You are certainly putting in an impressive effort of research and TBN requests for assistance. I have no doubt that you will make the perfect choice.
I have noticed after pouring through a lot of threads on TBN that it is rare that anyone down sizes. It seems that most discussions center around someone upgrading to a larger, more powerful tractor.
However, you are absolutely correct that the tractor should be matched to the property and the jobs ahead.
Tractor size and strength can be translated into different categories. Aside from the obvious space constraints and issues whe working around obstacles and/or buildings, the larger the tractor the faster the job can be accomplished in most scenarios. If it's hauling materials, stumps, tree lengths, brush, boulders, etc. across a large property, the larger tractor will require fewer trips. It might equate to less initial chain saw cutting since the larger tractor can carry heavier limbs and/or tree lengths. The attachments can be larger which also reduces the number of passes, strokes, etc. to complete a job.
Many people are often quoted as saying you can never have too big of a tractor. I agree. This statement has under tows of being realistic, but it speaks volumes to the common occurance of people realizing that they's like a larger tractor than the one they presently own.
We sold our tractor to acquire a more modern one with features that were becoming essential. Our tractor was only 2WD, and it did not have a center PTO. Those were needed upgrades after 7 years of use. We moved from doing jobs around the house area [groomed acreage] to expanding our reach into our many acres of hilly, wooded acreage. 2WD, a center PTO, and more h.p. have become necessary to handle the expanded role the tractor must now serve. Horsepower has become the most important factor in our present search for a new tractor: [and, typically, horsepower = size]. We recognized that our previous tractor was performing at the limit of its capabilities on most projects. It required more trips, smaller bites, and more time.
Ideally, we could use two tractors: a
B3030 and a Grand L. That tandem would address all areas of our property from tighter spaces, to open fields, to uneven, wooded acreage. Alas, it is unlikely that I could afford both tractors anytime soon - if ever. For this reason, I'll most likely opt for the Grand L. I'd rather own the larger tractor since I must choose. I am betting that the number of occasions where the tractor will be too big will be far fewer than the number of occasions where I would have preferred the larger tractor.
I could also opt for the
B3030 and continue to rent out the bigger jobs to a hired hand who shows up with a huge excavator and bulldozer. That is a very nice option as well. The
B3030 would perfectly match our groomed area. Either way, I'll be elated to have a Kubota on hand.
All food for thought ...
Best,
The Gardener
