Don't Buy A Tractor Based On The Size Of Your Property!

Рет қаралды 5,128

Ай бұрын

#74. This is a busy work day. I have a bunch of small projects to get done. This leads into a discussion about picking the right size tractor for the work around your property not the size of your property. I have a Kubota L3901 and it only gets used on 2 acres of our property. I could really use a bigger tractor. I go over the Wolfe Ridge log splitter that just arrived, do some brush cutting and get the roadside firewood stand restocked.

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@tangoseal1 Ай бұрын

I have 30 acres of flat Southeast GA land and I bought a L4060 Grand L Kubota. I am wanting to get a RK21 subcompact to compliment some of the smaller lighter work I need to do. Especially cleaning and raking out the woods on my property where my much much larger 4060 wont fit so easy. However my next purchase Lord willing is going to be a Kubota 4 to 5 ton excavator. Anyways getting a tractor based on acreage is NOT wise. Get a tractor based on what you want to get done on that acreage. If you are going to do ass tons of mowing, get a shuttleshift or manual trans. If you are going to do tons of dirt work get a Hydrostat. If you are going to lift logs get a 40hp or bigger machine. If you are going to work on small garden work get a subcompact. But what ever you get ALWAYS get 4wheel drive and a loader with quick attach. never pin on bucket or 2 wheel drive.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I have heard from a few 4060 owners now and that’s what I was leaning towards. Glad to hear that’s been a good size tractor for you.

@TheShalomstead 13 күн бұрын

I did the same thing and your plans sounds almost exactly like mine too. I’d love a BX to replace my Cub Cadet for small garden and yard work. And we are preparing to get a small excavator for ditch maintenance. We also own the community well that feeds our neighbors houses and are responsible for the water main that runs up and down our road. So an excavator is certainly the priority. I was planning on going with the L3902 but I’m quite happy I ended up getting an L4060LE. Best purchase I have ever made, hands down!

@cabinviewventures 13 күн бұрын

I have an L4060 coming in about two weeks! I think the size will be perfect. Looking forward to some seat time

@upinsmokefirewood Ай бұрын

I have a 2501, a 4060 and a case 435 skid steer. The 2501 won't lift much of anything but the 4060 will pick up a full tote. I'd be a little nervous stacking high but with good counter weight a full tote of green hardwood is about it's limit (comfortably) My skidsteer will pick up two of them LOL. It's is way more compact and obviously a better turning radius, it's a great machine but you can't mow or till or do any other tractor things with it.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. The 4060 is what I’m leaning towards. I figured it could move totes easily but you never know until you try. Once the business gets bigger I will look for a used skid steer.

@systmbldr21 Ай бұрын

I have a 2018 2501. Same issue with lift capacity. Raised hydraulic pressure by 250 psi. Made enough diferance to make it usable. I can pick a ibc tote cage of wood high enough to stack onto another cage now. Tires are loaded with beat juice and I have a box blade with a 30" round 6' wide oak log on it. I can pick up enough to still get a little light in the rear evan with all the ballast. Mines been this way for 200 hours. So far no issues. Try it might save you from getting another machine. Also skid steers are great. But the limited view vs a tractor is definitely a negative. Plus the extended reach of a tractor loader is really nice loading a truck bed or trailer. not being able to get out if a skid stere when you have a lifted load like you can with a tractor is a big negative.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks! I have heard from a few Kubota owners who have used the shim kit to raise hydraulic pressure

@systmbldr21 Ай бұрын

not to say I wouldn't love the capacity of the larger mx or l47. but it was very hard to justify spending almost or double the amount i did on the 2501. The size is nice for me cause I spend allot of time in the woods with it. But if you can swing it a larger machine would be fun. Good luck with whatever you decide.

@Bad-Karma Ай бұрын

I have a L3902 HST, and searching many months ago for comparisons and mods from other owners led me to your channel . Before you give up entirely on the L3901 you might want to try a shim modification to the hydraulic regulator. I purchased mine from 511 Designs, but there are other manufactures out there as well. It's a small bump in the hydraulic pressure, but it does make a significant impact on how much force you can exert at the loader. You're not going to get 2K but I've gotten ~1600lbs loads moved around, of course each pallet fork assembly is different as to its weight and parameters. I also wanted to thank you for bringing the IBC pallets to my attention. I donate my time at sportsmans club and we have to store a significant amount of firewood for our various buildings around the property. We've taken to building a large central firewood processing and storage pavillion and then at each building a single pallet concrete pad with a protective overhang and walls. We're then using the preloaded totes to deliver to our various buildings around the grounds. We're really looking forward to using the process this coming winter and savings our backs and sanity trying to restock the various buildings' supply every few days as the club has been doing for going on 70 years. Moving firewood in heavy snow laden grounds is never fun, although we have an articulated wheel loader for that kind of work around the grounds.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate the comment. I will check out 511 designs. I do love my 3901. Now that I’m moving firewood on a regular basis something with a wider more stable platform would be nice and much safer.

