Need Recommendation for good hill tractor

[wv joe]

New to the forum and looking to buy first tractor. We have 112 acres in SW WV, so we have some hilly areas. A neighbor said he didn't like the previous owner's Kubota (don't know which model), it felt too light and tippy on the hills. Based on that, we've focused on weight primarily and the Mahindra 4530 looked like a good choice (heaviest by far at 5720 lbs.), but it looks like the 4530 is no longer in production. A Mahindra/TYM dealer said that he did get complaints that the 4530 was underpowered for the weight, so that might be why the model was dropped. He offered us a good deal on a TYM T400 with a FEL and a few other options for 19K, about 2K cheaper than the 4530 or Mahindra 4110. It sounds good and the weight isn't bad (3960 lbs.), but the TYM seems to be narrower than most at 59.4 inches.
I'm not sure what other manufacturer's data to use to figure a good stable tractor except for weight and width, but then I tend to overanalyse every purchase (just ask my wife!).
We've also looked at the Kubota L4400 and JD 4005, but the light weight turned us away, and the JD 5103, MF 2615, and Bobcat CT445 were a bit pricey. We're trying to get to see Branson, Montana, and Kiota, but the dealers are a little far. The Cub Cadet 45HP specs looks good, but I've been to 2 dealers and they only carry up to the 32HP.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[flusher]

New to the forum and looking to buy first tractor. We have 112 acres in SW WV, so we have some hilly areas. A neighbor said he didn't like the previous owner's Kubota (don't know which model), it felt too light and tippy on the hills. Based on that, we've focused on weight primarily and the Mahindra 4530 looked like a good choice (heaviest by far at 5720 lbs.), but it looks like the 4530 is no longer in production. A Mahindra/TYM dealer said that he did get complaints that the 4530 was underpowered for the weight, so that might be why the model was dropped. He offered us a good deal on a TYM T400 with a FEL and a few other options for 19K, about 2K cheaper than the 4530 or Mahindra 4110. It sounds good and the weight isn't bad (3960 lbs.), but the TYM seems to be narrower than most at 59.4 inches.
I'm not sure what other manufacturer's data to use to figure a good stable tractor except for weight and width, but then I tend to overanalyse every purchase (just ask my wife!).
We've also looked at the Kubota L4400 and JD 4005, but the light weight turned us away, and the JD 5103, MF 2615, and Bobcat CT445 were a bit pricey. We're trying to get to see Branson, Montana, and Kiota, but the dealers are a little far. The Cub Cadet 45HP specs looks good, but I've been to 2 dealers and they only carry up to the 32HP.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Here's a photo showing my new 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, 5370 lb without FEL) and the Kubota B7510HST (21 hp engine, 17 hp pto) that I traded in as part of the deal.

The 5525 rear track measures 72" wide to the tire outer walls and the rear axle centerline is 25" high, a 72/25=2.88 aspect ratio.

Just for grins I checked the same data for my other tractors.

The 1951 Farmall Super A is 63" wide x 20" high giving a 3.15 aspect ratio.

The 1951 Minneapolis Moline BF is 57" wide x 30" high, a 1.90 aspect ratio. This particular BF has that rear portal axle with bull gears is set pretty high in front for row crop work.

Finally, the 1964 Massey Ferguson 135 is 83" wide x 20" high, a 4.15 aspect rato.

The 135 has been modified into this squat configuration for discing and mowing work in the olive orchards around here. It has a standard 135 rear axle, but the front spindles are shorter than usual and the rear wheels have 16" dia rims and wider tires.

Since stability is one of your concerns, bring your steel tape and pocket calculator along when you go tractor shopping and measure these dimensions on the tractors you're eyeballing. And check the specs to see how wide the rear and front wheel tracks can be set. These track widths usually are adjustable.

My 10 acres is very flat pasture so, other than dropping a wheel in a ditch, tipping is not one of my big concerns. If I were in your situation, I'd be looking for tractors with aspect ratios of 3.00 or greater.

 

[bake321]

I'm a lttle bigger than what you are looking at, Kubota M9540, but my property in south central Kentucky is very hilly. I was told and believe that the way to go is 4wd, cast wheels and filled tires. My tractor has been very stable and I get into areas that I shouldn't. It's all about keeping the weight down low.

Bake

 

[Egon]

One should not just look at weight for stability. The center of mass and where it is located is what counts.

 

[Gittyup]

Antonio Carrera I believe is about the most stable, or other articulated. But, these are different beasts that may not fit your needs. The heaviest tractors are Branson and Kioti. Kioti's will be worth your time to go and see.

Definitely get loaded tires.

I sure wish manufacturers would publish center of gravity location.

 

[flusher]

New to the forum and looking to buy first tractor. We have 112 acres in SW WV, so we have some hilly areas. A neighbor said he didn't like the previous owner's Kubota (don't know which model), it felt too light and tippy on the hills. Based on that, we've focused on weight primarily and the Mahindra 4530 looked like a good choice (heaviest by far at 5720 lbs.), but it looks like the 4530 is no longer in production. A Mahindra/TYM dealer said that he did get complaints that the 4530 was underpowered for the weight, so that might be why the model was dropped. He offered us a good deal on a TYM T400 with a FEL and a few other options for 19K, about 2K cheaper than the 4530 or Mahindra 4110. It sounds good and the weight isn't bad (3960 lbs.), but the TYM seems to be narrower than most at 59.4 inches.
I'm not sure what other manufacturer's data to use to figure a good stable tractor except for weight and width, but then I tend to overanalyse every purchase (just ask my wife!).
We've also looked at the Kubota L4400 and JD 4005, but the light weight turned us away, and the JD 5103, MF 2615, and Bobcat CT445 were a bit pricey. We're trying to get to see Branson, Montana, and Kiota, but the dealers are a little far. The Cub Cadet 45HP specs looks good, but I've been to 2 dealers and they only carry up to the 32HP.
Any advice would be appreciated.

