L3301 Vulnerabilities? Brush-Hogging and Forest Work

[Rancher Ed]

I may have the opportunity to use an L3301 (4x4, HST) with loader and brush hog sometime in the next month or two. It would be used for mowing some brush and small saplings that are always encroaching out of the woods and into fields, as well as some work in the woods moving small logs, etc. I know from a couple threads on here that the hydraulic filter is pretty exposed on the right side of the machine, and the tie-rods are susceptible to bending if hit on anything (not surprising).

Are there any other vulnerabilities or weak points I should particularly watch out for to avoid damaging the tractor? I do know it is a tractor and not a forestry mulcher or skidder. (The M7040 and D2600 in my signature are several hundred miles away from this project, so I can't use the machines with which I am familiar.)

Thank you in advance for any insight and recommendations!

 

[Roadworthy]

Other than than the vulnerabilities you know watch when doing any loader work. Without the brush hog the tractor may be a tad light in the rear.

 

[Rancher Ed]

Roadworthy,

Thanks for the feedback. The L3301 ended up being unavailable so I rented an LS MT345HE. The rental place had put a thin but effective skid plate on it which worked great and allowed me to drive over the woodier brush and small saplings instead of having to back over and mow them down first. I did not think to take a picture of the skid plate, but it was definitely less than 1/8" thick plate/sheet.