O/T Question on Real Tractors (Not Toorak Ones)
Submitted: Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 16:41
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Saharaman (aka Geepeem)
To all the cockies, landed gentry, slashing contractors and so on out there or anyone with tractor knowledge I need some advice. We are looking at buying a “tree change” property that has some pretty steep country. What is the best tractor for slashing steep country – I have been told Valpadana , Ferrari low profile tractors are suitable. But these seem to be common down in SA and Vic but rare in Queensland (for a second hand one). I have had a hobby
farm for 10 years with tractor experience on my trusty MF135 but it has to go and be replaced by a more suitable one for the new property – I am fully aware of the dangers of tractors in steep country that’s why I want the most suitable one. Any suggestion appreciated.
Cheers,
Glen
Reply By: tuck 01 - Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 16:51
Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 16:51
Glen
The exact tractor for your needs is an old IH 414A. 40hp, 4 cyl.
As good as new tyres, new battery.
Just so happens I have
mine for sale as we get ready to hit the road.
Oh
well, can't be shot for trying.
Cheers
Jeff
AnswerID:
313863
Follow Up By: Saharaman (aka Geepeem) - Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 17:22
Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 17:22
HI Jeff,
I am not familiar with that model.
It must be genuine 4X4 (not FWD Assist)
Also diff locks front and rear plus low centre of gravity.
If you have a photo you can send me email to:
havilahheights@aapt.net.au
Thanks,
Glen
FollowupID:
579900
Follow Up By: tuck 01 - Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 08:32
Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 08:32
Sorry Glen, I was just winding you up.
The little 414 is for sale, but not suited to your needs. It's only 2WD and they were never renowned for their brakes.
A good old beast though. If anyone within cooey of
Geelong (Vic) wants one for $3800, we can talk.
Cheers
FollowupID:
580001
Reply By: Louie the fly - Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 18:09
Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 18:09
When I worked for Primary Industries SA we had various machines on a 220 acre research centre in the
Adelaide Hills . Fendt, Deutz, Kubota, Fiat & an old fergy with a Vanguard engine. The ground was very steep in parts and all but the Fergy and Fiat 500 2WD were suitable. Best value for money IMHO, & I had to work on them, was the Kubota (which was like a copy of a Fiat - the GMC power tool of tractors at that stage), extremely reliable and simple to work on. Fiat 355 skidsteer crawler was v/good but really expensive to maintain the tracks and gearbox. You need to maintain the tracks otherwise they will run off the sprockets and it's a bugger of a job to put them back on.
Most 4wd's would be OK as long as you travel up & down, NOT ACROSS. My experience was that a ROPS frame won't save your life in lots of situations. (I died 6 times - but I got better!) We had a rollover where fortunately the driver was thrown clear and not injured. If he had been belted in chances were he may have been killed or seriously injured. Enclosed cab with ROPS is the go - aircon, stereo, and filters to keep the grass seeds out for the asthmatics.
Happy tractoring.
AnswerID:
313879
Reply By: Saharaman (aka Geepeem) - Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 18:34
Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 18:34
This is the type of tractor I have been considering, as they are very low centre of gravity, also can reverse driving console - so you don't need to turn around on steep slope - just return back down with slasher now in front of you.
But (this one is a Valpadana) which are not made anymore and I am told spare parts are almost impossible to get. So I guess I am asking if anyone knows of a similar tractor to this one.Image Could Not Be Found
I think I need something around 50 to 80 Hp?
Thanks again to all those who have responded.
Cheers,
Glen
AnswerID:
313886
Follow Up By: Member - Royce- Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 22:01
Friday, Jul 04, 2008 at 22:01
Bloke up the road has had one of for years, on very steep country. Still alive, so maybe a good idea.
I must admit, my first thought was..."don't get a tractor". Just get contractors in to do the heavy tractor work and use your 4wd for the rest.
I've got a very steep block and some flat country. I don't use the tractor [4wd kubota] much on the steep stuff.
I have heard though that statistics say that more rollover accidents happen on the flat rather than the hills.... ditches etc.
Cheers
FollowupID:
579963
Reply By: Member - Dennis P (Scotland) - Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 03:28
Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 03:28
Hi Glen,
I work on a
farm over here and have been slashing for the past week, 8 foot slasher behind a New Holland TM130. Whilst it is not a true 4WD, in that all wheels are the same size, it handles all of the terrain here, some of it very steep, very
well. I really believe that it is more about driving to suit the conditions than anything else.
Cheers,
Dennis
AnswerID:
313929
Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 10:22
Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 10:22
G'day Glen, as an old cocky,cum tractor operator, I think you are
on the right track re an orchard type tractor for your slashing. I
would recomend the slasher be fitted with rear weight supporting
wheels or skids so that weight is not all on rear of tractor. But
slashing is a last resort option I reckon. Why not utilise the grass
as stockfeed if possible. Fatten a few calves or something. Perhaps
neighbours could crash graze it for you. Slashing is costly & wasteful , & maybe in your case...Dangerous as
well, so look at
your options.......oldbaz.
AnswerID:
313964
Follow Up By: Saharaman (aka Geepeem) - Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 11:22
Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 11:22
Thats good advice Oldbaz, and we may get some cattle or alpaccas or something in the future. But at the moment its not adequately fenced. It is an ex banana
farm that was cleared probably last centrury and hasnt grown bananas for about 10 years or more. Its very rich volcanic soils and at the moment the grass (mollasses grass and green panic etc) is so thick and high its almost impossible to walk through it. Also there is some type of legume vine crawling all through it as
well as
lantana in parts making inroads. At present I suspect its full of ticks as
well. So it needs a good clean up. I agree just to keep slashing on a recurring basis is wasteful and once suitably cleaned up and fenced we will be getting some livestock to keep regrowth in
check. But I still think I need a safe tractor for maintenance work even after I have cleaned up the place (which will probably take me 12 months part time).
If you have experience will cattle - which breeds are better(more resistent) to ticks?
Thanks for your comments,
Cheers.
Glen
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 12:03
Saturday, Jul 05, 2008 at 12:03
Glen, I dont have much knowledge re cattle ticks, not a problem down here. I do know there are diffrent zones & action required varies...google is your friend. Resistance is unlikely to be an issue
& you would be better to chemically treat as necessary. You will,
of course require some yards, cattle will make you cry without a decent set of yards/ramp.......oldbaz.
FollowupID:
580055