What size tractor should I buy?

[jeff9366]

Tractors are fundamentally PULLING machines.

Root rakes take quite a lot of power to PUSH through soil and Front End Loaders (FELs) are mostly engineered for lifting, rather than pushing. However, the clamping feature of most grapple/root rakes is efficient for transporting brush.

I have been looking for a Three Point Hitch (3-Pt) mounted implement to accomplish root removal utilizing the tractor's PULLING power. I have used the rippers on my Rollover Box Blade to some effect but all Box Blade rippers are blunt therefore do not penetrate deeper than 4"-5". A tractor has a great deal more traction when PULLING because weight of rear implement is partly transferred to rear tires through the 3-Pt. hitch.

I have narrowed consideration to following: Fred Cain Field Cultivator, Dirt Dog All Purpose Plow, or Wingfield Versavator/Contractor Model (without optional chain harrow). All have parabolic shaped ground contact parts, which slip through soil more readily than other shapes.

Fred Cain Tractor 7 Shank 3 Point Field Cultivator, Ripper, Tillage Tool, Jitterbug, Field plow, Bermuda grass plow

Dirt Dog 66" 7-Shank All Purpose Plow

8' 6" Contractor VersaVator

I closely inspected Wingfield Versvator at the October 2014 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. Interesting implement. Too bad Wingfield's web site is not more informative.



A relatively inexpensive RATCHET RAKE bucket attachment works well for consolidating surface debris. Photo #3 = piled grape vine roots.

 

[jeff9366]

I would suggest something in the 30HP range, judging from the really rough look of the property. You'll need it to handle the decent ground engaging tasks you have right now, and decent loader lift is useful with livestock. As it looks like you'll be building and improving the property, and bigger tractor is nice. A 25HP SCUT is probably not going to cut it on something that rough.

Don't rush tractor buying, enjoy it.

Very good advice.

So a Kubota B series wouldn't be big enough for the job we need done? I'll have him look at the L series.

I had a (fondly remembered) Kubota B3300SU tractor-loader. (Photo) The 'B' series was not heavy enough for my needs, a 'B' is not heavy enough for your needs. Ability to PULL is more a matter of tractor weight than tractor horsepower.

 

[TomSeller]

it looks like a proper clearing job. Really good, actually.

I agree

 

[Navasot]

Also realize if you plan on bringing in hay for the animals your going to need them unloaded... There is only one 30hp compact that's going to want to lift a 4x5 round bale with the loader.

 

[txcowgirl]

We went out today and looked at the local Kioti and Kubota dealers. Right now we're leaning towards the Kioti. The Kioti dealer has a DS3510 with FEL(quick attach), 5' shedder, box blade and an 18' dual axel with brakes for 20,995.00 with 0%,60 months and 10% down or 18,395.00 @5.5% for 84 months and 10% down.

The Kubota dealer package was a L3301 with FEL with quick attach, with 5' shedder, box blade and no trailer for 23,417.29 0% for 60 months.

Right now the Kioti is looking quite nice financially. What do you all think?

 

[TomSeller]

We went out today and looked at the local Kioti and Kubota dealers. Right now we're leaning towards the Kioti. The Kioti dealer has a DS3510 with FEL(quick attach), 5' shedder, box blade and an 18' dual axel with brakes for 20,995.00 with 0%,60 months and 10% down or 18,395.00 @5.5% for 84 months and 10% down.

The Kubota dealer package was a L3301 with FEL with quick attach, with 5' shedder, box blade and no trailer for 23,417.29 0% for 60 months.

Right now the Kioti is looking quite nice financially. What do you all think?

Are both gear transmissions? I believe there is a HST option to the L3301.

 

[txcowgirl]

Are both gear transmissions? I believe there is a HST option to the L3301.

Yes both are gear shift.

 

[Pitch1]

Re: What size tractor should I buy

Let me in with a totally different slant. You are not ready for an expensive tractor yet. While your man did a good job,there is a ton of heavy work left to do. Any tractor you buy that is big enough to finish that job efficiently will be to big for your finished product. I suggest getting something like a Massey 135 a ford 4000 or a 3020 with a disc to cut the roots up and a York rake to smooth thing out with. Spend 5 or 6k on the older tractor and equipment,do what you need to do and then sell them for the same money. Then you can buy a SCUT that will fit your property and do all the maintenance with.

 

[Roadbuilder6]

Honesty for your needs, I would get something like a John Deere 4600

 

[MAN IN BLACK]

I don't know what the prices are down south.
But with the numbers you have there...I would jump on the Kioti deal.
Be sure to include in the deal...if not already included...a set of rear hydraulic couplers (minimum 1, preferably 2) and rear working lights.
Lots of compacts don't come from factory with them...at least my first 2 Massey's did not.