what tractor!?
Discussion
we seem to be missing a tractor forum! 
we [work] need to source a small tractor and the task has fallen to me to price it up. trying to do a bit of research before contacting dealers.
it will need to tow a surf rake, which is a beach cleaning machine. this weighs 2700lbs empty with a 3500lb capacity hopper, and requires 45 PTO hp minimum. sales blurb says 60 PTO hp is ideal.
i was hoping we'd get away with a polaris or a 6x6 gator or something equally cool. but alas not. so if we have to have a tractor it would at least make sense to have one with a front end loader and excavator attachment. other accessories would be useful - trailer, rake, post auger etc.
not interested in used, would need to be brand new and small enough to fit inside a shipping container. smaller and more maneuverable the better tbh.
what is the hilux of the small tractor world? reliable and easy to maintain, easy spares availability [we have perkins diesel gensets so a perkins engine would be good].
if you sell this kind of thing, feel free to PM me.
we [work] need to source a small tractor and the task has fallen to me to price it up. trying to do a bit of research before contacting dealers.
it will need to tow a surf rake, which is a beach cleaning machine. this weighs 2700lbs empty with a 3500lb capacity hopper, and requires 45 PTO hp minimum. sales blurb says 60 PTO hp is ideal.
i was hoping we'd get away with a polaris or a 6x6 gator or something equally cool. but alas not. so if we have to have a tractor it would at least make sense to have one with a front end loader and excavator attachment. other accessories would be useful - trailer, rake, post auger etc.
not interested in used, would need to be brand new and small enough to fit inside a shipping container. smaller and more maneuverable the better tbh.
what is the hilux of the small tractor world? reliable and easy to maintain, easy spares availability [we have perkins diesel gensets so a perkins engine would be good].
if you sell this kind of thing, feel free to PM me.
New Holland Boomer 50 or perhaps better the 55 (or the Massey equivalent).
Available with or without cab (maybe too tall with can, but the version with cab has aircon).
We ve had a 50 for a few years now and it s a good bit of kit.
ETA: scrub that PTO is only 39hp.
Available with or without cab (maybe too tall with can, but the version with cab has aircon).
We ve had a 50 for a few years now and it s a good bit of kit.
ETA: scrub that PTO is only 39hp.
Edited by LooneyTunes on Saturday 2nd August 15:53
I m more knowledgeable about smaller compact tractors, but to get 60hp at the PTO and sufficient lift capacity on the rear hitch, you are going to be looking at a small proper tractor, which I think you may struggle to be able to fit in a shipping container.
Edited by Cow Corner on Saturday 2nd August 13:12
yeah i'm seeing that just from websites, a compact doesn't seem like it will cut it. i've gone back to the supplier of the beachcomber for confirmation on specs. i can justify a reasonable spend but a full size tractor will be a one trick pony, will be far too big for use anywhere else.
pretty much every group chat i've asked on so far has suggested a lambo! i'm rather taken with the new holland tk4.
pretty much every group chat i've asked on so far has suggested a lambo! i'm rather taken with the new holland tk4.
I have a new holland boomer 50. I use it on 8 acres. Lovely tractor, I have low pressure tyres on it which makes it wide but it fits in a shipping container with the roll bar down (cabless).
I usually keep the grass topper attached and it fits in a 20ft container with about 3ft to spare.
I usually keep the grass topper attached and it fits in a 20ft container with about 3ft to spare.
Look at Vineyard tractors, they're the most powerful of the compact range.
120hp for example https://www.deere.co.uk/en-gb/products-and-solutio...
120hp for example https://www.deere.co.uk/en-gb/products-and-solutio...
shirt said:
yeah i'm seeing that just from websites, a compact doesn't seem like it will cut it. i've gone back to the supplier of the beachcomber for confirmation on specs. i can justify a reasonable spend but a full size tractor will be a one trick pony, will be far too big for use anywhere else.
pretty much every group chat i've asked on so far has suggested a lambo! i'm rather taken with the new holland tk4.
That is because Lamborghini are somewhat of a leading authority in the world of compact and smaller tractors, that still produce decent power.pretty much every group chat i've asked on so far has suggested a lambo! i'm rather taken with the new holland tk4.
Their compact-dimensions range is here, with 50-100hp available:
https://www.lamborghini-tractors.com/en-eu/tractor...
Many companies will do what you want, but instead of a Lambo then Deutz are the same, but likely cheaper (same parent company/range). A Deutz 3 series will do 59hp at the engine, if that is enough?
https://www.deutz-fahr.com/en-nd/tractors
Otherwise the correct answer is Kubota, for simple reliability and reasonable cost.
You might get away with their largest ground care machine, at 61 engine HP - https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/groundcare/series/l2/
But their smallest agricultural machine will be much more capable with more stability and lift on the links. 66 or 75HP should give near enough 60 at the PTO. Will also be much more capable if you wanted a front loader. http://kuk.kubota-eu.com/agriculture/products/m400...
