another newbie has questions/needs help

[Gatorback]

Thanks again all.
Jbrumberg, I have tried the model selectors on the websites and they seem to always put me into a 25-26 hp mini unit (the size that seems ideal for horse stalls etc.). I totally agree with you that they are heavily weighted towards acreage. Those may be great choices for after the big work is done but don't think they're optimum for such things as moving sections of those big pines.
Ray, I did drive the 3320 a little bit and felt very comfortable with it. I wish I had driven the Kubota (GST) also but ran out of time Saturday since they were only open til 1 pm and I also had other things to do. Actually, thats kind of why I asked the question initially.
Roy, Thankfully our other house is paid off so we're just on the hook for insurance and taxes (bad enough here in Florida). We've even had some interest being shown lately so maybe the market is starting to change. We also have a couple ready to move in this coming weekend and rent which would generate some cash while we wait out the market. Also, from the various prices I've gotten from informal verbal quotes to written quotes, there seems to be no more than a $3000-3500 price difference from the smaller gear units to the larger GST, power reverser units out the door with attachments. Example TC30 gear, loader, 60" cutter, $16000 or L2800 equiped the same, $17000. I am however going to bounce some of those other units around in my head somemore and go over their specs again.

Hey, as problems go, this is one of the better ones !.

 

[jbrumberg]

Gatorback:

If you are dragging those logs a tractor in the upper 20's would probably meet your short term and ultimately long term needs. The other stuff you are planning to move can be easily handled by a high 20 HP tractor. You need a heavy tractor with weighted wheels to make it work most effectively. There is not a really big difference with tractors within <5 HP of each other. I agree that a small frame tractor will not meet your needs presently, but you should look at midsized frame tractors. A lot of what can be accomplished is more a function of operator skill which comes with experience. A bigger tractor will obviously do most jobs quicker than a smaller tractor if manuverability is not an issue. Get some seat time on more tractors at the dealerships. This part of the process is not easy, but hang in there. I would look more at weight, transmission, hydraulics, tires, "footprint", and ground clearance than HP. Jay

 

[kwolfe]

I would agree with the others in that the machines your are looking at are pretty big for 5 acres. Many other TBN members that have a similar setup own Kubota B7800's or 3030s, TC30's and the comparable Deeres. With filled tires for weight, they should be fine for draggin the logs you are talking about.

After reading about the other implements your are looking to buy, you may want to seriously consider HST tranny. They are more money, however I very convenient when doing loader work, box blading, and any activity that requires nimble movement. Especially if you are not an experienced operator (I am not ) Just my opinion.

 

[Gatorback]

Thanks guys. I'm kinda stepping back to reopen the whole info/thought process. In fact, I've been on websites looking over the specs to the point of totally confusing myself again. I guess not having owned/operated tractors before, (OK I did rake a hayfield in Georgia on my cousins 65 hp Deere a couple years ago), I don't really understand how much a given tractor size can or can't do. I just don't want to make a purchase only to realize I underbought my needs.
jbrumberg, which models would you consider midsize frames?.

 

[jbrumberg]

Gatorback:

A good old standby that appears to be the standard that everyone else compares their tractors to is the NH TC30. It is a solid performer but an older design- to its credit it has a lot of metal. I went with the TC29DA for its HST and ergonomics (It does have a lot of plastic .)- its hydraulics match many tractors that are larger. The "29" is now the TC31DA; NH tweaked up its HP on many of its models. There is also the "33" which is still in the same frame size. I tried out many of the following tractors. Kubotas that are equivalent to the NH's include the B7800, 2630, and 3030 as well as the L2800 and 3400. John Deere has the 2520, 3120, and the 790. Most of these models are available with gear or HST or HST equivalent. I can not remember all the data as I went into sensory overload mode at some point and was probably drooling while sitting on some tractor at some dealership which the salesman mistook for me "taking the bait". (Which may explain some of the high prices ). Having had a geared tractor for 20 years I really, really appreciate HST for mowing, tilling, and especially FEL work. Other tractors that I have not seen , but which appear pretty solid include the Massey-Fergussen, IH-Case (which in small and midframe tractors are NH), Kioti, TYM, and Branson. I never went on psychotropic medications, but I probably came close. I finally bought the "29" due to dealer loyalty and trade in. I have to emphasize the importance of a good dealership. Dealer "feel" is just as important as tractor "feel". Good luck- Jay

 

[Kahuna]

Test drive a 3320 with the cx loader, heavy duty bucket and and e-hydro transmission. You will fall in love with it and not regret your purchase. It is big enough to get the job done yet nimble enough to get in the tight places. You will forget about trading it off in a few years for a smaller unit because you two will not be able to part.

 

[McRancher]

It's hard to decide. They're all nice. I recently had to make the same decision. Test drove Kubota, New Holland and John Deere. It was overwhelming. With some research and help from comments made here at TBN, I finally narrowed it down to what am I going to be using it for the most. For me it was loader work, landscaping and road maintenace, along with a little pasture mowing. My impression of the manual transmission is that it is really good at ground engagement. Basically anything that you set them to and stay at for a while. The HST's seem better suited for moving back and forth. I work for a mining company and all of our rubber tire loading equipment moves easily back and forth. The drawback to the HST's is that you sacrifice more PTO horsepower than the manual trans. A 30hp HST tractor may only have 22hp at the pto, so look at what implements you would like to have and make sure they fit. Also, there are all kinds of pto types. Be sure to know what type fits what you want to do. After that pick the one that feels the best.

I wouldn't worry too much about getting one that seems a little big. After a while, even really big tractors shrink a bit.

 

[Soundguy]

I agree completely.. ignore a few hundred dollars difference, and focus on the dealer, distance to dealer, and which model gave me a warm fuzzy feeling.

Soundguy

I can't tell you about the differences between the power reverser and the GST?? But the difference in price if the tractors are the same I would not even look at. go with the one you like the best and keep in mind the dealer means a lot. Even if there was a grand difference I still would be looking at what you like and what dealer is the best. The couple hundred diffference is a drop in the bucket in this large of a purchase.

murph

 

[RedDog]

I wouldn't worry too much about getting one that seems a little big. After a while, even really big tractors shrink a bit.

Ding, ding, ding,,,,, we have a winner!!!!

 

[Gatorback]

I'll be back at it Saturday. Both the Deere and Kubota dealers are about 22-30 miles away. I will try to drive the power-reverser,GST, and HST. Last time out I only drove the PR. I need to narrow it down and get one delivered soon so I can get going. My problem is I'm actually still open to considering everything from the B7800 (1750 lbs) to the 3240 and JD 3320 (over 3000), and of course just about everything in between.
Who knows, maybe something will suddenly make it all fall together.

Thanks again...