Upgrading to B model.

[InTheWoods]

The theory on tractor sizing basing the tractor size on the acreage you own makes perfect sense if you're doing field work...

... but it doesn't make as much sense if it's wooded recreational land.

When the land is wooded, you'll end up, over your lifetime, 'sculpting' the woods based on the footprint and capability of the tractor. I have wooded hilly land and a B7510. The result is land that's become accessible and generally 'fun' to work with this size tractor. The 'fit' of this tractor for me and the way I want my land is about right. When I'm plowing snow or need to lift heavy stuff, I'd like more tractor. When I'm bush-hogging a trail, my little B7100, with its smaller 'footprint' is usually better.

I use my woods recreationally. I don't need or want to build roads - only trails for the tractor, ATV, SxS. If I was building roads suitable for my truck, I'd want a bigger tractor.

I've wanted a grapple to varying degrees over the years. I find that a FEL + forks are pretty amazing in what they do, just slow. A 'right-size' skidding winch would be very useful. I'd not want a tractor with a BH, since most of the time it'd be an encumbrance in the woods.

So, if I was getting analytical, I'd find a tractor size that:

• Maximizes weight
• Maximizes FEL lift capacity
• Maximizes ground clearance
• Maximizes 'stability' (i.e. wheel width)
• Maximizes HP
• Obvious, but hyrdrostat + power steering is required
• Is orange

While it also:

• Minimizes CG (i.e. wheel weights)
• Minimizes length/turning circle
• Stays in budget

 

[Oliver]

Good post InTheWoods.
For wooded property, larger size and cabs can be disadvantages and lots of power is unnecessary. Compact tractors are ideal (for me). Subcompacts don't provide enough ground clearance and can come up a little short on lift capacity, especially after factoring in the weight of the bucket itself or a grapple.

A grapple is probably my most used attachment. TBH since I bought the grapple 8 years ago I haven't used my forks. I won't drag tree trunks that I may section for firewood so I like being able to grab and carry sections. It makes cleaning up a pile of limbs off the tree a breeze. Great for pulling out rocks too.

I bought my current 2013 tractor 5 years ago, used (149 hours), and it came with a backhoe. The hoe has been very useful 3-4 times but were I buying a new tractor I'd forego it because I don't use it often enough to justify the cost and space it takes.

 

[Bald1]

Ye

Good post InTheWoods.
For wooded property, larger size and cabs can be disadvantages and lots of power is unnecessary. Compact tractors are ideal (for me). Subcompacts don't provide enough ground clearance and can come up a little short on lift capacity, especially after factoring in the weight of the bucket itself or a grapple.

A grapple is probably my most used attachment. TBH since I bought the grapple 8 years ago I haven't used my forks. I won't drag tree trunks that I may section for firewood so I like being able to grab and carry sections. It makes cleaning up a pile of limbs off the tree a breeze. Great for pulling out rocks too.

I bought my current 2013 tractor 5 years ago, used (149 hours), and it came with a backhoe. The hoe has been very useful 3-4 times but were I buying a new tractor I'd forego it because I don't use it often enough to justify the cost and space it takes.

I agree on all your points. But I definitely want/need a BH. I’ll have room to store it as I’m putting a carport on side of my new shop just to store implements. Just backup hookup and go.

 

[Oliver]

Ye


I agree on all your points. But I definitely want/need a BH. I’ll have room to store it as I’m putting a carport on side of my new shop just to store implements. Just backup hookup and go.

Yeah for people who can use a backhoe a good bit, having one could be really handy. I just don't have the need very often.
It sits under one of my carports where the tractor was, along with a trailer. LOL I had to build another building for the tractor, implements, mowers, splitter, and SXS's. I don't want stuff sitting out in the weather.

 

[Bald1]

Yeah for people who can use a backhoe a good bit, having one could be really handy. I just don't have the need very often.
It sits under one of my carports where the tractor was, along with a trailer. LOL I had to build another building for the tractor, implements, mowers, splitter, and SXS's. I don't want stuff sitting out in the weather.

Same, don’t like my stuff out in the weather. And if I’m being honest I don’t like stuff scattered around outside like a junkyard.