Sugar Sand - Help!!

texaslandman · Mar 7, 2004

I just joined today and have been reading discussions off and on for about 6 hours. This is a great forum. I need some advice.

My little gray market 2wd just can't handle the deep sugar sand. Or maybe this ole man just ain't quick enough on the clutch.

I have 7.5 wooded acres in East Texas to maintain. Only about 1.5 acres of bushogging, no finish mowing. It is deep sugar sand, oaks and hickorys. Heavy wooded areas need to have dead stuff cleaned out. Woods need to have small trees under 4 inch diameter removed, some holes filled in and some blade work.

I've convinced myself I need about a 30HP, 4WD with FEL. I already have a 4' box blade, 4' bushog, and a chipper that works off the PTO.

I've looked at the JD790, the operator platform seems a little small for me (6'-1" and 230#). I'll appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. I'm thinking about going for a new tractor this time. Thanks.

Bird · Mar 7, 2004

<font color="blue">( already have a 4' box blade, 4' bushog )</font>

I had those in a 4' size, too, when I had a Kubota B7100, then when I moved up to a B2710, I traded them in for 5" models, but of course you can use them on a larger tractor; I just prefer implements at least as wide, or slightly wider than the outside of my rear tires and the width of the bucket on the FEL.

I think you're looking for about the right size tractor, and of course would recommend you try to visit dealers to try different brands. You've looked at a Deere and they're good, but I'd also recommend you look at something like the Kubota B7800 and B2910 and the New Holland TC29D, TC33D, and TC30. Those are the "big 3" but as I'm sure you've seen on the forum, a lot of our members are happy with the Kioti, Mahindra, and some of the Chinese tractors.

And welcome to the forum. I love your part of the country.

Kyle_in_Tex · Mar 7, 2004

Your on the right track. Seems you know about what you need. Besides reading as much as you can stand here, I'd recommend you go see your local dealers. The dealer can make the difference as to which you prefer. Don't necesarily base your opinion on the initial salesperson. Other factors are:
1)How long have they been in business?
2)Service department (many aspects, labor rates, experience etc...)
3)parts department, (What do they stock?)

Sometimes you can find good deals on slightly used machines. This can be a reason to go to different dealers as often as you want just to "check" to see if they have any fresh used equipment. This can give you a feel for a dealership. On the other hand, making a bunch of trips to a bunch of dealerships can end up costing you the difference in price of what you really want vs. what you end up buying.
If you find something you're not sure of its value, just post here for info under that tractor's portion of this website.
Whereabouts in East Texas are you? My place is near Giddings.

OkeeDon · Mar 7, 2004

The Class I New Hollands (TC24, TC21 and the superseded TC18, which is what I have) have a front and rear tread width of almost exactly 4', so they will work beautifully with you attachments. My TC18 is 4WD hydro, and handles the sugar sand in Florida with no problem. Most people say the NH platform is one of the most comfortable.

This is the point where I'm supposed to say that the other tractors are as good, but I'm embarrassed to admit that I have never driven any other tractor, so I don't have a clue. There are certainly enough people that like the others, though.

lablovers · Mar 7, 2004

Texaslandman,
I think you are about right on what you need. I think 30 HP is problably at the top end. I am in California and talked with Alan @ Rivera Machinery in Donna Texas. They have another location but not sure where. They have Kioti, Branson and maybe some others. Most tractors are good units and it really boils down to what you like. I just ordered the Kioti LK3054XS. Not as modern as some of the newer models, just a good bread and butter tractor, 30 HP with TLB.
Good Luck,
Lablovers.

frank_f15 · Mar 7, 2004

WELCOME TO THE FORUM! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif i think 30 hp is a bit more than u will will need, but if the $$$$ and size of the machine is not a problem then go for it, i hope u are considering hydro. our friend BIRD is the resident expert on texas tractoring /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and he will give u more help than i can.u should really get on all the name brands if possible, and also check out the not so well know names, they make some pretty nice machines for the price.

txdon · Mar 7, 2004

Texaslandman, I know that sand well. I have had to dig my Farmall out with a shovel many times. I had ag tires on the Farmall and they could dig a hole quicker than I could step on the clutch. I still get stuck in the sugar sand with R4s and 4wd but it takes a lot more. Be sure you get the FEL to push yourself out of that sand. At least now I don't have to walk back to the barn for a shovel and a come-along. I second Birds suggestions.

jinman · Mar 8, 2004

Texaslandman, welcome to TBN. I see in your profile that you are retired from Mobil Oil and work one day per week at your real estate office. Need a partner? /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I think I could handle that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

There are lots of members from Texas and east Texas on this forum. If you can tell us what county you are in, you might find some good suggestions for good dealers and good deals. I think you are doing the right thing. When I first started reading your post I was thinking to myself and preparing to tell you that you needed to buy a different tractor. Sugarsand ain't quicksand, but it'll get you in trouble quickly enough anyhow. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Good luck with your search. I think you are doing exactly the right things.

JerryT · Mar 8, 2004

I have a place in east Texas (north of Houston) and my 2 wheel drive tractor lasted half way thru the first rainy weather (got stuck 4 times). Traded for a JD 4400 4wd with FEL. 4wd reduced my getting stuck by about 50% and when you do get stuck the FEL will get you out about another 30%. I think the secret in this east Texas soil is to keep a close eye on the front wheels. If you see them starting to sink, stop!. Try backing out, if that don't work, drop your FEL load, and try again, if that don't work use the FEL to push yourself backwards. I have never had the big back wheels drop first. Its always the front and then the back starts spinning and then your in a real mess. This ground, when it's wet is like quick sand except with a high surface tension, once the tension is broke your in a quagmire. Strangest ground I have ever seen! I still get stuck occasionally, but its my fault now, not the tractors. The locals call it "one pass land", often you can cross it once and its fine, then you try again and bam! your gone.

ns_in_tex · Mar 8, 2004

One thing I would suggest, if working in the woods. Most of these small tractors are low to the ground. Check ground clearance and look underneath for what is exposed in the way of controls that might get damaged if a log kicks up or you hit high center.

I have a Kubota L4610 and love it, but it has all kinds of things underneath to get damaged. I installed a belly pan under mine to protect the expensive stuff. If I didn't have HST, cab with remote loader controls ETC, there would be less under there ( but I wouldn't want to do without any of it).

Woods can be harsh on any equipment.

I do not know about the underside of other brands. Probably all could use some protection.