'Bout to get a new 'Bota

[CptTrog]

From the photos it looks like you have some steep hills. Removing trees will cause erosion problems.

My plan is to leave the stumps of the majority of the larger trees and build up terraces (with the aid of those stumps every 15 feet or so across the hill's face and perferated 6 inch pipe at the upper edge of each terrace to pick up excess water and drain it off toward a stream to the hill's left. This should let all the fruit trees take hold fairly quickly. Additionally, allowing the stumps to rot should cycle some nutrients back into the soil.
Note: I said PLAN. Our county extension guy may have a better plan. Like leave it alone. That would suck. Really do want some fruit trees up there.

The land is just north of Kingsport, TN.

 

[bx1860]

Cool, I live about 10 mins from kingsport.

 

[CptTrog]

Cool, I live about 10 mins from kingsport.

Howdy neighbor! When's the bar-b-que?!?
All joking aside, you and I may need to stay in touch. Seeing as how I'm a rookie when it comes to tractors any larger than my JD riding mower, I may have to watch you before I crawl on mine!
Just got a call from Matt at Johnson City and a quote on a loaded L4400 and it looks like we may be doing the deal within the next couple weeks. I'm going to take the advice of some of the "old timers" on here though. Think I'll leave the serious terrain to somebody hired with a D6 Cat and keep my new toy on the low ground.

 

[LBrown59]

Howdy neighbor! When's the bar-b-que?!?
All joking aside, you and I may need to stay in touch. Seeing as how I'm a rookie when it comes to tractors any larger than my JD riding mower, I may have to watch you before I crawl on mine!
Just got a call from Matt at Johnson City and a quote on a loaded L4400 and it looks like we may be doing the deal within the next couple weeks. I'm going to take the advice of some of the "old timers" on here though.
*Think I'll leave the serious terrain to somebody hired with a D6 Cat and keep my new toy on the low ground.

*Good idea no doubt!

 

[dodge man]

To answer your original question, I don't think of the L series Kubota being small tractors, I think of them being more medium sized. I own a BX2350, in my mind that is small. I would think an L would do what you want, anything bigger may just be to large and akward. That is a great looking piece of property, and looks like you will have a lot of fun with it. Nice pics.

 

[dex3361]

I purchased a 4400 HST and am well pleased with it. I looked at the MX5100 and liked what I saw the only probably problem is that it does not come with HST and with the hills and a front end loader a HST was a must for me. My property looks a lot like what you have. Good luck with the new toy.

 

[RadarTech]

Well, I am not quite a neighbor-- But I have a similiar problem..
I live in the moutain area just south of Asheville and went for a L3400..
A relative does construction work so I got the loader and trac hoe work down a little cheaper..

I agree with a lot of what was said--
A few notes:
1. being a newby myself- the mountain side pucker factor will put you on edge alot... The 4400 is bigger than mine and I think you may get more risk..

2. whenever doing anything at an angle-- Low gear and lower the RPM..
This has saved my but more times than I can count.....

3. When you work with the loader-- and you are lifting anything--- slowly and if you are on a bank be very careful with extra care for any angles.....


Maybe I should come that way on my next trip up to Mars Hill...


Good luck and stay safe...

Later,
Jim

 

[Oldchuck]

I've got a 4400 and about 300 acres of Vermont forestland. Needless to say it is hilly and rocky, plenty wet in places too. The 4400 can do some pretty heavy work but I think you might be overestimating its ability to do some kinds of work. Road building from scratch on steep rocky terrain may be possible but not the best use for the machine and dangerous. A 'dozer and a track hoe are better tools.

You can certainly pull logs with it although less efficiently than with skidder - forewarder combo. Grapple is a good idea. It's the next item on my shopping list. I would also recommend a logging winch for the 3 Pt. There are several brands. I have a Wollenstein. It allows you to pull logs from over 100 feet from the trail and then hitch the nose off the ground to drag it home.

 

[Oldchuck]

P.S.

I like the old homestead a lot. When are you moving in?

 

[CptTrog]

P.S.

I like the old homestead a lot. When are you moving in?

Either when the economy goes to heck, the folks where I work finally tick me off for the last time, the gov'ment decides to give away what I've worked hard for down here, whichever comes first. Making two trips up in Nov. and Dec. to work on springs, plumbing (wife just HAVE to have indoor toilet, and putting up a bridge (two stream fords).
Just started the paperwork on the L4400 and associated implements of destruction. Gotta look into that winch, OldChuck. Know anyone with a used one in good condition?