New here and maybe off topic.

[RonL]

Are you talking about skidding 36 inch diameter logs? If so you will need to consider something considerably larger than a 25 HP CUT. Maybe purchase a CUT and hire out a skidder when you need to skid large trees.

RonL

 

[Junkman]

Golfgar....... you will have to excuse my grandfather.... he misplaced his spectacles and has a hard time reading without them... the other night he forgot to put the seat down in the outhouse and we had to lift him out with the loader and pressure wash him before he was allowed back into the house..... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[JDgreen227]

Golfgar4 is right about the NH TC-30, it's an excellent starter tractor with hydro as an option. Before getting my JD I often borrowed a friend's Ford 1520 4WD model and I really liked the size and power, the TC-30 is basically the same as the 1520. If JD has downrated the engine in the 790 then the NH clearly has an edge in displacement. My friend would use his 1520 to back my 6000# travel trailer up a steep slope into my barn and it amazed me how much power it had.

 

[Ender]

If cost is your biggest factor you need to look to EFC over in Tricities. He can get you into a Tym for a little over 14 grand. 33 horse I think. There is a Branson dealer north of Portland just a little, but his prices were a bit more than EFC. Your best bet for cost, and if you are ok with a gear transmition, is Adams Tractor over in the Dalles. He can get you on a nice new Jinma 28 hp with Koyker loader for 9.5K or so.

 

[lamarbur]

that's quite alright. someone has to keep you "old timers" on the up and up.. you passed the test with flying colors..

 

[Mrwurm]

I'm with RonL on this one. On a good day you might be able to drag a 36 inch dia log, but I don't think you're going to be lifting it in any way. Seems like your needs and budget may be steering you toward a full size tractor in the used market.

The good news is that used full size tractors tend to be not as pricey as a used compact. (relatively speaking)

Yes, I do really like my TC30 hydro. But I don't think it was designed for heavy duty log skidding.

 

[frank_f15]

OK GARRY: HERE IS ANOTHER WELCOME : that should get u thorugh post 4000 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
feel froggy myself today! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sanmigmike]

Lot of information and ideas so far, thanks!!

Okay, further thoughts: gear, doesn't bother me but maybe it should. I don't plan to spend eight to ten hours at a time on it very often. That might be famous last words... Any thoughts on HST and others versus gears for reliabilty.

Use, I am gone about half the month so looking at my time and what I plan to do.... I would guess that in the long run we will put no more than 150 hours a year on it. Or should I say not more that 200 but not less than 100.

We tend to keep our cars and trucks until they are dead, so I hope this will do it for my tractor buying.

Large log skidding....get my brother in law over here for the large ones. On the other hand will think about the full size used tractor.

Plan to go see a couple of dealers tomorrow and the next day.

Funny that some one mentioned the green 790, must admit that I liked it a lot and it is one that we are considering. But I am very open to some of the others mentioned here and plan to check them all out. Will comment that the nearest dealer in green seemed not near as helpful as the MF dealer.

Again, thanks for all the information.... Seem to be a great bunch of guys here!

 

[Slamfire]

Re: Lot of information and ideas so far, thanks!!

I'm gonna stick my neck out here in the Land of the Automagic Transmissions and say gear has a lot going for it. You don't shift your tractor near as much as you do an automobile, truck or even an atv. If you were going to be doing a lot of repetitive loader work then it might be nice. But driveway maintainence, bush hogging, and some light logging, don't need it. You just pick your gear and go until you need to back up, then do it all over again.

 

[AndyM]

Re: Lot of information and ideas so far, thanks!!

I also favor the gear model. It costs less to buy initially, and I feel it's easier to drive, in my opinion. My foot just doesn't move the right way to work the HST pedal. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

My property is very flat, and I stick it in a gear until I need to back up. The hydro model would be more helpful on hilly property though.

Try both out and see which one you prefer. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I feel the NH TC30 provides more value than any other tractor in its class, but it was still more than my wife would let me buy. Give it a look, it's a good deal.