Tractors and ATVs, HP and CCs

[Roland_LG]

I'm looking for something to skid logs, and possible even get something with a front loader to move mounds of wood on my firewood lot, load my trailer up etc.

I'm new to big equipment, and don't really know what kind of HP/ cc's I'd need. I don't have 12k to spend ... probably could go as high as 7k.

One method I see is a used ATV in the range of 500+ cc with an ATV arch. For less then 4k I could be skidding medium sized logs out. I won't, however, be able to use a front loader at the lot with this (but do have a conveyor I could load my trailor with).

I also see small used tractors with front loaders in and around 28 - 30 HP. I could skid and load with this (remember, I"m more firewood oriented), but its much more expensive.

What's the difference in power in these? Would a smaller tractor (28HP) do fine with the loader and firewood, or would I 'wear it out' to quickly?

Ultimately, I guess I'm wondering how much time I could save with a smaller tractor, or if the time savings only really comes in with the bigger much more expensive one. Thanks.

 

[gr8scott72]

I'm looking for something to skid logs, and possible even get something with a front loader to move mounds of wood on my firewood lot, load my trailer up etc.

I'm new to big equipment, and don't really know what kind of HP/ cc's I'd need. I don't have 12k to spend ... probably could go as high as 7k.

One method I see is a used ATV in the range of 500+ cc with an ATV arch. For less then 4k I could be skidding medium sized logs out. I won't, however, be able to use a front loader at the lot with this (but do have a conveyor I could load my trailor with).

I also see small used tractors with front loaders in and around 28 - 30 HP. I could skid and load with this (remember, I"m more firewood oriented), but its much more expensive.

What's the difference in power in these? Would a smaller tractor (28HP) do fine with the loader and firewood, or would I 'wear it out' to quickly?

Ultimately, I guess I'm wondering how much time I could save with a smaller tractor, or if the time savings only really comes in with the bigger much more expensive one. Thanks.

My dad has a 16 hp Kubota tractor with the front loader. The little tractor is GREAT!! It has plenty of power to move wood, dirt gravel, etc in the front scoop.

I moved this tree with that Kubota:

I got rid of this tree with the Kubota also:

The only thing my dad's tractor is lacking is power steering. It's a bear turning it with a big scoop of dirt in the bucket.

If you are looking at the 30 hp range, you will defenitly be able to do all that you want from what you described.

 

[dimanager]

The Kubotas are great tractors and have plenty of power for what you need. But pulling heavy loads can be hard on the hydrostat transmission. A gear drive tractor with 30 hp will still pull a pretty good size log. What works good to on a tractor is a hitch for the remote arms. Put a hook in it and use it to raise the butt off of the ground when skidding.

Sam

 

[RAS323]

I'm looking for something to skid logs, and possible even get something with a front loader to move mounds of wood on my firewood lot, load my trailer up etc.

I'm new to big equipment, and don't really know what kind of HP/ cc's I'd need. I don't have 12k to spend ... probably could go as high as 7k.

One method I see is a used ATV in the range of 500+ cc with an ATV arch. For less then 4k I could be skidding medium sized logs out. I won't, however, be able to use a front loader at the lot with this (but do have a conveyor I could load my trailor with).

I also see small used tractors with front loaders in and around 28 - 30 HP. I could skid and load with this (remember, I"m more firewood oriented), but its much more expensive.

What's the difference in power in these? Would a smaller tractor (28HP) do fine with the loader and firewood, or would I 'wear it out' to quickly?

Ultimately, I guess I'm wondering how much time I could save with a smaller tractor, or if the time savings only really comes in with the bigger much more expensive one. Thanks.

If you're just looking at skidding firewood (say 24" dia. and under or there abouts) any compact 4wd tractor will work (the bigger the better). If you can't pull it, just cut it smaller. 2wd tractors work pretty well so don't rule them out either. 7K can get a decent used tractor-not as much fun as an atv but it'll definitely get more work done.

If you've never had a front-end loader and you get one, you'll wonder how you ever got along with out one. I can't imagine not having one on my tractor.

I have a 35 hp mahindra and a farmi winch.

 

[Roland_LG]

Thanks for the replies guys. Great looking tractor Ras. I was REALLY surprised, great scott, that you moved a tree that big with a 16 HP tractor. (of course, remember, I don't know anything about tractors, lol)

I've seen a lot of those compact tractors advertised, but hadn't seen them with the small loaders on the front ... didn't even know you could GET a loader for something with 16 HP.

How hard did you have to work it to move that tree? I know bigger is always better, but with my budget right now, I'm looking for 'adequate'.

 

[gr8scott72]

Thanks for the replies guys. Great looking tractor Ras. I was REALLY surprised, great scott, that you moved a tree that big with a 16 HP tractor. (of course, remember, I don't know anything about tractors, lol)

I've seen a lot of those compact tractors advertised, but hadn't seen them with the small loaders on the front ... didn't even know you could GET a loader for something with 16 HP.

How hard did you have to work it to move that tree? I know bigger is always better, but with my budget right now, I'm looking for 'adequate'.

I had to cut it up in sections like this:

but those sections still weighed 450 - 550 lbs each!

It might be small, but it's not weak, or cheap. My dad paid like $12,000 with the scoop and 60" finish mower like 5 years ago.

Here's my favorite picture with that tractor:

 

[RAS323]

Thanks!
Roland if you want more info about tractors go to http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/index.php and do a search for skidding logs-lots of info there. Check out the attachment section, for grapples, winches etc. Horsepower wise, I think starting around 20 and up would be your best bet. Moving trees or anything is mostly dependant on weight, not so much hp. If you do get a tractor lift the front of the log with the three point hitch, so its not digging in the dirt and go slowly.

My tractor weighs close to 6000# and I've pulled 40' soft maple and hard maple saw logs.

Wassail

 

[RAS323]

gr8scott72 nice photos.