How much tractor to get...?

[cliffer]

Howdy folks! This is my first post, so I'll try not to sound too ignorant (actually, when it comes to tractors, I'm dumb as a stump).

First, let me say that I am duely impressed with the nature of the dialogue that goes on here. It can only be a reflection of the nature of the folks involved. I will try not to make a nusience of myself here, but I have SOOO much to learn.

My wife and I have just entered into the purchase of some 63 acres in south-central Kentucky. We bought it with "retirement" in mind, but plan to get there as quickly as circumstance will allow. Anyway, the land consists of about 30-35 acres of largely level fields (with a gently rolling holler) and the balance in hardwood covered "knobs". We don't plan on plowing any of it, but will want to keep the fields mowed and will, no doubt, have the usual loading/hauling and some light backhoeing.

I am looking at the NH "boomers" and wondering where in the line I should be looking? The dealer says that I should be up in the TN series, but I also know that his sales have been off lately. I am not ready (by any means) to buy right now, but I don't want to waste a lot of time by starting-off looking in the wrong range.

Any help/insights would be appreciated.

Thanks, in advance. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Soundguy]

Though money is an issue with the dealer.. I think he was steering you right on the TN series. 35 acers is quite a bit of land.

Since that seems to be the biggest apparent use.. you need to plan on how often you mow and how long you want to mow. If it's just a once a year knock the tall stuf down, then you sure could get by with a tc in the 30/40 hp range and a 6' mower, and mow for a couple days.


If you want to mow.. say.. monthly.. I'd look for a big mower, and bigger tractor.. think.. 50+ hp, and 8'-10' mower.

Lots of unintended uses for hp can come up with 63 acers. Also.. as the tractors get larger and with more hp.. they get heavier.. that said.. you can get alot of work done with a big heavy 2wd tractor.. so the 2wd/4wd is less of an issue with a larger tractor.. plus your flat ground.

That would be my recomendation.. 50hp+. You'll get more questions onuse and more rec's./ Read em over. Betweent he membership here.. I'm sure someone has had just about every size/combination land and tractor.. so you should get some good advice.

also.. don't overlook a good low hours unit... lots of savings even on a couple year old 'big' tractor.


Soundguy

 

[cliffer]

Thanks a lot, Soundguy!

Lots of good points. I realized, after I posted the question, that I hadn't done a very great job of quantifying everything. Guess I'll learn as I go.

Thanks again, for taking the time.

 

[dknarnd]

With that amount of acerage to cut even once a year you will want at least a 6' cutter. I do almost that amount once a year with a 5' cutter and it takes a few long days, although I am on hills for about half of it. Soundguy gave good advise.

 

[cliffer]

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I really apprecaite it.

 

[TMAC]

Cliffer, mowing wise you'll be definetley happy with the good advice that Chris(soundguy) has given. I own 44 acres and out of that 44 there's only 10-12 acres that's open rolling hills. It takes me a good 7-8 hours to mow the 10-12 acres with a TC45DA and 6ft Brush Hog.

If money doesn't become an issue I'd recommend what Chris has and look at some flex wing mowers. Otherwise with 30-35 acres to cut even once year with a 6ft cutter would be similar to mowing 2-3 acres with a push mower. It'll get old quick. Best of luck with your research you've came to the right place. Welcome aboard. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Soundguy]

If money is an issue, and you still want large mowing capacity.. take a look at Howse. i picked up a 3pt 10' howse rotary cutter for 25xx$ its one from their heavy duty line.. came with a slip clutch.. and partially un assembled, I picked up. I've seent em elsewhere for a few hundred more, assembled and delivered. ( i'd have paid the extra $$ to get it delivered and come assembled.

Soposedly howse is coming out with a copy o fthe rhino flex15 mower as well.. I've no idea on price for the flex unit copy.

I figure for the money i paid on this 10' .. I've got the same money in it as for a name brand 7' model.. etc. If I get 10 years out of it I'll be happy.

Soundguy

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( My wife and I have just entered into the purchase of some 63 acres in south-central Kentucky. We bought it with "retirement" in mind, but plan to get there as quickly as circumstance will allow. Anyway, the land consists of about 30-35 acres of largely level fields (with a gently rolling holler) and the balance in hardwood covered "knobs". We don't plan on plowing any of it, but will want to keep the fields mowed and will, no doubt, have the usual loading/hauling and some light backhoeing.
)</font>

Cliffer, I would recommend you look at tractors based on what you will do with them 80% of the time. If you buy for that remaining 20%, you may end up with a "niche" tractor.

Is it possible you could find someone to mow the greater part of your fields and pay them to do it twice a year? You could buy a smaller tractor and concentrate on a smaller area you would like to keep constantly well groomed. Generally, one mowing in the spring and once in the fall would be all the larger acreage would need. You might find someone in your area with a larger tractor and mower who would do that twice-a-year chore at a reasonable price.

What about those areas covered in trees? Do you need a smaller tractor to take into the woods and clear fallen deadwood, brush, etc.? I have lots of trees and bought a tractor I could maneuver around between trees and under limbs. If your tractor is too big, you won't want to take it into the woods. Any of the Boomers or a TN without a cab and an orchard kit exhaust would be good for working around trees. If you go as big as the TN, you could also get a bigger mower, but you'll find all the implements you'd buy for that tractor will be big and that adds up to big $$$. If you stick with the Boomer and buy smaller implements, you will save money and may find it more suitable for the day-to-day utility chores.

Of course, you could also do like Soundguy and buy several tractors so you have the correct tractor size for every job. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Soundguy]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Of course, you could also do like Soundguy and buy several tractors so you have the correct tractor size for every job. )</font>

I love this not having to change implements.. just leave them hooked up to different tractors!
/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Soundguy

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I love this not having to change implements.. just leave them hooked up to different tractors!
/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif )</font>

The only thing better than that would be RC tractors. That way you could sit in the shade sippin' a cool one while your tractors get the job done. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif