Looking to buy my first tractor

[jeff9366]

T-B-N ARCHIVE ~ Tractor for forty acres:

tractor for 40 forty acres site:tractorbynet.com



T-B-N ARCHIVE ~ Tractor for five acre field:

tractor for 5 five acre field site:tractorbynet.com

 

[Eugene Savoy]

After giving it a good nights rest and re-reading the comments, a tractor in the 5k weight range seems like a good middle ground for meeting most of my needs while remaining relatively sized for me to learn on.

The 2010 McCormick Ct50U 4x4 with loader and bush hog seems like a good choice; with low hours, service center nearby and enough specs to handle most of the implements/chores I may demand of it

 

[jeff9366]

I want to start looking into sod farming, with a goal to start in two years.

I suggest you research the weight of a pallet of sod. I speculate a laden pallet exceeds 2,000 pounds. For some customers you may have to load full pallets on flatbed trucks, which is a fairly high lift. Lifts above 30" introduce a great deal of tractor instability.

A rear-engine fork lift or a rear-engine skid steer is a much more stable lifting tool, relative to a front-engine tractor.


Google search:

weight of a pallet of sod




I was also thinking of getting a standard 2wd tractor, like a White for the fields and a smaller 4wd for the woods. This seems like a reasonable route to go since I wouldn't have to mess with attachments as much, and could stay within the price range if I got an older 4wd unit.

One tractor is a better idea. Operating an outside stored tractor just 50 to 75 engine hours per year often leads to fuel and electrical problems.

You want your fuel reasonably fresh. Tractor aged diesel fuel is often contaminated by water condensation and/or algae growth. In Maine there is likely distinct summer and winter diesel blends.

You want your tractor battery use-discharged and recharged often.

You do not want hungry rodents nesting in the tractor's wiring. My longest duration dealer service involved an intermittently bad wire in the wiring harness. Kubota eventually sent down one of their super-techs from the Kubota factories in Georgia, to help the dealer mechanic with trouble shooting. $2,000. No wiring trouble since. (My tractor was at the dealer six weeks.)


The only functional reason to buy a 2-WD tractor is for adjustable width front wheels for row crop cultivation.

If any of your land is sloped or hilly, lets us know. Slopes may significantly alter tractor recommendations.

 

[M59]

Eugene Savoy,

Thanks for adding your your location. I am impressed you want to take on farming, in retirement, in upper Maine with its short growing season so Egon, in Nova Scotia, should be especially helpful with tractor suggestions, growing season, crops, and all importantly, the weather. My wife has cousins in Presque Isle and Bar Harbor so we have some idea of seasons and weather.

Best wishes in your retirement and farming plans.

 

[rScotty]

Interesting questions and I see that you are both thinking and listening.

With that many acres and your climate, I think you are wiser to stay with 4wd - you will know the answer yourself sooner than you think since no tractor is full time 4wd. They are "4wd assist", which means most of the time you will be in 2wd anyway.

As for two tractors - that's easy. With 40 acres cropland and 80 forest you are going to end up with at least two tractors anyway. So don't rush it until you know more. Today it's just a matter of whether you get the 40 hp first and the 70 hp later or vice versa.

Oh, I almost forgot to list my own biases: I'm country raised and with a lot of farm labor experience but have never owned a farm myself. I do understand machinery, do my own maintenance and can do any repairs but don't, I once owned a mechanical repair shop, and have owned a number of tractors. Our land is 20 acres in the mountains with steep slopes, trees, and a creek. I firmly believe that any machines's condition matters far more than age or price.

I'm glad to see you looking at good used tractors. Tractors last a long time and age slowly. How one works today is is pretty much what you can expect for years with normal maintenance. I only look at used equipment that is in far better than average shape and am prepared to pay a premium when I find it. If it's just in average shape I'll pass. I expect it will have all the service and maintenance records- even if just in a folder. Otherwise again, I'll pass.

If it's a car, truck, tractor, or machine tool from an individual I will often take it to the local who knows machines & pay for a second opinion. From a dealer I'd expect some sort of limited warranty.

On cab vs open station, I think I'd go for an open station while learning. You are up and down & on and off the tractor more than you think. But if I did that, I'd expect the second tractor to have a cab.

Zetor and Massey Ferguson are both good. Very good. Which one would depend on all I've said above and also on your own level of mechanical expertise.

enjoy,
rScotty

 

[Eugene Savoy]

Appreciate all the responses.

