Tractor or UTV?
We moved to a bigger property this year and I'm contemplating an upgrade from my trusty but underpowered 400CC ATV to either a compact tractor or a "mid-size" UTV like the Kawasaki Mule. Obviously, to justify this kind of purchase I need to be able to do a lot of things with the vehicle but maple'ing is sort of a nice cross-section of tasks. Any thoughts on the better investment for a 30 acre sugar bush with some decent grade in the woods?
I do have a line on an older, 2WD tractor but I'm wondering if that would have the traction needed for work hauling heavy loads in the woods.
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2015: 8 bucket taps (7 red, 1 sugar) on DIY barrel evaporator
2016: 13 taps (bucket and tube) on block arch and hotel pans
2017: SAME
2018: 25 taps on 2x3 flat pan and resurrected barrel arch
2019: 25 taps...same setup plus DIY 3x150gpd RO filter
2020: 50 taps, all buckets..."new" oil tank arch setup
2021: 100 taps (50/50 buckets/3-16 tubing) on 2x4 divided pan
2022: 150 taps (50/100 b/t) on 2x4 pan with sap warmer pan
2023: SAME
2024: 150 taps, added single-post 4x40 RO system