Mountain Tractor Choices (hills, slopes, pasture, forest)

[sinthome]

NEVER point that tractor down a grade

Ehh, that's what I feared. So my rarer than hen's teeth proposition has gotten worse. Do you ever remove the FEL? How long does it take? All said, I like the 584 but it is really tipping the scales for the gentle treading requirement.

It seems that, of the current models of tractor, Mahindra has inherited the wide stance of the older IH. According to online specs, the Mahindra 4035 and 3540 are both about 10in+ wider than the widest from Bota, NH, JD, etc. in that weight range. I have no idea if the axles are actually set out that much further or if it is just different wheel adjustments.

As much as it irks me to be obligated to use a trailer chipper instead of PTO-driven 3ph, I wonder if the Power Trac isn't going to be the best thing for every other situation that I have. Nothing beats the looks and simplicity of an antique, but I still haven't seen something that will easily navigate 30deg slopes and especially not float over it.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[prichard]

Telehandler if you can afford one.

 

[sinthome]

I don't want to spend over $20k with attachments and whatever I save can go into a nicer chipper unit (right now I use the BCS for chipping and it is not happening). Telehandlers are cool but too expensive, single purposed and heavy.

 

[roadhunter]

Telehandler is probably the best choice. Another option might be a mid sized articulated tractor with duals but I can't say I've ever seen one that size with a loader. Sounds like it will end up being a neat piece of equipment whatever you end up with.

 

[MultiMow]

I don't want to spend over $20k with attachments and whatever I save can go into a nicer chipper unit (right now I use the BCS for chipping and it is not happening). Telehandlers are cool but too expensive, single purposed and heavy.

Do you really need the telescopic action?

If not, you should have a look at the new Avant 200 series.

Traction units start around 14 or $15k, brand new with warranty.

If you're looking to buy used, a Jacobsen G-series is your cheapest buy in for a proper hillside tractor... if you can find one.

Were it not for your desire to properly handle 2,000lb pallets, the rest of your duties could be well served by a Steiner/Ventrac. Another option would be a front mount unit, such the Kubota F-series, New Holland CM-series, Hustler 3700, Toro Groundsmaster, etc. These are all great hillside machines, and are inherently gentle on turf.

If the Avant doesn't suit you, and the pallet forks are a must-have... your best bet is your aforementioned PowerTrac.

 

[sinthome]

Ok... so the old Jacobsen garden tractors don't even top 20hp. Under-sized for my applications. The Avant thing is interesting. Never heard of that before, it looks like a playground toy or maybe one of those new-fangled shopping carts you see these days. Sorry, don't mean to sound snarky, but this is turning into a little bit of a Goldilocks exercise. At this point, I mostly just want to be talked out of getting a used PT-1850. That is the one to beat, imo. Granted it is kinda hobbled by the hydraulic-only pto. But besides that I think it will work pretty pretty good for my purposes. I still think old tractors look so much better.. it's just the PT seems so safe and easy!

 

[MultiMow]

Ok... so the old Jacobsen garden tractors don't even top 20hp. Under-sized for my applications. The Avant thing is interesting. Never heard of that before, it looks like a playground toy or maybe one of those new-fangled shopping carts you see these days. Sorry, don't mean to sound snarky, but this is turning into a little bit of a Goldilocks exercise. At this point, I mostly just want to be talked out of getting a used PT-1850. That is the one to beat, imo. Granted it is kinda hobbled by the hydraulic-only pto. But besides that I think it will work pretty pretty good for my purposes. I still think old tractors look so much better.. it's just the PT seems so safe and easy!

I don't know what Jacobsen you were looking at...

...but a Jacobsen G 4x4 is a rebadged Bucher TM 850.

These are 4wd, 4 wheel steering, high flotation, front and rear 3pt. hitch, with 35-45hp Kubota diesels.

They rarely go for over $5k, and the closest comparable competition model is an Aebi 77... which would set you back about $15k more than the Jacobsen/Butcher.

 

[sinthome]

Ok, if it is the same as Aebi and Bucher then yeah it is pretty ideal, just impossible to find. I located a beater TT77 but then there is no parts availability for Aebi, either.

Looking closer at Avant, the 200 series is just too tiny to be of use, but hot **** if that 600 series isn't the real mammajamma If I had a couple hundred k lying around...
Avant Loader 635 Show - Bauma 216 - YouTube
The articulation and balance looks really well-designed.

 

[sinthome]

"Avant 635" fiera Villa Vomano Teramo - YouTube

Finland, man. Wow. I call this thing the hand of god.

216 AVANT 42 Wheel Loaders | eBay
The 420 is just a little undersized, but at $30k in new condition, makes me hopeful for finding a used 5 or 600 series. Doubles my budget, but I question how much constant shop time the PT would need to keep it working. Might ultimately make sense. Choices, choices. If someone was selling a lightly used Avant 6xx that came in under $30k, I wouldn't be able to say no.

 

[MultiMow]

Ok, if it is the same as Aebi and Bucher then yeah it is pretty ideal, just impossible to find. I located a beater TT77 but then there is no parts availability for Aebi, either.

Looking closer at Avant, the 200 series is just too tiny to be of use, but hot **** if that 600 series isn't the real mammajamma If I had a couple hundred k lying around...
Avant Loader 635 Show - Bauma 216 - YouTube
The articulation and balance looks really well-designed.

No doubt. It takes a bit of getting used to on the steering/eye coordination.

I demo'd their range in Louisville this year. You'd be surprised at the power that 200 series has. It's not much on transit speed, but it'll do nearly anything you'd ask of it in a property maintenance application.

But I understand... you want what you want, and being happy with your purchase is highly important.

What are you waitin' for? Go buy that PowerTrac and get to work!

Lol