I do believe too, we'll end up getting two tractors. One for the field, one for the woods. For now, I think the Ferguson does all we'll need and when(if) the time comes to take on more land, we'll get a dedicated tractor.

My wife, soon to be baby and I are still young (20s) that come from a suburban back ground, and are "retiring" into a different way of life. Financially we have been saving to do this for the past five years and this year our feet have hit the ground.

We aren't doing conventional farming, just enough to feed ourselves, stock our cellar with canned goods for our growing family, fill the freezer with meat and feed the livestock.

Growing seasons are short and there are plenty of cons about this region, but for us it is still viable and the pros outweigh the many negatives of the more "desirable places"

Anywho, check this out
CT50U
"2010 McCormick CT50U 43hp 4x4 4 cylinder diesel power steering, with loader. Starts at first crank with no smoke or blowby. Everything works on the tractor as it should. Has 16 speed transmission with forward reverse shuttle shift. Has 700 hours. Excellent condition. Tires are approx 85%. Has rear remotes. Tilt steering wheel and quick disconnect loader and bucket"

 

[M59]

Eugene Savoy,

You may find this link interesting. An existing farmer in Presque Isle, ME was interviewed 27 Jan 2022 about how he plans his farming for the year and 5 years out. An interesting read.

County Ag Report: Grow Plans

While winter is still on many people’s minds, spring will be here before you know it! In this week’s County Ag Report, Rob Koenig looks into making a plan for the growing season ahead.

www.wagmtv.com

 

[Snowflakes]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first tractor. From my extensive research online and locally, most of my questions have been answered but I would to hear your guys opinions.

What the tractor will be used for:
40 acres tillable (currently leasing 35 of this and using 5 for sod/garden but may take it over as time passes)
80 acres forest
bush hogging
log yarding
snow blowing

Goals:
Want a tractor that will be able to work the field and go out in the woods and yard logs as well as general grading of roads

Specs I think that are priority

4x4
50hp
bucket loader equipped
3 point
remote hydraulics

Price range
25k

Units I've found:
New Holland Boomer 8N low mileage, meets above critea
McCormick CT50U low mileage, meets above critea

​

Hi Eugene,

From my experience, whatever horsepower you think you will need, go up at least one notch in whoever's line you end up picking. You will always need at least a little more than you think you will.

My next tractor is going to absolutely have a cab. I end up using mine when it is cold and often snowing in the winter and even sometimes precipitating rain the rest of the year.

Congratulations on finding the land you need.

Regards,
..michael..

 

[ircole]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first tractor. From my extensive research online and locally, most of my questions have been answered but I would to hear your guys opinions.

What the tractor will be used for:
40 acres tillable (currently leasing 35 of this and using 5 for sod/garden but may take it over as time passes)
80 acres forest
bush hogging
log yarding
snow blowing

Goals:
Want a tractor that will be able to work the field and go out in the woods and yard logs as well as general grading of roads

Specs I think that are priority

4x4
50hp
bucket loader equipped
3 point
remote hydraulics

Price range
25k

Units I've found:
New Holland Boomer 8N low mileage, meets above critea
McCormick CT50U low mileage, meets above critea


I have a New Holland TC48DA which I bought a number of years ago for maintaining 20 acres, mostly for shredding the brush and maintaining a gravel drive ( about a quarter mile) which served well. I now have about 400 acres of which I had around 60 acres cleared of mesquite for cultivation. The TC48DA fit my original requirements very well but now wish I'd bought a tractor in the 75 HP to 100 HP range. Depending upon your future you might want to consider something larger than 50HP, otherwise 50 is probably a good choice. I share this as I certainly wish I had a 100HP now .

​

 

[Torvy]

Interesting questions and I see that you are both thinking and listening.

With that many acres and your climate, I think you are wiser to stay with 4wd - you will know the answer yourself sooner than you think since no tractor is full time 4wd. They are "4wd assist", which means most of the time you will be in 2wd anyway.

rScotty

Just to be clear, there are full-time 4wd tractors, but not typically in the size range we are discussing. Some of the really big AG tractors, for example:

Farming Tractors & Telehandlers | New Holland

We have the best tractor for you, no matter what horsepower you need. Choose New Holland farm tractors for high quality and efficiency.

agriculture.newholland.com

 

[Eugene Savoy]

Right now, we use farmlogs to divide up our five acres, and allocate a section within that five based on our yearly needs. We track what has been planted and the cost of the seed. Information regarding harvest and planting times have been sourced from the local community members as well as the local AG office.

