Buying Advice Tractor choice? Share your wisdom!

[tower59]

After a few years in the city, our family is about to get back to the country- 125 acres of about 70% woods, 30% pasture. Looking for a tractor to handle the following the jobs:
(1) Rough cutting grass on a few acres (will hire out shredding for the bulk of the pasture periodically)
(2) Cutting and maintaining trails
(3) Some minor dirt work
(4) Gravel driveway maintenance
(5) May need to move up to 1,200 pound round bales on occasion

Terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping, but absolutely must have a tractor not prone to roll. (Will have shredder on 3PH most of the time.) Want reliability and willing to pay extra for it. Budget for tractor and implements up to $60,000. Anticipate needing a heavy duty rotary cutter (shredder), pallet forks, box blade, and maybe a grapple. Have a Deere dealer 10 minutes away and Kubota about 20 minutes away, so am only considering those brands. Don't want a cab. The Deere dealer really encouraged me to look at a 5 Series although I was leaning towards a 4 Series. He says that he sells 20 5075E's for every 1 4066M. What are your thoughts? Appreciate your help!!!

 

[RjCorazza]

For your stated jobs I think you're in the right size area. Not familiar with the JD lineup, but it sounds like something in the 40-50hp range would be suitable.
That said, I think I would spec a machine capable of handling the entire mowing area rather than the smaller few acres you plan on now. I would imagine an 8-10' cutter would be a minimum size to mow off say 30 acres a couple times per year. It would still be a two day job though.
Easy to spend someone else's money, but I think this is a case where it would be better to get a larger tractor, say in the 60-75hp range.

 

[Cycledude]

After a few years in the city, our family is about to get back to the country- 125 acres of about 70% woods, 30% pasture. Looking for a tractor to handle the following the jobs:
(1) Rough cutting grass on a few acres (will hire out shredding for the bulk of the pasture periodically)
(2) Cutting and maintaining trails
(3) Some minor dirt work
(4) Gravel driveway maintenance
(5) May need to move up to 1,200 pound round bales on occasion

Terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping, but absolutely must have a tractor not prone to roll. (Will have shredder on 3PH most of the time.) Want reliability and willing to pay extra for it. Budget for tractor and implements up to $60,000. Anticipate needing a heavy duty rotary cutter (shredder), pallet forks, box blade, and maybe a grapple. Have a Deere dealer 10 minutes away and Kubota about 20 minutes away, so am only considering those brands. Don't want a cab. The Deere dealer really encouraged me to look at a 5 Series although I was leaning towards a 4 Series. He says that he sells 20 5075E's for every 1 4066M. What are your thoughts? Appreciate your help!!!

What exactly is a “shredder” ?

 

[WVH1977]

I think the either the 4 or 5 series tractor will make you happy. If I was buying the 4 series I would look at the HD Version. It comes with SSQA up front and deluxe 3pt hitch in the back. Also, I believe it has a little bigger tire than the regular 4 series. 4 series also can come with HST, which is nice as well if you are not doing tons of plowing/earth engaging activities.

The 5 series is definitely going to get you a tougher utility style tractor. It will load more and get you from point A to B faster. I almost bought a 5065e. It was a tough decision and a nice tractor.

The 4 is probably going to be more ergonomic, easier to move/transport, less space to store and fit in tighter areas. It will handle all the chores you listed well.

If you plan on doing more ground engagement and loading a lot of heavy items, then the 5 series is the way to go. If you do go to the 5E series, get the highest HP and then you wont have to think "should have got more". Same with the 4 series.

i still wonder if I should have bought the 5065e. However, I got a 60HP 2860m Massey with HST and so far, love it. I was worried about HST but I am loving how easy it is to use and manuver without having to clutch or "shuttle". Also, can rev engine up when doing heavy loader work and inch in with the transmission.

 

[Williy]

Have you looked at a Deutz 5080D, Yanmars, LS tractors??
Get some seat time on all of them just looking at one you
may upset when you see the price and what the other brands have to offer

willy

 

[MtnViewRanch]

JD 5075e with all the hydraulics you can get.

I don't think you are going to get everything you want for 60K without going used.
You can downsize, but then your capabilities are cut and the time doing the tasks may be lengthened.

Good luck.

 

[ericm979]

What exactly is a “shredder” ?

A rotary cutter.

 

[stoyan79]

Kubota mx6000 or l6060, both are amazing. They have zero down, zero percent right now.

 

[EddieWalker]

You have a lot more land then I do. I have 68 acres, and I started out with a 37hp tractor. It was good to learn on, but not enough to keep up with my land. I started looking for something bigger and figured I wanted the most HP that I could afford. Used 100 HP tractors shot up in price while I was looking, and then I looked at smaller and smaller tractors. I also didn't want to deal with DEF or REGEN in a tractor. Eventually somebody on here mentioned that Massey Ferguson doesn't use DEF or have REGEN on their 70HP tractors. So I started looking into the 4707, and then they had a deal for zero percent financing for 84 months that was too good to pass up, so I bought a brand new Cabbed 4707 in 2022 that has been awesome for $55,000. Sadly, prices have continued to climb, and I've see that the same tractor is now for sale in the high $60,000's range with a cab. I have no idea what an open station 4707 goes for.

I also have a Deere 2012 5065E that's open station, 2WD that's been great for handling round bales. The biggest that I get are 4x6 that are well over a thousand pounds. It handles them easily. I also like that tractor for drilling post holes. I've mowed with a 6ft shredder behind it and it doesn't even know it's back there. I can cut as fast as I can drive it!! I have a 12 foot batwing for the Massey that I've never put behind the Deer. I'm sure it can handle it, but there's no reason to use it when the Massey is so much more comfortable.

I would be very cautious about buying something with less power. The more time you spend on the tractor, the more comfortable you get with it, the more power you wish you had.

