New buyer looking for advice

[gisack]

Hello all, just found this place with google as I tried to figure out what tractor would best suit my needs. I hope this isn't too much for a first post....

The number of similarly sized and priced tractors out there is really overwhelming and I need some help picking one for my needs. I've been web-shopping for hours on local used tractor listings and really stumped.


This is my needs list:
-Tractor must be able to lift 1,700# at the base of bucket/forks and manuever with the load. I can lift with a chain at the point nearest the machine. It won't spend its life with me doing this, but a large part of buying a tractor is for one project I need to finish.
-It must be 4wd as I have some short but steep hills to go up and down.

This is my want list:
-As small as possible... if I can keep it to 58" max width, I can fit it into my under garage storage space. Otherwise, size doesn't matter as it will be staying outside, which I feel bad about doing to an expensive tractor. Happy to remove quick attach implement to achieve this.
-Ability to take what I might grow into down the road... not sure what this is, maybe backhoe, if quick attach front, likely a snowplow. Just rather not be handcuffed but guessing the 1,700# lift capacity will force me into a decent enough sized tractor that this won't be a concern.

Price point: I'm looking at used tractors, rather not get anything over 10 or so years old or too many hours, $10,000 is my target but I'll do $15,000 or so if it really makes sense. I don't have a "budget" but I'll have trouble pulling the trigger the more expensive it is.



I've found a few local that I think I might be interested in but finding accurate lifting or width data is difficult.

I think a Deere 3032 I found will get the job and is listed under 58" without bucket. It's the top of my target price point. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8273779&dlr=1&pcid=2963786


I don't think there is any chance of a Deere 2210 or Kubota BX25 getting the job done but may be my preference. Found a few local. Too light duty???


I like the hp and size if this is accurate. It is listed as 54.3" wide http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8251987
or with backhoe http://www.kurtztrading.com/inventory.htm?http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?pcid=3277885&etid=1&dlr=1 (Can't get direct link to work, 2005 New Holland TC30 with backhoe $14,900.)

Or do I need to give up on the width so it fits inside and just let it sit outside and go for an L series Kutoba like these? http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8235897&dlr=1&pcid=3277885
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=7512127&dlr=1&pcid=2963786

Or this seems like a pretty good deal to me when comparing price of similar sized used equipment New Holland T1510: Vernon Dell Tractor Inventory


Thank you for any input!!! Never had a tractor before, only worked in the drivers seat many years ago.


Edit: Should clarify, I'm lifting cast concrete blocks by chain. I need to be able, worst case, to lift the bottom an 18" tall block 36" off of the ground. Figure 36+18+ 10" for chain, so figure about 5' is my lifting height. of the bottom the bucket max.

 

[murphy1244]

None of the tractors that you posted will lift 1700 lbs accept the kubata 4400

 

[gisack]

So is it just a case of people posting junk on the internet about how bad their tractor is when it really isn't or am I totally misreading lifting info I'm finding?

Like this says 1614 capacity. So it isn't 1700, but I'm guessing there would be a bit of margin and I could do the rated 1630# of the block I'm picking. Or is that the 3pt. lift capacity, which I've found elsewhere as 1356#

http://www.qualityimplement.com/3032e-4wdhydrostatic-twin-touchtmtransmission.html

 

[woodlandfarms]

Power-trac 1445

Products

Fits all your descriptions except price. Works great on slopes. has some downsides as it is a swiss army knife type of machine. got at lots of things, master of none...

 

[murphy1244]

So is it just a case of people posting junk on the internet about how bad their tractor is when it really isn't or am I totally misreading lifting info I'm finding?

Like this says 1614 capacity. So it isn't 1700, but I'm guessing there would be a bit of margin and I could do the rated 1630# of the block I'm picking. Or is that the 3pt. lift capacity, which I've found elsewhere as 1356#

Quality Implement

See here's the stats
Loader:

Loader type: John Deere 305

Height (to pin): 84 inches [213 cm]

Dump clearance: 63 inches [160 cm]

Dump reach: 24 inches [60 cm]

Dump angle: 43.8

Rollback angle: 31.4

Breakout force (lift): 1,704 lbs [772 kg]

Lift to full height (at pin): 1,186 lbs [537 kg]

Lift to full height (at 500mm): 845 lbs [383

 

[gisack]

See here's the stats

Breakout force (lift): 1,704 lbs [772 kg]

Lift to full height (at pin): 1,186 lbs [537 kg]

Lift to full height (at 500mm): 845 lbs [383

Thanks.... Where are you finding that? I've been using tractordata.com and getting generally larger numbers.

To make sure I have this right, breakout force is what it will lift off of the ground and full height is what it will lift to full height, correct?

If so, is the height/weight ratio basically straight line or parabolic?

Thanks!

 

[s219]

And be aware that Max lift capacity is at the pins (where a pin-on bucket would attach). As the lift point moves forward, from say a quick attach or forks, the capacity drops. Clamp on forks for a bucket really move the load forward and hurt capacity.

