Asking for advice on machine to landscape my yard

[Shrew_Gardens]

I usually use the 2-wheel tractor sub forum as I garden and do my property maintenance with a BCS -I live on an acre of property and have about 2000 sq feet of garden- but I want to build retaining walls, a patio, and freestanding walls out of stone, and am interested in a tractor that can help move both loose and palletized material and help with the larger stones (1/4 ton+). Not sure I would keep it past my building phase; I’m sure I will think of uses for it but my small barn is full of equipment that’s more suited to the size of my property.

I cannot justify spending more than 10k or possibly a hair more for just the right thing (say TLB, though I’m not sure a backhoe is necessary). I think the basic question is: would I be better off with a running larger/higher hp (25+) tractor with FEL only or could I get away with a subcompact with under 20 hp? I am seeing 25+ year old machines of both types that are in my price range but there are more of the larger machines. OR should I buy an older skid steer? Is an older machine of either type a bad idea for a non-mechanic? (I have lots of projects already and am a master at breaking off fasteners).

I don’t think I need 4wd as my land is pretty level (except for the part that needs retaining walls).

Appreciate any thoughts and I apologize if this question is too broad, too long, or I missed the obvious threads that would have answered it.

Thanks,
Shrew Gardener

 

[Milo]

More HP isn't really needed for what you're wanting, I'd focus on lift capacity. Sounds like one with a loader that'll lift 750#+ will do what you want. If you think you'll want to also use pallet forks be sure to look for a loader with Quick Attach carriers, most will be SSQA, which'll make it easy to swap bucket to forks and back. You might find a rear blade useful as well.

 

[2manyrocks]

The ground travel speed of many of these is very slow, but what about one of the $5,000 Chinese min-ex's? You can more easily position stones with their bucket/grapple, and if you don't want any tooth marks on the stones, use a sling. On one acre, I'd say the ability to maneuver in tight spaces is a plus. If the job is basically digging dirt or moving stones, I'd lean towards the mini-ex.

 

[Shrew_Gardens]

Thank you Milo. I will look more at the loader capacity going forward.

Too many rocks, I have considered a mini excavator -I think it would be extremely well suited (and super fun) -but I wouldn’t buy a new Chinese machine, based on principle, and am not seeing them for sale used in my area right now. There are a few Japanese or Korean ones around but they mostly command a high price and I’m worried that I will sink an lot of $ into something that I cannot turn over easily or that becomes a mechanical boondoggle. (I am assuming that they are mechanically complex relative to a tractor with FEL?)

 

[2manyrocks]

I'd be leery of buying any used chinese mini ex in particular because many didnt come with hydraulic filters from the factory. Might as well buy new making sure that the unit has hydraulic filter and is properly maintained from the beginning. I haven't seen any units from other sources that weren't expensive or beat up in my area.

The least expensive option for you to move rocks might be to make a stone boat sled to pull with your BCS or look into a front mount cart? I suppose you could add a hydraulic swivel jack to a front mount cart to lift the rocks into place provided the retaining wall isn't too high.

 

[careyo63]

The small Yanmars have a extremely tight a turning radius. A small 4wd. FEL. and a 3pt. Boom pole should handle the lifting. I've seen a small Elec. winch add to do the serious heavy lifting with a 3PT. pole. I have a 2wd. and it has a super tight turning ability and with the 4WD. you also have the use for mobility. Wet soil etc... This is depending on just how big and heavy those stones are?

 

[MarkMac]

I have an acre. Originally I paid $6500 for a cute 1979 Ford 1100. It was my little buddy. A real handy size, and capable of saving my back and arms from being sore.

Then one day it’s axle stub shaft separated. It was a known common problem. But, replacements are no longer made. The Ford is actually a Shibaura. I had to pay $250 for a rusty used shaft.. the last available on the internet. I repaired my beloved Ford 1100 and sold it for a tiny profit.

Then I bought a new Kioti CX2510. The Ford paid for 1/3rd of it. The Kioti has twice the capacity, is much faster, and honestly a tad overkill. I was a hard sell on the hydrostat, but now love it. At some point I’ll have more acreage and it’ll prove itself there.

4WD is almost a necessity for little tractors. With a heavy load most of the weight will be on the front axle, and it’s sketch if there is no drive power there.

 

[Shrew_Gardens]

I had not considered how a load in the bucket would affect traction for a small tractor, thank you.

I wasn’t aware of a boom pole for a 3 pt hitch so will look this up.

 

[Shrew_Gardens]

I’ve found a local 2006 New Holland TC29 that has a heavy duty bucket with cutting teeth & a lift hook and also comes with a 3pt finish mower for $8500. Hydrostatic, 4wd, 1600 hours and appears well cared for and was recently serviced and has no issues. Looks like I could find a backhoe for another 3-4k if I wish tho I’m not sure it is needed. Lift capacity of the loader looks like 875#.

I feel like this is a good deal and would do the job. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[careyo63]

Tractor Data is showing a Pic. of the TC29 with a BH.. Very nice! It should handle any of my needs.

TractorData.com New Holland TC29DA tractor information

www.tractordata.com