Depending on where you are in the world then you could get a really basic machine, something like the Massey 200 range, which has it's origins in about 1950, but will happily work all day long. They can't be sold in Europe, due to emissions, but would be cheaper than anything Euro-spec.
https://www.masseyferguson.com/en/product/tractors...
https://www.deutz-fahr.com/en-nd/tractors
Otherwise the correct answer is Kubota, for simple reliability and reasonable cost.
You might get away with their largest ground care machine, at 61 engine HP - https://kuk.kubota-eu.com/groundcare/series/l2/
But their smallest agricultural machine will be much more capable with more stability and lift on the links. 66 or 75HP should give near enough 60 at the PTO. Will also be much more capable if you wanted a front loader. http://kuk.kubota-eu.com/agriculture/products/m400...
Depending on where you are in the world then you could get a really basic machine, something like the Massey 200 range, which has it's origins in about 1950, but will happily work all day long. They can't be sold in Europe, due to emissions, but would be cheaper than anything Euro-spec.
https://www.masseyferguson.com/en/product/tractors...
A beach rake like one of these? https://www.overtonukltd.com/products/beach-cleane... I'd never seen them before in action, perhaps I hadn't realised just how much litter there is on beaches.
They're using a "proper" tractor, which definitely won't fit in a container. Perhaps give the beach cleaner dealer(s) a call and ask what they recommend. Good suggestions so far... you can't go wrong with an M-series Kubota, though it won't be cheap. The Tafe would be cheaper. Where in the world are you, and what dealers do you have nearby to choose from? No point in having a fancy tractor if there's no dealer/mechanic backup.
They're using a "proper" tractor, which definitely won't fit in a container. Perhaps give the beach cleaner dealer(s) a call and ask what they recommend. Good suggestions so far... you can't go wrong with an M-series Kubota, though it won't be cheap. The Tafe would be cheaper. Where in the world are you, and what dealers do you have nearby to choose from? No point in having a fancy tractor if there's no dealer/mechanic backup.
The other idea could of course be 2nd hand.... Probably looking 1980's or 1990's. No computers. 4wd for the sand. May need to budget for new tyres, and some comforts like a new seat.
Something like this would fit into a container if you took the cab off. No complicated electronics, easy for any bush mechanic to fix. Very cheap HP. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187446112980
Or this which is a bit newer, less HP, but will be a nicer place to spend time https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205590360995
Depending on what you go for, local dealer support might not matter too much. The Tafe or MF200 don't have computers and will have very common parts - likely Perkins engines, Bosch hydraulics, etc. As long as the manufacturer can ship specific parts in reasonable time then any local mechanic can fix them. When you get to the Kubota M series and upwards then main dealer support will be more useful as they have the correct software and computers.
Much will depend on your budget and location.
Something like this would fit into a container if you took the cab off. No complicated electronics, easy for any bush mechanic to fix. Very cheap HP. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187446112980
Or this which is a bit newer, less HP, but will be a nicer place to spend time https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/205590360995
Depending on what you go for, local dealer support might not matter too much. The Tafe or MF200 don't have computers and will have very common parts - likely Perkins engines, Bosch hydraulics, etc. As long as the manufacturer can ship specific parts in reasonable time then any local mechanic can fix them. When you get to the Kubota M series and upwards then main dealer support will be more useful as they have the correct software and computers.
Much will depend on your budget and location.
Edited by Condi on Monday 4th August 18:14
biggiles said:
A beach rake like one of these? https://www.overtonukltd.com/products/beach-cleane... I'd never seen them before in action, perhaps I hadn't realised just how much litter there is on beaches.
They're using a "proper" tractor, which definitely won't fit in a container. Perhaps give the beach cleaner dealer(s) a call and ask what they recommend. Good suggestions so far... you can't go wrong with an M-series Kubota, though it won't be cheap. The Tafe would be cheaper. Where in the world are you, and what dealers do you have nearby to choose from? No point in having a fancy tractor if there's no dealer/mechanic backup.
thanks for all the replies, i'll respond to all generally here.They're using a "proper" tractor, which definitely won't fit in a container. Perhaps give the beach cleaner dealer(s) a call and ask what they recommend. Good suggestions so far... you can't go wrong with an M-series Kubota, though it won't be cheap. The Tafe would be cheaper. Where in the world are you, and what dealers do you have nearby to choose from? No point in having a fancy tractor if there's no dealer/mechanic backup.
it is exactly that which you have linked to, just the smaller version, the 400HD. the manufacturer gave us the required PTO spec.
i was hoping for a tractor that would fit inside a container to make it easier for me to ship. it's not a strict requirement, just that break bulk to this location limits my shipping options.
yes it is astonishing how much plastic waste is washed up. lots of foam type rubber as well, flip flops and insoles etc. our main problem though is sargassum.
there are literally tons of it washed up every day, meaning slimy mess in the morning that turrns into a stinking mosquito fest by late afternoon. once we are operational we'll need to be able to clear the beach as quickly and quietly as possible each morning.
the surf rake is $63k alone, so it's a decent spend for that and a tractor that's too big to be of use anywhere else. i'm still pricing it up but more to be able to compare against the cost of a range of more flexible equipment. thinking 2 x gators with tipper beds for general maintenance and gardening, plus a bobcat and/or compact utility tractor with a good range of accessories.
i have seen this attachment for a bobcat which would take care of general debris plus clear up all our construction spoil.
https://www.crdcreighton.com/products/attachments/...
still leaves me the sargasso problem though, and i'm not seeing much beyond the beach rake. any ideas?
