Bitten off more than I can chew...

[Pastmmo]

I have just acquired approx. 400 ac. of timberland in a relatively flat, sandy region of the Southeast.

I am shopping for tractors that will allow me to plow fire lanes, mow access roads, mow around pond, and general up-keep.

Being new to this whole thing, I am unsure what size tractor would be prudent. I have been told to stay around the 75 hp range. A Kubota dealer is very close and very well respected. I have been looking at the m7040 w/ FEL, no cab.

My question to the experts.... Is this too much tractor? What size would be appropriate for these jobs?

Thanks in advance.


p.s. dealer quoted 28,300 for m7040 w/ FEL, no cab. Reasonable?

 

[azhfl56]

I don't think the 7040 is too large for that much land. I would say you definitely need the M. I have a 6040 and I am very happy with it, I don't have near the land that you do. However, given the amount of time you are going to be spending on the tractor you may want to consider a cab. I realize this will be awkward in the woods and what not, but not too much worse than a tractor without a cab. This thing is you will be spending so much time in the tractor shouldn't you be as comfortable as possible? I can think of more drawbacks without a cab, than with, assuming the extra 75 bucks or so a month won't break the bank. I think you got a pretty good price. You will want to know if the loader is self leveling, that is an option and well worth it if you are new to this as you say.

Just to keep things in perspective,

my M6040 with cab, FEL, self leveling, heavy duty bucket with quick attach, ag tires, radio/cd player, hydraulic shuttle shift, was 33,000.

Which transmission were you quoted in this price? There are two different kinds. Both are shuttle trannies, one is pure clutch and one is hydraulic.

 

[m7040]

agree get the m7040 or larger is the way to go. have an m7040 with cab and FEL air suspension seat option as well. Go for the comfort because of the hours you will be spending on the tractor

 

[N80]

Just curious but can a tractor this size really cut a fire lane the same way a dozer can?

 

[m7040]

no a dozer will be way better at that

 

[LeadPoison]

I am in the same area as you. We have about 600 acres that we hunt on.

We bought a Kubota M 4900 with a loader and six foot implements.

It goes a little slow at times, but we wanted the option of moving the equipment.

What state are you in?

 

[Doc_Bob]

You can never have too much tractor.

Have a dozer do the heavy work. You can just to the upkeep and jobs that work with a tractor.
Bob