First tractor

[Little Red Tractor]

7. I also believe, if you don't like the dealer, you probably soon won't like the tractor.

Excellent, and often overlooked advice for a 1st time buyer.

 

[Mudfarmer]

Once again I will be contrarian and advocate for a smaller, lighter tractor. I will assume that that since the OP is getting his first tractor he is neither a mechanic nor familiar with small diesel engines. He thus will need to rely on his dealer for maintenance and repair. Hauling a "heavy" tractor is thus an expense that needs to be considered. Most dealers charge exorbitantly for an 80 mile round trip. Hauling more than the typical 25 horse CUT requires a heavy duty truck and trailer, both expensive. I have farmed 80 acres of livestock and tree farm part time with 25 horse power tractors for 40 years. They have always been sufficient. I can easily haul any one of them the 80 miles to the dealers with my ten year old half ton Chev pickup and $2000 12 foot trailer. (And a back-hole is pointless for what he describes his needs as - rent a little track hoe when you need to dig a ditch).

 

[Pete.Mitchell]

Once again I will be contrarian and advocate for a smaller, lighter tractor. I will assume that that since the OP is getting his first tractor he is neither a mechanic nor familiar with small diesel engines. He thus will need to rely on his dealer for maintenance and repair. Hauling a "heavy" tractor is thus an expense that needs to be considered. Most dealers charge exorbitantly for an 80 mile round trip. Hauling more than the typical 25 horse CUT requires a heavy duty truck and trailer, both expensive. I have farmed 80 acres of livestock and tree farm part time with 25 horse power tractors for 40 years. They have always been sufficient. I can easily haul any one of them the 80 miles to the dealers with my ten year old half ton Chev pickup and $2000 12 foot trailer. (And a back-hole is pointless for what he describes his needs as - rent a little track hoe when you need to dig a ditch).

Thanks for the feedback.
while I do have a 24ft 14k trailer I do see appeal in running a CUT vs something larger.
my intent was always to get the largest/heaviest CUT that I could.
I guess where I could have elaborated more, but alluded to later in the thread is what will a 40hp cut do that a 25hp one won’t (considering I won’t snow blow/plow, won’t rotary cut, won’t bush hog, and won’t wood chip)

it’s really great to hear of your success with a low HP tractor on so much property. I was beginning to get concerned that I was just stubborn and that it was really ill advised to proceed with a 25hp unit. I will fully admit. I AM stubborn about DPF. It’s great to hear so many success stories but i WILL NOT own anything that contains DPF or DEF. It’s just a personal decision

I can definitely turn a wrench, but I would most definitely prefer something with minimal downtime and required wrenching as I have enough side projects to keep me busy with that.
Anyways. Thanks again for the insight. Everyone that has replied has definitely given me plenty to mull over

 

[jeff9366]

What's the Member's name that added a turbo to his Kubota??? Remember?? He actually posted a LOT of very valuable information about that modification.

Make or break development programs are generally very costly.

Turbocharging new L3940 Gutless Pig Tractor

Instead of bashing my new powerless L3940 HST Cab tractor I would like to turbo the thing. I see the same engine is used in the Bobcat S-160 skid steer with a turbo. Rather than tell me why I don't want to do this can you throw me some ideas? Very serious here. Thanks, Fred

www.tractorbynet.com

I Still Hate My Tractor

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/286348-turbocharging-new-l3940-gutless-pig.html Had it 5 months now. Some good things to note: Cab heater and A/C works excellent. Bad things: Little to no power. If going up an incline and the Revs are at 2600 and I use ANY of the...

www.tractorbynet.com

I Still Hate My Tractor II

So I have 50 hours blowing snow with it and now running an 8 inch Woodmax chipper. Before the turbo install the tractor engine would die out on anything over 5 inches of wood diameter. Now with the turbo you can't kill the engine, in fact Saturday I got a large piece of Maple stuck in the...

www.tractorbynet.com

The bottom line to the above 1,151 messages is The Fred intermittently got the incremental power he wanted at fabulous expense in down time.

The Fred's concluding Kubota post was January 3, 2021:
"I DO still hate my tractor!"​

I have been posting here since 2011. I cannot recall ONE thread where adding a turbo to an engine not specifically set up for a turbo proved successful for the owner.

BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR​

 

[Citydude]

Thanks for the feedback.
while I do have a 24ft 14k trailer I do see appeal in running a CUT vs something larger.
my intent was always to get the largest/heaviest CUT that I could.
I guess where I could have elaborated more, but alluded to later in the thread is what will a 40hp cut do that a 25hp one won’t (considering I won’t snow blow/plow, won’t rotary cut, won’t bush hog, and won’t wood chip)

it’s really great to hear of your success with a low HP tractor on so much property. I was beginning to get concerned that I was just stubborn and that it was really ill advised to proceed with a 25hp unit. I will fully admit. I AM stubborn about DPF. It’s great to hear so many success stories but i WILL NOT own anything that contains DPF or DEF. It’s just a personal decision

I can definitely turn a wrench, but I would most definitely prefer something with minimal downtime and required wrenching as I have enough side projects to keep me busy with that.
Anyways. Thanks again for the insight. Everyone that has replied has definitely given me plenty to mull over

That's understandable. I had an L2501 gear model. It was a torquey tractor. The only reason I traded it was for a cab.

