White oak saw logs, 26-28" by 9'. We quarter sawed these 4/4 ad 6/4 on my friend's Woodmizer a couple years ago. It was one of his last jobs before he retired. I still haven't found another decent sawyer nearby.
OK on the tractor side I like bigger I have a 68 model JD4020 with a front end loader the bucket is 6' wide bucket! The tractor is a 95 HP at the PTO I love built like a tank and simple! Make sure you look at some of the bigger tractors some times they can be cheaper!
Not sure of the budget you've got to work with but something else to think about is Tier 4 emissions if going with new. The HP you're looking at will be Tier 4 and there have been a few issues for different color machines. Not many issues and not necessarily a deal breaker but still something to think about.
We shopped long and hard, and considered all the major brands. The day we bought we went back around and both of us test-drove tractors. There are major differences in the ergonomics - things I didn't mind were show-stoppers for her. We ended up with the smallest of the Kubota M series, and at 1400+ hours have nothing but good to say about it. We knew we were going to be handling round bales, which are 500+ lb, and driving around in rough conditions with that weight out on the front-end, so we looked at models with heavier front axles. The 3-pt hitch is also beefier on the farm tractors, which is important when skidding. (compare an L to an M Kubota, side by side at the dealer - big differences). Since we bought, the Mahindra, JD, and New Holland dealers have all closed (very sad to see JD cut off that dealer). Dealer support and distance to the dealer are key items (we have a dealer parts counter worker who lives in our town and will drop off parts at out house on his way home). 4WD was obvious for our conditions. Quick-attach is a no-brainer (bucket, bale spear, forks). A grapple is on the wish-list. $1000 ice chains are worth every penny for us, but would be hard on paved driveways and pretty concrete floors. Three chain hooks welded onto the bucket are standard from this dealer and are used very often. Block heater was a must-have. Loaded tires (these new tractors are scary-light compared to a 1980's JD). I'm thinking of adding some cast iron wheel weights, too. We shopped Craig's List for the winch, and found an older Farmi for $900 that I've skidded close to 100 cord with, and have put about $2.50 of rope into.
all Flamestead, said times 2.. hooks are awesome. my back tires have 3 weights per side.. Also check tire sizes.. I like Kubota wide tire in front for mud season stay on top not cut thru... my front tire 1 came off rim killed bead awful nice to have front tire same size as bobcat they were in stock!
That's great man! Makes it even all the better when it's the wife's idea. Quote unquote""... Well, used usually means less support such as warranty coverage older parts that break a short time later. U just don't know the maintenance upkeep and on and on. Get itNew, warranty coverage new tractor that u will know how it is kept up with and piece of mind... just cost is always the bugger. I'd be happy contemplating what your contemplating. Love to get a nicer tractor w a front loader.. need it but the cash has no cash flow for now.. lol
Add me to the Kubota recommendation list. I have a L3540 and it has been a workhorse. No issues at all and I would replace it with the same if I had to. Loader with forks, bucket, and grapple. Rear tires are loaded, block heater, 4wd, glide shift trans ( shuttle without the clutch and clutch less gear shifting) I use it for bushhoging, a lot of loader work and for firewood.
I'm a fan of the older Ford 2000-3000 series tractors, a lot of the farmers in my area have one of those around for general work, even if they have much larger JD's for field work. I'm not convinced the newer compact JD and Kubota tractors will last for decades like the Ford and JD's from the 1960's-70's will. My parents have maintained their 36 acres and 800 ft gravel driveway for 20 years with a Ford 8N, but those tend to gulp gasoline and can be a little slow with a FIL attached.
My Kubota has surpassed it's first decade with zero repairs needed. Maintenance schedule has been followed. Still has original battery actually. 900+ hours and counting. Most tractors will go the distance if they are cared for.
My Kubota is 10 years old 600 hours.. no problems with it I did not cause.. original batteries.. I damaged a tire in mud was a rock cut edge.. my brothers are hard on equipment.. nephew calls one of them uncle broke it!
Although I have several Kubotas, I too wonder if any of the modern compacts will last 40-50 years like the old classics. The one difference though, is the convenience, usability, and productivity of a modern compact-if the life time is shorter, it will be a easy to use, comfortable life for the owner.
I bought used and I'm happy with it. Def get a SSQA front end loader and loaded rear tires. Have you run a tractor of this type before? It might help to spend a bit of time in the seat - if that's interesting to you let me know. David
I'm a diesel tech at an CIH, Kubota, jcb dealership. For anything under 100 hp I say go Kubota all the way. Kubota is the compact tractor experts. The newer farmall series by CIH are decent tractors, but usually we find a whole slew of warranty issues with them from new. The tech support and their manuals are terrible. Another very important point is parts availability. I can vouch for Kubota. They have their ducks in a row. Just because a tractor is cheap doesn't mean the parts are.
