New here and in the market.

[Vineyard Dave]

Hi everybody.

I posted up in the new member intro forum yesterday and recieved a nice welcome from a few of you, thanks.

Teg suggested that I post a question in this forum.

I have 30 acres that I'll be occupying an about two years. The plan is to put in about 12 to 14 acres of vineyard. There are a number of wineries in the area all in need of localy grown grapes, I'd be happy to oblige.

Obviously, I'm tractor shopping. I want a good tractor to cover a few bases. Of course reliability, quality of build, parts availability, service and support are important considerations. BUT.. I'm a cheap SOB so I'm looking for a good value in a tractor as well. I certainly don't mind paying for quality, but I don't want to spend everything in the budget on the tractor and impliments.

I want a tractor versatile enough and capable of doing the following.

• Tend the vineyard, (pull a row mulcher, pull a cart for harvest, service the cane supports, spray & fretilize, etc)
  
• Tend the property, (mow about 4 to 6 acres, chip & shred downed brush, move snow, haul stuff, move pallets, etc)
  
• Do a bit of landscaping, (we'll be building a new home there, and I'd pick up the odd job occasionally)

I've been looking at the Branson 4720h. This beasty..

I'd like to hear from you folks on your experiences with Bransons. I'll welcome all feedback on the tractor. I'm not married to the idea, but from the homework I've been doing it certainly seems to be a good choice and fits my needs and budget.

I'd just like to know you experiences.

Thanks everyone.

Dave.

 

[flusher]

My first reaction--that Branson you mention looks pretty huge to be tooling around a vineyard. My neighbor has a 35 hp Branson. It's a big, heavy, simple machine, like my 54 hp Mahindra 5525 (same local dealer here handles both brands).

Someone just planted several hundred acres of vines south of town last summer. The largest piece of equipment I saw there was a 26 hp Kubota tractor. Several 4 wheel ATVs and a Mule were also used.

 

[Vineyard Dave]

Good though there.. I'm planning on initially having 10' row spacing in the vineyard. as production grows over the years I could add a row between and have 5' spacing.

I suppose I could start off smaller, but would I be cutting myself short with regards to the other needs (landscaping, etc)?

Down the road, if I end up adding more rows in the vineyard, I could also get a smaller tractor at that time... Also..the mule may be fine for them, but I have no desire to deal with livestock.. my dog is demanding enough. I'm happy to grow all manner of plantlife, but I'll pass on the animals..

Just thinking out loud..

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think you will find the 25-28HP range with a FEL is what most users here have. Very handy size. Many to chose from in this size so look carefully and do your research. This is the perfect size for snow removal, yard work, and general farm/ranch chores.

Chris

 

[Vineyard Dave]

Hmm, thanks. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a FEL ??? (I'm here to learn)..


Duuuhhhhh, Front End Loader.... nevermind.

 

[GPintheMitten]

Don't feel bad about the acronyms. It has taken me awhile to catch on to some of them here. I don't know anything about vineyards except maybe what freshman in high school might know... maybe less... but I would check on width clearances on tractors compared to your row spacing. Might also check with other owners of other small vineyards to see what they use.

You might be surprised as to how much you can accomplish with the 20-25 horsepower cuts (compact utility tractors).

 

[peabody]

Hmm, thanks. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a FEL ??? (I'm here to learn)..


Duuuhhhhh, Front End Loader.... nevermind.

my opinion ? for what its worth ?

havent heard much about branson tractors, i'ed try to stick with name brands,?
NH, john deere, massy. etc ?

and get the biggest tractor you can.

just my .0000000002 cents worth.

peabody

 

[Botabill]

To tend a vinyard won't require much tractor. The landscaping you plan to do may need more of a tractor. Exactly what landscaping you plan to do is unclear. My first tractor was a full sized International 434. Way too big for what I was doing on my 30 acres. Then I got a 18 HP Kubota with FEL and was amazed at what it could do in landscaping. Loved it. It was just the right size for 4 years. There were times when a bigger tractor would have done the job faster but the advantages of small out weighed the advantages of big. Now I have a 26 HP CUT. I needed the extra hp for ground engagement but still wanted a small tractor. The point I'm making is until you get using a tractor for your purposes you won't know what you really need. Have fun!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I wouldn't hesitate to get a Branson. They make a good machine. What I would do is a lot of research, what size machine works well with the things that you want to do with it. Don't purchase before you look around at different makes and models. (as many as possible) Tractors are not all the same, some models will fit you good, (controls all seem to be in a good position and it is natural for you to reach the controls, while others seem to be awkward.

Good luck and have fun

 

[flusher]

Good though there.. I'm planning on initially having 10' row spacing in the vineyard. as production grows over the years I could add a row between and have 5' spacing.

I suppose I could start off smaller, but would I be cutting myself short with regards to the other needs (landscaping, etc)?

Down the road, if I end up adding more rows in the vineyard, I could also get a smaller tractor at that time... Also..the mule may be fine for them, but I have no desire to deal with livestock.. my dog is demanding enough. I'm happy to grow all manner of plantlife, but I'll pass on the animals..

Just thinking out loud..

Mule---as in the Kawasaki 610 Mule. Real handy in a vineyard.

2009 Kawasaki Mule 610 4x4