Feedback requested on first tractor purchase, Considering JD 5065M.

[jenkinsph]

I would think a 4720 cab tractor to a 5085M cab or anything in between should work for you. Almost no one is looking for a late model 2wd tractor today, what may appear to be a good deal will take a hit when and if you try to sell or trade later. If you are dead certain you will stick with small square bales and have others handle the cutting a 50+ pto hp tractor is all you need. On a small horse farm I see some benefits to the small squares as you can meter it out and have less waste.

On a small horse farm with improvements that need to be made a 4720 would be a good choice without breaking the bank. Adding a fel, cab and the right implements you need to get the work done would be less money and a good fit imo. Nine acres doesn't take long to prepare for grass and hay, I do several of these jobs each year with the 4520 cab currently. I would think that once you have some permanent pasture and hay fields that you would wind up with a lot of odd jobs to do. A 4720 cab tractor would make these jobs fun and easy to do.

If you have 30 acres to work intensively and need everything done fast a 5085M would be the ticket. Just recognize that the larger tractor and all the larger implements will cost much more. Cab tractors are the way to go with new tractor purchases imo

 

[tmac196]

Jenkinsph-

Thanks for the comments, especially thought provoking about the desirability of a late-model 2WD tractor which explains why it is priced as it is.

Having never used a tractor with a cab, I cannot appreciate what I am missing. Why do you recommend them so? This appears to be about a $6-7000.00 upgrade no matter what.

Is it just me or does anyone else find the late model 4WD John Deere tractors with the large front wheels unattractive? I just like the aesthetic of the smaller front wheel.

 

[jenkinsph]

tmac,
I recommend the cabs because they offer so much comfort#1 and are so much quieter to operate. How many people do you know who ride around in an open convertible in a snow or dust storm? At 61 I can pass on getting sick in the winter, cold and wet is no fun. Another plus is keeping the seat and operator station with gauges and switches out of the weather. Better for mowing and hay operations too.

I do prefer the smaller front tires on my 4520 and 110tlb for fel work as it is easier to see the bucket. I think the larger tractors can make good use of the larger tires for improved traction and that is their purpose after all. Very popular in architecture "form follows function". That said I just like most tractors particularly the older Moline and Oliver in 2wd models.

 

[bigblock]

Nothing like running over a yellow jacket nest to make you appreciate a cab.