I am looking to buy a tractor. I know this much, partly from reading TBN, I am wanting 4wd, hydorstat, FEL. I like green, orange and blue(not in that particular order). I have rented orange and blue and like them(apx. 35 hp). I will be doing the following: maintaing 1 mile of dirt road, corral cleanup, unloading and moving 1000lb round bales, fence building and animal buriel. My wife raises goats, sometimes not very well /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I will be building additional barns and outbuildings and also need to move fill dirt. My budget allows me to spend aproximately $20,000. However, I dont want to buy more tractor than I need. Any suggestions on minumum size and hp? Any input is appreciated.
First time buyer, suggestions?
- Thread starter gary321
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normde2001
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I think your biggest problem is going to be lifting those 1,000# hay bales. They're pretty big and the lift point is several feet beyond the rated lift point on a tractor. You are probably going to need a 3500-4000#tractor with at least 35 hp. I'm not sure you can get that with the features you want, in the colors you like, for $20,000. You may have to also consider red, (Branson or Century).
FamilyFarm
Platinum Member
I would think a Kubota L3830 with 723 loader would handle the hay, but may need larger and definitly may need more $$$.
I've always been told you need 30 hp (pto) or larger, heavy duty FEL and obviously heavy tractor, rear ballast to effectively deal with hay.
Good luck finding what you need - and keep those goats healthy!
Terry
I've always been told you need 30 hp (pto) or larger, heavy duty FEL and obviously heavy tractor, rear ballast to effectively deal with hay.
Good luck finding what you need - and keep those goats healthy!
Terry
Anonymous Poster
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I would recomend that you check out a Century as I just got one for 17500 that 40pto hp and weights 3900# with a fel that is heavy duty and will move that hay very good. This is one fine tractor and was the best value for my money I could find. CK out my review under other tractors forums or search for Century 3045 and it will show up.
thcri
Elite Member
gary321,
If you don't have a Century dealer in your area then look for a Branson dealer. Century and Branson are the same thing from what I was told. All's I can tell you is I looked at a Branson and was thoroughly impressed. I think if I would have saw it before I made my purchase I would have had one. They are built pretty durable and felt pretty good when sitting on it. And yes, you will find them less expensive. I am not sure about re-sale but I am sure they are starting to hold their value just like the others and maybe re-sale isn't something in your plans anyway. Good luck in your purchase.
murph
If you don't have a Century dealer in your area then look for a Branson dealer. Century and Branson are the same thing from what I was told. All's I can tell you is I looked at a Branson and was thoroughly impressed. I think if I would have saw it before I made my purchase I would have had one. They are built pretty durable and felt pretty good when sitting on it. And yes, you will find them less expensive. I am not sure about re-sale but I am sure they are starting to hold their value just like the others and maybe re-sale isn't something in your plans anyway. Good luck in your purchase.
murph
frank_f15
Super Member, Rest in Peace
welcome to the forum! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif when u say maintaing 1 mile of dirt road, do u mean just an ocassional grading or will u be plowing lots of snow? 1/2 ton bale could create a problem. u mosy assuredly need at least 35 hp with some mass to it. not sure u can get all u want in the big 3 for the price u mentioned. some others have mentinond century and branson, u also might want to check kioti and the long tractors if there are dealers close by. another option is to go to a used tractor, some nice units out there if u can find one.
rockyridgefarm
Elite Member
I am doing all the same stuff, ('cept we burn dead goats...) I have a Deere 4310. You have to understand what you are doing to move the bales. Mine come in on a low trailer, and I can lift them off with the FEL, and transport them on a rear carrier (safer...) I think that is the minimum size machine that can work.
We have a LOT of trees, and trails through them. Our 4310 is just right sized for our property. A bigger machine just couldn't get where we need it.
My setup cost ~$23000, but that included a backhoe ( ~$5000) So you could get into what you want in your budget...
I looked at blue, but was steered away by the dealer, they felt the front axles weren't up to the heavey loader work. Kubota has some great loaders, and the L's have some pretty good mass, say a L3130 (probably the smallest) For me Deere was the best price, (It actually was LESS then Long, go figure..)