Most things have been planned out as per our CSV sheet and have came together nicely thus far, the only abstract thing at this moment is which piece of machinery will do the job we need.

Just from attempting to find answers regarding this problem, there seems to be a lot of opinions regarding equipment, and the only raw, unbiased numbers one can look at are the hp, weight, hydraulics, and misc quality of life features. Knowing the work that needs done, one can determine which raw numbers are required, after that it is a preference; dealer support, specific model reviews, ease of parts and etc


After working on cars for 10 years, I don't trust a single brand as far as I could throw them.... they all have their issues and reputation doesn't seem to go much further.

With all that being said, I think the 40-50hp range at the 5k weight range and decent hydraulics , can do what I intend it do for the next couple years while I get my bearings around the farm, and region.

Appreciate your thoughts guys

 

[JWR]

Here's advice from a retired engr 3 times your age:
1) Dealer
2) Dealer
3) Dealer
Especially since you are not long in the tooth with tractors (or farming) you need to be as close/accessible to a friendly and cooperative dealer as you can get. Not all fit that description. Ask around and see what reputations exist. There will be a LARGE number of times where you need to commiserate with knowledgeable people on your machinery. Cultivating that with neighbors who own/operate farm equipment is VERY important too. Crossing borders is a crazy complication with no benefit.
4) 4WD -- under no circumstances do you even consider a 2WD. The 2WD tractor is a stuck tractor guaranteed to cause you extra grief and you will have plenty of grief without that.
5) A $25K budget and talking 2 tractors does not compute.
6) Of the ones you mention I'd go with the MF unless the hours are over 2000 and unless the dealer is over 50 miles away. Does the heater work ? What is the maint history?

By the way you are not the first with a young family to decide to put city life behind you and go be self-sufficient in the boonies. I am half surprised you didn't go to Alaska. You will learn more from your own experience in the first 2 years than all the opinions your will ever read. You are going to be gullible, incurably optimistic without justification ... and I love to see it !!

Too many other things to distract you with. Good luck.

 

[bowenskye]

Gene,I was born on a farm and used tractors for decades. If my grandson asked me the same question(s) and I wasn't going to be there for him next week or next year I'd tell him the same as I'm telling you. Starting at the bottom you will need lots of help for years to come. I recommend you find a mentor neighbor right from the beginning. I or another old timer can answer questions on the net but could do 10x better if there to show you. In return you could do some tractor chores for me while I was teaching you. First rattle out of the box you asked about a tractor I've never heard of that turns out to be some kind of collectors special addition. Getting quick and easy answers sounds real good until you take time to browse this forum and notice how often member advice givers disagree with one another. How will you know who's feeding you a line and who's not? Could a newbie best learn tools of your trade surfing the web or apprenticing with you?

^^^ This ^^^
I spent a lot of my summers on a neighbor's farm, helping with chores, and running equipment, but was nowhere prepared to own a farm. When I bought my own place 15 years ago, I was blessed to have a neighbor farmer who was friendly, patient, mechanically inclined, and willing to teach. Since then, i can hold my own, but it has been a long journey.

 

[rScotty]

Frankly that McCormick CT50U looks like a dandy. Pre-Tier IV emissions control and a proven good quality engine. Good displacement to HP ratio. Shuttle shift is a big bonus in a used machine. Lots of speeds are very nice. Nice bucket tilt geometry. PS. Low hours. Looks clean. It has the correct tires for your use. I think you are going to have a hard time beating that one.

rScotty

 

[Eugene Savoy]

Here's advice from a retired engr 3 times your age:
1) Dealer
2) Dealer
3) Dealer
Especially since you are not long in the tooth with tractors (or farming) you need to be as close/accessible to a friendly and cooperative dealer as you can get. Not all fit that description. Ask around and see what reputations exist. There will be a LARGE number of times where you need to commiserate with knowledgeable people on your machinery. Cultivating that with neighbors who own/operate farm equipment is VERY important too. Crossing borders is a crazy complication with no benefit.
4) 4WD -- under no circumstances do you even consider a 2WD. The 2WD tractor is a stuck tractor guaranteed to cause you extra grief and you will have plenty of grief without that.
5) A $25K budget and talking 2 tractors does not compute.
6) Of the ones you mention I'd go with the MF unless the hours are over 2000 and unless the dealer is over 50 miles away. Does the heater work ? What is the maint history?

