Tractor for 25ac - hilly, previously logged - input greatly appreciated

[MossRoad]

Has anyone said welcome to TBN?

Bloomington is a beautiful area. Congratulations on your new home.

From the sounds of it, you should first measure the slopes that you think you need to drive on and find out the actual degree angle. You can eliminate many tractors right off the bat if they won't handle the slopes.

You may want to consider a logging arch for hauling logs out of there with a smaller tractor and a grapple bucket for cleaning up.

Or you may want to look into a large used AG tractor with a winch. Large HP AG tractors can be found pretty cheap. Use it for a few years to log out the place, then sell it and downsize to a unit for maintaining the property.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I would probably be looking a bit bigger than what you're looking at, mostly for dealing with the trees. A utility would be ideal, but would have to be very used to be in your price range. Next best bet would maybe be a used Kubota L4200/4300/4400, with the prior two more likely to be in your price range with a FEL. Unfortunately many will have R4 tires and I would strongly recommend R1 tires for your uses. I personally would avoid Chinese tractors, but the Koreans are pretty good and less $$ than US or Japanese makes - Kioti, TYM or Montana (?? on the last one - I think they claim some sort of US connection). Actually the Kioti you list sounds pretty good; I would prefer bigger, but it sounds like a good setup. 650 hours isn't all that much if reasonable maintenance has been done and it hasn't been abused (riding the clutch is the worst). Also, maybe you can dicker and get the price down a bit more.

FYI, tractors are more durable, reliable, and easier to work on than practically anything else with an engine. Their technology doesn't change very fast either. Not saying you want an antique, but I wouldn't worry much about somewhat used tractors.

 

[Double Orange]

I Just wanted to poke my head in and say, Welcome aboard!
Feel free to keep the questions coming.
Frank

 

[headleyj]

Hey Fellas - can't thank you all enough for your insight. To answer a few of the questions
yes I have a topo - see attached

Can't increase the budget any - already woudl be financing 1/2 that @ ~ 8%.

I examined the Chinese tractors - mmmmm...just doesn't sit right with me. if I'm going to be tightening stuff all the time and have no warranty - I might as well get an older "domestic" and have parts at my fingertips and people who have experience with them.

Northland - A grapple would be tough as nails, but shew those are pricey - unless you build it yourself, which could be done with some friends.

I looked at the Power-Trac's - very interesting! A bit procey for me though I think.

I looked at arch's some time ago and considered a Kodiak or Grizzly (yamaha bias) - but there's just so much I can't do with a 4 wheeler. Arch with a tractor yes. Would feel much safer!

Tires - R1's definetly preferred! If I can' reduce the filesizes I'll include some property pics.

Only "limit" on size is I want it to fit in a 9x7 gar door so I can keep it in the bsmt. to work on if needed and warm!

I'm rethinking my original plan as we have a 4 mo old (our 1st) and the regular cab is quickly becoming cramped. Coupled with the fact I've never owned a tractor! I don't think an older one would be a bad place to start. It's easy to go gunho off jump go (hey that rhymed) and get a newer XYZ brand, but..... an older one with cheap hp, FEL, sheer weight might be a good place to start that learning curve. They'll most likely be 2wd but there is 1 major skidder path that a 2wd would make it up easy. I'd cuss like a sailor the 1st time I had to work on it but I'd cuss harder when the truck has no room to carry mom and Junior I think.

Well I'm off to search for older ones. I can find alot of those in town - which is nice! Guys, can't thank you enough for everything thus far. This site is awesome. I'm laying tile this weekend so may not have a chance to look until next week. I'll definetly keep you posted on what I find.

Thanks again!!!!!!!!

 

[SnowRidge]

Only "limit" on size is I want it to fit in a 9x7 gar door so I can keep it in the bsmt. to work on if needed and warm!

I don't think you are going to be able to find a tractor big enough for the task you need to do that will fit in your basement, possibly excepting some with a fold down ROPS. For your hills, a ROPS is a must.

I suggest you measure your actual clearance. Some 7 foot garage doors don't actually have a full 7 foot opening, due to adjustment problems or installation errors. You also need a little extra space just in case of bounce, or to accomodate height increases due to approach and departure angles, if there is any slope under or near the door.

Just a little more to think about.

 

[nightrodjc]

I would stay away from the jd790, good tractor but not real stable .
Before my current jd4510 I had a jd870 with 440 loader very stable tractor and you can get them for around 10000.00. Mine was a 95 model with 800 hours on it and clutch tranny. JD still sells this tractor as a 990, same tractor just a little more H.P.

 

[Northland]

try

http://www.tractorbynet.com/classifieds/ViewCat.php?CatID=25

Used Tractors at TractorHouse.com: John Deere Tractors, used farm tractors and farm equipment, Case IH, New Holland, Agco, Caterpillar.
http://business.listings.ebay.com/_...91953&fccl=1&fts=2&coaction=compare&save=Save

and eBay – tractor, john Deere tractor and kubota tractor items on eBay.com. Find IT on eBay.

 

[Renze]

The Chinese tractors I've heard to shy away from for resale, dealer network and reliability reasons.

If the market "talks" the resale value of new chinese tractors down from hearsay- you need to buy a 3 year old low houred chinese bargain !!


For 25 acre, or 10 hectare, which partially needs to be cleared, i wouldnt go with a compact, and definately not with a lightweight asian... you need farm tractor, to have a little extra meat to beat on.

If you're mechanically minded, mid 80's Zetors are tough as nails and will take some abuse in land clearing. Due to their build and weight they are a stable base for a heavy front loader, and stable on hills too if set on 70" trackwidth. The small issues that may occur are easy to fix by an average home wrencher.

 

[Glowplug]

Welcome to TBN!

My only information, whether of value or not, is Kubota L4400!!

 

[ktm250rider]

The pics probably dont do it justice, but the hills dont look all that bad. Ive got one on my property that I went down the other day. Put it in low and kept the bucket low. Keep foot off the brake and clutch and let the trany/engine brake down the hill. Hand was on loader control to drop bucket if I got out of control. Going up is different since I have a road around it.

Budgets are tough. If you get too small of a tractor youll be trading in very shortly. Im using a 4510 on my property. Pulling logs and cleaning up around the 50 acres. Even if I paid double for mine, I would have gotten my moneys worth. From plowing snow, putting in lawn, building stone walls, lifting garage wall that fell of second floor deck (saved tearing the whole thing apart), logging, moving dirt, going to the mail box, pulling the kids in the trailer. The things are priceless.