Tractor suggestions ???

   / Tractor suggestions ??? #1  

Poli

New member
Joined
Nov 26, 2004
Messages
6
Just bought 29 acres of wooded raw land. Have 8 years to clear it off ready for a home (that's when I hope to retire). Will never have any livestock -- just house and LARGE garage type building -- but would like it cleaned up of the undergrowth and some of the trees. Brother-in-law suggested a B7800 with loader, boxblade and brush-hog attachments. Suggestions or comments?
 
   / Tractor suggestions ??? #2  
I have a B2910 which is the deluxe version of the B7800. Great tractor and has never really let me down. I'm not real impressed with the 402 loader but the machines are reliable as all get out. Now, to the question of is the B7800 suitable for your uses let me ask about the tasks.

When you say clearing some trees, what do you mean?

This is a fairly small lightweight 30hp tractor for moving trees. If you are talking relatively small trees, then you should have no problems, but if you are talking a serious number of trees or large trees then I'd probably go up to the L3130 which has more weight and a larger frame size. That said, you have 8 years to accomplish your tasks so there is a lot of time.

Also, given that you have 29 acres, if the budget permits, I think you'd be happier with a larger tractor than even the L3130, perhaps something in 35 to 40 horsepower range.
 
   / Tractor suggestions ???
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Bob, on the tree issue I'm talking about some pine trees. Some are fairly tall, but in the 8 to 10 inch diameter range. I'll saw them down and can cut them up to move them. The rest are just large "sticks".
 
   / Tractor suggestions ??? #4  
With 29 acres you may find the b series just wont have enough power. Or strength. I'd look into an L series. The b7800 may be enough to get the job done, but may take twice as long. also the loader only has a capacity of about 800 to 1000 pounds i believe. But thats pretty supstantion I think for lifting cut up pieces. Now that i think about it. the larger b series may be just enough for your needs...LOL. I'd still want to get the larger tractor though because well...boys will be boys and we always want the bigger toys dont we now..LOL
 
   / Tractor suggestions ??? #5  
I have a B2910 and a little experience doing what you sound like you want to do, but on only 2 hillside acres. 3.7 acres total.

My advice would be to buy a L3430 or L3830 for the little extra they cost over the B7800. Now when I say little, that could really be a lot, depending on your ability to afford the difference.

The L series will work harder, lift more and in the future be able to handle a larger rotary cutter. Once you clean the area up a bit, if you don't maintain it your efforts will be for not.

Don't write off the larger tractor as being too big. I did that with the B2910 a couple years ago when I was looking for my first tractor, and on a whim, seeing that the price was not that much different, up graded from the B2410 I had decided to buy, without ever even having sat on a B2910. Best move I ever made.

Tractors get smaller with use. There are members here that have L series tractors on 5 acres or even less I think. One member has a B2910 on 2/3 acre. He loves it and it works for him.

You get a lot more tractor per dollar as you go up in size. Take time to think about it. But don't be afraid to go a little larger than you think you might need to at the moment. If you want to clean up those 29 acres and afterwards maintain them so your initial efforts are not wasted, you will thank yourself you went larger.

That is whay my experience and gut are telling me to say, anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
   / Tractor suggestions ??? #6  
I would have to second Henro's suggestions. Even though I have 120 acres, I only maintain about 30 acres and the L5030 is just the right size. No way would I think about going below a L3130.
 
   / Tractor suggestions ??? #7  
Ditto to the L series. I often use a L3710 on my fathers property to clear brush and downed trees. I often use a forklift attachment in place of the bucket for the FEL for moving logs and brush. This tractor easily handles heavy loads and is very comfortable to operate. I used to own a B2410 with FEL and would not want this setup for these chores. The FEL would not have the lift or versatility of the L3710. I also like the quick attach bucket of the 3710. The L series are a solid compact tractor and would be my choice.
 

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