I need help:

[flusher]

I need help:

I am city slicker who bought 78 acres of land. And I am smart enough to know that I know nothing. My contractor made sure that I bought the right chainsaw, STIHL 290 with safety equipment chaps, gloves, helmet and so one. He took me along for one day to introduce me to operating the 290. That痴 how bad it is.

But before I ask my tractor question, let me give you some information:

The land is in the Midwest, mostly flat a few slight elevations. Most of it is wooded, approximately 10 acres are meadow, which has not been mowed in 2008.
Two ponds, 1+ acre and 0.5 acre, both with trees and grass around it.
The house has also trees and grass around it.
Approximately 800 yards of gravel road.
Approximately 1 mile of hiking trail which will be expanded.

I have identified four immediate tasks for the tractor and some possibilities for the future:

1. Cut grass around the house and pond. (mower deck)
2. Collect leaves around the house and pond. (bagger)
3. Clear the gravel road from snow. (snow blower)
4. Transport stuff from A to B. (utility cart)

Future possible tasks:

1. Maybe mow the 10 acres of meadow
2. Maybe drag trees out for firewood
3. Maybe lift heavy stuff and take it from A to B

I have looked at the following tractors.

John Deere X749
John Deere 2305
John Deere 2320
John Deere 3320
Kubota BX2660
Kubota B2320
Kubota B3030

The John Deere X749, John Deere 3320 and Kubota B3030 can have a factory cab. The John Deere 2305 & 2320 can have a Curtis aftermarket cab. All cabs are available with heat. But only the John Deere 3320 and Kubota B3030 are available with A/C. which would be great considering Midwestern summer heat and mosquitoes.
All tractors have 4 wheel drive but only the John Deere X749 has 4 wheel steering, which would be great for mowing around the house and pond with all those trees.
John Deere has two interesting utility carts (18 cu.ft. & 21 cu.ft.). Kubota has no utility carts.

The John Deere X749 is perfect for the four tasks. But cannot be easily adapted to new tasks and has no A/C.

John Deere 2305 I find unattractive.

John Deere 2320 is very attractive. But can it mow efficiently around the house and pond with all those trees? And it has no A/C.

The John Deere 3320 is too big, isn稚 it?

Kubota BX2660 & B2320 are not bad but no cab, to the best of my knowledge.

Kubota B3030 is very attractive. But can it mow efficiently around the house and pond with all those trees?

There are two friendly John Deere dealerships nearby (8 miles, 35 miles). Both are willing to negotiate price.

All the nearby Kubota dealerships (35 miles away) belong all to the same owner. And I have not found a salesperson I 田lick with.

John Deere will come to do maintenance (for a reasonable fee) at my property. Kubota will come to pick the unit up for a 途ansom?

I just don稚 know what to buy.
Am I looking at the right manufactures and models?
Am I too obsessed with 4 wheel steering and/or utility carts and/or A/C?
Do I have to buy two tractors? My wife will not be amused!!!
PLEASE help with constructive criticism and with your experiences.

Thank you,
Regards,
FRIZ (the clueless)

Get yourself a 30-40 hp (engine) tractor with HST, FEL with 6-ft wide bucket and a cab, a 6-ft rotary mower (aka brush hog), and a zero-turn radius riding mower to handle your landscape maintenance work. This configuration will handle the chores you listed. I assume that your near-term plans do not include clearing your wooded acres so you're really looking at landscape, driveway and 10 acres of field mowing.

You have lotsa choices for tractor and riding mowers. You may have to get your cab from a second source supplier since not all tractor manufacturers offer cabs for 30-40 hp CUTs.

Plan to spend $20-25K to get yourself outfitted for your new country estate.

 

[RWolf]

Yes I believe you need 2 machines. For lawn you need something with a low center of gravity to safely work around your ponds. A larger tractor for the 10 acres you have now and for future work in the woods. Full size tractors maintain there value for a long time so there really isn't a need to trade up to a larger tractor if you size your requirements right from the beginning. One way I look at it is I will tade a vehicle every 5 years +/- but my tractor will last me for 15 years at least. And you will find more and more uses for your tractor as time goes on. During the winter is a good time as dealers will be wanting to reduce there inventory before the tax man cometh. Your budget is going to dictate how much you can afford to spend so your asking a lot of good questions.

Good luck.

 

[flaming-ace]

Chain saw license? Darn never heard of that, living in "Live Free or Die New Hampshire" we are sort-of against that kind of thing! Although with so many weekenders using chainsaws around here these days, it might be proper to have a class or two on safety use and sharpening chains if nothing else

As for tractors I would think the Kubota 3030 with cab, front mounted snowblower, FEL, and whatever implements you might desire would do most of your task.