As far as I know, Massey, Case and New Holland are the only brands that have 70HP tractors that do not require DEF or have REGEN. I'm sure there are others, I'm just not aware of them.

 

[RiverHill]

Here’s another good word for the 5 series JD. I’m not familiar with the newer ones, but I spend quite a lot of time on an older 5525. Runs a 17’ batwing well, pulls big hay wagons easily, very stable, and over 5000 hours now with no major issues.

My only complaint is the gearing. Seems to be either too slow or too fast in a lot of situations.

 

[WM75Guy]

I would go as big as possible up to 75HP to avoid DEF. Similar to Eddie, I went with the New Holland Workmaster 75 to avoid regen issues. Not a Deere or Kubota but here is a New Holland Workmaster 70HP to help in comparison pricing for those 2 makes. The $42,240 is the cash price. The 0% interest price of $48,240 has the interest rolled into the base price, for those folks who cannot pay the cash price and need $0 down and payments. Also, don't rule out a cab in the Texas heat.

 

[Torvy]

Frankly, both brands are overpriced, IMHO, but it's your money we're spending, not mine.

One thing to consider, the JD has its proprietary loader connector. That reduces your options on front end attachments. Fewer options tends to add cost for the same utility.

The feel and operation between those brands is very different. Get some seat time in the models you are considering.

You have a sizeable property. Don't go too small. Unless you like more time in the seat.

 

[CADplans]

I bought a 4052R JD, because I found it setting on a dealers lot,,
with 250ish hours on it.
Only 25 PTO hours,, the guy had a 6 foot "bush hog".

I possibly would have considered a 5XXX if buying new,,
but, i got this tractor for $20,000 less than it would cost me to order it.
I THOUGHT I was "buying down",, my other tractor is sized like a 5XXX size JD.

Because of the way it handles,
I have done jobs the larger tractor just could not do.

It had several options that were mandatory for me to want it.
It has the Power Reverser transmission,, I LOVE that.

It has the skid steer loader adapter instead of the JD adapter,,
I had four attachments already.

It had a LOT of options i would not have paid for,, if I were to buy new.
Self leveling loader,
6 rear wheel weights
LOTS of lights that are options
Front and rear auxiliary hydraulics.
Roof
Rotating seat and the seat is spring/shock supported, with 7 inches of travel.
and other options that do not come to mind right now.

In all honesty,, i have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY one of those options
The machine has been a dream to use,,
it has done several projects that my previous larger tractor could not accomplish.
(A new JD 5XXX tractor similarly equipped could ALSO do these projects)
It has surprised me dozens of times.

 

[Yander]

Was going to suggest a Yanmar YT359 but apparently you're settled on a lesser quality tractor .

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Frankly, both brands are overpriced, IMHO, but it's your money we're spending, not mine.

One thing to consider, the JD has its proprietary loader connector. That reduces your options on front end attachments. Fewer options tends to add cost for the same utility.

The feel and operation between those brands is very different. Get some seat time in the models you are considering.

You have a sizeable property. Don't go too small. Unless you like more time in the seat.

I have yet to figure out why people say this? You can get skid steer quick attach on John Deeres, you just have to ask for it.

 

[jyoutz]

What exactly is a “shredder” ?

Some people use that term for a rotary cutter.

 

[Torvy]

I have yet to figure out why people say this? You can get skid steer quick attach on John Deeres, you just have to ask for it.

That's a little disingenuous. They have adapters they sell. Those add weight and length, robbing you of more capacity if you use them.

 

[big bubba]

OP: about the same acreage & make up as my place. Not familiar with the series you're considering, but as mentioned, you're on the right track. a larger utility 70-80 hp would be a good choice. given my acreage & diverse tasks, that hp range works perfectly for me, good luck...but don't be rash & get purchase fever...wait a while & reconsider. wise to post here, regards

 

[Dftodd]

After a few years in the city, our family is about to get back to the country- 125 acres of about 70% woods, 30% pasture. Looking for a tractor to handle the following the jobs:
(1) Rough cutting grass on a few acres (will hire out shredding for the bulk of the pasture periodically)
(2) Cutting and maintaining trails
(3) Some minor dirt work
(4) Gravel driveway maintenance
(5) May need to move up to 1,200 pound round bales on occasion

Terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping, but absolutely must have a tractor not prone to roll. (Will have shredder on 3PH most of the time.) Want reliability and willing to pay extra for it. Budget for tractor and implements up to $60,000. Anticipate needing a heavy duty rotary cutter (shredder), pallet forks, box blade, and maybe a grapple. Have a Deere dealer 10 minutes away and Kubota about 20 minutes away, so am only considering those brands. Don't want a cab. The Deere dealer really encouraged me to look at a 5 Series although I was leaning towards a 4 Series. He says that he sells 20 5075E's for every 1 4066M. What are your thoughts? Appreciate your help!!!

On the subject of field mowing. Quite a few locals around me use the same person and actually get paid for the hay instead of paying someone.

It's not much per bale, but at least it's positive amount instead of a negative.

You can check with other owners around your area and see if they know of someone in your area.

You can get all those attachments for pretty much any tractor from the small subcompact up to the big Berthas

We managed 112 acres with a 25hp Kubota tractor for years. Before that it was an Ford, Mccormick, and started out with a little Farmall A.

That was mowing fields, brush hogging, tilling a garden, using a forestry winch and logging, to dirt work and maintaining the driveways.

So it really depends on your budget, and the HP your looking for. Whether you want to deal with tier 4 emissions or stay under it in the 25hp range.

 

[OzarkChris]

A rotary cutter.

You just learned me something! I've only heard that term used with flails. Must be a regional thing. Please don't take this as a slam, I've just never heard that term associated with a bush hog.