Best Tool for the Job??

[Snapper Head]

Hello All,

New member here, very soon to be new tractor owner.

I should start by clarifying - I am not looking for brand advice or to start a war

I do need some help in selecting the best type of tool, not the brand. I have operated tractors before, so am not a total newbie, BUT, I have not owned one before, so I am all ears.

The deal:

Just signed a purchase contract for Snapperhead Farms. The best part of this is that now I HAVE TO :thumbsup: buy a tractor.

About 12 usable acres. 5 already in pasture with new fence. Will crossfence this piece. Row planted pine tree grove on another 3 acre section, with trees being about 10 years old. Plan to take most of these out, pature and fence. Thick hardwood stands across back of property with steep drop down to small creek. Will clear some of this area, but not put in pasture. Plan to purchase another 8 acre adjoing piece of uncleared land as well. Will keep 6 - 8 head of prize Arabian horses. Will be handling large round bales of hay.

So, I'm thinking 30-ish HP, 4WD Diesel, Hydrostatic Trans, power steering; front loader; 3 point; box blade; broadcast spreader; disc; bush hog (have a new lawn tractor for grass work near the house and barn); industrial tires.

Go ahead and blast away - I learn best while being beaten up


Big Al

 

[TripleR]

Doesn't sound like you are too far of except for the round bales, we used a much larger tractor to handle ours. Just spend some time checking spec sheets to narrow it down and then spend some time looking at them on the lot. Also check with your neighbors to see what they are using.

You are wise not to tie yourself to one brand as there are many very good machines of all makes. Wish I could be of more help.

 

[gwjd]

if you look at prices on the larger hp ag tractors like 5000 jd and kabota m you save money over 3000-4000 jd or b-l kabota

this is msrp per net hp for comparison and the larger tractors will handle the large bales
better

 

[Bird]

Yep, Al, I agree with TripleR. Personally, I think you ought to be looking at 50 hp tractors instead of 30 hp.

 

[magicheater]

40 HP minimum. You will need the weight for handling those bales safely in all conditions. The larger Loader capacity will always be an asset. There are times you will miss the smaller size though. Ever since I got my B7800, the
larger L gets more rest!

 

[Snapper Head]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

TripleR - there are no neighbors:thumbsup::thumbsup: I will have to pipe in daylight and oxygen.

I was unsure about how big to go for handling the round bales, so what I am hearing is that 30 something is not going to be enough grunt to handle them safely. A bigger tractor?? **** the bad luck!!

What sort of attachment is best for handling the round bales? I was planning on having my brother fab up a pole rack that would slip over the bucket.


Big Al

 

[TripleR]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

TripleR - there are no neighbors:thumbsup::thumbsup: I will have to pipe in daylight and oxygen.

I was unsure about how big to go for handling the round bales, so what I am hearing is that 30 something is not going to be enough grunt to handle them safely. A bigger tractor?? **** the bad luck!!

What sort of attachment is best for handling the round bales? I was planning on having my brother fab up a pole rack that would slip over the bucket.


Big Al

No neighbors, man I am envious:thumbsup:

Ideally, a bale spear with a QA FEL or on a larger tractor 3-point, but my son fabbed up one for the FEL on our CX80, but adding length to the FEL is going to reduce capacity. We no longer have it or I would send pictures. He is down to one horse and is now using square bales.

HP is really not going to be as big of issue as tractor size and weight as some of the older tractors can handle a lot of weight with less power than you would imagine. It seems now that the two tend to be more closely related. Like I said, check the specs as some manufacturer's equipment tends to be heavier and within manufacturer's line different models will have the same HP, but with different size weight frames.

Tractor selection is really a pretty complicated process and I am by no means an expert.

 

[MarkV]

Welcome to the forum! I would agree with the others and say that a 30hp tractor isn't likely to have the loader capacity to work "large" round bales. Don't large rounds run in the 1600 to 2000 pound range? A loader with the Bob Cat style quick attach system will allow you to easily change between your bucket, a bale spear and forks. The other attachments you list look like a good starting point. I didn't see a post hole auger on the list which will be helpful during your fencing projects. Good luck and have fun.

MarkV

 

[TripleR]

TripleR - I never imagined there would be so many choices, from EACH mfg. It does make it a complicated process, and the research has worn me out. But, keeping it simple is critical, at least in my view. I took a look at the bale spears, and that would be the way to go. A round bale goes about 1 ton. There are some quality tractors in the low 40 hp range that have the frame weight and FEL juice to handle those. Might need some rear wheel weights, and/or filled tires.

This is what I have learned so far:

1. Having more tractor than what is needed is better than not having enough tractor for what is needed.

2. Weight is an important "feature". In other words, it matters - a lot.

3. The Dealer is a very important consideration in choosing brand. (I never consider this when buying a vehicle, but for boats I absolutely do. I figured it would be the same with tractors).

4. Do your homework on attachments - the ones with the mfg.'s logo and paint on them are often not of very good quality.

5. Tractors kill inattentive and/or stupid people. I did not realize how many people die each year while operating tractors.


MarkV - the PHD is on the list:thumbsup: I'm 49 years old. I threw my manual post hole digger away 5 years ago.


Big Al

Sounds like you are well on your way to buying the right tractor. As for implements, sometimes the name means something and sometimes it does't. I usually stay with Woods or Land Pride as I have experience with them, but there are certainly other good brands out there.

Yes, tractor operation can be dangerous, but with proper precaution can be done safely.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hello All,

New member here, very soon to be new tractor owner.