For mowing the lawn around the house and pond I think I would go for a dedicated zero-turn machine just for that type of task

Ye health and saftey go crazy at stuff in the UK, you need a chainsaw license if you are like a self employed contactor or tree surgen and stuff

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get yourself a 30-40 hp (engine) tractor with HST, FEL with 6-ft wide bucket and a cab, a 6-ft rotary mower (aka brush hog), and a zero-turn radius riding mower to handle your landscape maintenance work. This configuration will handle the chores you listed. I assume that your near-term plans do not include clearing your wooded acres so you're really looking at landscape, driveway and 10 acres of field mowing.

You have lotsa choices for tractor and riding mowers. You may have to get your cab from a second source supplier since not all tractor manufacturers offer cabs for 30-40 hp CUTs.

Plan to spend $20-25K to get yourself outfitted for your new country estate.

Just what I said back on page 1 post 3. A 30ish HP tractor and a ZTR.

Chris

 

[FRIZ]

...By the way where are you located. I see you said midwest but where? I live in Northern Indiana where things are totally different from where I grew up in Southern Indiana. For example we get 2' of snow blizzard once or twice a year plus plenty of 6" snows in between but just 150 miles south where I grew up we are lucky to get 12" of snow the whole year.
Chris

The property is in Starke County IN. Just got our first Winter Storm Watch.

 

[pitt_md]

Something to keep in mind along with all the other good advice you got.
You no doubt have heard "if you build it they will come" from some movie.
With tractors and land it kind of works like this, "If you have it you will build".
Meaning with 78 acres even if most of it is wooded at this point you WILL find many things you want to do with it. Don't skimp on the tractor size. If you have women in your life you may find horses roaming your land at some point.

Have fun

 

[Diamondpilot]

The property is in Starke County IN. Just got our first Winter Storm Watch.

You know all about the snow. Get ready, its coming.

Chris

 

[ScottFarm]

Below are some of my suggestions. Make sure you go ride these tractors. I didn't like the sound of the 3 cylinder diesel from Deere. I prefered the Kubota and Montana. Deere engines for the size I was looking at are made in India, Kubota makes their own engine and Montana uses a Mitsibishi diesel.

I'd do something like below for your yard. They also make these that look like a small tractor.
Zero Turn Radius Mower

Then i'd do something like below for the farm and get a 6' bush hog and other equipment as needed.

Below are a few different tractors that would work..Just my opinion. With that many acres you never know when you might need the extra Hp.

2007 MONTANA 4340C 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

2007 MONTANA 5740C 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

MAHINDRA 4510 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

2008 KIOTI DK45S 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com


Below is the McCormick, it's made by same company that makes the Montana

2008 MCCORMICK CT50U 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com

With you being a newbie to farming, I would suggest that you get a good dealer nearby... I've been farming all my life and grew up with Deere, Case, Ford, and now I own a Montana. I wouldn't trade my Montana for any of the other brands. I researched 3 years before I bought mine. My closest dealer is an hour away, but I feel comfortable doing 75% of my mechanic work. So when I do have to haul it to a dealer it's not a big deal. Plus my best friend lives in the town and it gives me a reason to visit him.

Good Luck...

 

[ScottFarm]

Look for dealer Demo's too. They like to show off these cab model tractors at fairs and such. They'll have usually 60-200 hours on them. That is no time for a tractor.
Someone mentioned earlier about tax credit too and now dealers want to sell before Jan 1. You should call someone who does farm taxes as a business and find out what you need to do to qualify for a farm. In Va it's like own 5 cows and make a $1000.00 profit each year. Which is easy and the tax write off of equipment is nice..

 

[FRIZ]

...Below are some of my suggestions...

Thank you,
Regards
FRIZ

 

[KHNewman]

Friz,

Defintely two machines ZTR and 40-50HP Tractor. I have a B7610 with ony one acre that is being redone from scratch and I have pushed the absolute limits of the machine and found many applications where I was left wishing for a bigger machine (but not really practical for my lot size). Everyone is right that what you think is big gets small real fast once you get going...

With 78 acres I would absolutely get out of the Kubota B series and into the Kubota L series. Here is what I wish my B7610 had and I will absolutely get when we move and get more land (as soon as I convince the wife to move to PA)

1.) The ability to use skidsteer quick attach implements would be critical to me so I could rent expensive implements for limited use tasks. The B series just doesn't have enough power to use a real skidsteer implement. It also dramatically increase the effectiveness of forks since it moves them closer to the pivot point then bucket mount forks. You can't believe how much you use forks...

2.) Front and rear hydraulics for 3 function front implements and rear accessory controls.