Edited by shirt on Monday 4th August 19:48
Dealing with those quantities of sargassum needs some serious machinery, even the rake linked to will be hard pressed to clean a large beach before the customers start emerging; a decent size loader shovel or skid steer with a sifter/screening bucket to lift the bulk of the seaweed straight into either a dumper or a tipping trailer while not lifting sand at the same time, then the beach can be cleaned by the rake to collect what's left over.
What means of getting rid of the seaweed is there? If there isn't anything local building a biodigester is probably the most obvious option other than landfill, but it will need to be f
king huge to deal with the quantities. Googling seaweed disposal turned up this which looks interesting, although the website feels a bit like it's selling vapourware. There was also this which is not trying to sell anything.
What means of getting rid of the seaweed is there? If there isn't anything local building a biodigester is probably the most obvious option other than landfill, but it will need to be f
king huge to deal with the quantities. Googling seaweed disposal turned up this which looks interesting, although the website feels a bit like it's selling vapourware. There was also this which is not trying to sell anything.OK, that shows the problem, shirt!
It's a huge quantity to be dealing with. And assuming your 400m of frontage is a commercial hotel, it does need to be quick and quiet.
From a quick google, I'm guessing you're in the Caribbean, where apparently huge quantities of the weed have been washing up since a few years ago... and no clear reason why. So there's presumably no local expertise/experience to draw upon. Though your neighbours will all have the same problem... and perhaps there is some mileage in a community/group response e.g. 10 beach hotels to acquire top-end kit to solve the problem for 4km, instead everyone solving for their 400m.
Burning the weed doesn't seem to work well, and there probably aren't any digesters yet (though the community response could help).
It would be helpful to know how much volume you'd be collecting each day: that surf rake may claim to gather 2t, but it may only be 1t in reality, and if you're faced with 10t on the beach it will be hard work. I suspect a loader with grapple could be a lot faster to loosely gather the bulk of it first, before doing a pass with the rake to gather weed + plastic. (As it's a UK forum, we'd think a loader as being a JCB/Matbro-type, but in the islands, there might be a lot more support locally for skid/tracked loaders, and knowledge of how they operate on sand. Either way, you can get massive grapples for them, and rake/riddle buckets).
Or a wild thought - it's basically like a field of loose straw. Perhaps a baler could bale it, then dispose of the neatly compressed bales of seaweed? While the machinery won't like salt, you may find sugarcane balers locally to try out.
It's a huge quantity to be dealing with. And assuming your 400m of frontage is a commercial hotel, it does need to be quick and quiet.
From a quick google, I'm guessing you're in the Caribbean, where apparently huge quantities of the weed have been washing up since a few years ago... and no clear reason why. So there's presumably no local expertise/experience to draw upon. Though your neighbours will all have the same problem... and perhaps there is some mileage in a community/group response e.g. 10 beach hotels to acquire top-end kit to solve the problem for 4km, instead everyone solving for their 400m.
Burning the weed doesn't seem to work well, and there probably aren't any digesters yet (though the community response could help).
It would be helpful to know how much volume you'd be collecting each day: that surf rake may claim to gather 2t, but it may only be 1t in reality, and if you're faced with 10t on the beach it will be hard work. I suspect a loader with grapple could be a lot faster to loosely gather the bulk of it first, before doing a pass with the rake to gather weed + plastic. (As it's a UK forum, we'd think a loader as being a JCB/Matbro-type, but in the islands, there might be a lot more support locally for skid/tracked loaders, and knowledge of how they operate on sand. Either way, you can get massive grapples for them, and rake/riddle buckets).
Or a wild thought - it's basically like a field of loose straw. Perhaps a baler could bale it, then dispose of the neatly compressed bales of seaweed? While the machinery won't like salt, you may find sugarcane balers locally to try out.
biggiles said:
Burning the weed doesn't seem to work well, and there probably aren't any digesters yet (though the community response could help).
There's at least one; I only learned about it because of a random youtube video and I'm bksed if I can find it again, but I found this news article about possibly the same story.Silly question but are you already committed to that specific rake? Surely the best option is get a tractor you can fit inside shipping container, and then get a suitable sized rake that it can power. My local beach uses these massive ones but presumably they come in all sorts of sizes.
For the seaweed would a buckrake work? We used to use one on a foreloader to run up rows of linseed straw to pile it up for burning. you can also get smaller walk behind ones that are like a powered rotavator, now sure how much grip they'd have on sand though.
Presumably it can be used as animal feed? Maybe you need some goats.
For the seaweed would a buckrake work? We used to use one on a foreloader to run up rows of linseed straw to pile it up for burning. you can also get smaller walk behind ones that are like a powered rotavator, now sure how much grip they'd have on sand though.
Presumably it can be used as animal feed? Maybe you need some goats.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Tuesday 5th August 10:27
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