Want backhoe and tractor for safe use on hills

[HillBilly77]

I want to get a tractor/backhoe/front loader that I can safely use on 80 acres or hilly, mostly wooded land in eastern Indiana. I need to re-dig some wildlife ponds, make creek crossings and road culverts, rework some drainages and make new tractor routes for hauling out firewood.

What kind of equipment should I look for to give me the most stability on steep hills? Should I get 4WD? Hydrostatic transmission? Dual rear wheels? Are there any models that are more stable than others?

I have been using an old Ford 9N for bush hogging and hauling wood, going straight up/down 15 degree slopes, and will keep it for these chores. I need to take the backhoe on steeper terrain.

Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[Boondox]

I'm surprised how reluctant I am to offer any advice, though it sounds like your land and mine are pretty similar apart from lattitude. I harvest firewood on my 155 hillside acres, so go up and down and across quite a bit. But that's with the logging winch on and the backhoe subframe off. The hoe significantly reduces my ground clearance, so Clementine stays on the better travelled logging roads or in the meadow when the backhoe is riding along.

The problem of safely handling slopes is compounded in the forest not only because of roots and fallen branches that upset your tractor's balance, but shifting soils and hidden holes as well. Let's just say when I go into the woods I take it very slow and pick my way carefully, often using the hoe to test and shore up weak spots before proceding.

So I guess I can't offer any of the specifics you wanted, other than to say be really careful!

Pete

 

[mountain_man]

I can appreciate your dilemma as where I live, almost nothing is flat. After talking with my dealer about it, he recommended dual rear wheels for tractor use in the mountains, alternatively something with tracks (excavator?).

If this helps, I once worked on a conduit project at Vail (Black Forest Race Arena) and we used a large excavator to dig the trench up the mountain. However even it slid once in awhile (operator used the bucket to stop the slide).

 

[Hoeman00]

Deere and some of the other companies made hoes that go on dozers like 350 Deere it will work good in your type of area.

 

[BigEddy]

I'm going to commit a terrible sin for this tractor forum, and set myself up to be ostracized for ever
but!

I recommend you click on the ASV banner, and check out their tracked units. Much safer for what you propose, a backhoe unit is available, and boy can they do a lot of work.

I haven't heard anything you've mentioned that indicates a wheeled unit would be better than a tracked unit, nor any need for the 3pt capabilities.

The RC30 is comparable in pricing to a tractor and there are many compatible skid steer attachments.

 

[HillBilly77]

UPDATE--- Just got “back home again in Indiana”. Thanks to all who replied for their good advice. “jinman” that photo was worth a thousand words! I measured that slope you were on at 22 degrees, by the way. That’s about what I want to do.

My current feeling is to go with a tractor rather than a dozer or Bobcat-type, just because I am comfortable with tractors, and may need the tractors versatility and three-point hitch later on for bush-hogging, etc. The 35 HP range sounds about right for me. The
Bobcat is so narrow I cant believe it could travel across much of a hill carrying a hoe.

Would a hydrostatic transmission give better control on hills?

Thanks again to all. Ron
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hi, I have been using my Deere 4310 in similar areas, The Deere backhoe doesn't limit the ground clearance, like the subframe units do. I have the ag tires set all the way out and have great stability.

I personally feel the HST is safer and works a lot easier on grade.

Mine is 32Hp, and the Deere 4410 adds 3 Hp in the same size (for more money, of course...)