I’m thinking it’s time for more power

dbud428 · May 20, 2021

I bought a small (2 1/2 acre) plot 6 years ago, and got a used Kubota BX23s to use in the landscape and hardscape work. That work is all completed and now I want to do the heavier tasks of ripping and de-rocking the 1 1/2 acres left for planting. It’s flat land and I’m looking for recommendations on the right tractor for the job.
I want to plant vineyard and row crops so I will need a tractor capable of fitting in between 6’ rows. I am leaning toward the L3901, but as I said I am looking for recommendations and I’m open to other manufacturers.

jeff9366 · May 20, 2021

I want to rip and de-rock the 1-1/2 flat acres left for planting grapes.

I know Gilroy fairly well. The task you foresee is beyond a 2,700 pound bare weight L3901 with a Category 1 Three Point Hitch.

Hire an intermediate size bulldozer with a ripper for preparation.

The cost of hiring a bulldozer and operator will be cheaper than the repairs your proposed L3901 will require.

I was in the wine grape growing and wine sales business in Mendocino and Stanislaus counties. We bulldozer ripped a minimum of six feet deep for grapes in Mendocino, nine feet deep for grapes in Stanislaus County.

Better to prioritize bare tractor weight over engine horsepower. If you feel the need for 35 horsepower to 40 horsepower in your tractor consider a 3,700 pound bare tractor weight Kubota L3560, though not for ripping in Gilroy. L3560 is the same width as the L3901, 60" with R4/industrial tires.

Within subcompact and compact tractor categories, a significant tractor capability increase requires a bare tractor weight increase of 50%. It takes a 100% increase in bare tractor weight to elicit MY-OH-MY! An L3560 is approximately twice the weight of your BX.

Shop Korean tractor brands Kioti, Bobcat/Kioti, LS and Branson.

CT 2025 for 9 acres?

I am getting ready to buy my first tractor. I have been to all of the local dealers Kubota, John Deere, & Bobcat, watched every youtube video I can find, read every forum I can find and still questioning myself on if I am buying the right size tractor and right brand. We just bought a small...

www.tractorbynet.com

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

dbud428 · May 20, 2021

Great information Jeff, thanks!

jeff9366 · May 21, 2021

Many with four acres find a <26 horsepower, 2,700 pound bare weight tractor, free from the complexity of Tier IV emission paraphernalia, entirely satisfactory. If you can wait for moist soil for culivation, such a tractor may suit you too.

Greater than 26 horsepower is necessary to operate power hungry PTO powered implements. The two common, power hungry PTO powered implements are rotary mowers cutting tall grass, of which Bush Hog is the icon brand, and snow blowers. TPH emergency electric generators and TPH water pumps are not implements but require PTO engine power proportional to output desired.