how big to get

docjon · Aug 25, 2007

Since deciding to purse raising cattle I need to get larger tractor, have 160 acres, 120 pasture, this needs spraying discing and planting, this isn't full time venture and need a FEL, I am considering 6040 model and would like good cost for this also. I trailer the tractor each weekend to my farm so 80 -90 horse would prb, mean getting diff, truck which wife wouldn't like.

Soundguy · Aug 26, 2007

With that many ac.. i wouldn't consider getting any smaller than ~ 90 hp. With 90hp you can pull a 15' mower.. most hay bailers.. big disc.. rake.. etc.. and move a couple round bales at a time with no strain on the tractor.

I simply can't imagine tring to maintain 120 open ac with a utility or smaller sized machine.. Unless you got LOTSA time.. get as big as you can afford and still maneuver.

OR.. buy an old AG tractor and leave it parked there... (cheap HP !! )... and then get you a large CUT or utility tractor that you can trailer down there. All togehter the money probably comes out even... or even better since you don't have to buy another truck.. etc..

Soundguy

Blksim · Aug 26, 2007

For around 1500 dollars more you could go with M7040. That would give you 63 pto hp and still have the ability to handle either cat. 1 or 2 implements. I'm using one on about the same size area for what most would call hobby farming and it works well.

docjon · Aug 26, 2007

how much did the m7040 cost? also what size disc and mower will that pull?

lug nut · Aug 26, 2007

I agree with Soundguy. It's hard to get a one size fitts all tractor.

I would get an older ag tractor to do the discing, cutting, baling, etc. Then, I would think about getting a smaller cut with a loader in the 40+hp range for the small tasks.

MarkV · Aug 29, 2007

You are looking at some pretty big metal to haul each weekend. Something like a big disc needs a heavy tractor to pull it. I would think you will get into weights that are going to require a CDL license. It may be cheaper to put up a pole barn so the tractor can stay on site.

MarkV

big bubba · Aug 29, 2007

A few decisions here, if hauling is the only option, the choices are definately limited. In regards to the Mxx40 series....Definately go 7040 over the 6040, only $1500 difference with more hp, size, and posi track up front. I turned in my new MX5000 with 47 hrs on a M7040 and never looked back...actually, to do it again, I'd select the 8040 with several good options over the 7040 (turbo, hyd. brakes, trans. brake), but it's $5000 more plus 800 lbs heavier.) Barring price and transportation, my option would be the 8040. good luck bb

big bubba · Aug 29, 2007

sorry it's 8540 model. my 7040 w/fels 4wd self leveler valve was 29,700 (cut me a deal on leveler) beautiful machine. check them out on K's web site. bb

N80 · Aug 29, 2007

I totally agree with Soundguy. Get something like this to leave on the farm and do the heavier stuff:

You can get one of these with a cab for under $10k (I think). Use it to disk, cut hay, bale hay, etc. Get a smaller, 4wd like a Kubota 5040 for lighter stuff, FEL, etc. You can use it to pull hay wagons, load and move bales, rake hay, run the tedder, etc. You're probably going to find that you need more than one tractor for this kind of work anyway. How many cows are you talking about? If you don't live on the farm, do you think you can manage cows long distance?