Hello everyone , need advice on upgrading a logging tractor

[John_Mc]

That production level is way over what I do as well. However, I would not be at all afraid of using a Kubota MX series tractor for that sort of work. I would be seriously concerned about using your NH TC33D for that - not only would it take a lot longer, the temptation to push the limits with the smaller tractor would be just too great for me. (Speaking from experience: I own a TC33D. I managed to crack the clutch housing. The only thing that kept my tractor in one piece was the backhoe subframe & and FOPS/limb risers I'd had installed some years ago. I was able to limp back home, and a local tractor & heavy equipment repair guy put things back together for me.)

I like the MX series for woods work: I researched a lot of brands/models when I considered replacing my TC33D. The hydraulics for loader on the MX series are not as exposed... more protected than some of the smaller Kubotas or competing brands. I would still look at adding a belly pan, limb risers, Falling Object Protection (FOPS) and grill guard. Possibly some other operator station and engine guarding, depending on whether or not you are doing off-trail work with this tractor.

If you are tractor shopping, now might be the time to grab one, if there are still some available where the price has not been affected by the tariffs.

 

[Hoobie]

That's great idea Hoobie. How do you mount your counter weight ? Hang it off the slotted choker rail or some other way ??

gg

I poured a concrete slab around a 42 inch by 22 inch industrial heat exchanger metal plate. There were 4 holes on the plate. I buried the ends of a chain in the top two and left a tail on the chain. The bottom holes are open.
I back up to the weight, drop winch, hook a choker slider onto the tail and winch it up to the top pulley. It is now laying more or less flat against the back of the winch.
Then I run two short chains, one on each side, from the slotted choker rail through the bottom holes to the outside back of the weight. These I connect with a chain tightener. This snugs the unit up tight and secure against the back of the winch. My ball hitch is still clear and available to use below.
I try to use it for heavy loader work. I can load a dump trailer with gravel then fill my bucket to the max and travel longer distances [ up to a mile or so ] to work on woods roads. Once I got a system down it takes less than 5 minutes to install. And I dump it off anywhere.
Sorry I don't have a picture of it installed.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Thanks. Good description of how it goes. I like it. That's a clever idea !!

gg

 

[Redlined0002]

I have a Kubota MX5100 HST 4x4 with Loader for sale. Pre emissions. 610 hrs. $26,000. John 904-813-4740

 

[John_Mc]

I have a Kubota MX5100 HST 4x4 with Loader for sale. Pre emissions. 610 hrs. $26,000. John 904-813-4740

Interesting - The MX5100 is one of the ones I was interested in: it's a tough tractor, but at least according to the specs I can find online, not as tall as the current Kubota offerings of similar power/lift capacity. Wish I was not so far away from you, I'd come take a look.

 

[dodge man]

First off pretty cool the way you use horses. Like others I’m pretty small time compared to you. I think tractor manufacturers design the end loader to not over stress the tractor. Weight on the back is important for safety and to take stress off the front axle. Keep the end loader greased it will last a long time. Obviously the more you use it the more it gets worn out but most people buy them to use and not look pretty in their shop.

 

[SwampRooster]

First off pretty cool the way you use horses. Like others I’m pretty small time compared to you. I think tractor manufacturers design the end loader to not over stress the tractor. Weight on the back is important for safety and to take stress off the front axle. Keep the end loader greased it will last a long time. Obviously the more you use it the more it gets worn out but most people buy them to use and not look pretty in their shop.

Thank man , the horses are incredible at what they do and very versatile. Plus after I use them for a while I can sell them for WAY more than I pay LOL.. They really can move timber in the right circumstances.

 

[Redlined0002]

Interesting - The MX5100 is one of the ones I was interested in: it's a tough tractor, but at least according to the specs I can find online, not as tall as the current Kubota offerings of similar power/lift capacity. Wish I was not so far away from you, I'd come take a look.

I'm located in Waynesboro Tennessee

 

[John_Mc]

I'm located in Waynesboro Tennessee

Your phone number had me thinking Jacksonville, Florida area. However, either one is 19 hours driving time from me. Too much for me to be interested in hauling it myself. Not sure what freight would run to ship it.

I'm not sure where @SwampRooster is located. Maybe that's an easier hop for him?

If he is not interested, I'd be interested in exploring this a bit. Do you have pictures, or an ad posted somewhere that I can see more information?

 

[Redlined0002]

Your phone number had me thinking Jacksonville, Florida area. However, either one is 19 hours driving time from me. Too much for me to be interested in hauling it myself. Not sure what freight would run to ship it.

I'm not sure where @SwampRooster is located. Maybe that's an easier hop for him?

If he is not interested, I'd be interested in exploring this a bit. Do you have pictures, or an ad posted somewhere that I can see more information?

I moved to Tennessee about 12 years ago and everyone had my phone number so I couldn't change it. Can you text me your email and i will email pictures to you Thursday. Where you located? I have some transport companies that i deal with time to time. If you send me your zip code I can ask them for a quote