What attachment(s) do I need?

Mikek101 · Aug 18, 2003

Please advise, I am a beginner at tractors and don't want to spend the farm on the farm.

I just purchased an 8 ½ Acre Farm deep in the woods of Central Massachusetts. The former/original owner lived into his late 90's in this home. As he got on in years it seems he was not able to keep up with the land as much as when he was younger.

I'm trying to get the Farm in shape for horses and need attachments for my soon to be purchased John Deere 4410 tractor, which will already be equipped with a loader and backhoe:

1. I need to clear meadow of over-groan weed, saplings and bushes, as the farm gets going I'll continue to have to mow the pastures every few moths.
2. I need to put up posts for fencing
3. I will need to clear trees and haul them away, would like to split them for fire wood
4. I'll need to eventually cart away manure
5. I will be using the tractor to clear snow in the winter

I am open to suggestions.
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

accordionman · Aug 18, 2003

SIR,
for putting in post, you will need a post hole digger,
for removing snow, you will need a grader blade.
i would suggest you try to make a deal on the tractor,
and attachments. sometimes you can do very well, but
i think this would depend on the dealer. you may have to
shop around. good luck.
accordionman
william l. brown
wright city, mo.
L3000DT/FEL, and other good stuff.

mountain_man · Aug 18, 2003

For horses I strongly recommend a manure spreader. It takes about 3 minutes to spread about 3-4 days worth of manure. The manure disappears in about a month (without smell) and does great things to the soil. I've got a Millcreek spreader with a 20 year no-rot poly (plastic) bed. Other brands are probably just as good. Just get one large enough to cover your current and future needs. I looked (unsuccesfully) for a long time to find a used one, but could only find antiques (lawn ornaments), so I guess people hang on to them.

Millcreek web page

Slamfire · Aug 18, 2003

To mow the brushy pasture, you'll need a good rotary mower. If the saplings are too large to mow, you'll want a v-bar that will pull them up, using your 3 point hitch. At the least for hauling logs, a set of tongs and a good chain, I think 5/8" about 20" long would be a good start, along with another about 4'. For real cadillac type operation, some kind of log arch is a wonderful addition. Log splitters come in self powered and pto powered versions. You pay your money and take your choice. You'll probably want something to go over the pasture from time to time to reseed. A chain harrow (looks like a super sized chain link fence) and seed and fertilizer spreader should do. Shop around at farm equipment supplies and auctions for used equipment, you can save a bundle over new prices. Don't be suprised if it takes a couple, 3 years to get everything you want. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 19, 2003

for removing snow, you will need a grader blade.


In Missouri that is probably enough. In Massachusetts, however, you might want to consider a snow blade for your FEL or even a snow blower for your 3PH. Missourians aren't familiar with a "Nor'easter" and what it can do. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon · Aug 19, 2003

Mike:

Sounds like a bushhog may be of use.

The hoe and bucket should take care of removing unwanted trees , roots and all. For this a tooth bar on the bucket would help for the smaller stuff.

The bucket can be used to spread manure till economics allow for a spreader.

AS mentioned a post hole digger.

As mentioned a snow blade on the bucket or snow blower would be nice but not essential till you get some time out there.The loader bucket will take longer for snow removal but will work.

Have you any plans on how the horse pasture will be developed and seeded to the grass of your choice?

Till you get all your ideas and plans defined I'd suggest that a bushhog and [ post hole digger as optional] would get you started.

Egon

hazmat · Aug 19, 2003

For snow removal the options are (from most effective to least effective for a 6"+ snowfall).

Front Blower
Rear Blower
Front Blade
Rear Blade
Front Loader (FEL)

For lighter snowfalls <4" I'd rate the front blade at the top of the pack.

The front blower is much $$$$. I have an FEL & rear blade. After last winter, I'm trying to build a front blade as the rear one is a pain in the neck (literally)! If you have any hills you may want to consider tire chains as well.

Others have covered your other attachment needs.

PaulT · Aug 19, 2003

( For snow removal the options are (from most effective to least effective for a 6"+ snowfall).

Front Blower
Rear Blower
Front Blade
Rear Blade
Front Loader (FEL)
)

For Tractor Implements, I'd agree. However, Mike, I would recommend that you get a pickup truck to work the farm with, as well as a tractor. And once you have a truck (4wd, of course) you should get a plow. The single most effective tool for snow removal availabel is a 4wd truck with a power angle plow. Plus, you stay warm as long as your heater works. A new plow is comparable in price to a new tractor mounted snowblower, and a truck is indispensible on a farm such as yours, especially in the early years of upgrading all of the things that have fallen to disrepair.

Gary_in_Indiana · Aug 20, 2003

I'd go so far as to suggest a 4WD Class 3 or 4 truck with either a contractor's dump body or a flatbed platform with sides. Whichever you get, put a hoist under it and a 7' to 8' power angle plow blade. Keep in mind, though, that I have a tendency to overdesign, overbuild and overengineer most everything. On top of that, it's easy for me to spend your money like this, too. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

kennyd · Aug 21, 2003

( If the saplings are too large to mow, you'll want a v-bar that will pull them up, using your 3 point hitch. )

Can you elaborate more on this v-bar setup? Do you have any pictures?
I have 2 acres I am trying to clear and this sounds promising...

Thanks.