3.) Top & Tilt - Really wish I had this for grading work, it would be so much easier using the Box Blade and with that kind of road to maintain I think you could use this to crown the road properly.

Can't say enough about Kubota, I beat on that poor little machine and it is bullet proof...

Kevin

 

[dodge man]

Wow thats a tough question. I am a new tractor owner and have learned alot in a short time. I have a hilly yard, and was told buy several dealers not to go with a zero turn. I bought a BX2350 with a front end loader, 60" mid mount mower and a rear blade. Its 4 wheel drive with 23HP and it cost around $14,500 with the add ons. It is a compromise in all regards. Its a good mower, but its a little large and heavey to be a great mower. Its good with the front end loader and rear blade, but it's a little small for heavy work. You did not mention a back hoe. Do you need one? It will add quite a bit of cost, maybe at least $6000. My guess is you are going to want one. How much storage space do you have? If I were going to buy one machine to do it all, I would get a Kubota B series. If I got two machines, I would look at a riding mower and a bigger tractor, such as a Kubota L series. If I were in your shoes, the biggest factor would be money, and I would get one machine, but I don't know what your budget is.

You will probably know after you live there a year, what kind of machine/machines you wish you had. If you think you can learn enough, you can save alot of money buying used.

I know a little bit about Kubotas. I looked a John Deeres, but they appeared to be about 20% more. The brands I would look at would be Kubota, John Deere, New Holland, and Massey Ferguson. From what I know, they all make quality products. I know there are others, but if you buy a good one, it will last you a long time

 

[dodge man]

BTW, if you are into this kind of stuff, you are going to have alot of fun on your new place, have fun, take it slow and be safe. I can hardly wait for the first big snow

 

[greggh]

You have received some good advice here. I will agree with everyone that you need two different tractors, one being dedicated for mowing your lawn and the other to work the property. With as much acreage as you have I would suggest at least a utility tractor instead of a CUT. However, that being said, you and you alone are in charge of your finances. We on TBN love to spend others money. Take your time and sit on as many tractors as you can. See how they feel to you. Talk to all the different dealers in your area and listen to their suggestions on what they think you need. You can pick out the ones that are trying to sell a tractor just for commission and those that are trying to help you with your issues. Most want you as a customer and not a sale. Enjoy the experience and have a lot of fun. looking at all the different styles and types of tractors can be a rewarding experience. You not only find out about tractors, but you discover alot about people.

Keep us informed and once you make a decision, show us the pictures, we love pictures here on TBN. Good luck and again enjoy the experience.

 

[EddieWalker]

Most everyone is giving you the same advice that I am, which I feel is the way to go. I have 68 acres that was all woods and I've been slowly clearing parts of it and doing a variety of projects.

For around the house, a dedicated ride along mower of some type is your only realistic option. The tractor will either come with a belly mower or a 3pt type mower. While the belly mowers will do the job, it limits you on hp and what you can do on the rest of the property. You would have to take off the belly mower all the time if you went that way. Not something you'd enjoy, especialy if you mow your lawn once a week. Depending on how much grass you want to keep really nice, how much time you want to spend mowing and what your budget is, the zero turn mowers are the best choice for this. Commercial units are built stronger and with more power, but can easily cost twice as much. I paid $8,000 for mine and it's pretty impressive. I mowed with a used Craftsman ride along mower for years and it got the job done too, so it's really up to you what you can afford and how much time you want to spend on the mower. Zero turn will do it in twice the time as a ridealong mower, maybe faster.

For the tractor, and also the mower, find out what dealers are close to you. Brand names are not nearly as important as dealer support. All tractors break down, either from something you did, or something that wears out on the tractor. Expect it and don't be suprised when it happens. Having a good dealer close by who you can go to and get parts is critical.

A cab sure would be nice!!! It's up to you and your budget, but I don't think there's a person out there who wouldn't prefer a cab if they had the extra cash.

Power is king. The more you have, the more you can do and the faster you can get it done. Being new to the land and tractoring, it's probably a little overwhelming, but in a very shor time, you will find that the tractor is too small and doesn't have enough power. Buy as much HP as you can afford!!!!! You will never regret it.

For mowing the pasture and maintaining your trails, you will want at least a 6 foot rotary cutter. They are also called bush hogs, brush hogs and shredders. They basically tear it all up and keep on going. 35hp is about the minimum for a 6 ft cutter. You can go bigger on the cutters, but they get pricey and of course, need more HP.

The front loader is a must. It doesn't matter is you don't plan on moving any dirt right now, because you will once you have the land. It is simply the most useful attachment known to man. You can haul your firewood with it, garbage to the burn pile, add rock to your driveway and pick up heavy objects with a chain. The list goes on and on, but whatevery you do, the front end loader is number one.