 

[Geunther]

I started thinking about a tractor around 5 years ago. I was certain that 25hp would be enough for my small needs. I don't mind spending time on the tractor, but I don't want to make a full time job of it either. My neighbor (same size place as mine) traded his 25hp up to a 50hp. I joked with him about swatting flies with a shotgun, but his reply was 'How many times have you heard someone say, I bought too much tractor?' For what it's worth, he bought a lot of tractor.

I took his advice to heart and bought an older 33hp. I am able to spin my 6' finish mower, through the thick bluegrass, and up our hills. I would suggest looking more toward a 40hp. If the cost is a concern, look at an older New Holland. They are easy to service, and with the exception of a bad tank of diesel, mine has been super reliable. I have put about 500 hours on it in the last three years, and it has performed very well. Mine is about 20 years old, MFWD, and has a very comfortable operation station. I cannot stress enough the importance of where the loader controls are located. I used to borrow an older tractor from another neighbor, and his loader controls were mounted against the side of the tractor, next to the dash. After a couple of hours of reaching for the loader controls (moving rock), I was sore for a few days. The fender mounted FEL control is much easier on an older body.

Since you are a bit of a gearhead, I wouldn't get married to a brand, so much as a lower hour machine. I always look at a tractor with the hours divided by 2000 to tell me how many work years are in it. I doesn't tell you anything about how hard the machine was run, but a good look at the seals, gaskets and pedals will tell you a lot about the work load it has been under. (worn pedals = lots of hard work) Don't overlook Amazon for your parts/filters etc. I always buy name brand parts, but have found that keeping a filters and gaskets on hand, saves me a lot of time running to town for parts that I use often.

Best of luck on your search.

 

[rScotty]

SNIP
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!

I think you are wise to stick with those pre or non-emission tractors. Something that I don't see mentioned much is how the newer tractors with emissions equipment are recommended to be run at high RPM all the time.

For myself, running a tractor wide open takes tractoring from an enjoyable hobby into a chore.
I like putting around at a high idle and using the torque of the tractor to get my chores done....quietly.

There are a lot of good older low hour used machines out there. Get one and enjoy it forever. I'd probably shoot for something around 40 hp, with a nice telescoping 3pt hitch, a FEL, moderately heavy, wide comfortable seat and operator's platform with wide turf or industrial tires. Get power steering for sure. And if you get a manual transmission make it a power shift with a shuttle. Otherwise HST is OK. HST plus (kubota only) is the best HST.

Used implements are a fraction the cost of new ones and work just as well. Put your money into someone's well maintained tractor in the 1995 to 2012 era. When you see the right one, don't mess around...... a good test is to ask if the seller is the original owner and has complete maintenance records. And if so, just grab it. You won't go too far wrong buying a name brand in those years. Anyone who has kept a tractor that long likes it.
rScotty

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

There's not a lot of tasks that are limited by engine power alone.

Except one of the most important which is mowing.

 

[Citydude]

Except one of the most important which is mowing.

And snowblowing.

 

[Realtornz]

Greetings! I’ve been perusing this forum for the past few months as a guest and finally decided to create an account and dive right in.
First things first. I’ve never owned a tractor before
I’ve been reading and reading on what type of machine would be most suitable for my family
We are looking for something to help us with developing and maintaining 20 acres homestead
primary uses would be post hole digging, light road cutting, garden prep, pallet lifting of up to roughly 36” high to load onto my trailer, ground cleanup, building dirt bike trails and jumps, etc.
so id likely mostly use a loader, forks, backhoe, rake, blade, post hole (and maybe a tiller if it’s capable of doing such)

It seems I’ve cornered myself into two options.
the heaviest/largest 25hp tractor I can find OR a higher HP pre emission tractor. I have absolutely zero interest in owning a machine with modern diesel emissions. I understand that more power may help me work quicker. But I’m not a commercial operation seeking to maximize revenue. I have time. I think I’d rather be a bit under powered than undersized

I thought I had my mind set on the Kubota L2501 HST but I also sometimes do a bit of analysis paralysis and fortunately that let me to a handful of other options (initially I thought it was only the kubota vs the JD 3025)
it appears that the Kioti CK2610 might in fact be a bit larger/heavier than the Kubota with a larger hydraulic and lift capacity. The motor appears to be a larger detuned one as well. I’ve seen some talk about being able to open them up a bit to reach 33hp (I’m a gear head haha). I also like the location of the loader controls compared to the more forward controls of the Kubota.

we have both a Kubota and a kioti dealer within 40 miles of us. Not much else within that radius.
I don’t intend to make this a kioti vs Kubota thread. Just trying to provide as much info as I can.
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!

