jaredyates
Member
I have a small modern tractor that has been working out great, but I'm looking to buy a second, big tractor to run a huge mower with. I'm thinking about something like a 15 foot batwing finish mower, and also some sort of rough cut option, probably a fixed rotary cutter, or maybe a big flail if I can find one. I'll be mowing the short grass regularly but only cutting the tall grass when I can't find someone to take the hay, so productivity isn't quite as crucial on the rough cut implement.
This has me looking at the old row crop tractors in the 85-100hp range. I'm told that JD is probably the best for parts availability (if not parts pricing) and there are certainly lots of them out there, but I'm not set on the brand. I found a 4040 listed with a loader and cab. I like that it doesn't have any modern emissions stuff and I think that I like that it doesn't have a turbo. Even though mowing is this machine's primary role, it would be nice to have a loader for jobs that are too big for our little tractor, which can only lift around 1200 pounds. Jobs we have encountered so far include moving a tote full of water, occasional heavy construction supplies, and more safely moving round bales. The little tractor will move the round bales, but it takes some finesse depending on the bale.
I'm not firm on having the cab or not, though I could imagine it would be nice to be out of the dust and heat, and would allow for mowing during the hottest parts of the day when I'd rather not be otherwise.
So here are my beginner questions:
Considering what I'm hoping to do with it, does it sound like I'm barking up the right tree with this kind of tractor?
How many hours is a lot on something like a 4040? Does a 10k hour machine still have plenty of life left or is that starting to get into the realm of a worn out old one? I'm not imagining that I'll personally be adding much more than 100 hours a year, and I'm not opposed to working on it as it needs, but I don't want to take up a new hobby just to keep it running.
Is it possible to run turf tires on a machine like this? Googling the tire size of the ag tires (15.5-38) doesn't turn up any yet, which makes me wonder if a wheel swap is required also? Being able to run turf tires isn't a requirement, but I think it would be better in the long run for the mowing operation, as to not mark up the short grass areas. I don't have any steep hills or low areas where traction is a problem.
Any tips to narrow down pricing expectations? I'm seeing 10-25k in listings but the price doesn't seem to be much correlated to the condition, hours, or equipment of the tractor.
This has me looking at the old row crop tractors in the 85-100hp range. I'm told that JD is probably the best for parts availability (if not parts pricing) and there are certainly lots of them out there, but I'm not set on the brand. I found a 4040 listed with a loader and cab. I like that it doesn't have any modern emissions stuff and I think that I like that it doesn't have a turbo. Even though mowing is this machine's primary role, it would be nice to have a loader for jobs that are too big for our little tractor, which can only lift around 1200 pounds. Jobs we have encountered so far include moving a tote full of water, occasional heavy construction supplies, and more safely moving round bales. The little tractor will move the round bales, but it takes some finesse depending on the bale.
I'm not firm on having the cab or not, though I could imagine it would be nice to be out of the dust and heat, and would allow for mowing during the hottest parts of the day when I'd rather not be otherwise.
So here are my beginner questions:
Considering what I'm hoping to do with it, does it sound like I'm barking up the right tree with this kind of tractor?
How many hours is a lot on something like a 4040? Does a 10k hour machine still have plenty of life left or is that starting to get into the realm of a worn out old one? I'm not imagining that I'll personally be adding much more than 100 hours a year, and I'm not opposed to working on it as it needs, but I don't want to take up a new hobby just to keep it running.
Is it possible to run turf tires on a machine like this? Googling the tire size of the ag tires (15.5-38) doesn't turn up any yet, which makes me wonder if a wheel swap is required also? Being able to run turf tires isn't a requirement, but I think it would be better in the long run for the mowing operation, as to not mark up the short grass areas. I don't have any steep hills or low areas where traction is a problem.
Any tips to narrow down pricing expectations? I'm seeing 10-25k in listings but the price doesn't seem to be much correlated to the condition, hours, or equipment of the tractor.
Engine details ...
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John Deere 4040 photos...
Full dimensions and tires ...
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