By the way you are not the first with a young family to decide to put city life behind you and go be self-sufficient in the boonies. I am half surprised you didn't go to Alaska. You will learn more from your own experience in the first 2 years than all the opinions your will ever read. You are going to be gullible, incurably optimistic without justification ... and I love to see it !!

Too many other things to distract you with. Good luck.

Well said! Most of our neighbors on our street who are in their 60s did exactly what we're doing now. I'll add, we've met more friends out here in the last couple months than we did our entire lives living in the burbs.

My cousin loves Alaska, she has lived there for over 10 years now and has a nice life. I have visited a few times and it wasn't for me. For a thoroughbred New England yankee like myself, nothing can beat this place

We're going to check out the MC on Wednesday

"the hardest things in life are often the most rewarding"

 

[Hermio]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first tractor. From my extensive research online and locally, most of my questions have been answered but I would to hear your guys opinions.

What the tractor will be used for:
40 acres tillable (currently leasing 35 of this and using 5 for sod/garden but may take it over as time passes)
80 acres forest
bush hogging
log yarding
snow blowing

Goals:
Want a tractor that will be able to work the field and go out in the woods and yard logs as well as general grading of roads

Specs I think that are priority

4x4
50hp
bucket loader equipped
3 point
remote hydraulics

Price range
25k

Units I've found:
New Holland Boomer 8N low mileage, meets above critea
McCormick CT50U low mileage, meets above critea

​

I would suggest that if you do work in the woods, you only consider HST tractors, as they will stop just by releasing the pressure on the pedal. This could save your life. I agree with the general size. Much more than 50 Hp will be too bulky in the woods. I have similar acreage and I bought a Mahindra 5035 HST, 4wd. It is heavier than the competition, making it more capable of logging. I have dragged 20" diameter by 60' long logs uphill with this. I wish you luck finding what you want for $25K. BTW, I use an 8' dual spindle bushhog. It is more maneuverable than single spindle models, as it does not stick out as far behind the tractor.

 

[nknelsen]

Hello,

I am looking to purchase my first tractor. From my extensive research online and locally, most of my questions have been answered but I would to hear your guys opinions.

What the tractor will be used for:
40 acres tillable (currently leasing 35 of this and using 5 for sod/garden but may take it over as time passes)
80 acres forest
bush hogging
log yarding
snow blowing

Goals:
Want a tractor that will be able to work the field and go out in the woods and yard logs as well as general grading of roads

Specs I think that are priority

4x4
50hp
bucket loader equipped
3 point
remote hydraulics

Price range
25k

Units I've found:
New Holland Boomer 8N low mileage, meets above critea
McCormick CT50U low mileage, meets above critea

​

I've purchased 2 kioti tractors since I purchased some land. I have had zero problems with either of them. Ive never owned any other make and my only other experience was growing up with an old Alice Chalmers D14 gas tractor.

Me recommendation would be to look at Kioti.

Kioti lacks the dealer network enjoyed by Kubota and JD. And accessories and filters are harder to get. But I have had zero problems and I enjoy every minute of sitting on the seat working it.

 

[Hermio]

If you are serious about tilling that many acres, step it up to 75hp and get a shuttle shift, not a hydrostat. You can pull larger implements. 50hp is utility tractor size and I think you need to step it up a little. You could do it just take you longer.

Get a shuttle shift either way because hydrostat isn't really designed for a lot of tillage. I like the advice above about getting an older "Farm tractor". EDIted: rereading your post 80acres is wooded I see so you could get by with 50hp but you will be out there a while. We tiled 20acres with an old M Farmall and we got it done.

For tilling and mowing, I agree with you. But I believe people should never work in the woods with a gear drive tractor. Death or serious injury can happen in a heartbeat. I am alive today because I was able to stop with my HST when a sapling kicked up on the front axle and almost impaled me. As it is, I got one heck of a bruise.

 

[beenthere]

Best make friends with your nearest tractor dealer and work with them. One that is close enough to work on your tractor or be available for parts. Regardless of the brand name, this should be your first priority.
Once you buy and start using the tractor, you will likely find need for different attachments and very likely trading (or adding) for a different tractor.

Good luck. My JD 4300 is the best I know for simple, does the work, and the model I found for a good friend who is super happy with his 4300. No experience with any other brand. They cannot be easily found used on the market so can't even suggest that you look for one.

 

[jeff9366]

Best make friends with your nearest tractor dealer --with a good reputation-- and work with them.

Find a well reputed welding shop and make friends there as well. 1/3 of my tractor and/or implement repairs have required welding.