Big job, total newbies, least # of pieces of equipment to get the job done :)?

[Gary Fowler]

If you plan to move Fiat sized rocks, then you definitely are going to need to hire a large excavator in the 30+ ton size to dig them out and then possible need a dozer to skid them around. No CUT tractor or even utility tractor can handle that size rock. Not even a commercial size backhoe like the 310 series can lift a 4 foot or larger diameter bolder.
I would recommend that you study the problem, maybe even consult a professional landscaper to decide exactly what you need to do. Then contract out the work to a professional dirt moving operation.
After the heavy landscaping is finished, a CUT or 50 HP TLB like the Kubota M59 could maintain the work very well.

 

[/pine]

I'm a retired Doc with zero Ag experience

Personally...I would seek professional advice...I'd start with the "county extension office" if CA has any such type of resource...secondly I would check into any local colleges/tech schools etc...that has an agriculture program...IMO it sounds like the perfect opportunity for a grad student etc.,etc...that could benefit you both...

 

[s2dm]

Definitely will be working with all applicable permits, in CA now once you start, you need to be able to show your project produces no run off. We ended up hiring a permaculture designer to help us map out the berms and swails and will be using an excavating company to come in and do the first rip, relocate the big rocks, and then do some terracing and swails for us to slow and spread the water, likely with a small pond as well.

So we've decided to farm the big stuff out and get ourselves a tractor focused on the work to be done after that. Our permaculture guy rec'd something smaller, 35hp range, and probably with a backhoe attachment because we have a lot of planting to do, as well as some small olive tree relocating, and some future building that will require trenches etc.

My father in law insists we shouldnt go any smaller than 50hp for stability reasons. Consensus? I could see us using the backhoe a reasonable amount, is a 6-8k backhoe safe on these 40-60hp tractors?

Agreed on the safety fronts mentioned above, we have some old berms and swails on the property, even carrying a bucket load of compost, I noticed it wasnt very hard to get the tractor feeling like it would tip if passing over those on the wrong angle.

-S

 

[s2dm]

We have an L48 kubota for sale pretty close to us for 18500. Rear top and tilt hydraulics and a box scraper with the FEL, 2100 hours. Good choice? Add a backhoe? Also have an mx5100hst with 400 hours, no rear hydraulics installed yet for 24000 that is close to us.

 

[hunt4570]

What other front end loader implements might we need? Def want pallet jacks, but beyond that?

With out a doubt a grapple!!



You can pick up rocks..



Brush piles..



All sorts of good stuff!

 

[jeff9366]

Our permaculture guy rec'd something smaller, 35hp range, and probably with a backhoe attachment because we have a lot of planting to do, as well as some small olive tree relocating, and some future building that will require trenches etc.

My father in law insists we shouldnt go any smaller than 50hp for stability reasons. Consensus? I could see us using the backhoe a reasonable amount, is a 6-8k backhoe safe on these 40-60hp tractors?

While it will not trench, a <$400 Bucket Spade attached to your FEL bucket is very fine for planting.

Your F-I-L is a smart man. On a 50-hp tractor the Backhoe will be an $8,000 option. Tractor Backhoes are not intrinsically dangerous used on level ground. Insuffiently cautious operators using Backhoes are dangerous on any type of ground.

BUCKET SPADE LINKS (2): http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/328798-bucket-spade-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...da-planting-sand-pears-kubota.html?highlight=

 

[jeff9366]

Also have an mx5100hst with 400 hours, no rear hydraulics installed yet for 24000 that is close to us.

Nice heavy-frame tractor. Low hours. Fair price.

Buy it. Learn about the wonderful THREE POINT HITCH, then decide if you need a backhoe.


THREE POINT HITCH IMPLEMENTS LINK: http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonl...45263BDD8/11557/pub2917tractorimplements1.pdf

 

[s2dm]

SOrry for the continued newb questions. What do people think of an L48 vs an mx5100hst?

 

[Gary Fowler]

SOrry for the continued newb questions. What do people think of an L48 vs an mx5100hst?

If you are talking TLB (tractor,loader, backhoe) then the L45 or M 59 is the tractor for you.. Check the specs on the Kubota.com website and I think you will agree that the L45 for backhoe work is superior to either of your choices mentioned.
I have a smaller version (B26) and am amazed at what that little tractor can do.

 

[flusher]

With out a doubt a grapple!!



You can pick up rocks..



Brush piles..



All sorts of good stuff!

s2dm: an excellent example of a skid steer quick attach implement. You should include the ~$1K SSQA option on whatever tractor you decide to buy.