Tractor Sizing Now I stepped in it, I need everything

[big bubba]

hey Jeff, should have put it differently. i have twisted a double moldboard plow with my tractor (probably operator's fault). afraid would be the same with a clamp on spade..... i'm glad to see it works great for you.
keep the informative posts going, they are very detailed & best regards

 

[RidgeHiker]

OP: the implement pictured below would last about 10 min on an M series. maybe ok for sub/CUT but worthless imho for any serious tree planting. there are other options. good luck, one step at a time & best regards
View attachment 687376

I have the same Bucket Solutions spade as Jeff. I have not used it a lot (though much more than 10 minutes ) and it works fine with my 50hp tractor. It clamps onto either the bucket or forks. The forks allow it to go deeper and provide better visibility though place it further out.

 

[big bubba]

I have the same Bucket Solutions spade as Jeff. I have not used it a lot (though much more than 10 minutes ) and it works fine with my 50hp tractor. It clamps onto either the bucket or forks. The forks allow it to go deeper and provide better visibility though place it further out.

hi RidgeHiker as with Jeff, glad the spade implement works well with your setup, probably works fine for mid range tractors & i can see it's usefulness in your application. hopefully, discussions like this can provide user feedback to the OP in equipment recommendations. for the OP tree planting project, he's probably better off posting a new thread in the project forum on that subject

when i stepped up to the M8540 from a previous 45hp machine, i soon realized certain implements could not withstand the weight & hp of the M series machine....just wanted to point that out to someone considering a larger tractor, etc. the spade extending from a bucket like that would not last long in my situation....

best regards & good luck to the OP in the many decisions ahead. finding new land & making plans is a lifetime adventure & looks like the OP is off to a good start

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Nice looking spread! Where about near Chattanooga? I'm from Chattanooga.

 

[Number15]

Nice looking spread! Where about near Chattanooga? I'm from Chattanooga.

It has a cleveland address in Bradley county.

Previous owner mowed with a 15 foot mower is what I think he said. He owns over a thousand acres in the area and has lots of equipment. If we get the deal worked out he said he would spend some time with me to get familiar with the property.. said he had no prob mowing a couple of times until I get going.
He also said he might be able to get me one of his tractors on the cheap, I guess he owns an equipment or construction company.

I have budgeted a huge amount for the equipment but I am loathe to rush in and buy a bunch of shiny stuff without having a grasp of what I need. I know this is where mistakes can be made if I am not careful.

I'll tell you locally everyone seems to be pushing kubota. HawkinsHollow or anyone else have opinions on the Chattanooga kubota dealer? I am going to pay a visit soon

 

[big bubba]

excellent, you're off to a smart start
lots of landscaping potential on the pond(s) unless you will have animals. send more images as things move along

 

[Number15]

I spent a few hours on the property yesterday. I don't think hills are going to be to much of a problem wrt the mowing aspect of the land. I think we're I might have a issue is some of the land is what I would call soft.

There is a small creek and a spring that both contribute to I guess is a flood plain. We got through it fine in a razor but I could tell it might be a issue if I am not careful.

So now I am thinking a 4x4 tractor between 40 and 50 hp. Some locals feel I would be fine with that but some are pushing for bigger.

I worried to go to big. I want enough but not to much. I feel like to big might become a hassle.

I know some of you will say you can never have to much tractor. I feel like sometimes when you need a finish hammer you shouldn't use a sledge.

But I recognize I still know jack about this stuff

 

[Buggs67]

I have nothing to offer that hasn't been said already.

Except Congrats and good luck, it looks awesome. I wish I had a nice pond like that. I could see myself sitting in a comfy chair under a tree with a cold beer.

And if I had 30 acres to mow I'd find a farmer to hay it. But the situation there might be different from here in Dairy/farmland PA.

 

[deezler]

So now I am thinking a 4x4 tractor between 40 and 50 hp. Some locals feel I would be fine with that but some are pushing for bigger.

I worried to go to big. I want enough but not to much. I feel like to big might become a hassle.

I know some of you will say you can never have to much tractor. I feel like sometimes when you need a finish hammer you shouldn't use a sledge.

I think you are on the right track. A 40-55 HP machine will give you enough grunt to get large scale projects completed in reasonable timeframes, but not so large that you cant drive down basic trails, get close to any buildings, or have much more difficult maintenance intervals (IE 20 gallons of hydraulic fluid to change, etc).

A Kubota MX5200 or 5400 sounds ideal, frankly.

 

[Tractorable]

Even a big tractor gets pretty small when it’s in the middle of a 30 acre field. Err on the side of more weight and HP.

A higher end MX or Grand L (or other brand equivalent) should suit you well.