Buying Advice New to tractors..

Automobilist · Mar 15, 2016

Greetings!
Looking for advice on purchasing a nice used tractor. Our situation is; we bought five acres in western Washington. 80% heavily treed. We'll be living on site in a large RV while we have a house built. The property came with a Case 350B dozer, which operates well, but isn't the best tool for my use as I see it. I'm wanting something to more efficiently clear small trees, ferns, fallen trees, etc. I have discovered that the dozer does move a lot of dirt, and can do a lot of damage quickly in untrained hands!

I'm thinking that a smaller wheel tractor with loader might work well. Pulling out smaller trees, scooping up fern undergrowth, etc. Basically cleaning up the land while we keep the larger trees intact.

Site conditions are slightly hilly, typically wet/damp.

Thoughts, suggestions, comments welcome...

Ted

brasco426 · Mar 15, 2016

Welcome to TBN, lots of good people and excellent advice. Congratulations on the property. We were looking originally at used, with incentives and super low rate we ended up going new. Nice to have a warranty on equipment. Some manufacturers are going out as far as 5 year powertrain warranty now. Anyway welcome again and Good Luck

jeff9366 · Mar 15, 2016

A bulldozer is the First Choice equipment for tree clearing, much better than a tractor.

Research tractors for your secondary work.

Even a small tractor can skid trees over the ground to a burn pile. The large rear wheels provide tremendous mechanical advantage when PULLING. Tractors are not much for PUSHING. Bulldozer and Skid Steers are for pushing.

Consider tractors with a minimum of 12" ground clearance for woods work.

A good implement for clearing roots, vines, corms, bulbs, ferns plus aerating is a Field Cultivator.

VIDEO: How to Use a Ripper / Field Cultivator - Gardening Series - YouTube

LINK to T-B-N archive: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/339095-dirt-dog-all-purpose-plow.html?highlight=

The small but HEAVY tractor-loader pictured, a Kubota L3560, sells for around $27,000 plus tax.

Field Cultivator is <$900.

Kubota Web Site: Tractors - Grand L60 Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation

Automobilist · Mar 15, 2016

Thank you. These seem to be classed by hp typically. I saw a nice New Holland locally; TC30 (30 hp) with loader and backhoe. Under 400 hours, $12,500. Too light / small, or a good size for my property?

I need practice on the dozer, but it is a cool little brute...

jeff9366 · Mar 15, 2016

tractordata.com: TractorData.com New Holland TC3 tractor information

My second tractor was a Kubota B3300SU tractor-loader, almost identical specs to the TC30.

Good size to learn tractor operation. Very good price for a tractor including a Backhoe, assuming whole tractor is in good condition.

MAKE SURE IT IS 4-WD. 2-WD IS USELESS ON SLOPED LAND; NO BRAKES.

Do you have a New Holland dealer within 25 miles?

Buy it. Use it prudently. Buy something twice as heavy once you have mastered the TC30.

Tractor weight is as important as tractor horsepower, especially on sloped ground.

LINK: Tractor weight vs tractor horsepower - Google Search