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Advice on smallerish tractor for the woods

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by basod, Dec 29, 2016.

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  1. Gasifier

    Gasifier

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    But when you have your loader set up with QA for pallet forks you then realize the value of the loader. And get it with auxiliary hydraulics so when you need it you can then add a grapple! And you can change between the bucket, the forks, and the grapple! :faint:
     
    Last edited: Dec 30, 2016
    Gasifier, Dec 30, 2016
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  2. Gary_602z

    Gary_602z

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    Yep we can help you spend your money!!:thumbs:

    Gary
     
    Gary_602z, Dec 30, 2016
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  3. basod

    basod

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    basod, Dec 30, 2016
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  4. ansehnlich1

    ansehnlich1

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    Here's my '96/'97 Ford, She'll pull, drag, lift, load, plow, mow, and run's my splitter. 3 cyl. diesel, hydro. I'm sure a newer unit might be nice, but this little puppy has done a nice job.....

    Ford.jpg View attachment 113796
     
    ansehnlich1, Dec 30, 2016
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  5. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Rent an excavator for those septic repairs. Even if you own a small (under 8ft) backhoe, the time saved and crane ability will pay for itself.

    With compact tractors, the goal is do many small, often repetitive, tasks quickly. So things that decrease cycle time and operator fatigue matter.
    Sage advice from Gasifier on getting the loader setup with a 3rd function from the get-go. Make sure the tractor has all of the PTO and hydraulic options you think you might need because this stuff is $$$$$ to add down the road.:emptywallet: And that's IF the field install kits are available when you decide you need it. Otherwise you are stuck piecing it together from Service parts. :doh::emptywallet: Even if you won't use it, a mid-PTO is on anything under 60HP will pay for itself in resale value. Especially up here in snow country. (Front mount snow blowers! :dex:). But brooms and mowers all use the mid PTO so don't ignore it. Just because it don't snow (much) down there!

    One thing I never read about in threads about compact tractors are the drawbacks in using skid steer loader implements. Yes, everybody says get a Skid Steer Quick-Attach setup but there are a couple caveats to that. SSQA means you will likely be using loader attachments designed for a skid steer. The sight lines are completely different from SSs to CUTs. If you haven't used both extensively, you may not know what your missing. But if you can't see the bottom edge of the bucket well or the top isn't level with bottom, it can be unnecessarily awkward to do bucket work. Also SS buckets are going to be built like Abrams tanks compared to a standard CUT bucket. While that seems okie dokie at first, it means less lift capacity on the loader for doing actual work and more wear on the pivot pins bouncing around empty. Also, SS buckets tend to have long bottoms and be a bit more, low profile. This can make the loader on a CUT feel weak as it takes more force from the bucket cylinder(s) to break-out of a pile. I can't speak for others but I know Deere offered a ton of different bucket options for CUTs depending on the application. They had Heavy-duty versions of their standard buckets which had double walled tops and replaceable cutting edges in addition to reinforced sides. They also had high capacity versions that worked well for lighter materials like mulch and snow. These were designed to be taller and perhaps a bit deeper than a standard bucket in order to keep the load as close to the pivot pins as possible, maximizing the capability of the loader. And every Deere loader from the little Garden tractor models up through the large frame compacts and beyond came with their quick attach setup. That was a real boon on the smaller machines because a lot of other manufacturers were still using pin-on buckets as standard equipment.
     
    MasterMech, Dec 30, 2016
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  6. basod

    basod

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    so like eliminating a breaker bar and shovel;)
     

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    basod, Dec 30, 2016
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  7. Dancan

    Dancan

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    Atv trail riding .

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    MF 1020 4x4 , front and rear tires are loaded with studded chains on the back , I have a Norse 180 and my logging trailer that I've been using for a few years now , it's hauled a lot of wood . I do have a loader that came with it but since it is manual steering I've taken it off and it keeps it very nimble and stable in the woods .

    Ym336

    [​IMG]

    Much bigger machine , need bigger trails , way more room to turn but with power steering FEL work sure is nice , Igland 4001 winch on the back , have to build a bigger trailer .
    Taller and not as nimble , tires aren't loaded so tippier on the slopes .