@JeffGeorgalas Ай бұрын

@@cabinviewventures You could easily add spacers to your wheels, and add RimGuard to your tires to give you a lot more stability. But you sound like you're really just wanting a larger tractor. If that's the case, so be it, go ahead and get yourself one! 🙂

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I already have both rim guard and spacers. I might try more weight behind the tractor. I typically use my box blade which weighs about 500lb.

@djlnet Ай бұрын

I am not in the firewood business, but I do need to move large logs. For that reason, I chose the Kubota MX5400. The lift capacity is north of 2,000 lbs, and the wheelbase is wide enough to give you good stability. Good luck!

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

The MX is on my list to consider!

@dand33911 Ай бұрын

Good rule of thumb.. If you're looking for a tractor, buy 1 size bigger than whatever you think you need. I bought a B2650 with a cab, thought the biggest B series would be enough. Even got the cab because I figured I'd keep it forever. Ended up, I traded it in for an L2501 and a U25 mini ex. Now I'm looking for a bigger mini ex. Bigger is better. My L2501 will stack full ibc totes. I'd buy a skid steer if I was you.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

We might need to recommend two sizes up. I started with a B2610, then the L3901, and now looking grand L. I need a mini x as well, kx033. Maybe next year

@PineyGroveHomestead Ай бұрын

I have the same tractor and the same problem with lift capacity. The L-series is a great tractor but even with ballast, the frame is too small even if it could lift 2000#. The TYM 2515 (Branson) can lift more but it's the same frame size. The M series is what you likely need, but that's $$$$. Tough spot to be in because it will take a long time to recoup $50K selling firewood!

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I really appreciate the comment. You got that right about these tractors being so expensive. One nice thing with Kubota is the trade values. I’m leaning towards an L4060. Has about 2,000lbs of lift capacity and still a compact tractor.

@PineyGroveHomestead Ай бұрын

@@cabinviewventures That's a nice tractor! It will likely be my next tractor (with a cab).

@agentleebs Ай бұрын

I used a skid steer to clear out blow downs on fairly flat 9 acres. Later I went to a tractor. I miss the maneuverability of the skid steer, I liked being so close to the forks and bucket. The tractor has better ground clearance and cheaper 3 point attachments. I suggest you keep the tractor, find a used skid steer.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

This is definitely a tough decision. Pros and cons to both. It would be nice to have both the tractor and skid steer

@JeffGeorgalas Ай бұрын

I've got a Kubota BX 2350 for my small stuff, but I bought a Kioti RX 7320 with a cab to do my heavy lifting and stuff that the Kubota can't handle. There are a couple of ways that you could fix your loader lift capacity issue. One would be just upgrading your lift cylinders to larger, more capable ones. Also, have you checked your hydraulic pressure before? Sometimes just adding shims to the pump will get you 500lbs. or so more pressure, which will also increase your lift capacity. Brock from Rockhill Farms upgraded both his hydraulic pump and lift cylinders on his 38HP Deere (similar size and capabilities as your machine). You could trade it in for a larger machine, but other than lift capacity, do you really need a larger machine for the other chores you have around your property? If so, by all means, get a larger tractor! 🙂 As to considering buying a skid steer......I own a snow removal company, and have skid steers. I absolutely hate using them around my property. Due to their short wheelbase, they ride horribly. ALL skid steer implements cost considerably more since they're hydraulically operated vs. PTO powered, and you'd also have to replace the implements that you already have for your tractor. To me personally, tractors are FAR more versatile, and valuable to me on my property. I'm just throwing some ideas and some outside input your way since you asked for opinions.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I appreciate the response. Exactly what I was looking for. I definitely ruled out the skid steer.

@jameslaughlin2989 Ай бұрын

I just bought an mx5400 and it's like a little bulldozer, works great, haven't had any problems so far, and I believe the lift capacity is around 2000 lbs

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

That’s a strong contender on my list. It also has the hydraulic flow to run that eastonmade front mount splitter. Did you go cab or rops?

@arboyprepper4616 Ай бұрын

25 aces for me L6060

@stevestock2439 Ай бұрын

You drove the point down really well on how to pick the right size tractor based on the type of work you are going to be using it for versus the size of the parcel of land. If you load 1500 lb logs on a saw mill all day on your 1/2 acre parcel, you wouldnt buy a BX would you? Tractor manufacturers that promote that way of thinking are doing a disservice to the consumer. They want every one to own the best selling most profitable tractor on your 1/2 acre in lieu of selling a low profit wheelbarrow.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Glad someone else agrees!

@andrewkirch5920 Ай бұрын

were you driving the Kioti when it was chasing the Deere? 😆

@aarondillon3880 Ай бұрын

Take my advice with a grain of salt, but if I were you and upgrading for the lift capacity and weight I would get at least the L4760. That is if you are definitely staying with Kubota. That way, you get the strongest loader they put on their compact tractors and it’s a slight increase in wheelbase and weight over the 4060. I am a Kioti guy now, but I recognize that Kubota is a phenomenal machine. Best of luck

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I appreciate the advice

@timbervisions Ай бұрын

I was in a similar boat as my firewood business grew. I started even smaller than you with a subcompact tractor. When I decided I wanted to be able to lift 1/3 cord bulk bags to streamline the business and cut down on handling of wood I had to upgrade. I looked at a skid steer as well, but the attachments to be able to do some of the tractor work I do are super expensive comparted to 3 point implements. I ended up getting a Kioti DK5320SE cab tractor and have been quite happy with that purchase. It isn't a huge tractor, but has great lift capacity. Similar to an MX series of Kubota in lift capacity, but not nearly as large of a frame size. I live in Northwest Iowa and the cab is nice for the cold winters here when moving snow. I looked at all the brands sold in my area when I upgraded. The only downfall of Kioti VS Kubota is the loader valves aren't quite as refined in my experience. That is something I have gotten used to with time with the tractor. Best of luck in your journey!

