Buying Advice Southern VT Newbie Advice

[otlski]

Same distance as Allpower is Orchard Hill Farm Equipment in Belchertown. I have never purchased from them but they have been responsive as I look for a new tractor.

 

[seasled]

So thanks to all who replied. One final request is recommendations for where I might buy new or used

Also interested sources of USED equipment.

tractorhouse.com

 

[BAP]

Pinnacleview Equipment in Walpole NH is a great dealer to work with. They have a lot of different size tractors on the lot so you can go and see them side by side and try them out. When starting out tractor shopping, being able to see the different size tractors next to each other, makes it easier to see the differences and choose the best size. Run the different size tractors and see which one is the most comfortable to use. I am not saying you have to buy a tractor there, but a dealer like that with many sizes to look at in person is a great place to start getting a sense of what size will fit your needs.

 

[Carl_NH]

There are quite a few machines on Craigslist - many by dealers though but it gives you some idea of prices. This is for western MA you can select the area/state too. western mass for sale "kubota tractor" - craigslist

As others have stated Orchard Hill in Belchertown has a wide selection of brands and machines to look at - as you can see in the link above.

 

[thompsonmax]

Hello everyone, I am new here. Interesting thread, thanks for the information.

 

[nybirdman]

I would recommend a 35-40 HP,4WD,and FEL tractor @3,000# minimum.I Green's Machine Thumb and tooth-bar will do 90% of what a full grapple will do at 1/4 the cost.R1 tires(loaded rears).Something along the lines of "new" L4060 Kubota or used L3940 ect.These are the Grand L's and have lots of extras that are well worth the cost over the standard L's.

 

[fruitcakesa]

I would recommend a 35-40 HP,4WD,and FEL tractor @3,000# minimum.I Green's Machine Thumb and tooth-bar will do 90% of what a full grapple will do at 1/4 the cost.R1 tires(loaded rears).Something along the lines of "new" L4060 Kubota or used L3940 ect.These are the Grand L's and have lots of extras that are well worth the cost over the standard L's.

Great recommendation
I have a green thumb on my forks and it is a great combo and loaded rears are necessary for traction and counterbalance

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Great recommendation
I have a green thumb on my forks and it is a great combo and loaded rears are necessary for traction and counterbalance

I was looking at their web site, The Thumb - Add-on Grapple Attachments, but the videos suggest (to someone clueless like me) that this is actually a lot of work to install the green thumb. Or would similar work be required for grapples marketed as compatible with the tractor?

 

[CobyRupert]

I "think" the biggest task with a grapple and/or The Thumb is getting additional hydraulic lines to the front of the FEL that their cylinder(s) can connect to. ...and the associated quick connections, and possibly adding controls for that line. (i.e. do you want an electric switch on the FEL joy stick? etc..)
Both types need these adaptations.
I think the only additional thing with the Thumb is bolting it on you fork carrier or bucket.

 

[nybirdman]

I installed my Green's Machine Thumb myself;third function installed by my dealer.I have the ability to weld and lots of tools.I welded an
angle iron to the top of the bucket with nuts welded to the bottom(for easy removal of thumb).I realize every-one doesn't have these capabilities.Very minor job for a weld shop. A little effort will save a lot of money.