Messing around with the new tractor at the neabors place so far I’m really digging it. Some small things that I’d do different but nothing I can not live with. I definitely need to load the tires. Knew that before I did anything anyway. I’m thinking about building a ballast box with saw storage/chain storage. I don’t care for the rocker hydro shift. I’d rather have both forward and reverse up front. I knew that before also. Gona take some getting used to. otherwise it’s quite an impressive little rig. Fits in tight places well.
Nice rig!!! I really like the trailer too. You are correct, having proper ballast is critical for offsetting a front end loader. It will give you more traction, be more stable/safer/less likely to tip, better on hills, and take some stress off the front end components. I would recommend having Rim guard/Beet juice put in the rear's. It heavy at 11 lbs./gallon and non toxic. It also is right where you want the weight, over the tires. The 3 point wont get tied up, and can be used freely. If you want a cost effective weight box, check out Titan attachments.. They have one rated to hold 800 lbs. which would be plenty for your tractor.
Hey Scout nice to hear from you again. Havent seen you around. Looks like fun. Haul a few logs for me!
Unless you are moving pallets, I see no reason to own forks. Look to the grapple first. However, a grapple is 4-5 times the cost of forks and the weight may be an issue. There's nothing like a grapple for moving brush piles and holding up logs will bucking.
A grapple can be great but I feel you’re limited in what you can do with it. If money isn’t an issue, buy both!
I agree with Jrider. Tractor work involves a ton of uses besides just tree work.The forks are more useful in general. Grapples are more of a specialty implement. I use my forks a lot more than my grapple and forks are much cheaper to purchase.
Agreed with both. I use a track loader and don't do much tractor work other than mowing larger parcels. I do use my forks, just not as often and wouldn't be without them. I stack a lot of logs and pull them out on tight trails not wide enough for logs laying across pallet forks. For log and habitat work (90% of what I do), I would be lost without my grapple. Perhaps starting with forks as they are inexpensive and rent a grapple to try it out. I don't know what the lifting capacity is on this type of tractor. Grapples are heavy and I tend to grab several logs at a time. One thing I really like about the grapple is the ability to pick up my dirt bucket with forks inside and head to the timber with all three attachments. It's quite a sight, but it saves me a couple trips. It's even more interesting when I haul my palletized fuel tank on the forks, in the bucket and all in the grapple. I try not to do that too often as it can be a bit un-nerving. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll buy more toys as needed. It is an addiction and why we are all here.
I have a Mahindra 2415 HST 4WD. Awesome little tractor, filled the back tires with windshield wiper fluid, but beet juice would be better. If using in the snow a lot, I'd consider tire chains. Also got the clamp on forks which come in very handy. Enjoy your tractor!
I have forks via Artillian pallet fork frame and use it more than I thought I would. Moving rocks, slabs, logs, stumps, big plant pots, etc..
I use a three point pallet mover and a 275 gallon water tote on the back for ballast. That way i can drain the water tote and move it by hand. Makes for a great ballast when I am lifting heavy loads on the front
