Least Tippy Machine

[oosik]

I would suggest - hire a dozer and get the holes filled. The OP does not know how stable his current tractor is. That is a definite accident - looking for a place to happen. Understanding comes with time and safe operation.

 

[Hay Dude]

Aebi Tractors are the most stable on earth

AEBI New England, LLC | Alstead, NH

AEBI New England, LLC was formed to become an Aebi Tractor Dealer in 2001 to serve the New England Region. We are currently one of four Distributors in the USA.

aebi-ne.com

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/auction-results/list/category/1100/tractors?Manu=aebi&CTRY=USA

 

[Cycledude]

How about some pictures of the problem areas ?

 

[Egon]

Best be looking at a breaking disk and tracked machine to cultivate the 14 acres. Then use a large drag for leveling.

 

[kubota shifty]

I have a Kubota L4330 with 6-inch wheel spacers and ag tires. I thought for sure this arrangement would provide the level of stability I was looking for, but it doesn't. I live on 14 acres of rolling/bumpy land that was previously a tree farm. There are holes all over the place and the land is generally uneven.

I plant a few acres, but I'm mostly interested in managing the land, clearing, and freeing up space for new uses. I felt much more stable in a Bobcat T650 that I had rented before buying the Kubota.

What types of machines are very stable on uneven ground, can use standard attachments, and are easy to work on/maintain? My budget is about $30,000.

I have [correction] a 4310 purchased as a vineyard return (Sonoma County). It is my understanding that for vineyard use the wheels are installed so that it is a narrower wheel base and that the same wheels can be flipped to widen the base. I have learned to keep the bucket down for stability. Also, you should keep a heavy attachment on the back - at least the box scraper. I keep some kind of gravel around, usually road base, to fill all large holes. Just had to fill deep ruts from having sand delivered when the ground was soft. Also, my understanding is the "automatic" version of this tractor is not good for heavy ripping kinds of attachments, like a disk. I was thinking that you could disk up your field to help reduce the holes. Hopefully you have a manual. I had to get an automatic because the ex husband couldn't drive a stick for anything.

 

[JWR]

Aebi Tractors are the most stable on earth

AEBI New England, LLC | Alstead, NH

AEBI New England, LLC was formed to become an Aebi Tractor Dealer in 2001 to serve the New England Region. We are currently one of four Distributors in the USA.

aebi-ne.com

https://www.tractorhouse.com/listings/farm-equipment/auction-results/list/category/1100/tractors?Manu=aebi&CTRY=USA

View attachment 699358

I agree completely. The AEBI is THE machine if one is serious about mowing steep ground -- I mean seriously steep. The ones I saw in Europe (and at farm shows here) have the engine (A Kubota engine I think) beside the driver rather than in front of him. Very low CG. And I think they have PTO and 3pt both in front and in back. They are also expensive as all H. I'd love to have one but can't justify the cost & few people can.

 

[oosik]

Good Lord - they are VERY expensive. Interesting, informative web site.

 

[JWR]

How big are these holes? Sounds like you might need to doze it and start over if you're unsafe driving a tractor that size because of holes.

Yes , and a few more comments: First, I have 6 inch spacers on my Kubota B2150 and it made ALL the difference in the world. A problem is that the Japs-anese have yet to figure out that America is not flat. I don't know if you bought the Kubota new or used but you may want to trade if steep ground is your main operating venue. Until you get into the much larger machines (like M5, etc) you typically have NO in-out adjustment on the rear wheels with Kubota. Even on those larger sizes they will not go as wide as other brands like MF , Deere and New Holland. I have seen one or two low-profile Kubotas used on right of ways but they are so rare you'll never find one. My own MF 2660 rear tires will go out a foot wider spread than any Kubota of similar size. Also forget front tire spacing as that does not matter -- front axles pivot in the middle.
Second, forget filling the holes with the tractor. Unless it is soft or mostly sand your FEL will not hack it for earth moving (!) As others said -- hire a dozer which in the long run does a far better job , does it faster than you can, and is the right way to do it. Depending on your overall terrain you might be able to get the dozer to do just the worst parts and save cash.
Third -- the guy asking for pictures is a good post too -- hard to know what you are dealing with otherwise.
Fourth: the so-called orchard machines come in several different flavors. A low-profile machine is more what you need and those are used for highway maint, chicken barns, etc. and I have one (MF2660 LP) that I use on fairly steep ground. They typically have smaller diameter rear tires which helps to lower the machine and NO there no reason to avoid AG tires. In facty, very GOOD rteasons to keep them!
Fifth: Someone above said he is comfy on slopes 20 deg steeper than his wife? To clarify (look at the red chart above) a 20 degree slope is roughly 40% which is a fairly steep one to begin with so his wife must have been on the flat only ??

 

[kpsp50]

From what I'm hearing it would be better if you would fill in the holes and smooth them out if you can't do it or don't have the ability don't feel bad hire somebody with a dozer and let them fill it in it would be a lot cheaper and safer for you not to get hurt or destroy your equipment

 

[60047]

Excellent feedback. Thanks everyone. I've decided to fill the holes with a dozer first. There are hundreds of holes, since the property was previously a tree farm.

The property does not have hills and is not steep. It just oddly jagged, with a lot of overgrowth. Sometimes the holes have filled up a bit and then the tall grass sort of camouflages them. A lot of the jaggedness is likely related to small holes that have worn down over time.

Regarding filling/grading with a dozer: Could a heavy (20,000 pound) wheel loader work just as well?