40 acres tillable need tractor

[dontl]

HELLO, the 40 acres are rented out now for soybeans and/or corn. I want get a tractor, disk, planter so I can work the land and plant it myself. I would like to a smaller tractor that I could afford because I have more time than money.

 

[jenkinsph]

Welcome to TBN donti,

So what is the question?

 

[OldMcDonald]

donti, Before you reply, think of the crops you intend to grow and tell us that too. Will you be harvesting them yourself or contracting it out? Are you thinking of ploughing and cultivating or direct drilling? Plus anything else you think is relevant.

 

[TripleR]

Just a word of caution, unless you grow specialty crops, it is really hard to make any money on 40 acres growing corn, beans,wheat etc. Chemicals and application are really costly as is getting someone to come in an combine such small acreage.

 

[boomer1025]

Look for some old iron in the 50 to 85 hp range for your 40 acres. 2 that come to mind are JD 2010 diesel, 5050 Allis Chamlers, something like those 2. You need something with some weight to it

 

[2458n]

Triple R is right on the money. Be glad prices are high right now and you can find someone to work such a small plot. What are you going to do for the several hundred thousand dollar combine to harvest your beans? A tractor is great to have, but it can not be a cure all.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Look for some old iron in the 50 to 85 hp range for your 40 acres. 2 that come to mind are JD 2010 diesel, 5050 Allis Chamlers, something like those 2. You need something with some weight to it

Like a Ford in the 3000-5000 series or 150/165/255/265 MF would be fine from my personal experience.

Boomer is so right about weigh or you will have to get a 4WD to pull the same load. If you want a loader wait and get a tractor with it already mounted. A friend picked up very nice 245 MF Diesel with a three remote FEL by Freeman. All he has to do to pull it off is four easy to pull pins and unsnap three hoses.

 

[Fossil Farm]

If you have more time than money, offer to help out your renter for a season to see if you really want to get into the farming business and purchase all the equipment necessary to do the minimum. You will need someone to combine for you, so you might be able to work something out with your renter if you decide to go into farming once you see what is involved.

 

[Gary Fowler]

My Dad farmed 40 acres with an 8N and 2 row equipment. In todays world where everyone wants those small tractors and equipment for gardens, they usually fetch a premium price. You can likely buy a 80 HP old iron cheaper than an 8N. I have seen 6 row(21foot) disk in good shape go for not much more than a premium 3 PH disk.
Just keep your eye out for farm auctions and you can likely pick up everything you need for less than $10K. It all depends on how many idiots are attending and how full their pockets are. If you go, set a price limit and don't exceed it. I have seen old worn out stuff sell for more than new when a bidding frenzy envelopes. Tractorhouse.com is a good place to find equipment and get the max price (most of it is priced at maximum and likely sells for much less) Craigslist sometime lists estate sales that might be a better place to pick up everything you need from a farmer going out of business or widow selling out.