Buying Advice Tractor for homestead / land maintenance

[Binx]

Cutting the trees with a chain saw isn't that hard. You can try it and see how well it goes, then get the tree saw later if you think you need it. There's probably going to be some trees you can't get the tractor backed up to anyhow.

The root rake style grapple is better than the long tine style grapple for digging and for picking up single large logs but the long tine grapple can hold more brush/small trees. If you're cutting small trees you'll be wanting to pile them to chip or burn.

We've (He's) been using a chain saw every weekend for over a year now and it's starting to kick his butt, aka lower back. The chain saw weighs about 20lbs and he's bending over for each cut so there's not much stump left. That's why he's looking at a tree saw. That's saying a lot since he doesn't complain about hard work and hates spending money.

We'll probably need to clear an area and dig a shallow hole. Maybe get a piranha bar for that.

I'm sure Wallenstein makes a nice chipper but the Woodmaxx 8H or Woodland Mills 8" costs a lot less than that (or the Woodmaxx 9").

It will probably be the Woodmaxx. I can't believe the Wallenstein is almost double the price.

A makes good stuff (I'm happy with my wicked grapple) but you can find good quality US made rotary cutters and box blades for a little less.

Do you have any recommendations on a good company for rotary cutters and box blades? I've heard of EA and Gannon, but that's about it.

 

[ericm979]

20 lb chainsaw! I'd be tired too. I have a couple small saws for brush cutting and limbing. They're both under 10lbs. Even a couple pounds makes a big difference. The Echo CS352 is 8.8 lbs for the powerhead and isn't that expensive. It's super easy to start which is good when the brush is so thick that you have to stop often to pull stuff out of the way.

I got a Kodiak rotary. Mine's the regular duty, I'd get medium duty if you're going to be mowing a lot of 1"+ brush. AgriSupply carries them.
My box blade is a Gearmore. It's well built and was a good price. But they're a southwest US company so you may not be able to get them at a reasonable price in the south east.

 

[Binx]

Just checked the specs for the chainsaw since you mentioned it was heavy. It's 13.2 lbs dry, so probably around 15 lbs with fluids. It feels heavier than that when I'm carrying it around!!! We've got a smaller chainsaw that hasn't been working for a bit, so I'll tactfully mention that it would be easier on him if he fixed it. :laughing:

Thanks for the info on the box blade and rotary cutter. We'll check them out.

 

[Binx]

Great news! Congrats on your new purchase! The MX5800 is a total beast and looks beefy with its oversize R4痴. Will be a great fit for your property and should last forever. Don稚 forget us virtual tractor fans, we want pics!

Hi Tractorable,

We got our tractor and picked up a little hitchhiker too!

We purchased our first attachment...a piranha tooth bar! Now comes the wait for the other attachments... unless we break down and find alternatives.