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+--- Thread: Tractors used on the Big Isle (/showthread.php?tid=4027)
Tractors used on the Big Isle - morganlady - 02-16-2008
My mainland farmer friend wants to know what kind of tractors and what size are used. I want to know which ones I should bring along (some for resale value?).
Most of mine are older, with front end loaders & a few are 4WD.
I saw a small New Holland up in Hamakua, but haven't seen anything but dozers in Puna. What are the most common?
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - james weatherford - 02-16-2008
Kubota has been around a while, and there are some new and old ones.
The Massey Ferguson store on Kawili in Hilo (for at least 6 years) seems to be selling some steadily.
John Deere (Hilo store is 'American Machinery') is also selling some (we just bought 37hp w/front end loader).
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - Hotzcatz - 02-16-2008
Many folks use bulldozers instead of tractors around here but occasionally there will be a "real" tractor. I suspect the average amount of rock versus soil on the lot determines the lot owners choice between dozers and tractors.
We do have a lot of steep hills and gullies and rough terrain so a lot of folks like the 4WD option. Most of the folks that I know who have tractors, though, have "pet" tractors that don't really go out and do a lot of work. One of the tractors even gets started with a crank on it's nose.
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - Menehune - 02-20-2008
How much acreage justifies owning a tractor? 1/2 - 1 - 2 - 3?
And what size?
How much power is REALLY needed?
James - 37hp is a lot or not for an acre?
I've been watching craigslist and very few show up.
Joey
Time will tell - I'm listening?
Time will tell - I'm speaking?
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - james weatherford - 02-20-2008
Joey asked:
"How much acreage justifies owning a tractor? 1/2 - 1 - 2 - 3?
And what size?
How much power is REALLY needed?
James - 37hp is a lot or not for an acre?
I've been watching craigslist and very few show up."
Each situation is different -- depending on what is happening on the 'acreage' -- mowing grass? raising watermelons? ...coffee? etc.
Our use is substantially making compost -- tons at a time. We are using the compost on our acre of banana, citrus, coffee, and other fruits since we have pahoehoe. It is making all the difference -- green, green, green
Also, we are preparing to plant several acres of oil palm and will need a tractor as well as compost.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - sansei - 02-21-2008
Tractors come in many different flavors and as has been noted, one size does not fit all. One point of differentiation is the 3-pt hitch that is found in utility/farm tractors. The 3pt hitch allows you to mount impliments like box scrapers/rippers and blades in the back. The 3pt is usually accompanied by a PTO (power take off) that allows you to power things like mowers, roto tillers, cement mixers, generators, water pumps, post hole augers, and chipper/shredders all powered by the tractors engine. In a way, a tractor can be like a black hole because there is always one more implement to buy.
The front loader is the most basic implement and it can sure be a back saver. There are also many ways to extend the usefullness of the front loader like pallet forks and hay bale spears. One thing to be aware of is that the weight ahead of the axel needs to be counterbalanced. There are weights specially made to attach to the tractor for balance. Many people though save money by filling the rear tires with calcium chloride water. If you are shipping one it may be worthwhile draining the tire prior to shipping and refilling it when it arrives.
One especially useful (to me) tool is a back hoe. My tractor is an older John Deere model 955 with a model 7 back hoe. The John Deere has a hydraulic PTO as well as a mechanical 540 rpm PTO. Tractors without the hydraulic PTO have to use a mechanical PTO driven hydraulic pump to provide juice to the back hoe actuators. Since the back hoe was built for the tractor, it is easily removed when I want to use the mower, for instance. I can mount/dismount the back hoe in about 15 minutes.
You can find tractors with as little as 20hp but some of the high power implements will not be usable. If you are looking for a small, cheap, low power tug you might consider what some farmers have done. Look into a ATV. One other thing to be aware of is that John Deere has different dealer networks for each division. A bull dozer (crawler) is construction equipment (I call them yellow Deere for their paint color) and a utility tractor is farm equipment (green Deere). I own both types and I can tell you it is a pain having to go to different dealers for consumables and spare parts. Fortunately the engine used in my crawler was also used in a regular tractor so I can buy things like filters from my farm dealer which is closer.
One web site worth visiting if you are new to tractors is: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/
Larry
RE: Tractors used on the Big Isle - Daniel - 02-23-2008
I've been looking into getting a compact tractor for some time, all the major brands are on the island and even some grey market tractors are represented. John deere seems to be the best tractor, but more expensive. One thing that is a must for digging in puna is a hammer/breaker, not available on most compact tractors. A fullsize backhoe seems to be the best choice for lower puna, else-where any tractor will do. Mostly smaller tractors are used at this time on the island, from what I have observed. If anyone has a used, late model john deere compact (or posibly other) , I might be interested if it is for sale.
Daniel R Diamond