Buying Advice 5 acres in national forest

[Krp41151]

I am purchasing a 5 acre track of land in San Jacinto County, Texas. There is a substantial amount of small pine and hard wood thickets that need to be cleared, and all the other duties I need to perform with a small tractor. I am thinking of somewhere around 30-50 hp max. Any suggestions about type and cost I should expect would be appreciated. I suspect I will need a mower/shreder, box blade and auger. Thanks in advance

 

[RobertBrown]

I am thinking of somewhere around 30-50 hp max. I suspect I will need a mower/shreder, box blade and auger. Thanks in advance

get 4WD with a front end loader. With that equipment you should be looking at 30k for a new machine without a backhoe.
As far as the manufacturer..... find a good dealer and get something that is servicable in your location.
You will get more machine, but a smaller selection if you buy used. You may find a backhoe useful for cleaning up after the clearing and other tasks.
Avoid the auctions, check craigslist and your local dealers.

 

[ajmbonaire]

I am purchasing a 5 acre track of land in San Jacinto County, Texas. There is a substantial amount of small pine and hard wood thickets that need to be cleared, and all the other duties I need to perform with a small tractor. I am thinking of somewhere around 30-50 hp max. Any suggestions about type and cost I should expect would be appreciated. I suspect I will need a mower/shreder, box blade and auger. Thanks in advance

I have about the same type land. I have 45HP Ford w/FEL ,BoxBlade, etc. and have found it to be adequate but somewhat marginal, if that makes any sense. I went ahead and hired a dozer to push up 3 acres of thickets then cleaned up with my rig. As far as cost there is a reputable used dealer in my area, I bought mine rebuilt for under 10K.

 

[flusher]

I am purchasing a 5 acre track of land in San Jacinto County, Texas. There is a substantial amount of small pine and hard wood thickets that need to be cleared, and all the other duties I need to perform with a small tractor. I am thinking of somewhere around 30-50 hp max. Any suggestions about type and cost I should expect would be appreciated. I suspect I will need a mower/shreder, box blade and auger. Thanks in advance

With only 5 acres, I'd go with a 30 hp (pto) tractor with hydrostatic tranny, 4WD, FEL with 5-ft wide bucket, 2 rear hydraulic remotes for mowing, etc once the tree problem is handled. Clearing your trees is a one-time job and is work for much larger equipment--I'd hire the work done by someone with the proper equipment, pay the price, put that chore behind you and enjoy seat time on your new tractor.