My wife and I both use the tractor and are very comfortable with it. I really would stick with the hydro, it is so easy to use, and very safe. You don't want to learn the hard way going downhill with a full bucket...
We have a LOT of trees, and trails through them. Our 4310 is just right sized for our property. A bigger machine just couldn't get where we need it.
My setup cost ~$23000, but that included a backhoe ( ~$5000) So you could get into what you want in your budget...
I looked at blue, but was steered away by the dealer, they felt the front axles weren't up to the heavey loader work. Kubota has some great loaders, and the L's have some pretty good mass, say a L3130 (probably the smallest) For me Deere was the best price, (It actually was LESS then Long, go figure..)
My wife and I both use the tractor and are very comfortable with it. I really would stick with the hydro, it is so easy to use, and very safe. You don't want to learn the hard way going downhill with a full bucket...
first time buyer
I will be grading the road occasionaly, not much snow in this part of colorado. I appreciate all the input, I have a neighbor that owns a Branson with aproximately 35 pto hp, a real nice tractor. Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. I am trying to go the used route intially. I am planning on attending a large tractor auction near Tulsa Oklahoma on May 7th. Its called Enlow tractor auction. This is supposed to be a good place to get low hour machines. In fact, a lot of dealers from all over the country attend this auction to buy implements and decent used tractors. Bottom line, whatever I do, I cant wait to get a good machine and I appreicate yalls input. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I will be grading the road occasionaly, not much snow in this part of colorado. I appreciate all the input, I have a neighbor that owns a Branson with aproximately 35 pto hp, a real nice tractor. Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. I am trying to go the used route intially. I am planning on attending a large tractor auction near Tulsa Oklahoma on May 7th. Its called Enlow tractor auction. This is supposed to be a good place to get low hour machines. In fact, a lot of dealers from all over the country attend this auction to buy implements and decent used tractors. Bottom line, whatever I do, I cant wait to get a good machine and I appreicate yalls input. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Slippy
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Re: first time buyer
What are your pto requirments. When looking at tractors, it is important to not only think of size, weight, and grading type implements, but also what are you going to run with the pto. If you have alot of mowing and it will be tough going, you should think about a little more pto hp. Just a thought. Also, if you are thinking Branson or Century, check out the Mahindra tractors.
What are your pto requirments. When looking at tractors, it is important to not only think of size, weight, and grading type implements, but also what are you going to run with the pto. If you have alot of mowing and it will be tough going, you should think about a little more pto hp. Just a thought. Also, if you are thinking Branson or Century, check out the Mahindra tractors.
Anonymous Poster
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Re: first time buyer
( Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. )
Bransons and Centurys are built by Kukje in Korea. For the most part, the build their own engines. Kukje also builds tractors for John Deere, which should be an indicator of their quality.
Branson and Century are available with Ansung loaders (sold under the Branson and Century names) that have quick disconnect buckets. Bale spears and pallet forks that fit the quick disconnect are sold as options.
You should be able to get everything you need well under $20,000. No hydro though.
SnowRidge
( Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. )
Bransons and Centurys are built by Kukje in Korea. For the most part, the build their own engines. Kukje also builds tractors for John Deere, which should be an indicator of their quality.
Branson and Century are available with Ansung loaders (sold under the Branson and Century names) that have quick disconnect buckets. Bale spears and pallet forks that fit the quick disconnect are sold as options.
You should be able to get everything you need well under $20,000. No hydro though.
SnowRidge
dancce
Silver Member
Re: first time buyer
Gary321,
If you don't find anything that will suit your needs at the Enlow boy's auction, on Wednesday, you might consider driving 30 minutes west to check out our Century tractors.
We can fit your needs, well within your budget, with a new tractor.
dancce
(Dan Norman) see profile for e-mail address
Gary321,
If you don't find anything that will suit your needs at the Enlow boy's auction, on Wednesday, you might consider driving 30 minutes west to check out our Century tractors.
