Need Help: Matching tractor to land

RAW · Jun 1, 2005

Howdy, all.
This is my first post here. (And oh look! it's another "help me pick" message)

I was sent to this forum by some helpful folks on a motorcycle forum, strangely enough.

I'm new to the tractor world, but I'm a quick learner. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here's the deal: I own 253 acres in Mars Hill, NC. The land has been logged on and off for decades. Good thing about that is there are lots of logging trails. Bad thing is that there are lots of downed trees and limbs and the trails are clogged with briars and heavy brush. The property is quite steep in many places, with water berms cut on most of the trails to prevent erosion. I can make it up all of these slopes on a 4WD utility ATV. I'm having a house and workshop built on this property and I will be moving there permanently with my wife in about a year.

I will be using a tractor to clear the trails and create a couple of connections between dead-end trails. I had previously been considering a skidsteer trackloader because of the sheer number of attachments, but I've been counseled that skidsteers are terrible for steep land. So, I've refocused on a 4WD tractor. I have no idea what size I should be looking at, but I think I've narrowed my brand selection to Kubota, New Holland, and John Deere.

More info: I will also probably want to use the tractor for various material handling, 1/4 mile gravel grading, 3/4 mile paved road snow-scraping, etc.

Let me know what other info you want from me. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Here are some pics of the property.
Pic 1
Pic 2
Pic 3

Thanks in advance for your help,
Reuben

Edit: Posting pictures as a link is not only courtesy to those who are not blessed with a high speed connection, it also gives the reader the choice of downloading the image or not, rather than forcing them to view something that they may not be interested in.

RAW · Jun 1, 2005

More info:

I will have very little if any grass to mow. All of the cutting the tractor will be used for is heavy brush.

Do they make anything like this for tractors?
Pic
It's a brushcutter/chipper. They have a video of it in action. It's perfect for my needs, but . . . not available for tractor. I've emailed them about their plans to expand the line (cuz they mention it on the website).

SouthernMan · Jun 1, 2005

Howdy from the Vol state to the Tarheel state -

From those pictures, I would imagine you're in the western part of NC. Those are sure some hills and hollers.

Anyway, in answer to your question; you have a sizable piece of property, and you may need a tractor in the future for work you may not think of today. Further, if you want to move logs, push trees, etc. you need a powerful tractor. And you also would need a powerful tractor to get up those hills with a bushhog or other implements. So - if it were me, I would be looking at a 60 - 80 hp (at the engine) tractor. This would be the "utility" line of most manufacturers. JD's to look at would be the 5320,5325, 5420, and 5425. On the NH side, a TC70, TC80, or TC90. As I am not familiar with Kubota, I won't offer a suggestion. These ain't little compact tractors; and you definitely need more than a compact could offer.

Also, don't limit yourself to these brands - I almost bought a 5420, but found a MF 471 that did all I wanted and about 7k cheaper (and I love Perkins engines and that MF red)...Check out the Farmtrac 675; the Kioti 65s, and Definitely look at the new McCormicks (the C70 or C80)...they are outstanding.

At any rate, I hope this gives you some ideas of what to look at -
SM

gippolit · Jun 1, 2005

First I like to say great piece of land! Second I wouldn't consider nothing less then 60 HP. I would recommend the Kioti DK65S. It's a great tractor and many more options and features for the money.

Regards
Glen

RAW · Jun 1, 2005

Thanks for the suggestions!
I really like the Massey Ferguson tractors, but I haven't heard much in the way of experiences with them.

Thanks again.

tjkadar · Jun 1, 2005

With that rolling land, you might want to consider an Antonio Carraro tractor. Antonio Carraro Tractors They are an interesting tractor and specialize in putting a lot of power in a smaller package suitable for hilly terrian. The TRH 9400 Ergit would be an ideal beast of burden. We considered one for our farm, but since we have mostly flat terrain, we stayed with a more traditional tractor.

rockyridgefarm · Jun 1, 2005

I'd look closely at a Deere 4120-4720. Great power. Tough machines.

RAW · Jun 1, 2005

Those AC tractors are pretty neat. But the nearest dealer is in Kentucky. I'm wanting to pick a manufacturer that has good dealer support in my area. The Kioti, Kubota, Deere, Massey all have dealers close enough to be viable options.

That DK65S is a nice machine. I called a dealer and got a "list price" for the non-cab version at 25grand. I got the impression that they were more than willing to deal on the price. I'd like to pay under 20grand, but . . . I also want to make sure that I buy enough tractor the first time around.

RAW · Jun 1, 2005

Anyone have experience with the New Holland TK80 crawler?

ByronBob · Jun 1, 2005

I was going to suggest an L48 by Kubota. They look impressive from what I've seen of them here and at the dealers place.

Is that too small?? I mean the thing will dig and haul big stuff. What power you think you need vs what you can do with it is amazing. If you have a dealer nearby ask him what he thinks. Also check around with the locals and see what they have.