know what other implements you plan to employ, but it's better to be a bit overpowered than under. I would go for a 6000 or 6500 and consider the 5500 as minimum. Also would highly recommend loading the rear tires for FEL work regardless of tractor size.

Fred

 

[michellesc7]

Thanks Guys,
This is very valuable information. Especially the detail on the tractor comparison. The techniques of clearing trees. And the guards. I have to manage my time so I can't spend 2 hrs on one tree. But I need something that will do the job on the smaller trees. Most of the trees I want to take out are less than 6 to 8 inches. For the larger trees I will hire a bulldozer in the interest of time. I will do this in sections. I need to get more organized plots of trees planted. And help the trees I currently have planted. My farm has been neglected for years. I want to get it in shape. I watched my neighbor clear 30 ft wide of a 1000 ft of roadway (for me) - smaller trees with a JD 790 and a 5ft loader. I am convinced bigger is not always better. I quess with 6 foot attachments and a 6ft root rake the 4530 may be marginal. My price difference between the 4530 and 5500 is about $3000 not $1000. I can get a 4wd 4530 w/loader for $19500. The same for a 5500 is $22500. The 5500 is about 11 hp more - but that equates to 25% more power. IT also has bigger tires and 500 lb more weight and slighly greater with water and antifreeze in the tires. I am leaning towards the 5500. I cannot take the price for a 6520. I also think the 6500 is out of my leaque. I would rather stay smaller and robust - have to mow between planted trees also.

I will let you know what I do. I want to but the root rake from the rootrakeshop in florida. - There were some great posts on it.

Thanks again.

 

[Fredex]

I think you will be fine with your choice. I tend to relate to questions from local experience/practice. Here in the midwest our trees are all heavy rooted hardwoods growing in compacted clay soils. Most everyone hires a dozer or trac-hoe/excavator. But if a JD 790 can handle your conditions . . . . well you know the answer to that.

One thing further. Check others with FELs doing your kind of work in your area to see if they have a tooth bar on the front edge of the bucket. Makes digging easier. Might be a worthwhile addition for you.

Let the TBN crowd know what you acquire and how you like it.

Fred