Rick in MS
Member
Haven't been on/around any kind of tractor in many years.
Just purchased 10 acres. 3 1/2 of that is already cleared and has been used for hay. The rest hasn't really been touched since the paper company replanted it with pines. Most of the pines are now a foot or larger in diameter and it's difficult to walk through the undergrowth. My "driveway", as it is, is almost 1200 feet of rough grass/dirt.
I think I'm looking for something in the 30-40 HP range. Initial implements will be a bucket, 5 ft bush hog & blade (preferably a land plane/grading scraper).
Would like to clear the undergrowth from at least some of the piney area, but that will not be for a while. Also have about a dozen stumps I really need to do something with. Will also need to plant some posts for a fence in the future.
My first question is do y'all think a 30-32 HP unit will be sufficient or should I go with 38-40 HP?
My step dad had a small Ford tractor (don't remember the model off the top of my head) but it used to easily bog down in a pasture with 2-3 ft Bermuda grass pulling a 5 ft bush hog at all but the slowest speeds. Also had a hard time with his little Ford powering an auger (only 6" bit) on some really hard ground. May have been a problem with the tractor or underpowered - or maybe even something else - I don't know.
Leaning heavily towards a hydrostatic drive. Honestly, I like the convenience and the wife has zero tractor experience. Our daily driver is a Jeep with a stick so a gear-driven tractor is not out of the question, just not preferable. Also have a 2WD Ram 2500 with Cummins for towing.
Don't like that the Kubota L3301/3901 treadle and brakes are on the same side. Haven't looked at the equivalent Deere.
Did like the fact the Mahindra 2538 had HST controls on the right with split-brake on the left and the ability to engage/disengage PTO separately from the transmission/drive.
Appreciate y'all providing input & insight as my hunt goes forward.
Just purchased 10 acres. 3 1/2 of that is already cleared and has been used for hay. The rest hasn't really been touched since the paper company replanted it with pines. Most of the pines are now a foot or larger in diameter and it's difficult to walk through the undergrowth. My "driveway", as it is, is almost 1200 feet of rough grass/dirt.
I think I'm looking for something in the 30-40 HP range. Initial implements will be a bucket, 5 ft bush hog & blade (preferably a land plane/grading scraper).
Would like to clear the undergrowth from at least some of the piney area, but that will not be for a while. Also have about a dozen stumps I really need to do something with. Will also need to plant some posts for a fence in the future.
My first question is do y'all think a 30-32 HP unit will be sufficient or should I go with 38-40 HP?
My step dad had a small Ford tractor (don't remember the model off the top of my head) but it used to easily bog down in a pasture with 2-3 ft Bermuda grass pulling a 5 ft bush hog at all but the slowest speeds. Also had a hard time with his little Ford powering an auger (only 6" bit) on some really hard ground. May have been a problem with the tractor or underpowered - or maybe even something else - I don't know.
Leaning heavily towards a hydrostatic drive. Honestly, I like the convenience and the wife has zero tractor experience. Our daily driver is a Jeep with a stick so a gear-driven tractor is not out of the question, just not preferable. Also have a 2WD Ram 2500 with Cummins for towing.
Don't like that the Kubota L3301/3901 treadle and brakes are on the same side. Haven't looked at the equivalent Deere.
Did like the fact the Mahindra 2538 had HST controls on the right with split-brake on the left and the ability to engage/disengage PTO separately from the transmission/drive.
Appreciate y'all providing input & insight as my hunt goes forward.