    [​IMG]

    Good luck on your quest , I bought both tractors broken , I'm into the 1020 for abot 2K and the 336D for about 3700$ fixed and running .
     
    Dancan, Dec 30, 2016
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  8. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Should you ever decide to put the loader back on, swap or empty the front tires. Loaded fronts with a loader is a bad combo!
     
    MasterMech, Dec 30, 2016
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  9. Dancan

    Dancan

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    What happens ?
     
    Dancan, Dec 30, 2016
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  10. basod

    basod

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    no expansion room for when they sqwat and BOOM
     
    basod, Dec 30, 2016
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  11. Dancan

    Dancan

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    I run at about 75% fluid so there's a bit of cushion , I have a set of wider front tires and rims on the way for the 336D to give me a bit more flotation , they're foam filled .
    I polly won't use the loader on the 1020 .
     
    Dancan, Dec 30, 2016
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  12. lukem

    lukem

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    Foam filled is the best filled.
     
    lukem, Dec 30, 2016
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  13. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    basod I got a Kubota mx5000.. I got it used took over payments from someone that got that financing got divorced and I took over payments it's a 2006 and darn thing is worth more than I paid for it! 600 hours or so... in my humble opinion.. on my 1 mile street there are at least 6 of us with tractors... go bigger than what you think you'll need. my buddy went from a 35 to 45 to 65 John deer that costs money! yes he has heated cab with AC.. I do not but mines been paid for since 2009... I use r4 tires are there times in woods I wish I had ag tires yes. but my tractor sits in barn on my lawn.. every time my body comes up I'm glad I got the r4.. I wish I had a quick attach bucket.. and mid mount pto but alas I do not.. of course where you live snowblower are not a priority.. I could put in mid mount pto for 600.. but the front blower was 8500 and rear blower was 2500 for 7 foot wide.. I can drive in reverse a long time for 6 grand.. plus I love the FEL.. use it every darn day.. ground clearance is key.. a wrong sized stump will knock the oil drain cap off the tractor and blow motor! but if you get a Kubota get the KTAC insurance the cover everything even my dumb brother!
     
    Canadian border VT, Dec 30, 2016
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  14. Gasifier

    Gasifier

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    Hey Basod. Check out TractorHouse.com
     
    Gasifier, Dec 30, 2016
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  15. concretegrazer

    concretegrazer

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    That sounds good but isn't the reason they go boom.

    Just don't expect to use road gear anymore.
     
    concretegrazer, Dec 30, 2016
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  16. lukem

    lukem

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    You can if you hate your kidneys and want to punish them.
     
    lukem, Dec 30, 2016
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  17. AJtree88

    AJtree88

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    I think people over value a backhoe on a tractor. Crappy digging radius, slower and harder to use than a joystick machine, have to move it more often and it takes longer to move since outriggers must be raised up, turn seat around and raise front bucket before you go back or forward. As soon as you try an excavator, you'd never want to use the backhoe attachment again. Just rent one when the need arises (like $250 a day rental). There is a reason you don't see backhoes on jobsites much anymore. Mini excavators and skidsteers have replaced them. Faster and more nimble. Pulling stumps with a tractor/mini excavate is a waste of time and money too, just rent a stump grinder or hire a guy. Digging them out just makes a huge hole and a big dirty stump to dispose of.

    As for a tractor, a removable front end loader is a great feature for woods work. They quickly get in the way when you're cruising a trail, so taking it off to drag some logs or haul a trailer in a tight spot is nice. But then you can put it back on once in a more open spot. Grapple buckets are a must for firewood work. I have one on my toro dingo, just as big of a time saver as a tractor. A 30hp machine should be plenty. Should have a legit three point, quick attach, aux hydro ports front and back and plenty of power to do any job a homeowner wants to do.
     
    AJtree88, Dec 30, 2016
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  18. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Yes, yes, and yes!
     
    MasterMech, Dec 30, 2016
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  19. basod

    basod

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    why then?
     
    basod, Dec 30, 2016
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  20. nosurprise87

    nosurprise87

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    Like the looks of the JD on CL. I recently saw a 2008 Branson 4x4 fel and attachments on CL in Geneva Alabama. Asking 10k or 10.5 negotiable 499 hrs. It's listed in Panama city CL also.

    Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
     
    nosurprise87, Dec 30, 2016
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