We can fit your needs, well within your budget, with a new tractor.
dancce
(Dan Norman) see profile for e-mail address
popeye
Silver Member
If you can live without the hydro which I don't really miss. Check out a Kubota MX5000. Lot of tractor for the money (50 hp. 44 pto) and strong.
Mike
Mike
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John_Mc
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I believe you should be able to get a NH TC35D w/FEL for right around $20,000 (maybe better if you are a good negotiator). It will handle the round bales. If you can swing a few extra $$, look at moving up to the TC40D (I was quoted $21,550 a while back, and this was before any attempt to negotiate on my part). A few more horses (& 4 cylinder engine), and a couple hundred pounds larger lift capacity on the FEL and the 3 pt hitch. If you can live without the Hydrostatic transmission, you can save a bit by getting the TC35 or TC40 (without the "D").
I would not try to handle 1000# round bales on the smaller New Hollands, at least not on the FEL (I have a TC33D, and while I might be able to move a bale on my Woods 1012 FEL, I would not want to do it if I could avoid it. This frame size is probably what the dealer mentioned in another post was concerned about when he steered someone away from the NH with concerns on the front axle strength).
John Mc
I would not try to handle 1000# round bales on the smaller New Hollands, at least not on the FEL (I have a TC33D, and while I might be able to move a bale on my Woods 1012 FEL, I would not want to do it if I could avoid it. This frame size is probably what the dealer mentioned in another post was concerned about when he steered someone away from the NH with concerns on the front axle strength).
John Mc
19th_VA
Gold Member
Re: first time buyer
In addition to the price, one of the substantial advantages of the Branson/Century line is their weight. They weigh more than the big three comparables--up to 800 pounds more depending on which tractors you are comparing. Weight is important not only for ballast but also transferring your hp to the ground. Good luck and drive them all, for there is no tractor that's a perfect fit for everyone. And keep reading tbynet, as you will need some time and perspective to get through everyone's color prejudices (including mine!). Good luck! Oh yes, in addition to building a John Deere line of tractors, Kukje is building engines for Cummins. These are no econo tractors--they are very well built.
In addition to the price, one of the substantial advantages of the Branson/Century line is their weight. They weigh more than the big three comparables--up to 800 pounds more depending on which tractors you are comparing. Weight is important not only for ballast but also transferring your hp to the ground. Good luck and drive them all, for there is no tractor that's a perfect fit for everyone. And keep reading tbynet, as you will need some time and perspective to get through everyone's color prejudices (including mine!). Good luck! Oh yes, in addition to building a John Deere line of tractors, Kukje is building engines for Cummins. These are no econo tractors--they are very well built.
Anonymous Poster
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I am looking into buying a new holland TC45D with FEL and hydro trans and the price that I got is $22300. The dealer told me that the FEL would handle up to 2000#. I do not know how this would work with your rolled hay and I am not sure at what point on the FEL the 2000# is rated. Any way I have drove this tractor and the hydro is the way to go. I have worked with many tractors with the standard gear trans and I like the hydro much better.
Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Good luck! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Great advice from everyone, I am really glad that I found this website. You guys really helped me a bunch. Well, I went to the Enlow auction in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was very impressed with the staff and the facilites. Very nice people and a whole bunch of tractors and equipment was auctioned. I didnt buy a tractor, but I did learn a whole lot from just operating the equipment that was there and talking to more people. One of the great things about Enlows auction is they encourage you to start and operate any of the tractors they have. No hassles as long as you use common sense. I operated various brands of tractors ranging in horsepower from 30 to 60 hp. I had the opportunity to test two tractors that I fell in love with. They were Kubota M4700's. Outstanding engine and operation, I was impressed. So impressed that I called around and found a great deal on one from a Kubota dealer in Dallas. I bought a new one with 4wd and syncro shuttle shift with a nice loader that will definately handle all the round bales we are dealing with. It will be ready for me early next week. I cant wait to pick it up. What is amazing about that line of tractors is the manuverabilty. Pretty close to the turning radius of the larger compact tractors. If anyone is interested in the dealer and price I received then feel free to send me a PM. I will let you guys know how the machine works.