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I really appreciate the comment and input. I have actually watched some of your videos on the Kioti. I have been comparing the DK to the L60 series Kubotas. I’m thinking the cab tractor might be the way to go. Eastonmade just made a front mount splitter for a compact tractor which would be nice for those big rounds. Hope your firewood business is doing well. I’m busier now than I was all winter.

@timbervisions Ай бұрын

@@cabinviewventures It's been really busy, bundles flying off the stand. Highest May I've had. I made a tractor mounted splitter just like the one Eastonmade just came out with. Works pretty good. I use it on big rounds if I have quite a few that way I don't have to noodle them down.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Do you know how much 3rd function flow the DK has? Does your splitter run pretty well on it?

@timbervisions Ай бұрын

@cabinviewventures I'm not sure on flow rate at third function, but yes it runs it pretty well. It's not really fast, but it splits well. I have videos on using it.

@javiertorres7460 Ай бұрын

Kabota unless you get the big models.They're not known to lift a lot same frame t.y.m or kioti will be enough

@jameslaughlin2989 Ай бұрын

I went rops because I was trying to save money, and I also went with manual transmission because when you're brush hogging hydrostat takes power away, but honestly the manual isn't really that hard to shift plus it has a forward and reverse so you can quickly go between

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I would love to have a cab but don’t want to spend that extra $10k right now.

@jameslaughlin2989 Ай бұрын

Yeah same here, kubota is having their orange days right now and it's 0% intrest for 60 months and 0 down on the mx, that's why I jumped on it because you can't beat that

@user-vq6rx5jo8c Ай бұрын

All the 20 series Branson tractors will lift 2700 lbs and are cheaper than Kubota .

@go5582 Ай бұрын

hi handsome, great channel, have you considered a 2024 ditch witch sk3000? or a Ventrack 4520?

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

I did but they cost more than a tractor, haha.

@CH-um4iy Ай бұрын

I have a skid and a tractor. I would never operate my skid in an area where a kid or an adult who's unfamiliar with skid steers might walk up on me. You can't see squat out the side or back of a Skidsteer.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I have heard that a few times now. I’m definitely taking the skid out of the picture.

@CH-um4iy Ай бұрын

@cabinviewventures not to mention, the attachments are outrageous and you can get a great tractor for a lot less money. You have a beautiful place!

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks!

@kidsythe Ай бұрын

I'm half way through. and I'ma be real with ya. the tractor you have it rated for like 1000 lbs but picks up like 1600 lbs. so if you're struggling you probably need like one rated for 3000lb instead of the 2000lb

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. It’s more the stability of the tractor. It picks it up but that pucker factor is high hahaha.

@kidsythe Ай бұрын

@@cabinviewventures oh, need a stronger sphincter. I understand that tho. need a way to hang a weight dead center under the tractor 🤔

@joshanderson1901 Ай бұрын

I think a skid steer would fit your needs better than a tractor. 🤷‍♂️

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks for the input!

@ronnieschwa2214 Ай бұрын

I think you kind of answered your own question, if you only have 7 acres, and you only maintain 2 acres that would not justify getting a skid steer for doing yard maintenance just looking at that aspect, and if you do decide to get a bigger tractor with a higher lift capacity that will easily lift 2000 pounds it will be less maneuverable in tight areas doing maintenance on your property I have a 3 series and also a 4 series John Deere tractors I always use the three series doing rotary cutting for Brush and the 4 series is just so much bigger and is difficult to use in tight areas, if you had more acreage to maintain comparing a skid steer to a tractor is like comparing a riding lawnmower to a zero turn mower, a hydraulic operated front mounted brush cutter on a skidsteer will do the work in about 1/3 of the time it would take with a traditional tractor and you don’t get a stiff neck from looking backwards but this comes with a extremely hefty price tag getting a skid, steer with a hydraulically, operated brush cutter and pallet, forks, and a bucket and maintaining 2 acres of property. I don’t think justifies that. my suggestion would be to upgrade to a slightly larger tractor with a cab. that is close to the lift capacity you are looking for. yes you might have to sacrifice How are you do things a little bit but at least you would have a enclosed cab, then I would start looking around for a used skid steer that will only be used for the weight capacity lifting items, start pricing how much it would cost for a price front mounted hydraulically, operated brush, cutter for a skidsteer this might help you make your decision.

@cabinviewventures Ай бұрын

Thanks for the response. This is very close to what I’m thinking. A slightly bigger tractor will do 99% of what I need efficiently.