With a loader, you can add a grapple. With most of your land in trees, the grapple is something that you will really get allot of use out of. Branches fall, trees die and things need picking up all the time. Being able to pick them up and carry them to the burn pile is a luxery that you will always appreciate. Cutting them into lengths and hauling them in your bucket is serious work. Wraping a chain around a log and dragging it is also work, but not as physical. It still adds up to a long day if you have allot of clearing to do. Think grapple down the road as part of your long term goals when buying the tractor and you wont regrett it.

With one tractor, 4wheel drive is also a must. Without it, you won't be able to do much if it rains and the groudn is muddy. I can drive mine during the rains on my roads, but my 2wheel drive tractor has to sit until the dirt is dry. That might take a few days with the cooler temps right now.

Once you have a list of dealers in your area, figure out what your budget is and then figure out what each dealer offers in your budget with similar HP and features. Be sure to visit each dealership and climb on each tractor. Too many people buy the tractor from the first dealer that they visit because they really liked it, but never compared it to the others. This is a big decision, take your time and cover all the angles. Then with your list of choices, ask which ones people here have and what they like and dislike about them. Some are loyal fans of their brand and will always give glowing reviews, but others have had issues and it's good to know what they are. It might be minor, or it might be a deal breaker. Either way, you'll know as much as possible before making your decision.

Good luck and congrats on the land.
Eddie

 

[3RRL]

I chose to get a larger (55hp) tractor for the first one.
It allowed me to manage the wooded areas, road repairs, road building. log and rock moving, etc without lacking power. It's also a 4wd model. Three years later we bought a second tractor, smaller (28hp) to work around the home and barn. Sure, there were things I could've done with the smaller tractor from the getgo, but there were also things that would not have been possible to do.
Balancing the tractor purchases like that worked well for us.

 

[john_bud]

Just curious about what standards you are talking about? I have my montana that if you compare with other makes my tractor has either the same stuff or more to offer at a cheaper price. I dont want to get in a fighting match here just curious why you said what you said.

Ok, no problem. After all, it's just my opinion and we all know what is said about opinions!

Here's and example to show my thinking. If you look at a 4 door automobile from Toyota and Hyundai they will both have the same stuff. Automatic transmission, 4 cylinder engine, power steering, power locks, AM/FM/CD, power seats, etc etc. But, one is regarded as being at a higher standard of excellence than the other and the price of the two are aligned with that expectation. I used those two makes of automobiles as they represent analogous positions to the Kubota and Montana tractors. Like the Hyundai, the Montana tractor may serve well for many years with few if any problems, but there is a limited history to draw from to show that. Like the Hyundai, the fit and finish of the Montana is not quite the same as that of the Kubota. The level of engineering and design is also slightly behind, as those aspects are refined over time with multiple iterations.

That's not to say that the Montana will fall to the ground as a rusty pile of bolts tomorrow! I'm sure it's a good machine, but it is not "up to the same standard". I've seen people write that they couldn't pass it up as the price is so much lower than the K (or JD) and it was nearly as good. That's undoubtedly 100% accurate - and also validates my viewpoint. If the Montana and the exact matching Kubota (or JD) model were priced the exact same, Montana would get fewer sales. Why? Because they are not quite up to the same standard. At least, that's my opinion.

jb

 

[LBrown59]

BTW, if you are into this kind of stuff, you are going to have alot of fun on your new place, have fun, take it slow and be safe. I can hardly wait for the first big snow

I can wait till june or july.

 

[ScottFarm]

John Bud, have you had a chance to test out a Montana?

Scott

 

[Gittyup]

Friz,

You do need two machines. If you have steep places, a ZTR or even a light weight garden tractor will not do. If money is no object (though I'm sure it is). I'd suggest the x749 for your yard and a utility tractor for the acreage, like a JD 5203. However, if a cab is a must, I'd look at the Kioti CK45se with factory cab. On the smaller side that JD3720 is a very nice tractor setup with the cab. However, there are many good used utility tractors out there that would easily work quite well for you.

Other garden tractor options are Simplicities, Gravely tractors with the motor on the back (unstoppable traction), the smaller BXs, or a used JD4xx series. These will all give you good traction for steep areas.

You don't need a utility vehicle if you get a good garden tractor. As for carts, the small 10 - 17 cu. ft ones can be found used for under $50. I wouldn't buy a new one of these. But if you want more versatility, capacity, and load hauling (and I think you will with that much acreage), I'd look at the country manufacturing inc. trailers, or other all-terrain haulers. Here is my yard set up with the CMI trailer. It's 6 feet long, and carries up to 1 ton. I modified it by adding a hydraulic dump cylinder that runs off the tractor's hydraulics. Just more to think about.