Abilities of 2538 hst

[jb1390]

Looking at purchasing a 2538 hst. Have never owned a tractor so I only know what I've learned from this forum. I have approximately 80 acres, 90 percent of which is wooded. I would like to use the tractor primarily for clearing and cleaning up small trees (many are sweet gums). Is the 2538 strong enough to push over trees that are 5-6 inches in diameter? Would a 3540 hst be a more capable machine for this type of task? I think the maneuverability of the 2538 in the woods and on trails would be nice assuming it is strong enough for clearing. Thank you for your help.

I think the 3540 might be better suited to what you are trying to do.

That being said, without seeing it first hand - it's tough for anyone to know. I would try to see if you can get a dealer to demo you a machine for a few hours - or rent one. Even if it's not exactly the model you are looking at purchasing, you will get some idea of the capabilities of a particular sized machine. Having never owned one before, I think a rental or demo would be time and money well spent before deciding on a model to purchase.

 

[screamin400]

I push down some tree larger than I would expect and then I hit a little tree that I cannot budge. I cannot really tell what size I can push. Everyone is different here.

 

[GSP652]

I push down some tree larger than I would expect and then I hit a little tree that I cannot budge. I cannot really tell what size I can push. Everyone is different here.

All depends on the soil composition. Part of my property is sandy, part is red Georgia clay, part is black rick soil. I can push over 8-10 inch sweet gums no problem in the sandy stuff. I have trouble with a 2 inch sweet gun or fine tree in the clay.

 

[3gunr]

You might consider turn radius also, if your woods are like mine a larger tractor with a long turn radius can be a real problem.My 2538 turns very tight.

 

[OLV1071571]

I have had my 3540 for just over a year now. I clear old timber on my 35 acres and I can personally say the 3540 has a great deal of weight and power which is needed when clearing an area. 4wd is a must in my opinion as it will help keep traction especially if you have any hilly areas. I have to have some type of ballast in the rear otherwise my back wheels will come off the ground with some of the oaks I have to move. I know you will have smaller trees but if you plan on moving multiple ones or carrying that load somewhere, having more lift capacity and rear ballast will help make that job a bit quicker. Its a balance of what you need, what you can afford and what will work on your property. Sometimes I find it difficult to fit that large of a tractor in a dense area and I wish it had a smaller footprint. But then again I would lose lift capacity as well. Hope that helps.

 

[millsan1]

Thanks for all of your help. Yes, I agree that a 30-40 foot tall tree would pose a safety problem if trying to push it over. I suppose that if I cut the trees off with a chainsaw at about 5', that I wouldn't have enough leverage with an FEL to push that 5' "stump" over.

In this scenario, you are much better off pulling the stub over and out.

Tractors are pulling machines, not pushing machines.

They CAN push just fine, but they are much better at and designed to pull.