Update: Off topic. Tractor vs. Skid Steer

[Highdry]

A large Compact Track Loader would be better for dirt work, cutting roads and brush. Also better for
running an auger if building fence. As suggested in another post, hiring an excavator with a thumb
is going to be the fastest and cheapest for clearing land. There's a reason the highway department
runs tractors for mowing right of ways. Also, for maintaining a driveway, a tractor and box blade is hard
to beat.

 

[PopCharlie]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

PopCharlie

 

[Ajwilly96]

I wish I had bought a skid steer.

The only thing I really would need my tractor for is running a brush hog everything is easier with a skid steer as far as moving dirt rocks ect.

If I were to buy again I’d buy a track driven skid steer then get a small brush hog for the ATV

 

[ValleyBoy1984]

Skid loader will be a far better choice. Tracks is a major plus. Get a big enough one if you do. Just remember weight is an issue with some when hauling with heavy duty truck. 26,000 and under here in PA.

 

[Dkk37058]

A tractor and bush hog will keep it clean but won’t do much for making roads but if you decide on a tractor with a front bucket be sure to get a tractor with 4 wheel drive if you don’t you’ll regret it

 

[Hrsmn51]

Currently own an ASV SR85 rubber track loader. Its is a great versatile machine but not cheap. Also a compact Kubota 4 wheel drive.
My suggestion would be open an account with an equipment dealer and lease a skid steer for a couple months. That way you can learn if you like that type of machine. Takeuchi are tough and more reasonable price than other big names.
MHO
H

 

[Eric Leonard]

I will be maintaining 7 cleared acres, just keeping it mowed. It was farmed until the last growing season. The previous owner of the property had leased it to a local farmer who grew corn. We will be building a house on part of the cleared acreage. We have not decided what we are going to do with the balance of the cleared land. I do know WE will not be farming it. So, the maintenance will be mowing the acreage, keeping the long gravel driveway and trails dressed up. I also want to build a rifle range. I would get a 15 ft wide brush hog for mowing the acreage. For the lawns around the houses, I have a zero-turn mower. Spraying -yes; Fertilizing - lawns yes; discing -no; tilling a small patch for a garden. Maybe some other tasks. I can rent attachments for the infrequent or one time tasks.

Is the property pretty flat?
We have a 75HP 4wd tractor with dual wheels , a 95hp 10,000 pound skid steer and a 50hp 2wd tractor.
They all do there jobs but the bigger tractor would be it if we could only keep one. I can’t see cutting hay or bushhoging with a skid steer but it is very handy around the barn and loading and unloading rolls of hay ,

 

[markT]

 

[dnellans]

Kubota M5-111 4wd enclosed and svl-97 and 95 here.

I would hate running a batwing mower with a track, or a tiller, ripper, or anything else for that matter. unless you’re operating in a kalichi or concrete yard, wheeled skid is not even a choice.

buy the right sized tractor to do everything you need and rent a track when you need it. unless you’re building a motocross track (we are) the tractor is far more versatile for day to day.

you can get away with a smaller tractor than the m5 for a small property like that, going too big is a thing. turning radius, tight spots etc.

unless you have a big skid like the 97, let someone else knock down trees or do major dirt work. a decent tractor will do everything else. 4wd and watered wheels is a must for utility work though

 

[Ringostar]

I mow about 7 acres also. I wouldn’t want to be mowing with a skid, riding behind the mower. I have a fair amount of driveway to maintain and clear snow. I have a 60hp tractor, and keep a box blade on all winter. It helps for weight and clearing snow along with the bucket. I use a 78” flail mower for the large area, and a 52” ztr closer to house. As others have said, rent equipment or hire out for heavier type work. When I was studying tractors and implements, I read the same type advice about backhoes. Don’t buy a light duty tractor mount, rent a mini excavator instead.

 

[Clancy]

I’m late to the party and don’t have enough time to read what I’m sure are excellent responses, so here’s what I did.

I cleared fence lines including heavy trees with a dozer, and I cut road through naturally less wooded areas with a blade and brush hog on a caterpillar skid steer (tracks are a must.)

I find the skid steers to be better at just about everything except for shredding, planting and of course a box blade. We just have the tractor now, as all the “hard stuff” is done, and it’s just large enough to haul a round bale or unload a ton of feed. Filling the tires with fluid helps with this.

For what it’s worth, a tractor and chain saw would have done any of it a heck of a lot cheaper, even if a little slower.

 

[gasph]

I have had both but was happy when I finally sold the skid steer, although it was good for grading and some clearing they will beat you to death if you run them much due to the short wheelbase. The tractor is much more comfortable and easier on the back. I would hire out the heavy duty work and look at a used 50 to 75HP 4wd tractor with a front loader and forks and a bucket for your situation.

