Need advice on a machine to manage timberland

[Torvy]

^I think it's a both-and rather than either-or.

A 75 HP machine will be a PITA to work with between and around the trees.

You can get a 48-55HP machine, new for 30-35K and it will work for when you need to do some work for yourself. The capital expense can be depreciated against your income or taken as a one-time expense.

The other 60-70k can easily cover the costs for hiring out the big jobs. I like the idea above about investing the money and peel off earnings. As a retiree over 59.5, you can add the money to your IRA and just take out what you need while it earns. See a finance expert for details.

 

[Drstrangeglove]

There is a women i know who owns 50k acres.
The only machines I have seen is an old mack truck and D5 sized dozer. The dozer only really does fire lanes.

 

[K5lwq]

This is a very challenging situation and I would imagine the most challenging part is the family members. How involved are they in this situation? How has the maintenance of this property been handled to date?

I don’t believe there is one single piece of equipment that can properly maintain 4,000 acres with just one person. If you hire hands and have multiple machines it can be a full time job just managing the operation.

My suggestion would be to pick one or two of the chores you might enjoy doing and buy the best machine for that particular duty and keep doing whatever y’all have been doing for everything else. You are retired after all. So try to enjoy it.

 

[fruitcakesa]

4000 acres, only one operator, whew that’s a big ask. I only have 50 acres and it keeps me busy. I use a JD 450c and an M6040 for logging and road building and consider it ideal for my situation.

 

[dodge man]

I know someone that has about 300 acres with dirt roads and he builds his own water diversion channels with a 50 hp tractor with an end loader and a blade. Your property is much bigger though. I think your idea of getting a 50 to 60hp tractor and some implements is a good way to start. After that you might have a better idea on what you’ll need.

Interesting piece of property and a beautiful place.