Like you I'm a new member to this forum and have learnt so much from this crew though I'm coming to you from my rural stronghold of 30 acres in New Zealand.
I agree with many that have answered your queries, in that your tractor will become a much loved an appreciated friend, as another contributor put it like your pet dog or chicken. My only advice is ....if you think a 25 hp machine would suit buy a 35 or 40 hp as once you get going nothing beats power. I purchased a new Kioti NX 6210 60 hp tractor for my wee property an it fits like a glove, I love it.
Welcome aboard an best of luck in your search. Cheers Martin

 

[ljjhouser]

Except one of the most important which is mowing.

I think you changed your picture, Nice Hat.

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I think you changed your picture, Nice Hat.

Si Señor Gracias

 

[Pete.Mitchell]

So, 4 months later and many hours of simply over thinking things I drove 1900 miles round trip in 48 hours to pick up my new Branson 2515h with loader, backhoe, quick connect forks, box blade, and 20ft 10k trailer from the tractor yard in Oklahoma.
I didn’t want to leave this as yet another thread without a conclusion haha.
Thanks again everyone for the feedback

 

[K5lwq]

Congratulations! You made a great choice. I hope you have many years of trouble free service.

 

[AWSubie]

That was a grueling trip!

 

[Pete.Mitchell]

That was a grueling trip!

You have no idea.
Left az at 8am. Got to Tulsa at 10pm my time. Midnight their time.
Got to the tractor dealer at 8am their time. 30 min later hit the road.
Didn’t realize tractors don’t have built in attachment points
Every fuel stop I always check straps and tires.
500 miles in my 2 rear straps rubbed the frame and sheered almost completely thru.
Bought 2 more straps at the truck stop.
3hrs from home it’s 10pm and the alternator in my truck goes out. I have 10.2v of battery
Pull off in the middle of nowhere
Limp it 15 miles to a small town to grab a hotel with my son. (It was his birthday)
They are having a once in a decade biker rally
Every hotel is sold out.
We sleep in a dirt lot.
Wake up at 6am. Go to autozone and buy an alternator, change it in the dirt lot and make it home. Hahahaha

 

[hornett22]

You have no idea.
Left az at 8am. Got to Tulsa at 10pm my time. Midnight their time.
Got to the tractor dealer at 8am their time. 30 min later hit the road.
Didn’t realize tractors don’t have built in attachment points
Every fuel stop I always check straps and tires.
500 miles in my 2 rear straps rubbed the frame and sheered almost completely thru.
Bought 2 more straps at the truck stop.
3hrs from home it’s 10pm and the alternator in my truck goes out. I have 10.2v of battery
Pull off in the middle of nowhere
Limp it 15 miles to a small town to grab a hotel with my son. (It was his birthday)
They are having a once in a decade biker rally
Every hotel is sold out.
We sleep in a dirt lot.
Wake up at 6am. Go to autozone and buy an alternator, change it in the dirt lot and make it home. Hahahaha

That's a trip he won't forget! Great memories!

 

[paulfun9]

I know there is a lot of back and forth about the purchase of a backhoe but one thing stands out in your post.
Motorcycle trails and jumps
For this The backhoe will be you tool of choice. Having. Boys who loved to ride my husband and I have built and maintained more bike tracks than I can remember. Then there is the other uses that are hardy considered. Its the best for planting and or replanting burger trees, will be able to take on other landscape ideas that without you would be forced to rent. The toothbar for the loader. Is good but is no substitute for the ground braking force of even a small backhoe.
At first I thought my husband was nuts wanting a backhoe when we first got married but after all these years O wouldn't be without. It would take a 3 page post to list everything we have been able to do with them over the years and the cost and time savings would most likely buy us a couple more. He is very analytical about tools paying for themselves and has stated many times after reading a post here about backhoes, that everyone we ever purchased paid for itself and we could swap them as junk and still be ahead.
I was also leery of tractors when we first got together and basically insisted on small and easy. After using only my small JD for many years and struggling with things that he did with ease on his bigger tractors I let him talk me into an upgrade. I would recommend you look for a muck bigger tractor, most likely something around my favorite of what we have which is a DK40.
We have debated on HST or gear many times and for my use HST is fine but he actually outrun me in everything with a shuttle shift tractor. I am able to operate the shuttle but prefer the ease of the HST and mostly limit my use to around the hose these days. If I were to start working out in the trails or doing stuff in the fields I would practice running the shuttle shift and become better at using it. Basically when using it I could really feel the difference in power, besides if I can get threw 10, 15 or 18 in a truck having to pick one on a tractor and use one lever to go forward or reverse isn't really hard now is it?
Good luck with your search.
Janet

 

[Yander]

Congrats on the new tractor, you not only bought a tractor, as was said, you made a memory and got a good story out of it. Looks like Deutz makes their engines and they have been making very large farm equipment for years. I bet you will be happy with it. Looking at the specs, I had no idea a 25hp tractor could lift that much.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Congrats on the Branson 2515, nice machine.