Needing a new Utility+ Tractor - Looking for advice

[tarkio]

I have a JD 2940 that I use primarily as a loader tractor for feeding in the winter.

I have used this tractor the past couple years to run a small square baler and to stack hay as well.

I am looking for a new-to-me tractor that is physically smaller that will work better with a small square baler and be a little handier to do utility-type tractor work (post holes, harrowing pastures, etc). With that said, I wouldn't mind finding a tractor is around 60-65 hp, or more, so that I could also use it to run a round baler. I am on flat level ground so I may be able to get away with a lower powered tractor to run something like a JD 535. What is you opinion on that as well?

I have been lurking here gleaning information off and on for years and finally decided that I need to get more active here to learn more.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tarkio]

For example, I am considering a JD 2440, maybe a 3020 or a 2355. I recently saw a 2755 that looked like it would work, size-wise.

 

[jenkinsph]

Welcome to the forum tarkio,

Might wan't to look at the 5075M or 5085M that should put you in the 60-75 ptohp range.

 

[jenkinsph]

For example, I am considering a JD 2440, maybe a 3020 or a 2355. I recently saw a 2755 that looked like it would work, size-wise.

The 3020 and 2355 are both good tractors imo. I used to have a 3020 and 4020 at the same time and while they were great tractors the newer 2355 with mfwd would be a better option to me.

 

[tarkio]

Welcome to the forum tarkio,

Might wan't to look at the 5075M or 5085M that should put you in the 60-75 ptohp range.

I probably should have mentioned that I can't, or more appropriately, won't tie that much money up in a utility tractor.

I am hoping to, at best, stay in the low-teens for price.

Now, I may consider spending high-teens to ~$20k, if I can get a tractor that does what I described above and SAFELY handle large round bales. I could then sell my 2940 to help fund the "new" tractor.

 

[Chickengrower]

I wouldn't hesitate getting a 2440. I've had a 2240 for 12 yrs and its done well for me. I'd consider another one if I was trying to save a little money and it was big enough for what I wanted to do. I bet any of the 55 series would be good too. If you wanted a newer rig, and if you don't mind an orange tractor, you should be able to find a fairly low houred M6800 Kubota with MFWD and FEL for under 20K. They are 62 pto hp.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Look for a 2350/2550 or 2355/2555 in the utility configuration (not row crop). It will be lower to the ground, have the clam shell rear fenders and overall just feel like a slightly smaller tractor despite having all the power and weight to handle round bales and baler.

 

[tarkio]

Would a gas 2020 work to run a round baler on flat ground?

 

[tarkio]

There is a local John Deere 2020 for sale that has a gas engine. That would simplify the purchasing and hauling the tractor by a long shot.

So, would a 2020 work to run a round baler on flat ground?

 

[tarkio]

What about a Ford 3930? I know nothing of the Fords. Ran some as a kid farming for other people but I have never used one as a utility-type tractor.

 

[jenkinsph]

There is a local John Deere 2020 for sale that has a gas engine. That would simplify the purchasing and hauling the tractor by a long shot.

So, would a 2020 work to run a round baler on flat ground?

Just got in from a job where the property owner with a 2510 gasser was working with me moving topsoil, it shocked me how much gas he used in four hours. I used about 8 gallons of diesel in my 4520 and he burned about 15 gallons of gas.

 

[art]

Just got in from a job where the property owner with a 2510 gasser was working with me moving topsoil, it shocked me how much gas he used in four hours. I used about 8 gallons of diesel in my 4520 and he burned about 15 gallons of gas.

That is not unusual!

 

[DieselnHooters]

Just got in from a job where the property owner with a 2510 gasser was working with me moving topsoil, it shocked me how much gas he used in four hours. I used about 8 gallons of diesel in my 4520 and he burned about 15 gallons of gas.

Most of those old relics gasser can be purchased from pocket change and sometimes they are worth that much lol

 

[tarkio]

But isn't a 4520 at least a 100 hp tractor?

So comparing a diesel 100hp vs an ~50 hp gas, I wouldn't expect much difference.

I did get over to look at the 2020. It's a bit rough. Started up straight away. Ran smooth. Shifted a little tough,but nothing unusual for a tractor. The clutch was a bit funky. Did not disengage until the pedal was almost all the way out and then it disengaged in very short order.

I'm leaning towards the Ford 3930 with under 1000 hours. Hoping to go look at it tomorrow after working cattle. Any major bugaboos to watch for in this series of Ford Tractors?

 

[jenkinsph]

The older 4520 was a 120pto hp tractor my 2009 model 4520 is a 50 pto hp compact tractor. The gas models burn alot more fuel was my point, I recommend you stick with a diesel tractor in whatever brand you find a good deal on.

 

[mud23609]

For sure stick with a diesel powered tractor.

For what its worth. I picked up a 4wd 02 TN75D with cab and loader and a 16x16 power reverser trans about a month ago. At 62 pto hp it could run a bailer acceptably as long as you sized the bailer to the machine and with loaded tires it will handle 1000 pound rounds with ease on the loader without needing a counter weight on the three point. Gave 21k for it.

I really enjoy the size of it for doing chore work as well.

I saw and passed on several similar sized machines and even a few larger ones that were in the same price range and lower priced but they didn't have the cab.