1st time buyer

holmes · Feb 10, 2010

Ok here goes 1st time poster and soon to be tractor operator

I need advice on size of tractor, options, and attachments to manage 40 acres of undeveloped property that I just purchased in the South East. The property consists of 15 acres of water, about 5 acres of woods, and about 20 acres of cleared land. The land is fairly flat with several acres below the floodplain that can get pretty soft even after a moderate rainfall.

I plan to prepare property for building my house in a year or two. Some of the tasks that I anticipate using the tractor for will include:

One Time-
Preparing a 1200' road bed to the homesite
Grading an area for a barn to be built
Digging 500' - 1200' of trenches for utilities (electric, water, cable)
Installing 1000' of fencing (maybe)

Ongoing-
Mowing /Bush-hogging 20 acres
Improving and keeping drainage ditches clear
You tell me???

I don't plan to ever keep horses or any large live-stock.

From what I've read so far, I'm drawn to the JD 2305, 2520, or even one of the 3000 series. I would prefer something that is 2-5 years old and would like to stay under 20k with all options and attachments (the farther under the better!).

Help me with your advice and tell me what to look for, so I don't appear to be a total idiot when I walk into the local tractor dealership in the next month or two.

Thanks in advance!

DK35vince · Feb 10, 2010

The 2305 and 2520 are too small.
A 35 -40 HP machine that can run a 6' brush mower and 8 1/2' backhoe would be a much better/faster fit.

RoyJackson · Feb 10, 2010

For 20 acres of mowing lawn or brush, I'd want a tractor that could handle a 10' mower and/or cutter.
Also, those "one time" tasks require a larger machine.
$20K might be the minimum you spend for utility tractor and implements. However, keep an eye out for farm auctions.

jenkinsph · Feb 10, 2010

I would think something like my 110tlb would work for you. Try to find something around five years old with full hydraulic options.

AKfish · Feb 11, 2010

A JD 110 TLB would be a pretty good fit -- but, not likely for $20K... (Unless you find a '03 machine.)

The job is too big and the budget is too small as you've currently got things configured!

You could stretch your dollars by renting (for 1-time chores) and for some of the drainage work in the future. And try to come across something later at farm auctions; 2WD farm tractor with brush hog and post-hole digger.

Brush hogging 20 acres is a good-sized chore - especially if you're gonna have to do it 2-3-4 times a year! Wouldn't want to take that on with less than a 6' cutter and as Roy mentioned - a 10' would be a much better fit for that job. But, you're in the 60hp-80hp @ the pto-size tractor for a mower that big.

Rent and buy a used farm tractor.

AKfish