tc24d projects reality check

[horstuff]

Hi. I have posted here before and stated that I am buying a tc24d with 12la and backhoe. Well, I had my dealer also deliver a tc29d because I couldn't get it out of my head. I have just 1.25 acres, and all the heavy stuff is pretty much done (I had an excavator in here for a few days). What is left to do is detail/finish landscape work, with creating beds for trees, natural garden areas, kind of a parklike setting.

My question is - has anybody built a winding path through their grounds that a tractor can go back to and maintain/remodel areas like islands with trees, plant some new plantings, maybe later build a gazebo in the far corner of the property, etc.? I have in mind a 4 foot or so wide winding path through the grounds that would allow the tc24d to gain access to all areas in the future, and if I went with the tc29d, the path may have to be 5 feet wide, at which point it starts to look more like a road, not a nice walking path. Am I missing something in this logic? Is it a pipe dream to think I could have a 4 foot path that will allow useful tractor access, or will turning around and actually doing anything with the tractor just screw things up anyway?

If I thought that a 4 foot path would ultimately be pointless for a tractor to work from, I guess I will just go with the tc29d, which really feels like more of what I want from a tractor if I ever get more acreage. Then again, I could stick with the tc24d for what I have to do now, then trade up later....any input? Thanks.

Bobby

 

[markie61]

My "path" to the woods is just over 6 feet wide. When I am carrying branches and debris to put in the woods, it is hardly ever less that 6ft wide. And when on horseback, we can ride 2 abreast /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Mark

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I have wide and narrow paths through my woods, it just depends on the path. One problem I have found with my B2910 (similar frame size to a TC29) is that the ROPS hits some of the large lower branches, but my TC24 can fit under the big branches of the trees. I have a couple paths that are wide enough for the B2910 but it never goes down them because of other issues (soft ground leaving ruts, vertical clearance, tight turns where the FEL hits things). From the capabilities standpoint, the TC24 will do anything the B2910 (or TC29) will do, it will just take a bit longer to do some of the jobs. For your 1.5 acres, I would think a TC29 is way overkill unless you are constructing a lot of landscaping or have plans to buy adjacent property in the near future. JMHO. The TC29 sure is a nice tractor if the emotional side overwhelms the practical side, I'm sure you'd be happy with it.

 

[jimg]

The rear wheels on my 24 are just under 48" outside to outside. I suppose you could get by w/ a 4' path. However, any attachment wider than that, obviously, wouldnt fit nor would any attachment offset beyond the wheel. If you have a loader turns in the path would have to be more gradual and longer.

I would agree w/ Bob. The 24 is just right for your size lot. I have a 24 on 2ac and find it just right. Like you, when I was shopping the 29 *looked* so much better but its just too big. In retrospect Im glad I dont have a 29.