First tractor

[Pete.Mitchell]

^^^^^
Not trying to throw too many curveballs at you with your first tractor purchase but, this is going on my simple, mechanical diesel Kubota L2501;
View attachment 736637
We’re expecting 45-50HP, 28-30PTO.

Benefits, more power and still a relatively simple setup.

Drawbacks, additional cost, no warranty.

Mike

That’s awesome Mike!
Are you fabbing up a custom exhaust manifold or running an adapter?
which turbo did you go with?
these rigs have the fuel to support the added power as well?
have you already checked the timing to see if you have any room to advance and raised the rpm? Hopefully you were ready for 20 questions hah
That’s gonna be wicked!

 

[Rdrcr]

That’s awesome Mike!
Are you fabbing up a custom exhaust manifold or running an adapter?
which turbo did you go with?
these rigs have the fuel to support the added power as well?
have you already checked the timing to see if you have any room to advance and raised the rpm? Hopefully you were ready for 20 questions hah
That’s gonna be wicked!

A custom manifold will be too expensive, so we’re going to run an adapter to fit the turbo. A new MHI Mitsubishi Turbo. I’ve been logging EGT’s for months, there’s more than enough fuel for the turbo. We’re going to run factory timing and we’re not adjusting the RPM limit. More power can be achieved by both but, we don’t feel it’s necessary. It’s going to be more than enough power for the size and weight of the tractor. It’ll be a full bolt in setup.

It’s gonna be awesome!

Mike

 

[richriddle]

Am I being unrealistic in the expectations of a 25hp tractor on 20 acres? The land is flat. I’m not against a larger pre-emission tractor. I just hesitate on that as I don’t really know what to look for and don’t want to buy a junker. Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!

The short answer is yes...it's unrealistic.

The longer explanation. Our small from came with a 14 HP Cub Lo Boy, then we added another Cub Lo Boy to help.....but it didn't help. Next we purchased a "real tractor" Yanmar 14 HP YM147D, and it did much better but was insufficient in power/weight. Then a Yanmar YM276D came along and offered 27 HP.....then a second YM276D.....(I like things in pairs). The Yanmar YM276D models have almost enough power but quite simply don't have the heft needed. When moving some things around the farm, the YM276D models would be "pushed" at times.

The sweet spot for neighbors with farms your size is about 38-46 HP. They have the weight (heft) and power needed. Then a Kubota L4430 became available. Larger model tractors also offer cabs to avoid weather events and ground hornets.

I enjoyed learning on the smaller tractors and using them, but if time is of the essence, it's best to buy the tractor you WILL NEED, not the tractor that WILL DO. Fortunately I always found tractors at fair prices and didn't lose much money upgrading.

I love older Yanmar YM series tractors, and a network exists for obtaining parts for them. Moving larger in size than the old YM series, I chose a Kubota based upon many opinions, but Aaron of Hoye tractor (Yanmar) who said pick a manufacturer that would have a parts network available in the future. Many in the forum lament awaiting parts and supply issues for lesser prevalent manufacturers.

Good luck with what you choose.

 

[Macinnis]

Welcome to tbn!

I bought 50 acres of pasture 3 years ago and started here reaching what size tractor I would need just to cut the pasture.

I thought a 25 hp tractor would be fine, but after a year of reacher on this site, I settled on a 55 hp tractor. I wound up buying a 57hp tractor as a new model came out, but whatever.

During my research here, after never owning/driving a tractor, I am so happy I listened to the “get the biggest tractor you can afford“ advice. 25 hp for my needs would have doubled the time it takes to mow, which is already too long.

sure weight is important, but not as important as as brand. I have not have any issues with my dealer, but I am only one year in, without issues on my tractor.

Lots of good advice on this forum, get what you want brand wise, hst vs gear, etc, etc, and enjoy. Do your research and not look back. You will be happy.

 

[jyoutz]

My tractor is the first and only one I will own. Not knowing much about tractors when I bought, and learning as I go, I have learned several facts about buying a first tractor.
1. DO NOT get a tractor that is too small for what you want to do.
2. Whatever you want on the tractor (remotes etc), it is best to get it when you purchase your tractor from the dealer.
3. Buy any brand YOU like, regardless of color. You are the one that has to live with your choice.
4. Weight matters. Make sure it is heavy enough to do what you want. CONSIDER ballast in the tires from the beginning.
5. Get a tractor with tires that match your intended use.
6. If you want implements, try to make some of them part of a package deal from the dealer when you buy the tractor. Usually cheaper.
7. I also believe, if you don't like the dealer, you probably soon won't like the tractor.
8. Remember, a tractor is like a computer. When someone asks What are you going to do with it" you may give them one answer, but it will need to do any task you come up with. Example - I use our tractor to lift the roof trusses to the top when I built the tractor shed.

I like to feel like my tractor is like my dog, one of my best friends. Best Wishes.

OH almost forgot, WELCOME to TBN.

Great advice

 

[m1garand762]

Don’t limit your search to non emission machines just because you hear band things. Other than the b3350 most emission issues are because the operator does not know how to use the machine. Work it hard and hot and you will not have an issue. Before I bought my latest tractor I watched countless reviews on you tube and every one was complaining but they all operated the machine wrong on the video and were seeing a regen every 15-20 hours. I just had my second regen at 157 hours.

 

[plastikosmd]

49 acres
JD 3320
Amazing machine for the size and runs my 7’ flail, backhoe duties, loader and log needs, list goes on
(I’m not at 6000’ however)
I think you can get done what you want at 25hp, it will just take time

 

[ericm979]

Hopping up a tractor is cool, but it only increases engine power. It does not increase weight or loader capacity. Or strengthen the drivetrain. There's not a lot of tasks that are limited by engine power alone.

 

[Pete.Mitchell]

Hopping up a tractor is cool, but it only increases engine power. It does not increase weight or loader capacity. Or strengthen the drivetrain. There's not a lot of tasks that are limited by engine power alone.

Which I guess is why I struggle with the “need” to go up to a 40hp tractor that has the same frame, weight, and hydraulic capacity as the 25hp ones I’m looking at.

 

[richriddle]

Which I guess is why I struggle with the “need” to go up to a 40hp tractor that has the same frame, weight, and hydraulic capacity as the 25hp ones I’m looking at.

Read reviews of the current L3560 and some L4060 Kubota models to better understand the "need" for more horse power. The owners of those models often lament the lack of power when trying to accomplish tasks, especially in hilly terrain.

You might be able to accomplish your tasks with a 25 HP unit, but how much time do you have? I can cut the grass with the 14 HP Yanmar just fine. It will just take two to three times the amount of time as cutting the grass with one of the larger units.

Also, some tractor frame sizes start between the 35-45 HP range and are unavailable at the 25HP level. The Kubota L60 and John Deere 4 series model tractors represent two examples.

Good luck with what you choose.