Kubota M5700SDN

[KeyStep]

Has anyone used the narrow M5700 Kubota or the narrow M6040 model for low impact logging? These models are normally sold for vineyards. I have 300 acres of Hardwood forest that requires some very narrow operation given the trails and terrain. I have been considering these models given their low width of only 48 inches, low center of gravity (does have 14 inches of ground clearance), and their overall turning radius. I would be using a skidding winch along with some weights on the front. The timber will be cut over the next few years would range between 16-24 inches (hard maple & oak) for the most part. I would like to do this logging as a low-impact cut. The trails while being narrow are accessible throughout the property. These models have a horse power rating of either 57hp or 62hp which seem to large enough for the task at hand.

I do have considerable work for this tractor as well during spring and summer generally driving posts, apple orchard activities, etc... as well as general overall work for another 80 acres of pasture. Comments? Thanks.

 

[2dogs]

I owned an M5950 for several years that I used logging. My friend that bought it uses for logging still. It was set up for running a Seppi mower and has 1,200 lbs of front weights, 18.4x30 rears and 12x24.5 both water filled, and sits 8' wide at the outside of the tires and weighs 11,000 lbs. It also has a 4 point ROPS, very important even though the tractor is very stable.

If you are going to winch then use a snatch block off the base of a tree as a directional pulley leading to your tractor. A narrow tractor can easily be pulled over by a side load. I'm not familiar with your exact tractor but Kubota only builds good stuff so be safe and enjoy yourself.

 

[Urbicide]

I would be very concerned if your property is hilly. Going straight up and down hills is one thing but that is not always possible. Crossing a hill or slope gets real hairy sometimes if you have a wheel on the down hill side dip into a hole or soft spot. I would see if you could test drive one around your property and see how it feels to you. Maximum wheel base, stance, and weight make a big difference in stability. R1 tires also grip much better in dirt than R4's. I have a L5030 HST and have been happy with it.

 

[hammerlogging]

I drove tractor on a vineyard for 2 years, 12 hrs a day for 7 months a year. Steep hilly terrain. Narrow specialized vineyard tractors, the carraro (ferrari's tractor) were sweet, real low and articulated) but the kubotas were scary, fine up and down the hill but turning around at the end of rows was always a butt squeezing affair. Like above said, putting a tire in a low spot or god forbid a log starts rolling on you its over you go. I'd be really concerned about rolling over. Think of it this way- if you have a 12' wide skid trail every 200' across a job, you've only created deep disturbance on 6% of the site. Therefore, its not the size of the equipment that enables a good job but discipline in equipment operation and planning rather than exploratory skidder driving. The big stuff (which can run bigger tires) actually have lower psi footprint than small stuff (ie JD440 vs JD640). Skidders are so much better in the woods. But if you want to stick with tractors, go for a more conventional setup. Get ROPS too. Wear the seatbelt when using rops.

 

[Husky137]

A regular compact tractor is going to be a better route to go. The rear wheels on my Kubota are only 6 feet wide, not much of a savings over the vineyard model and a heck of a lot more stable. It will have considerably less impact than a conventional skidder and be so much more useful for other tasks beside the logging.

If your goal is low impact then remember that if your skid trails are too narrow you will bash the hell out of every tree in the residual stand that is along a skid path. Not very low impact in the scheme of things in my opinion.

 

[JackD_ME]

4 foot wide trails will definitely lead to bark scarring and a (potential) tractor roll-over and probable fuel spill is not "low impact".
Low impact logging is more technique than equipment so get something big enough and wide enough to keep YOU safe. The trees you say you're harvesting will be heavy and any swing during transport can dump a narrow tractor.

Truly low impact logging should be done during the winter months when the ground is frozen solid and trails should be wide enough for logs [being moved] to clear. One thing I do is drag the logs out and then go back and cut anything that gets scarred. This straightens out & widens my trails a little, makes them nicer for other uses.

 

[KeyStep]

These are all good points and makes me rethink buying a narrow tractor for logging. I will likely go the conventional tractor route.

I did find it interesting that the Carraro Tractors were mentioned as I looked at them last week. I had never seen this tractor before in this part of the country but I can see why they could become popular. They do have a low turning radius, narrow width, very low center of gravity, and a unique reversibility (seat) which would be nice in those tight spots. Looking at the unit I see why it would be more stable on hillsides than the Kubota. The big negative of course is the price as I would estimate that they are at least 30% more expensive than a conventional tractor. It is probably due to the fact the dollar is so low and the unit is made in Italy.

Any additional thoughts would be appreciated but if not thanks for your input so far.

 

[hammerlogging]

I'd have to chalk the carraro idea up as neat but unrealistic. Try $80,000 new. Rare parts too (even tires) And that was in 2000, with a strong dollar. But I'll tell you what, hell of a tractor. I'd be mowing across hiisides cleaning up what we called headlands, sidesloping >30% slopes, see old farmers drive by with their jaws dropped. It was my horse. The michoacan crew preferred the ones witht he cabs but not me, cabless, that one was like my horse. You could put that bushog anywhere with the articulation. Too low of ground clearance for logging, too. Try a 45 hp or greater tractor, and get water or lime in the tires for more stability. the block idea is good to get logs up to the road. I saw a hell of a nice New Holland, probably 70 hp, with a full roll cage, farmi winch, quick release front end loader with forks, saw it moving between jobs, thats a logging tractor there. Good luck. Don't forget about skidders though, if you stay in timber. How far are you from Grand Rapids, MN?

 

[Husky137]

In wisconsin I wouldn't load your tires with lime or water but a water/calcium mix that won't freeze. Foam is an environmetal alternative but pretty price for the rear tires. I've had calcium in my rears for 5 years with no issues with corrosion or leaking.

 

[KeyStep]

Thanks for your comments on the Carraro tractor. They have a nice TRX model as well that is a 68 HP but you are right it very very expensive and not built for logging. To Grand Rapids MN it is a long haul but my son goes to college in Duluth MN so I get to that area fairly often. That New Holland tractor sounds like a nice setup. Do you have a name to contact to check it out.

Thanks again for your excellent comments.

 

[hammerlogging]

Sorry I never met the guy and moved from the area shortly thereafter (SE TN, that is)