 

[David101]

If the main task is to just cut the grass on 7 acres I wouldnt get either. You would be better of with a lawn mower of some description. Get a 48 inch zero turn mower or similar. there are some great 4wd all terrain mowers out there.
Even the tractor if it is big enough to be versatile for other farm work will be too hard on the ground when cutting grass and large slashers are not great at producing a good looking well cut lawn.

 

[PopCharlie]

Is the property pretty flat?
We have a 75HP 4wd tractor with dual wheels , a 95hp 10,000 pound skid steer and a 50hp 2wd tractor.
They all do there jobs but the bigger tractor would be it if we could only keep one. I can’t see cutting hay or bushhoging with a skid steer but it is very handy around the barn and loading and unloading rolls of hay ,

The property is not flat, it's not real hilly either. It has a high knoll on the front 7 acres that are cleared. The high knoll is at 200 ft above sea level. The lowest spot is at 180 ft on the east side of the property. The slope is gentle.

 

[effendude]

Whatever you choose will be a compromise. I have wheeled skid-steers for my business and a set of steel tracks for one unit. Steel tracks on a machine will clear ground quick but they destroy everything they run on. I bought a 75HP ASV (rubber tracks) a few years ago to use on my hunting land up north, mowing beaver meadows, moving logs, trees, firewood, clearing trails. It is a great machine. I does what I ask of it and much more. But running a mower with it is a compromise. The ASV machine, mowing with a front mounted brush hog isn't fun. I've borrowed a small 4wd tractor a few times and mowing was easier with the tractor. Not that the skid-steer doesn't get the job done, it simply isn't the best choice for mowing once the ground is cleared. All said and done, I will never be without a skid-steer. Tracked skid-steer would be my first choice.

Scott

 

[gary0529]

I see you are in VA. What kind of maintenance? What' the widest cutter you are going to run? I bet you will need to spray.?? How about fertilizing and planting? discing? Aerating. Where I live if you dont spray or run a cutter in 3 years you will have 2 inch diameter sweet gums and persimmons-not to mention blackberries chest high.

My advice is to clean it up good first. Rent/buy whatever suits you. Dozers and skid steers excel here. A lot of times you can buy a piece of equip. at an auction and break even or make money when done with it. Then get a MFWD with a front end loader with a 3 pt and PTO for maintenance.

Yup, in western part of northern Va. - I have been on this land for 51 years this year and I have pretty much tamed it LOL--I get by with a 5' bush hog and a 52" aero turn for the fence line I run a manure spreader and hopper type spreader for fertilizer and lime and since it is horse pasture I have no need for a plow or a disc
A 24" Stihl chain saw and the bucket takes care of the tree work needed . As I noted in my post I find that the tractor is most useful for ME in my circumstances and at 75 I am starting to realize that the time to reduce my things rather than get more toys is fast approaching

 

[Herzo]

60 hp class 4WD tractor with a front end loader will handle most of your needs. Big enough but maneuverable

 

[284winner]

I just bought 30 acres. I've never owned a property of this size. I will need equipment to clear (some) and maintain the land. For the heavier work, what is recommended, a skid steer or a big tractor? Anybody with experience making this decision, please chime in.
I will be moving dirt, clearing brush, cutting in roads/trails and mowing 7 acres already cleared. I will also be building a shooting range.
Thanks,

PopCharlie

Skid steers are great for grading and moving dirt, landscape work etc. Tractors are best for using implements such as tillers, brushing, landscape rakes, back blades, even backhoe attachments. Certain things they parallel each other but skid steers definitely are quicker handling and faster at doing the work. Shorter wheel base on skid steers sometimes gets them stuck easier in mud and wet conditions. It can be a toss up depending on what your use will be. If I didn't use my Kubota for food plots and a few other implements, I may have bought a skid steer.

 

[Toddmack]

I've run pretty much every piece of equipment other than an articulating dump truck, barring specialty logging/mining equipment.

In my experience, a backhoe is the most versatile piece of dirt equipment you can own. (Unless you need PTO power and if it's muddy.)
That being said, I think my answer would be a tracked skid steer. The available attachments are nearly endless and are also pretty much all cross comptible. However, I've never used a front mount skid steer mower (That takes a special machine with higher hydraulic flow?)

Best of luck to you and if you ever find yourself on one of the aforementioned pull-behind (graders/levelers). Find something else to do that day. It's hell on the elbows and wrists!

 

[F Class John]

I have 7 acres, mostly pasture and my needs have always been dirt moving, brush/ tall grass clearing and some random stuff. Have a 26hp Deere and wish I had a skid more times than not. You can get front brush hog for them which is more manageable, they're easier for fork work and smaller footprint. I know there's reasons for both but I'd love a skid over my tractor.