Help me make a decision

[tim6948]

Howdy,
I've been using this site for research and want to get your opinions before making my 1st tractor purchase. I am trying to maintain about 70 acres of family land and need to bush hog about 40 acres, some of it in tight places, unload 12-15 round bales in the summer and feed them in the winter, and light dirt work. I will also be clearing brush and trees that are to big to mow by chainsawing and using the tractor to drag and stack it. I am currently considering 4 new tractors that are very different and am not sure what the best fit is. They are:
1. LS K5055 2 wd 55 HP, 2,900 lb. FEL lift capacity.
2. Tym T353 4 wd 35 HP, 2,235 FEL lift capacity, has shuttle shift.
3. Mahindra 4540 2wd 41 HP, 2,866 lb. FEL lift capacity.
4. Mahindra 4025 (same as 4540, tier 3 engine, but only found it as part of a package.)

I like the size and maneuverability of the Tym best, but was offered a good deal on the LS. I almost bought the 4025 package but had some concerns (mostly distance) about the dealer. The other 3 tractors are local and priced within $1000 of each other. I don't know whether to go for small size or plenty of power, and haven't found many reviews for the K5055. Price is more important than extra features, and I like simple tractors. Any advise will be greatly appreciated.
tim6948

 

[GManBart]

I wouldn't pick anything as light as the TYM (3,000 base tractor) for moving round bales if they're the typical 1-1200lb size I see around here...at least not if that's a regular chore. Similarly, I wouldn't want anything 2wd in this general size for doing loader work on a regular basis.

 

[BWfarms]

Wouldn't buy any of them because they are too light and underpowered to amount to much. I don't put to much stock in motor rated HP, you need to look at the pto HP. I look at the carriage before the horse so to speak. I often wish I had a larger mower and I use an almost 10 footer, but I remind myself that it is a lot better than a 5 or 6 foot rotary. By the job description, it may be best for you to invest in new implements and a good used tractor. It's not like you are going to put 300-400hrs a year on it. There are plenty larger utility tractors with loaders for sale that are 10,000 less than new and you can still finance. Plus you said simple tractor, hate to tell you they are not very simple anymore. If you want simple, you have to go OLD. I'm a full time farmer, the tractor does some work but if if your implement can't stand up to the job, that pretty tractor ain't working. I have new and used tractors, but the majority of my implements are purchased new. I've only bought 2 used implements.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would look for a good new or used 50 to 75hp utility tractor with 4x4. Would not consider a 2wd for your uses recovering overgrown land. I agree with BWfarms too, in that I would rather have a larger used tractor and a new brush mower for this work.

 

[tim6948]

Thanks for your opinions. Ya'll think I need way more tractor than I think I need. Let me explain my logic so far. I'm not saying its right, just trying to let you know where I'm coming from so I can learn from you.
I'd love to buy a used tractor but have zero confidence in my ability to pick a good one. I looked at one yesterday that seemed Ok- Mahindra 5525 2wd with 360 hrs, $14,500- I just don't want to end up with someone else's problems.
I've never used a 4-wheel drive tractor or a front end loader. If I can unload 12-15 1000 lb. hay bales once a year I will be happy with the loader. Its other uses will be to speed up moving the stuff I usually move by hand. Going with a 2 wheel drive puts puts a bigger tractor in my price range.
We've been making do without a tractor for several years and it has gotten to the point that a tractor I can afford to finance now will win out over maybe being able to finance the perfect tractor later. Also we are fortunate enough to have working implements. I am really liking the Ls K5055 unless something else pops up. It has 46 hp Pto, 3,500 lb. 3 point capacity, 2,900 lb FEL capacity, and weighs 5,354 lb. with loader.
Anything else that I should consider or is my logic totally wrong?
Thanks again.

 

[jeff9366]

Fuel is costly. I cannot understand buying a 7,000 pound, 2-WD tractor, with concomitant fuel usage; rather than an equally effective 4,000 pound 4-WD tractor.

 

[jeff9366]

I like the LS K5055. It has 46 hp PTO, 3,500 lb. 3 point capacity, 2,900 lb FEL capacity, and weighs 5,354 lb. with loader.

Ample specs for your property.

How close is the LS dealer to your property?

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

Tim6948, a 35hp tractor will have somewhere around 28 PTO hp, which is just on the borderline of being able to use a 6' rotary cutter instead of 5' one. Cutting 40 acres with a 5' cutter (or even a 6' one) will quickly become tedious. It certainly can be done, and you wouldn't be the first guy to do it, but you will get plenty of seat time in the process.

I'd follow the advice here and get a little larger tractor. Ideally, for that much acreage, I'd want something that could pull an 8' multi-spindle brush hog, which would probably require 40 PTO HP minimum.

 

[jenkinsph]

Just about everyone wants a 4 x 4 tractor today. Those that are selling the 4x2 are taking a hit. A few years from now it will be more difficult to sell.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

One more thought. I know there are some places around the Tyler area that have a lot of topography. . . i.e., hills. If you have hills, you do NOT want a 2wd tractor. Life can get very exciting with a loaded FEL bucket when coming down a hill on a 2wd tractor especially if you forgot to put some counterweight on the rear.