One additional thought--you might consider dual ag tires for each end of the rear axle to increase your track width (I assume with all your acreage we're talking ag tires here rather than turf tires). I'd check with the dealers you're considering to see if their tractors will handle this type of setup.

 

[greenmule]

Think your on the right track to figureing out which is better on hills by weight of tractor/width of rear tires outer edge. Get your tires loaded on what ever you get,that will help. I don't have a loader but got weights on front,that helps. Tractors with agg tires width can be adjusted some,industrials are wider,and lower center of gravity,think they help in that regard,depends on how wide you could adjust aggs.

But there just some hills that you should not have any tractor on and sideways don't work very good. If you can mow up and down hill,and you got 4wd tractor,its got to be pretty steep for you not to be able to go safely on.

 

[RalphVa]

You might want to check out the Ventrac line. They're much lower to the ground than most tractors. They can be bought with a FEL and 3ph but also can be had with a good mowing deck. Come in both gas and diesel, about 30-35 hp engines. If they had them in about 20 hp range, I might be interested, as I've a 100' drop to to the creek behind the house. Just don't need or want 30+ hp.

Ralph

 

[RWolf]

Width is probably your biggest concern and advantage. What every you go with I'd look at getting the widest tires you can. For my JD that was the 16.9's. 4wd will also help. But probably the most important is experience. Anybody can tip a tractor and it takes practice to be able to handle hills. Duals on the rear will also be a big advantage. I'm afraid your not going to find a "inexpensive" tractor to satisfy your needs. You might talk to some of your neighbors who have lived in the area for awhile and see what they recommend also.

Good luck.

 

[dex3361]

WV Joe We are nearly neighbors. I live in Elkview WV. I had a brother who lived in Gay a few years back, before they put the lake in. I want to welcome you to TBN. I had the same concerns that you have with the hillsides and the risk of turning over. I chose the Kubota L4400 HST and had the rears filled with fluid. If you want to try one out in the real world send me a private message and come on over I have lots of hills here too.

 

[GreenWannabe]

I haven't really seen it talked about much here, so I will add my two cents worth. The wheels for most R-1 Ag tires have a number of different positions in which they may be mounted. Filled R-1s mounted in their widest positions will give you the most stability for any given tractor. The lower the tractor is to the ground, the better, as well. Good luck in your search.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

There is a killer deal right here on TBN classifieds. TractorByNet.com Classifieds Item 807407631 - John Deere 4720 tractor with a cab and 400X L

 

[wwalkersd]

These are probably rare as hen's teeth, but if you really want a low center of gravity, try a Ferrari tractor.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Massey Ferguson has a low profile option on their utility line of tractors. They utilize smaller diameter tires to lower the center of gravity. On the 2 wheel drive tractors the front spindles are shorter than the normal profile tractors by 4 inches. Here's a link.

MF 500 Series Low-Profile

 

[SpringHollow]

You do not say what you will use the tractor for. I have a Power Trac that is rated to go sideways on a 45 degree hill. My land is not that steep where i run the tractor but i do not have to think twice using the tractor with the loaded bucket raised where my New Hollands would have a wheel off the ground even with the bucket low. But if you were spending every day turning over dirt with a plow, the Power Trac would not be a good choice. Lots of information here on their forum.

Ken

 

[yooperdave]

Lots of good advice here.

In summary: get the lowest profile tractor with the widest width, longest length, most power, and have some weight to go with it. 4wd is a big plus regardless.

Power Trac had a slope mower with these features. It was long, low, wide and heavy with 4wd. The seat even had a pivot so while the mower was sloped (side hill), the seat was vertical.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Don't know what it is that you will be doing with your tractor and most likely out of your price range that you are looking for, but if you want to feel like your glued to the side of a hill try either a New Holland or Landini crawler.

 

[wv joe]

Thanks for all the good info - I get online infrequently due to dial-up (not a speed issue, but sharing time among the family!). Since a few have asked, I don't plan on doing hay - yet another thing I know nothing about and plenty of neighbors who do. Main tasks will be bush hogging and some grading work right now. Wanted a tractor big enough to carry round bales in case we go that route. I'm sure we'll come up with more tasks once we have the tractor - since I need to cross fence, putting in fence posts comes to mind.
Again, thanks for all the info!

 

[yooperdave]

Though the attached file shows a small tractor, it looks like it might do well on a hill.

Yooper Dave

 

[SpringHollow]

My PT1850 has a 90" bush hog. There are something like 40 or so accessories for it including grapple buckets, mini hoe, stump grinder, etc. The biggest limitation to this model is the 1200 lb lifting ability with the FEL. I do not know what size or weight the round bales are that you want to do. There are other models that are limited to crosswise on 30 degree slopes or so that have a larger lifting capacity.

Ken