About 12 usable acres. 5 already in pasture with new fence. Will crossfence this piece. Row planted pine tree grove on another 3 acre section, with trees being about 10 years old. Plan to take most of these out, pature and fence. Thick hardwood stands across back of property with steep drop down to small creek. Will clear some of this area, but not put in pasture. Plan to purchase another 8 acre adjoing piece of uncleared land as well. Will keep 6 - 8 head of prize Arabian horses. Will be handling large round bales of hay.

[[So, I'm thinking 30-ish HP, 4WD Diesel, Hydrostatic Trans, power steering; front loader; 3 point; box blade; broadcast spreader; disc; bush hog (have a new lawn tractor for grass work near the house and barn); industrial tires.]]

Go ahead and blast away - I learn best while being beaten up
Big Al

Perfect. For the round bales youll need the heaviest 30+ HP you can find with a loader rated to at least 2K# -- and a good counterweight. -Youre lucky ... for extra traction and stabiliy weight you can ballast your tires with plain water. The loaded box blade may work for a true counterweight [being behind the axle]. I would go for a tractor that has AGs for the all around traction they offer. One that has good sized front tires. Even so youll probably have to run them at full pressure for the round bales unless you run a heavy counterweight.
larry

 

[Snapper Head]

Spyder - I am leaning more toward the AG tires as I learn. It makes sense that the extra bite they provide is useful when using the loader, even for 4WD tractors. The extra bite will also come in handy for the steep hill drop along the back of the property.

Turf damage is not really an issue for this place, as the layout allows for keeping the tractor out of the lawn around the house.


Big Al

 

[TripleR]

Spyder - I am leaning more toward the AG tires as I learn. It makes sense that the extra bite they provide is useful when using the loader, even for 4WD tractors. The extra bite will also come in handy for the steep hill drop along the back of the property.

Turf damage is not really an issue for this place, as the layout allows for keeping the tractor out of the lawn around the house.


Big Al

I agree with Spyderlk on the Ag and need to run plenty of pressure in the front tires. Some tractors are more prone to rolling a tire of the wheel than others. We have a Case that will roll a tire of really quick and a Massey that never has lost a tire even under extreme conditions.

I have Industrial tires on my L5030, but don't use it in the mud while my others that may be used in wet or muddy conditions have Ag tires.

 

[Snapper Head]

What about a skid steer loader instead of a tractor?

Immense power in a small package, and an almost endless choice of attachments.


Big Al

 

[Gittyup]

Consider a post driver and accommodating fence systems. Will be way faster than a PHD. If you go PHD, be careful with that thing. It's one of the most dangerous implements you can use.

 

[MadDog 80]

Agree you may need 50hp or so. Skid Steers are tough machines but more for construction type work I found. I sold mine and am very pleased with my latest toy, JD110 backhoe/loader. Great multi-purpose machine for a farm plus 4 wheel drive- important for loader work. You can also use them as a tractor only w/PTO etc. I keep a separate machine for PTO work for ease of operation.

Sounds like you may need to look at a tractor w/loader, 4 wheel drive & 50-55hp, since I'm spending your money.

 

[JCB]

Snapper,

+1 for the bigger. Round bales are surprisingly hard on equipment especially when driven through a field.

Make sure you get a quick attach bucket, and get a bale spear while your at it. Round bales are kind of awkward to work with and a good spear give you a good bite and helps keeps you in control without tearing apart too many bales.

 

[Snapper Head]

Continued thanks for the feedback. I will go for the max HP that the wallet will allow, and that looks to be 40+ rated HP.


Big Al

 

[MadDog 80]

Size of the machine, weight, is a factor since HP can be had with a light tractor.

Remember if you have alot of loader work on any kind of grade, 4 wheel drive may be needed.

Regarding skid steers, they tear the ground up and require at least 1 drink to get from A to B. :laughing:

 

[flusher]

Hello All,

New member here, very soon to be new tractor owner.

I should start by clarifying - I am not looking for brand advice or to start a war

I do need some help in selecting the best type of tool, not the brand. I have operated tractors before, so am not a total newbie, BUT, I have not owned one before, so I am all ears.

The deal:

Just signed a purchase contract for Snapperhead Farms. The best part of this is that now I HAVE TO :thumbsup: buy a tractor.

About 12 usable acres. 5 already in pasture with new fence. Will crossfence this piece. Row planted pine tree grove on another 3 acre section, with trees being about 10 years old. Plan to take most of these out, pature and fence. Thick hardwood stands across back of property with steep drop down to small creek. Will clear some of this area, but not put in pasture. Plan to purchase another 8 acre adjoing piece of uncleared land as well. Will keep 6 - 8 head of prize Arabian horses. Will be handling large round bales of hay.

So, I'm thinking 30-ish HP, 4WD Diesel, Hydrostatic Trans, power steering; front loader; 3 point; box blade; broadcast spreader; disc; bush hog (have a new lawn tractor for grass work near the house and barn); industrial tires.

Go ahead and blast away - I learn best while being beaten up


Big Al

Work the problem backwards--make a list of tasks you need to do with your tractor and implements over the next 3-4 years and prioritize those tasks. Then figure out which implements and which size implements you're going to need to handle your tasks. Then start looking for a tractor or tractors to handle the implements you've selected. Trade off new vs used tractors and implements. Work it down to a few tractors and implements for which you have local dealers. Then get up close and personal with the hardware and the sales folks. Ask questions, get seat time on the tractors.