Hi Everyone!

ronmueller · Dec 23, 2009

I grew up on a dairy farm in northeast PA back in the late 60's early 70's and have since then lived the urban life. I've now retired and will be relocating from San Jose, CA to a 107 acre mountain property in NM in April. I'll be needing to get a tractor. I've been searching the web and have to admit that I've lost touch with what's out there over the past 40 years! I can't believe how many strange makes there are now (what in the world is a Hurlimann Prince 455?).

I could really use some advice on what hp and make I should be looking at. My property is at 8000', so I assume a turbodiesel is a must. I will be using the tractor to maintain my private dirt road, clear trees, dig footing trenches for my new house and barn, put in a septic tank, put in a driveway, etc. I know a 4x4 and a FEL is a must, as is a box blade. I'd like a backhoe but I'm not sure what size tractor would be best. I've seen some very small tractors with backhoes that look more like toys than anything useful. Also, if I get a used rig, what is the most number of hours I should be looking at to avoid a lot of maintenance issues? I'm remote, and the nearest dealer is JD (132 miles). The nearest NH dealer is 285 miles away, so it looks like NH is out.

Sure could use some help/recommendations! Thanks in advance...ronmueller

Hakim · Dec 23, 2009

Hi Ron,

Welcome to TBN! Good luck on your move to NM. We lived there for several years and loved it.

Your questions and observations would best be asked in the first forum "Buying/Pricing/Comparisons."

The "New Member Intros" do not usually have discussions that answer your kind of questions. But I am sure you'll get lots of feedback in the "Buying/Pricing" sections.

Hakim Chishti
TBN Staff