Alpine tractor - which make ?

[doobin]

Well I’m impressed. Very glad I snapped this tractor up, not seen another since and the hydrostatic gearbox is perfect for my work. I can’t imagine having to clutch and change a lever every time when shunting with the reverse drive flail, for example. Its also so much more efficient when flailing, just ease off when you hit a thick patch and then back on the go pedal once you’re through it.
 

It’s proved incredibly effective for every task I’ve set it to thus far. 
 

I’ve a few more bits to do to it (replacing pipes etc and kingpin bushes) but she’s had a full fluid and filter change. Had a couple of other teething issues such as the Lucas switch shorting out but not really the tractors fault and an easy fix. 

Edited October 17, 2022 by doobin

[openspaceman]

Is that a cut and collect on heath in the last frame?

[doobin]

8 hours ago, openspaceman said:

Is that a cut and collect on heath in the last frame?

Yup. Almost all the heather was burnt off by the drought, so an ideal time to refresh it. I left any mature growing plants I saw (probably barely a dozen), and happy to say that most of the burnt off plants are still alive at the base.

 

Usually I'd do this sort of work with the little Kubota, but this tractor let me tackle it side on across the slope. Not burning much more diesel than the 26hp kubota either (maybe 4.5l/hour vs 3.5l/hour for the kubota, which I found surprising. I'll take some proper measurements soon.

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by doobin

[openspaceman]

1 hour ago, doobin said:

Yup. Almost all the heather was burnt off by the drought, so an ideal time to refresh it. I left any mature growing plants I saw (probably barely a dozen), and happy to say that most of the burnt off plants are still alive at the base.

 

Generally the heather survives if the cut is above a growing point, a bit like a conifer hedge. The problem is where the material gets dumped, it really needs taking completely off the heath. A chap that used to work for me called it a tin sheep.

 

Here we see bracken invading, worse I suspect due to climate change. I have a theory that, with height set above the heather, cut and collect even the dead standing fronds would gradually remove potassium and favour the heathers again. Of course a high cut in August would benefit most but there tend to be issues with bird nesting, I would still go for it in dense stands of bracken where its alleopathic effect meant it was a monoculture

 

I devised a simple means of turning the arisings to biochar that could then be used off site having a similar effect of removing minerals as common grazing of cattle did in the distant past.

[doobin]

5 hours ago, openspaceman said:

Generally the heather survives if the cut is above a growing point, a bit like a conifer hedge. The problem is where the material gets dumped, it really needs taking completely off the heath. A chap that used to work for me called it a tin sheep.

 

Here we see bracken invading, worse I suspect due to climate change. I have a theory that, with height set above the heather, cut and collect even the dead standing fronds would gradually remove potassium and favour the heathers again. Of course a high cut in August would benefit most but there tend to be issues with bird nesting, I would still go for it in dense stands of bracken where its alleopathic effect meant it was a monoculture

 

I devised a simple means of turning the arisings to biochar that could then be used off site having a similar effect of removing minerals as common grazing of cattle did in the distant past.

I’ve found it most cost effective to have a dump site on a lower value area of the site. There’s usually a bit at the edge of a nature reserve where nutrient leach won’t matter too much anyway, often an old fire site or in some woods.  Find a bit where only Yorkshire fog and brambles are currently growing, somewhere that’s pretty rank anyhow and will never make heath without being scraped off by a foot. 
 

Bird nesting is a constant problem. That site is the last refuge for the British field cricket, a red list insect which is critically endangered. Yet disturbing any nesting bird is still an absolute offence. I’ve found the best way is to get a local bird specialist involved in a volunteer role with the nature reserve. 

[doobin]

Makes a pretty pokey self propelled grinder. Comfy to operate too. 

[doobin]

I really love this tractor. So good on slopes, you just don’t realise till you have one exactly how much better they are. Yes, I could do this all with the Kubota- but not comfortably and without thinking!

 

The major flail has had a roller and gearbox overhaul and some heavier flails- she’s doing a sterling job in some pretty thick stuff. 

[dumper]

20 minutes ago, doobin said:

I really love this tractor. So good on slopes, you just don’t realise till you have one exactly how much better they are. Yes, I could do this all with the Kubota- but not comfortably and without thinking!

 

The major flail has had a roller and gearbox overhaul and some heavier flails- she’s doing a sterling job in some pretty thick stuff. 

Try a proper alpine with wheel steering it will put yours to shame I’ve had both 

[doobin]

Just now, dumper said:

Try a proper alpine with wheel steering it will put yours to shame I’ve had both 

Earlier on this thread you said the front steer was the one to have for banks? Make your mind up ffs 🤣

[dumper]

1 hour ago, doobin said:

Earlier on this thread you said the front steer was the one to have for banks? Make your mind up ffs 🤣

Yours is pivot steer? Reverse drive?