I'm doing my research.

[nerdrage88]

I will someday be in the market for a tractor and am looking for advice for one. Let's be clear on a few things right off the bat, I will not be buying a new tractor and I will be maintaining it myself as I will be a heavy duty truck (up to class 8 over the road trucks) mechanic. As of right now I'm just a shade tree mechanic but am currently attending school to become an official technician.

I not to crazy about brands as I don't know enough about tractors that I can't say what one I prefer. But I'm thinking 80's early 90's 4x4 mandatory and, with a loader be able to lift 1000 (honestly I kinda pulled that put of my butt because I don't know for sure what I'll need in that) I'll be lifting pallets of heavy stuff like wood and steel, pipes, sand, gravel fence. Also would like to hear the pros and cons of PTO attachments vs hydraulic ( of course there are some that are PTO only and some hydraulic only but I hope you get the point). Will be building buildings digging holes erecting fences. I guess I'm looking for a range of specific tractors that's not huge but not lawn tractor ether.

I have somewhat of an idea on size, I know someone that has a Branson tractor (I don't think the brand matters) but it isn't super capable since it's smallish and off had I can't remember the model but I am able to get it if it's needed to aid in answering this question)

Thanks for the help I hope I wasn't to broad.

I guess what I'm looking for is a direction of what I should be looking for given the above mentioned criteria. Also I will some day buy a peterbilt 359 or equivalent 80s truck so I can move it around plus a load of whatever and I plan to do just that so as far as size limitations goes it's mainly keeping some tightish space maneuverability.

If any of my question seems unreasonable don't hesitate to bring it up, just don't be a douche about it and keep your suggestions civil please.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

First off welcome to the forum. Secondly, jesus is that a broad spectrum.

You pretty much covered anything from 25-100hp in that list. :shocked:

My first questions to you would be what size of property do you have. What are your specific tractor tasks involved? Mainly it sounds like you need a forklift and something else. The 1klbs is a tricky number, because its all how the machine is rated. A 1klbs at the pins of the loader is much different than 1klbs 24" out on the forks.(don't forget to add the weight of the bucket or forks to your lifting numbers) I also highly doubt that a pallet of steel is going to weigh a 1klbs either unless its a half load.

As to the hydraulic vs pto question. Generally tractors are setup for pto attachments. Some of the larger units can effectively run a hydraulic motor but those are pricey units and usually 75hp+ units with larger capacity hydraulic pumps. The pto is a much more efficient means of powering an implement like a brushog or a hay baler. Be aware that most tractors now are advertised at flywheel hp and not at PTO hp. Your implements could care less what is at the flywheel, they use the pto hp.


One of the biggest things to consider is hst vs gear. If you are going to be doing alot of loader work or mowing grass, a HST is very friendly to beginners and close quarters. If you need to be doing more field work or tend to focus more on driving around for periods of time, a gear tractor may suit you better. Nothing wrong with either transmission except you give up a bit of hp with the HST.


SO all in all, if you could get a little bit more specific with your questions, I think the members will be able to guide you in the right direction.

 

[nerdrage88]

10 acres. Well mainly lifting stuff and attachments as like augers and mowers and a bailer ( that's probably the only long run type stuff I'll do). So I guess lots of back and forth. I'm also thinking like 25% over what size I think I need for the times I need to lift HEAVY as in batteries and bags of cement and maybe big tanks.

 

[nerdrage88]

Oh and I apologize for the broad question I tried really hard not to be.

 

[varmint]

Welcome to the forum, and since it sounds like you have some time to study, poke around, ask questions and just look at equipment, you should be fine. If you don't already know about it, check out Tractorhouse.com, a clearing house for tractors, and there are others, as well. You will get a survey of what folks are selling, and how much they are "asking".

I personally have had great luck in buying three used Kubotas, and naturally I like them, but that's just me. The Deere guys, Case, Boomer and so forth will be making suggestions. Based on what you have shared so far, I would start thinking about something with at least 40-50 HP, HST or shuttle shift- a mid-sized CUT. You may have to travel some to find what you want, since I have never heard of Magna, UT. There are some surprisingly good used tractors for sale, with pricing all over the place, but it can be done. When you get a chance, look at features like remote hydraulics, extendable rear links, SSQA loaders (highly recommended by most of us here at TbN) and if you get into newer used machines, auto-throttles. If you post a "budget" you will probably start getting some links for used machines from thread followers.

 

[nerdrage88]

While I'm at it where can I find out what some of these terms are? Instead of asking what they are (since it's probably been asked many times) but rather where to find them.

One reason I decided to ask is because I have been looking and studying for quite some time now and have looked at mostly oldish Ford tractors. The number system for those is confusing (1900 I think range is like 30 40 HP and 2000 range is like 35 45 range.....idk) that's why I asked and it seems like I could still get a newer tractor for a modest price instead of getting something that old and I know even less about newer ones. At one point I thought most new tractors we mostly cheesy plastic but have realized that just isn't so, maybe some but far from all.

You people seem like a knowledgeable bunch, I am starting to have an idea of what to look for. Now specific brands and models I think I'll have to sift through the net to find that will fill the need. After reading these posts now I can formulate a somewhat more narrow question.

What size and features should I look for when searching the web? Mentioned above a 40-50 HP at least? Without getting way more then a need or not enough.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors will give you a pretty good reference for tractor sizes and hp. Its not 100% accurate but its pretty good resource in one place for tractor sizes.

HST-Hydro-stat Transmission
Shuttle Shift-Forward reverse lever that gives you the same number of gears forwards as reverse, when you throw it from forward to reverse it changes the direction of the tractor without having to use the clutch, JD call it a Power Reverser
QA-Quick Attach
CUT-Compact utility Tractor
SCUT-small compact utility tractor
UT-utility tractor

The SCUT,CUT, and UT are BROAD definitions.

r-4-industrial type wide lug tires
r-1-agricultural tires

feel free to do a search on the forum or ask your questions. we were all NOOBs at one point. :thumbsup:

 

[nerdrage88]

Wow that's unusual! Most other forums people get mad about people asking the same question multiple times. That shows how great people here are.

Anyway, thanks for the info that should aid my search I have come across tractor data before I have found it informative. Now I think I have an idea of the configuration, what about the features that will make life easier. Varmint mentioned remote hydraulics, ssqa and the like? Is there others that I should be aware of?

 

[Qapla]

I agree that I would not go under 40 hp.

You mentioned using a loader(FEL) - are you also thinking of having a Backhoe(BH)?

If so, JD and Kubota both have models with the driver seat turning around to use the hoe while many other models require to to get out of the driver's seat and mount the BH seat to use the hoe.

 

[nerdrage88]

Oh yeah I didn't mention a BH. Yes I do and I didn't want separate seat for the hoe. I was thinking of a JD 110 that the hoe is removable but that's more along the lines of a rubber tired back hoe (that's what my dad calls them) but decided against it since I want more of a tractor rather a construction deal you would see at a job site, unless, that is incorrect thinking.