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

[Builder]

"Which is why we are not supposed to post eBay references on this site..."

I was just trying to help..........next time I won't.

 

[Builder]

Maybe this will satisfy the needs of everyone:

http://www.harttractor.com/files/585h.jpg

TractorEquipment4

 

[headleyj]

Well I finally did it. I bought one. I looked and looked, priced and priced - I was set on the Kubota 3400 Hydro or DT I didn't really care which, but finances, closing on the new house (twice) a 7 month old and everything else got the best of me.

I bought an IH504 Utility with a loader, spinouts (already set wide), 350hrs on a rebuild, gasser, PS, very solid mechanical shape with a landpride 6'GB (basically new), Woods 6'BH and a 6' YB with teeth. Like I said before I've never owned a tractor, so the starting small and getting the feel of it thing made sense to me too. I'll take it slow and easy for sure. I've driven a few, but very few.

I've read all the forums here about skidding and the different ways to do it, what not to do etc. so I feel good about that. I feel good about out one main skidder path we have in regards to the slope of it. I'll be careful no doubt. If I dont feel good about it I wont do it - simple as that. There's plenty of trees on the flat part to burn for forewood for a year or 2 atleast. There's hills I wouldn't take a 4wd tractor up on our place!

I'd like to thank every single person here for their help. I sncerely appreciate it. I'm pumped to own one and finally be able to work the land as I see it in my head. I can't thank everyone here enough. It wouldn't have been possible to make an informed decision if it were not for all of you guys and this site. Thanks to TBN and all you great folks!!!!!

 

[IslandTractor]

Congratulations. Now we need pictures of your new family member and stories of the work you'll be doing.

 

[headleyj]

as soon as I get it - should be this weekend, I'll post some for sure. Work I'll be doing is maintaining a 1/4 mile drive, cleaning up 25 ac of logged trees and keeping trails open for riding, walking and simply enjoying the fresh air!

 

[john_bud]

Actually the economics of a good used tractor are hard to beat. You can always remember that the "new tractor smell" wears off after the first or second load of manure!

Just go slow and steady. Use your brain and teach your left leg to hit the clutch peddle hard when things don't feel right. That will save your bacon sooner or later. I've got 2 reflexes that happen quick. 1 - hit the clutch and 2 - raise the 3pt arms. You get that one when you mow and find a rock or stump. Whack whack whack!!

Enjoy!

jb

 

[GinNB]

Have fun with your new toys. Just be VERY careful on hills with a 2WD and a loader. Weight in the loader means less weight on the rear wheels, especially when going downhill. ALL of your brakes are in your rear wheels, so you'll slide quite easily even if your rear differential is locked. Load your rears if they aren't already, use a 3pt counterweight (adds more traction and takes weight off the somewhat delicate front axle, unlike loading your rears), and be ready to lower your loader and DON'T push in the clutch if you start sliding towards something unpleasant like the creek or a few trees while in low gear (engine braking helps). Rocks, twigs, and leaves act like grease and ballbearings.

 

[candersen10]

I wish I posted earlier here. I have 150 very hilly acres and have spent a lot of time moving very large trees around on steep hills. A tractor is entirely the wrong tool. The center of gravity is too high on most and rops are not adequate unless you have serious fops as well. The tool for this job is a skid steer (preferably new holland or john deere because they have the lowest center of gravity) with a set of good wide wheels and an industrial/forestry type grapple.

 

[headleyj]

I wish I posted earlier here. I have 150 very hilly acres and have spent a lot of time moving very large trees around on steep hills. A tractor is entirely the wrong tool. The center of gravity is too high on most and rops are not adequate unless you have serious fops as well. The tool for this job is a skid steer (preferably new holland or john deere because they have the lowest center of gravity) with a set of good wide wheels and an industrial/forestry type grapple.

Man did I ever seriously consider a bobcat/ skidsteer! Problem was $. As to the advice about the hills, 2wd with loader, don't hit the clutch, and be careful.....yep found that out 1st hand a week ago. I was creeping down the one path I have that I felt semi-comfortable with with the yard box on and it broke loose and slid all the way down. Hit the clutch at the last minute out of reflex from trucks - wrong thing to do. Scared the living sh*t outta me. My dumbass decided to "test the waters" on the uphill after I changed my drawers, and sure enough it went about 10 feet and spun out. I parked it and haven't tried it again yet.

I've caught alot of grief and "you're a dumbass" comments but not for the reason you think. These are mainly from people who say "you just don't know how to drive one", I'll come over and drive it out for you. um yeah right. Well it's more a safety concern than experience I say. Long story semi short:

Options:
1. Use an 80' lineman's winch cable to try & pull it up with 2, 3/4 ton trucks.
2. I've found a few 9000 and 10000 lb winches for $300-$400 I could buy that and winch it up (either affix on the tractor or the truck)
3. Drive out on someone elsees property - there's no easy way out, plain and simple. This path is the easiest option
(I will load the yard box up with logs the best and safest I can before coming out of the holler to get as much traction as I can. Rear tires aren't filled....yet)

Soooo, if anyone has any other ideas/ advice I'd greatly appreciate it. It's raining to beat hello now so I'll have to wait for it to dry up a bit.

Yeah don't think the tractor idea is the best solution for this terrain - unless I can cut a new path somewhere - sheesh that would involve a bridge almost.

Anyways, any advice is greatly appreciated here.

 

[GinNB]

You spinning out one tire or two? If one, stomp on your differential lock to get both tires powered. Put some weight on your 3pt hitch and load your bucket. Keep both as low to the ground as possible and crawl your way up in your lowest gear. If you still spin out, I'd either buy a winch if you plan on going up and down there again with that tractor or call a towtruck (if one's handy and cheap) with a winch if you plan on trading for a 4wd. If the towtruck option is too expensive (more than an hour or so), I'd put the money towards a winch even if you plan on trading for 4wd. That way you've still got the winch rather than thanks for paying for the towguy's next vacation.