HELP PLEASE... TRACTOR FOR APPLICATION???

[habanero]

HELLO... Long time reader, but infrequent poster. However, I need help, thoughts, observations, and suggestions from the seasoned experts in this group! I'm trying to select a tractor with loader and backhoe to serve my needs, and I don't want to "blow" the decision! My applications are as follow: (A) Clearing, stump grubbing, landscaping, etc. on the coast of NC (relatively flat, clear, and easy digging with minimal rocks). (B) Clearing, stump grubbing, excavating, landscaping, etc. in the mountains of Western NC (hard and rocky soil, steep terrain, with a rock or tree always in the way). (C) I have arrived at the following overall requirements for a versatile machine: 1. Hydrostatic transmission; 2. 4-in-1 loader bucket; 3. Hydraulic thumb for backhoe (lots of rock placing for mountain landscaping); 4. Maximum power in a maneuverable package that will not be a handicap in tight quarters.

In my own mind I have narrowed things down to the following: (A) B-26 with hydraulic thumb and 4-in-1 loader bucket: or... (B) Grand L 4240 hydro with LA854 loader, 4-in-1 bucket, and a Woods BH-90X backhoe with its available hydraulic thumb. The quandary is loader power (the B-26 hoe is a relative "hoss"), versus weight, maneuverability, and great user packaging on the B-26.

PLEASE HELP ME WITH YOUR THOUGHTS, EXPERIENCES, AND OBSERVATIONS!!! There's lots of great help and experience available here!!! Here are a few of my questions, but please don't limit your observations to these... I'm about to spend a significant chunk of change for a new retiree in these tumultuous times, and I need to hear it all...

(A) Is the loader on the B-26 powerful enough to be useful with the 4-in-1?
(B) What's the opinion on how clumsy the Grand L will be vs the B-26?
(C) What's the feeling on durability and maintainability with each?
(D) How badly will the B-26 suffer in comparison if used in other tractor chores from time to time?
(E) My interest is strictly use and applicability... I can buy either, and I can haul either.
(F) Is there anything else out there? I have considered a skid steer with hoe attachment. Lots of power in a compact package. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

THANKS TO ALL!!! This is a great forum and I have tracked it for several years... Now I have to make a good decision of my own... I hope I have started a lively and informative discussion!

 

[john_bud]

.
...

(A) Is the loader on the B-26 powerful enough to be useful with the 4-in-1?
(B) What's the opinion on how clumsy the Grand L will be vs the B-26?
(C) What's the feeling on durability and maintainability with each?
(D) How badly will the B-26 suffer in comparison if used in other tractor chores from time to time?
(E) My interest is strictly use and applicability... I can buy either, and I can haul either.
(F) Is there anything else out there? I have considered a skid steer with hoe attachment. Lots of power in a compact package. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
!

A) No. The 4n1 will be about 400 pounds of extra metal over the standard B26 bucket. You will be down to sticks and feathers overloading the lift capacity.
B)The grand L with HST will be only slightly less nimble. Very slightly. Hanging a hoe off the back will make the B much less nimble as that rear weight is more noticable on the smaller machine.
C) With a FEL and especially a BH, you want weight. The more, the better they work. The L will be lots and lots more reliable in the rocky environment (lots!) especially with a hoe on it. Not much different in the flat soft ground. But, you will do 1.5-2x the amount of "stuff" with the L over the B in the same amount of hours. If they both last (guess) 8000 hours, but one did the 1.5-2x the work... which is more reliable?
D) The B will be 1/2 to 2/3 as productive. It will pull a smaller implement slower. Oddly, to complete a chore the L may use less fuel. It uses more per hour, but will take fewer hours.
E) I would say to buy the L in that case.
F) If you will be doing "tractor" work like running a tiller, mower, disc, plow the skid is the wrong tool. If you are ONLY doing FEL and BH work the skid will be better with the FEL and the same or a bit better with the BH. The downside is you have to take off the BH to move the dirt pile with the FEL. Plan on getting real good at that chore!! The skid will probably rip the snickers out of the ground compared to the tractor. If that's a concern. A CTL or compact track loader ( a skid with rubber cat tracts) would be better, but is 50% more $. Also, CTL's are very $$$$ on tracks. Typically in the 5-10 dollar per clock hour range. That's a bundle, but 10k for a new undercarrige after 1000 hours is stated on some brands and models.

One option may be to get the B and a mini-excavator. The miniX will be much better at the chores you list, with the exception of FEL work. You may be able to find a used one or grey market fairly cheap.


Just my opinion, but I hope it helps a bit.

jb