tractor choice-snow and steep driveway

bher · Jul 12, 2001

I am looking for recommendations and feedback on the selection of a compact tractor. First, I would like to say thank you for all of the great information that I have learned at this site. I am in the process of buying a 14-acre property to southeastern PA. The land is wooded and quite steep and hilly in many places. The driveway is asphalt and about 550 feet. The drive is very steep, with some areas about 40% grade. I plan to use the tractor for snow removal, general loader work, firewood gathering/skidding, light backhoe work, and landscaping/blade work. I do not plan on any finish mowing work, and rotary cutter work is possible but not too likely in the near future. I would prefer not to buy a snow thrower due to cost. I have not decided on a color yet, but I am leaning toward New Holland because in my area the Deere dealer is arrogant and the Kubota dealer is incompetent. I have thought about something with rubber tracks like the ASV RC-30, but the limited versatility and cost are negative factors. Can I safely and effectively remove snow on my driveway with a tractor? I am looking at least about a 30-hp machine with filled ag. tires and probably chains. I would appreciate any feedback, especially from anyone with snow removal experience on very steep slopes.

RPM · Jul 12, 2001

bher,

I'm also in SE PA - Chester County. Pretty much what you'll hear from folks around here (SE PA) is to make sure the tractor has 4wd if you have anything with a slope to it - whatever brand. We are in the part of the country that is blessed with that unholy mixture of snow and ice storms each winter!

My local Kubota dealer is Stoltzfus Farm Service - is it the same one? They have treated me well so far - no complaints.

I agree that the Deere dealers in the area are arrogant - I had my fill of them.

If your property is anything like the 155 wooded, hilly acres I sometimes lend a hand on then you're probably also looking at a good 3pt winch and a decent chainsaw? There are some guys with forestry experience on this board that might help you out there.

Patrick

RPM · Jul 12, 2001

Another thought for you - are you planning on plowing / blowing uphill or downhill?

If your garage / house / barn are at the top of the hill and you are going to be plowing / blowing downhill then you want a front-mount blade or blower.

You really don't want to be backing down a 40% grade with a 3pt hitch attachment - and all the engine weight uphill from you. That's not a good idea even if it will keep your pulse racing on a cold day. You just need to snag something with the blade and life will get exciting in a hurry - these blades don't trip like the ones you see on pickups etc.

Hey - also gives you an opportunity to use a 3pt mounted winch if you really get stuck to pull yourself back up the hill! Extra justification to get a decent one!

Speaking of which - I should stress that if you are planning on logging hilly ground one of these is essential. The 155 acres I help on occasionally just has a tired old Massey Ferguson with no winch. It's a bugger to pull some of the trees out - can't get near them with the tractor and need lots of distance to pull them out the old fashioned way. Woodland floors, with their leaf mold and general detritus are not known for their solid footing either.

Hope this helps,

Patrick

bher · Jul 13, 2001

Thanks for the input. I am in Lancaster Co. and Keller Bros. is my Kubota dealer. I was planning on a loader or plow for the snow because I too think back blades are a less-than-ideal choice for snow removal. Also, I will plow mostly downhill.

frank_f15 · Jul 13, 2001

behr: i live in western ny, we have a fair amt. of snow. i think your 30 hp. should do fine. i like a fel and back blade for snow removal. the back blade adds a little ballast and when the snow is not heavy,very quick to clean it up with. just my 2 cents worth

RPM · Jul 13, 2001

You might want to stop in at Stoltzfus then - if you go East on 30 and take 41 south -- they are at the junction of 41 and 10. You can't miss them - not far from Lancaster county either. They have the whole range of models on display from the bigger Kubotas down to the lawn tractors - also have trailers, any number of 3pt attachments and run a full service shop out back for all kinds of equipment.

The big New Holland dealer in the area is over the state line on Route 1 in Rising Sun, Maryland.