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TRACTOR for powering Woodchipper

Started by snowkraft, May 08, 2017, 09:07:14 AM

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TKehl

Snowkraft, since we are talking ski trails, we are talking hills, I would say the 4x4/front wheel assist should be mandatory.  If you didn't have the other equipment, I would highly recommend a loader, but since you do, I would leave that off the list to get a good tractor in this HP under your budget.  The 2755 we have was just purchased after a long (multi-year) search for a good low hour 90 ish HP tractor with low hours, 4x4, and a loader for under $25k (also wanted it within 3-4 hours driving range).  We paid $23 with a "low" 3800 hours on the clock and the owner threw in a 3 point blade.  We saw many more that fit the bill without a loader for a lot less, but we run a cow/calf operation and need the loader... just like everyone else around us.   :D  IE, if you don't need the loader, get a newer tractor with your budget or save yourself a few thousand.  One could be added later anyway.

As for open/closed hydraulics.  To me it is a non issue unless seconds count on a repeat operation (IE loader work).  Your PTO will work on either, as will the 3 point and hydraulic remotes.  I could say get a live PTO, but everything that fits what you want will be new enough to already have live PTO.  The only other time open/closed matters is if you are adding to the tractor hydraulics.

Nativewolf, the more I think about orchard tractors, the more I like the idea of a backhoe with a winch.  Especially something like a Case 580C or K.  It has a thought out design to survive construction sites underneath.  The 4 post cab has poly sheet inserts to enclose it in the winter (Easily replaced if damaged).  Lights are recessed.  I'm thinking a couple limb sliders over the hood and rerouted exhaust and it's about set.  The loader protects the radiator pretty good, but extra there wouldn't hurt either.  A thumb on the bucket (or grapple), trailer hitch, winch, and grapple forks on the front would be about perfect for what I'm doing.

I've seen one backhoe with a log grapple mounted in back and really liked that idea. 
In the long run, you make your own luck – good, bad, or indifferent. Loretta Lynn

nativewolf

Tkhel, a backhoe with a winch is an interesting idea.  4wd of course...aux hydraulics..interesting idea.

Snowkraft, that firm in KY is just showing you what tractor house will show you.  Go directly to Tractorhouse.com and that will give you the ability to do an advanced search with all kinds of options for age, sorted by distance to you, etc. 
Liking Walnut

TKehl

Ok, I just stumbled on an awesome forestry tractor (other than the price).  A JCB IHMEE. 



Capable of 55-60 MPH, Cummins engine, and road legal. 

I think this just jumped off the screen of Mad Max!  Especially one equipped with the armor package!


By Photo: Sgt Wes Calder RLC/MOD, OGL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30477044
In the long run, you make your own luck – good, bad, or indifferent. Loretta Lynn

nativewolf

Liking Walnut

Peter Drouin

What I have seen it don't make no difference what tractor you have the wood chipper with the pounding of chipping will destroy the PTO gears.
That's why I bought a reg. 12" chipper all self contained.
A&P saw Mill LLC.
45' of Wood Mizer, cutting since 1987.
License NH softwood grader.

Riwaka

Probably an idea to put a industrial fluid coupling (there are smaller fc than the twin disc etc) between the chipper and the tractor to reduce the shock impacts of the chipper being transferred to the tractor.
The German made JDs with the frame in a small tractor should be ok if they have been looked after, but I would expect the spare parts to be a stinger cost.

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/17061253/2005-john-deere-6403   (mexican, build, material quality?)
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/20188671/john-deere-6310 (loaders on tractors are useful)
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/20205721/2001-john-deere-6410  (cab protection, but tractor might have had a hard life)
https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/for-sale/10946565/1998-john-deere-6410  (Tires need replacing,might go for a used tractor that has easy life and add protection)

Most of those tractors should run an 8 foot or wider mower and make the trail mowing a two pass task.
Do you have a custom  fuel tank maker handy, they can usually replace the plastic tank with an ali tank
Look to see if the skid steers could load trees on forestry trailer, save dragging logs with the tractor.

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