Tractor Sizing Recommended size for firewood/logging

[OHVarmntr]

I've been researching tractors over the past few weeks, spent a little time at the JD dealer yesterday inquiring about used tractors. From what I've been reading I should be looking at a 40-50HP tractor, can you fine folks confirm or recommend something different?

I'm looking for a tractor to ultimately use a FEL, grapple, 72" belly mower, rear blade, backhoe and tiller, initial purchase budget of $20k-ish. I cut a lot of wood to feed my outside wood burner, about 6-10 cords per year depending upon winter conditions. I need a tractor that will be able to skid logs from the woods and load them onto my flatbed trailer. I also want to be able to move large diameter logs so I can mill them. I do occasionally run into big wood (48" dia) that no one else wants because it's difficult to deal with. I do not want a cab, as it needs to fit in a garage since I don't have a building yet. HST would be nice for the wife, but not required. I do have a long, wind-blown drive that I often need to borrow my neighbors Bobcat 863 to dig out because my atv quickly becomes overcome. I could go on and on listing how I'd use it but you all know already I'm sure

From what I've been researching, I'd like to find a 4-series tractor, finished weight of around 6k+ lbs (with loader, filled tires, etc...). Does this seem to fit my requirements or should I look bigger/smaller? I live 3 miles from a JD/Stihl dealer whom I deal with quite a bit for chainsaw stuff. They have a 4400 in their inventory with <700hrs, 430 FEL, 72" belly mower, backhoe (not sure which one), for $24k, package deal only. It's not on their lot so I haven't drove it. But at <40HP I'm not sure it would be enough tractor?

I obviously won't be trying to load this log-length, but to give you an idea of what I am looking to move around, here you go.


Thank you for any info/recommendations!

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[murphy1244]

That's a lot of want for 20k. good luck

 

[motownbrowne]

I think you're looking at a size that will work for you. My recommendation would be to pay attention to weight and loader capacity. Horsepower doesn't mean anything if you don't have the weight to make it count. Also, for moving logs, I wouldn't want a loader with less than 2400lbs lift at the pins. The loader on the 4400 is rated at a bit less than that. For that price, which seems pretty good, you could buy something like a Kubota mx4700, or a kioti ds4510 or dk40 to dk50 brand new. Either will have a bigger loader and a warranty, but no backhoe or mid mount mower. Kind of a toss up. Do you need the backhoe? Could you save some $ on the mmm and buy a used flail?

 

[Verticaltrx]

Do not buy a 4400. We had one and it was the worst tractor we've ever owned. If you search under my username you find several posts about it and the various problems. Off the top of my head in the 1800hrs we owned it since new:

1. Numerous front axle seals
2. Rear axle seals and bearing
3. 2 rear axle housings (lower 3pt mounts broke off)
4. PTO clutch blew up
5. Oil cooler ruptured
6. Electrical system problems
7. Broken mid-PTO lever
8. Seized up brakes
9. Seals went out on the loader curl cylinder

This tractor was maintained 100% by the book and only used by experienced operators on our farm. We were finally rid of it by trading for a 5000 series Deere.

The problem with those 4X00 series tractors was they were Deere's first attempt at building their own compact tractors after having sold Yanmars for so long. Obviously they did very poor R&D and rushed them into production to have so many problems. Even some of the Deere dealers I talked to said they were amongst the worst tractor Deere has put out (along the lines of the 2010, 2840, etc). That said, by the 4X10 series the were getting better and I think the 4x20 series is pretty good. Also, the 4400 is not the same size as the current 4x20 series, it would compare to the 3x20 series in frame size and power.

If you want a compact Deere I'd look at the older Yanmar models and the 3x20 series and the 4x20 series. Also, I don't know if they'd be too big, but the 5000 series tractors are a lot of tractor for the money, and will have much higher loader capacities over the compacts.

 

[rmorey]

For logging, you need weight, not necessarily hp. We logged with a Kioti CK25 with KL130 loader @ 4,100 lb (19 pto hp) with an 800 lb skidder winch and it worked fine. The downside of that machine was the 1,100 lb loader capacity. With the DK40 and KL401 loader, (5,500 lbs) there is nothing I've not been able to lift or pull. Lots of power for snow blower as well. :thumbsup:

 

[jd670]

For what your wanting to do the 5000 series would be your best bet. With your budget of $20K, you could find a decent used 5300 or 5400 or maybe a 5000ten series. Way more tractor for the money. Get a used rider or zero turn for grass cutting duties.

 

[OHVarmntr]

I am not interested in anything other than a John Deere at the moment, thanks. I know that 20k is shy of getting a nice 4-series with all the attachments I want. I have a JD G110 54" mower that I currently mow with. I have just shy of 2 acres to finish mow. The only attachment required at this time is an FEL. All the others can come at a later time.

Yes, weight is key, but it looks as though HP comes with weight especially with the newer tractors. The older, lower HP stuff seems much heavier. I found a 4710 a few hours from me with unknown hours, HST, 460 FEL, turf tires, MFWD, for $12,500.

 

[OHVarmntr]

For what your wanting to do the 5000 series would be your best bet. With your budget of $20K, you could find a decent used 5300 or 5400 or maybe a 5000ten series. Way more tractor for the money. Get a used rider or zero turn for grass cutting duties.

Thank you, I'll include 5-series in my searches.

 

[jd670]

I noticed your in Ohio. Jd equipment should be able to hook you up with what you want. I've delt with them a few times. Nice and knowledgeable people.