Who uses a tractor?

marlinspiker

marlinspiker

Participating member
Location
Pennsyltucky
Im thinking about buying a tractor for tree/turf operations. Who is currently using one? It does seam a versatile piece of equipment and is lighter on turf then skid steers.
 
We use a kubota 7040,75hp tractor with the R-4 backhoe style tires on it.Im sure it would be much better with the turf style tires,but it doesnt track-up yards much at all the way it rolls.We also have a larger skid steer on tracks,and cant put it on established yards,too much damage.You will find that the tractor will have many more uses than you would expect.
 
As you noticed I run a tractor when I need it. It is a very versitle machine for me. I have a skidding winch for the back and the grapple for the front. It has taken me 11 years to get it the way it is now with tweeking my system and how I work, but its well worth it. Mine has what they call industrial tires on it and I have been extremely happy with how little turf damage it will do. I dont think turf tires would give me the traction and durability that I need and ag tire would cut in too much.
I would suggest when looking at tractors look for a wide stance and low center of gravity. Yes it might not make it through the 36" gate but it is much safer.
Mine is a Mahindra 3510 4x4, loaded rear tires w/ a Norse 250 winch (wish it were a farmi). On the front is a WR Long 64" grapple rake (the lightest yet sturdy grapple I could find).
If you are in the area and want to stop by and take a look and chat about it I would be more than happy to meet you at the house.
 
Ive been giving mahindra a good look. They have some really decently priced stuff. Compared to the price of a skid steer it seams like a great deal. And the versatility cant be beat.
 
When we've done work on horse farms they've lended us one sometimes, to move wood. They're ok, beats picking things up by hand. I'd much rather have an articulated loader or skid steer myself. I just bought a Gehl AL340 with a few attachments, and I love it, no turf damage what so ever, when on wet grass. I can pivot in place and cause zero turf damage.

I guess it all depends on the budget and what you're looking to do with it. The Gehl will out perform a skid steer or tractor when it comes to moving wood, hauling brush, and many other activities. But you might be looking to utilize the PTO on the tractor though, and run various implements.
 
Have a R400 Kubota and love it. Want turf tires but it does the job very well. Love at lifting cap. cus small ones get old quick.
 
I want one of these. http://www.linetracinc.com/index.php It's a little hard on turf though!
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For personal use, I have a Deere 4400, 4-WD, 36 HP, Hydrostatic, 3 cylinder diesel, w/ 41” rear Turf Tires.
It was the biggest, heaviest, most HP, utility tractor that I could find in 2001.

Front End Loader (9 cu ft label) is used to move 4 to 8 cords of firewood per year.
Bucket can be “over-loaded” to ~15 to 20 cu ft of wood.
Rear Lift Platform (54” W X 32” D) is also extremely useful. It probably carries at least 3X the bucket capacity. You can roll really large pieces onto it at ground level, to take to the splitting area.
The tractor is actually used for wood 2 or 4 times per year: woods, splitting pile, storage rows, house.

Other implements: 72” mid-mount mower deck, 52” 2-stage snow blower, backhoe, box grader, 38” Roto-tiller.

Ciao for Now ! Greg
 
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