HCJtractor
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2009
- Messages
- 1,541
- Location
- upstate South Carolina, Greenville
- Tractor
- Kubota M6800, Massey Ferguson 240
Sounds like you are on the right track. For the purposes you mentioned, a smaller tractor will be just great, so you don't need a 50 horse, and standard duty implements will be just fine. Make sure you look ahead to see if there are any future needs that you may not now recognize. Also, your dealer should give you a better price for a package rather than buying each seperately, and if you need to take advantage of the sometimes available zero percent financing, the implements can often be included on that basis. I am partial to Kubota, but Deeres are certainly great also. See which one fits you better and which dealer offers support. Don't forget regular maintenance will be needed so ask about free transporting. My dealer will pickup and deliver free in the off season for any repairs or maintenance. That will help if you don't have a trailer and truck. Also do you need a bucket? I never use mine, as I don't move gravel or dirt. Instead, you could get a light duty grapple for not much more than a bucket, if you need to move chainsaw debris, downed trees, or uproot small trees. Just a thought to consider. I bought an FEL w/o a bucket and saved money. Also ask what system the FEL uses for quick attach. The standard skid steer is better and more universal, so if the John Deere is their own system, this will limit your future choices. I would lean towards a tractor with skid steer quick connect so if you ever need forks, or a bale spear, grapple, etc. Good luck! You will have fun with this!!