Opinions wanted!-4wd tractor for clearing old farm

[couchsachraga]

Greetings...

I'm looking for a used tractor (4wd) in the $5-10k range to help re-clear an old farm (bush hog, skid logs, etc...). After reading pages and pages and pages of great info here, I wanted to see if I'm on the correct track at all. I'm thinking 25-35 hp, 4x4, FEL, probably late 80's (for my price range). I used what I think was a Kubota L2950 once in Maine, and it would be about ideal (though it may have been a larger model (L3410?)). Terrain is mud, hills, and LOTS of rock. Trees to be skidded / lifted up are up to 30" in diameter, but I usually cut them to 13' lengths. Old field is now alder thicket, and 4wd will be very helpful in places....
Any suggestions out there, hp or other-wise, as well as models to look for / avoid?

Thank you in advance,
Couchsachraga

 

[cowboydoc]

How many acres are you looking at clearing?

 

[couchsachraga]

The entire property is about 200 acres, but the majority will be left as woodlot, etc.... I hope to clear (of trees) 5 acres or so (with some thinning in the other wooded areas), and clear (of alder) 10 acres or so (although that may be a little ambitious ). There are already 6 acres or so cleared that I currently mow each year with an old Farmall Cub and sickle bar. Other chores included working on the road and cleaning out the old barn (several feet of manure).

Thank you,
Couchsachraga

Strip Mines Prevent Forest Fires

 

[cowboydoc]

For that much ground then I would say you would be fine with the tractor that you mentioned. The one thing I would suggest is to make a list of everything that you want to do and the implements you are going to need. Then make sure the tractor that you buy will handle all the implements.

 

[Bird]

Don't know of much anyone could add, except to agree with what cowboydoc has told you. Personally, I'd certainly prefer a hydrostatic transmission.

 

[upgw]

Hey, how about posting a few pics of the property for us rural wannabees.

- Patrick W.

 

[shade2u2]

If you're going to work that many acres of trees, I would not go any smaller than something like the NewHolland TC35 to TC45 size tractor. The size/weight of the unit is as important as the hp in work like you've described. I think that it would be to much work & time for most 25 - 35 hp tractors. Going used for this kind of work is the only way to go since working with trees, logs, etc can cause scratches & dents. Then when all that rough stuff is done, you could get something newer if you wanted.