Hello everyone , need advice on upgrading a logging tractor

[SwampRooster]

Hello everyone, I have a few questions on logging tractors. Right now I have a TC33d and it has been a great little rig. I mostly log with horses but have the tractor there for assist and to pull a sled or trailer in hill situation. I have been thinking of getting a 50hp tractor to replace this one or something close to that. I also have a Fami 501 winch. This winter I skidded to trails with the horses , loaded sled with the tractor and hauled it out. It was so simple and fast. I have a few questions . Lets say I haul out about four loads a day like this one in the pics and or between 2 to 4 cords a day. I do my loading of sled/wagon with the tractor and pull out around a 40 deep with it. How long would a decent tractor loader last doing that with a set of forks or a Frosbite style bucket on it ? Also would a Kubota MX5800 be enough tractor to do this or should I get a gear drive tractor. I may also pull a logging trailer with a loader some of the time but mostly I would like to just load and unload with the tractor its self.. At times I do some rock work and landscaping as well where there is a lot of loader work..
I am kind of a dreamer and like doing things out of the box I guess so I might have some other brain storms on here as well , LOL.. Thanks in advance , SwampRooster.

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN!

 

[Cycledude]

That looks like a pretty nice trailer and loader you have. Pretty easy to understand why you would like a bigger tractor. I’m curious what state do you live in ?

 

[grsthegreat]

Fjords…….
Ive skidded logs with mine also…fun but very dangerous.

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN...enjoy.

There a thread on TBN...Tractors in woods! show pics. those gentlemen have good advice.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Welcome to TBN. I'm not sure what you are asking but usually it depends mostly how you take care of it. I think a 50 or 60 hp tractor will suit your needs fine. I have a Kubota M5640 (56 hp gear drive, 7500 lbs) with a FrostBite grapple and Farmi 501 winch. I will handle what you are showing fine. I have never operated an HST so can comment on that other than wonder why it matters. There are plenty of them out there in the woods.

gg

 

[2manyrocks]

The advantage of the HST is you can nearly instantly adjust your ground speed to suit ground conditions, but the disadvantage is you need to maintain your HST filter and fluid. The HST is also very handy for loader work because you can ease up on your speed so easily.

 

[Hoobie]

Welcome to TBN.
I have a Kubota mx5100, 50 hp with hydrostatic transmission. Going on 1700 hours on it with no issues. I do a fair amount of woods work with a Wallenstein winch. No grapple yet but I use forks. This tractor suits all my needs, winching, loading and hauling. Tires are loaded. I have a 900 pound homemade counterweight I can quickly lift with the winch when needed for extra heavy loader work. Combined weight with winch is 1400 pounds. Winch is equipped with a removable ball hitch which is great. And a good set of chains is essential here where I live.
I find the HST is great for what I do. In all my year round work I do a lot of what I call creeping work. With HST I have total control. But that is just me. Many prefer geared transmissions.
Good luck.

 

[Gordon Gould]

One thing I did think of was that if I had an HST I would want to be able to use the steering brakes in a convenient manner. Especially in snow when skidding out a hitch. I often set my hand throttle and use my right foot to run the steering brakes or diff lock.

gg

 

[Hoobie]

One thing I did think of was that if I had an HST I would want to be able to use the steering brakes in a convenient manner. Especially in snow when skidding out a hitch. I often set my hand throttle and use my right foot to run the steering brakes or diff lock.

gg

I think I get what you mean. I use my left foot for steering brakes. Not a big issue for me. But I sometimes run cruise control with my left hand so I can use my right foot.