Best size tractor for vegetable farm

[DRS79]

We have a small 6 acre vegetable operation and are in need of a larger tractor to better handle some of the heavier ground work we do along with tilling and mowing. We also plan to increase the size of our operation slightly in the near future. Right now we grow on six acres but manage about 12 as apart of our rotation. We would like something that can handle say an 8 foot disc and a small chisel plow but not something that is so large that it is impractical for lighter duty work and being maneuverable around our small farm.
So far we have looked locally here at a Kubota MX5100 with a hydrostatic. My question regarding this particular tractor is if it still might be underpowered for our needs and how the hydro would be suited to our tasks. Any recommendations regarding hp and brand of tractor would be appreciated.

 

[jeff9366]

An MX5100 has 52 gross hp and weighs 3,620 bare. That is twice the hp of your current tractor and MX5100 is somewhat heavier. It will pull an 8' disc with ease, I recommend at least 20" and preferably 22" pans. With 22" pans you will be able to harrow 10" deep. With that much pan penetration, do you still need a chisel plow for vegetables?

HST transmission is easier and safer for less experienced help to operate, relative to a geared tractor. HST is wonderful powering a tiller. Max torque is at minimum sped.

MX5100 has simpler Tier 3 emissions controls. You want to avoid the more complicated, costly Tier 4 emissions control models if you can get a Tier 3 model.

 

[DRS79]

Your right about the depth of the larger discs. I would probably only use a chisel occasionally or when working up new ground.

For some reason I am quite hesitant regarding the hydrostatic for our purposes even though it seems like it work just fine. If I had a gear model ordered in it would be with the Tier 4 emissions.

 

[jeff9366]

I have a Tier 4 L3560. Go with Tier 3. Operating a Tier 4 is more complicated and they cost 15% more than Tier 3.

 

[jeff9366]

For some reason I am quite hesitant regarding the hydrostatic for our purposes even though it seems like it work just fine.

If it will not be traumatic, expand on your hesitation……..

LINK:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/301808-gst-vs-hst-during-shift.html

 

[jeff9366]

Your right about the depth of the larger discs. I would probably only use a chisel occasionally or when working up new ground.

A Disc Harrow with 20/22" notched discs will cut into MOST new ground on the second pass. On the third pass you will probably be down to the pan hubs and your MX5100 tractor will be grunting.

What vegetables are you growing?

LINK:

http://www.brownmanufacturing.us/node/996

 

[bigbull338]

a mx5100hst 4x4 fel will do everything you want it to on your truck farm.an it will do a great job pulling a 3pt tiller.as the hst moves nice an slow in low range.we tilled our gardens with said tractor 2yrs.so i know itll save you alot of time tilling your gardens.

 

[buickanddeere]

One of these two?

John Deere 1023E 1 Series Sub-Compact Utility Tractors JohnDeere.com

John Deere 4105 Compact Utility Tractor 4000 Series Compact Utility Tractors JohnDeere.com

 

[flusher]

Tilling--I assume you mean rototilling for which a hydrostatic tranny is the way to go. I used a 4-ft Yanmar RS1200 rototiller on my Kubota B7510HST (HST means hydrostatic) to put in the landscaping around my new house and to till the veg garden. YOu can creep along at low ground speed with the HST to give the rototiller a chance to do its thing.

Something like the Kubota L4400 would work for your tasks. My neighbor has one of these and it's an excellent tractor for his 8-acre hayfield.

Good luck.