 

[gisack]

Thanks. I'm fine with that. If possible, would just use a choker at the base of the forks, or remove bucket and attach at pin. Since I'm lifting with a chain, I can keep it very close.

 

[Pipestone Kid]

I have to wonder why you want to buy a tractor big enough for one project that doesn't match the needs/wants for the other 99% of your use? Why not rent/hire for the one project and buy for the other 99?

 

[TSO]

LS R3039, 39 HP, quick attach loader, max lift at pins to full height: 2250lbs. New HST units go for around $19k, Shuttle units about $1k less.

Same tractor as the New Holland Boomer 35.

 

[gisack]

I have to wonder why you want to buy a tractor big enough for one project that doesn't match the needs/wants for the other 99% of your use? Why not rent/hire for the one project and buy for the other 99?

I will have other uses but nothing specific right now. I'm a buy it once and right kind of guy... but don't want to overkill for the sake of buying something big either.

 

[gisack]

LS R3039, 39 HP, quick attach loader, max lift at pins to full height: 2250lbs. New HST units go for around $19k, Shuttle units about $1k less.

Same tractor as the New Holland Boomer 35.

Wow, that thing is getting big. If I can find a decent used one, might be something I'd consider but I'd really rather be smaller if possible.

Thanks

 

[jeff9366]

Bear in mind that power stats, for horsepower, hydraulic lift, etc., are for machines when new.

The only thing that gets stronger with age is cheese.

Buy at least 10% over the minimum capacity you believe you need.

Tractors shrink a couple weeks after you take delivery.

 

[TSO]

Bear in mind that power stats, for horsepower, hydraulic lift, etc., are for machines when new.

The only thing that gets stronger with age is cheese.

Buy at least 10% over the minimum capacity you believe you need.

Tractors shrink a couple weeks after you take delivery.

lol, two weeks might be pushing it! Mine shrunk almost immediately ... and I was going to go one size smaller! Glad I didn't.

 

[GManBart]

Thanks.... Where are you finding that? I've been using tractordata.com and getting generally larger numbers.

To make sure I have this right, breakout force is what it will lift off of the ground and full height is what it will lift to full height, correct?

If so, is the height/weight ratio basically straight line or parabolic?

Thanks!

Those are the numbers from Tractordata.com

Breakout force is a combination of the lift cylinders, and the curl cylinders, as though you were breaking a chunk of dirt out of a pile. That number is higher than lift capacity.

Lift to full height is the maximum weight the loader can lift, using only the lift cylinders, to it's maximum height. At less than full height, the loader can lift more than the book max, and some brands list a figure for around 59" to put it in perspective.

Keep in mind it's hard to lift anything from the actual pins, and every inch forward of that reduces lift capacity. At 20" (500mm) the loader we're talking about is down to 845lbs to full height.

You also have to subtract the weight of the SSQA, bucket, or forks from lift capacity.

To be able to lift 1,700lbs with any frequency, I'd definitely want a lader that spec'd out over 2,000lbs....more like 2,200lbs.

 

[gisack]

Starting to think buying a tractor for my lifting needs isn't going to work. I'm really surprised at how little lifting power there is on a tractor compared to a skid steer.

I'd still like to have one around for a bunch of general duties, but I'm getting into a size of tractor that becomes a bit crazy for 2 acres even when I consider a few other uses I'll have (work at rental properties, etc.).

I really expected there would be a decently small tractor with the power of a larger tractor.

 

[Baby Grand]

How about a tractor with a smaller capacity FEL that will fit in your shelter + a rear mount forklift attachment for lifting those blocks:
Thrifty Lift: Westendorf Attachments for Tractor & Skid Steer
You could always sell the forklift attachment when your block moving is completed.

 

[TSO]

I really expected there would be a decently small tractor with the power of a larger tractor.

lol, flying too close to the sun huh?

But seriously, you have to consider the weight & frame size needed to handle more weight with a loader. That R3039 from LS is a nice size with a stronger loader than most tractors in that size. But if you want more capacity, you need to go larger.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm really surprised at how little lifting power there is on a tractor compared to a skid steer.

Tractors are primarily PULLING machines; the three point hitch is the fundamental working part of the machine.

Tractor FEL's are accessories. NICE accessories, but accessories none the less.

Skid Steers are fundamentally PUSHING machines.



The Westendorf Thrifty Lift in Baby Grand's Post #17 looks interesting…...

 

[ovrszd]

Also when comparing a Skidsteer you must consider how much closer to the loader bucket the front tires or front of the track is on a SS versus a tractor. You lose a lot of lift power there, no different than lifting at the hinge pins or forward a few inches. It's simple mathematics.

As to your uses, beyond lifting the blocks, something the size of the JD2210 you mentioned will do everything you've talked about. And it will also serve as a lawncare tool.