Buying advice

[jscusmcvet]

Good luck tractor shopping is fun.

That is the truth! I am fortunate in that every time I say, "let's go look", my wife and 8 year old are all in. I appreciate your comments on the size of the tractor. It is bigger than the ones I have been looking at, but not as big as an L series Kubota.

 

[jscusmcvet]

What's your budget? Are you looking to pay cash or are you willing to make a payment on a newer machine?

The older 1980's to early 90's Ford 3910, 3930's are good reliable heavy machines and can be found with 4wd and loaders.

We do not finance anything if we can get away with it, so this is a cash transaction. I have about $8500 put back and that grows each pay period. As I mentioned I am not in a rush, but this looked like a well kept tractor that was in my price range, and checked most of my boxes. I was set to go look at a Ford 1900 but it got sold. I would worry about the physical size of the Fords you mention. I have looked at some of the larger 2wd models ( can't remember all the names ad specs) and wound up backing away as I felt uncomfortable on it size wise. the JD 770 felt right size wise, but it sounds like thoughts here are that it is not enough tractor. Pondering continues. Thank you for your insights. For a relative newbie like me I am gaining from your experience and willingness to share it.

 

[Grandad4]

Keep your powder dry and keep looking for the right one to show up. May take a while but it's out there somewhere. This is kind of the "slow" season for farm equipment so you may find more/better choices as spring approaches. Good luck in your search.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Well I pulled the trigger on the 770. I am comfortable on the machine and confident in it's condition. I think the tractor will do what I need it to, albeit a bit slower than if I found a larger compact. IIn our particular neck of the woods with tight trails, close trees, no flat spaces... I think this is going to work. Worst case scenario, it doesn't and I believe with the price I paid and the condition of the tractor, I could recoup my money quickly. Here it is:
John Deere 770, 70 FEL, 4wd, straight gear.

 

[Tractorable]

Nice! Those Yanmar built Deere's are some of the best...

 

[jscusmcvet]

Nice! Those Yanmar built Deere's are some of the best...

Thank you. I had ot out the other evening and worked on some of our water abatement bars and run off areas. So glad to have gone in this direction. This is going to allow me to take care of my own property for years.