Buying Advice Introduction/Advice

[HCROW]

I recently purchased a foreclosure on 15 acres. The land is mostly wooded with about 2 acres of lawn and 2 acres of horse pasture. The land is very hilly. I bought (first tractor ever) a 1969 Case 440 with a loader with the intention of using that to move round bales, clean up after horses, snow blowing and brush hog work. After using it for a few months I have realized this tractor really doesn't suit my needs. So, my question is, is it possible to find something new in the 30-40hp range, 4x4, hydrostatic trans, loader and cab for under $20k? Is there anything else is should be looking for?

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Speaking new, you may want to check out what I have: the JD 4105. If you load the tyres it could suit and I have no problems handling large round bales.

It's a 'bare bones' tractor however there is no cab option. Good luck.

 

[varmint]

I'll jump in and say... no. But, with a bit of luck, you might find something used. I think the cab is what complicates this. Although, for snowblowing and bush hogging, a cab will be needed.

 

[jeff9366]

Is it possible to find something [new] in the 30-40hp range, 4x4, hydrostatic trans, loader and cab for under $20k? Is there anything else is should be looking for?

Many tractors are sold on eBay. Here is a list of 100 tractors listed now, within 200 miles of zip code 49601.

LINK: Industrial Tractor | eBay

 

[jeff9366]

I bought a 1969 Case 440 with a loader with the intention of using that to move round bales, clean up after horses, snow blowing and brush hog work. After using it for a few months I have realized this tractor really doesn't suit my needs.

Exactly what do you find negative about the Case 440?

 

[RoyJackson]

New...I doubt it...not with a cab and 30-40 HP.

Nothing wrong with used tractor though...even then, a used tractor that meets your specifications and budget will probably be a private party which means you'll want cash in hand when looking.
Do be cautious of scams...if it sounds too good to be true, or the seller says it needs to shipped or not available for test driving, run the other way!

 

[big bubba]

New...I doubt it...not with a cab and 30-40 HP.

Nothing wrong with used tractor though...even then, a used tractor that meets your specifications and budget will probably be a private party which means you'll want cash in hand when looking.
Do be cautious of scams...if it sounds too good to be true, or the seller says it needs to shipped or not available for test driving, run the other way!

advice well given here. imho CUT tractors in the 30hp range would just be at the limit of handling round bales. and generally, the smaller/lighter it is, the more unstable on hills..... when testing out a possible tractor, whether on a dealer lot or privately owned, i suggest replicating your field application as much as possible, not just around the flat, paved lot...no surprises after the purchase! best of luck

 

[HCROW]

Exactly what do you find negative about the Case 440?

I wouldn't say that there's anything negative about a 440, just that it's not the best fit for my application. Mainly trying to shift and run a loader takes more skill than what I possess.

 

[k0ua]

I don't think you are going to find anything new for that money.. But used, yes, it is possible. You might find a used Kioti DK40se or DK45se Or one of the LS machines for that. I gave $19,300 for my Kioti 3 years ago, but as you can see it does not have a cab. That would have been another $6000.

 

[Creamer]

The Case 440 is much heavier than the newer CUTs. I would be nervous handling round bales with most 30 hp CUTs unless you are doing it on the 3 pt. The weight on the front end when hitting ruts and obstructions can be tough on them. Of course the bigger you go the more they cost.

 

[big bubba]

The Case 440 is much heavier than the newer CUTs. I would be nervous handling round bales with most 30 hp CUTs unless you are doing it on the 3 pt. The weight on the front end when hitting ruts and obstructions can be tough on them. Of course the bigger you go the more they cost.

agreed....add hills to the above scenario on a smaller CUT w/ round bales, and you have liability to say the least.

 

[HCROW]

The Case 440 is much heavier than the newer CUTs. I would be nervous handling round bales with most 30 hp CUTs unless you are doing it on the 3 pt. The weight on the front end when hitting ruts and obstructions can be tough on them. Of course the bigger you go the more they cost.

Digging around on tractordata.com shows my 440 at 3125 lbs. There are several CUT's that are listed as heavy, if not heavier. What am I missing?

 

[RoyJackson]

Digging around on tractordata.com shows my 440 at 3125 lbs. There are several CUT's that are listed as heavy, if not heavier. What am I missing?

Not all information passed out on TBN is accurate...as you just found out. That 440 is about the same weight as the old (1998-2004 or 2005) Deere 4xxx series and current 3x20 series and about 800 pounds lighter then the current 4x20 series Deeres.

Speaking of the old 4xxx series Deeres, you might do some research on those...especially the larger frame 4500, 4600 and 4700 (and their replacements...the 4x10 series) which weigh in closer to 4000 lbs.
Going to be tough finding one with a factory cab, but ones with aftermarket cabs, although not too common, were available. Don't expect air conditioning, but heaters are available (at least in the Curtis Cabs).
These machines go between $12K and $20K+.

 

[HCROW]

Looking at 2 local tractors, thoughts?

2006 TC30
1000 hours
HST
4x4
Loader
Mower
Back blade
Loaded R4's
$12g

2000 TC45
1200 hours
HST
4x4
QA Bucket
Forks
Box blade
York rake
Ag tires
$11g

 

[RoyJackson]

Looking at 2 local tractors, thoughts?

2006 TC30
1000 hours
HST
4x4
Loader
Mower
Back blade
Loaded R4's
$12g

2000 TC45
1200 hours
HST
4x4
QA Bucket
Forks
Box blade
York rake
Ag tires
$11g

Between the two, I'd go for the TC45

 

[noller9]

There are some dealers selling new Bransons TLB for under 20K in Western PA. Maybe 25ish HP. I am using a Kubota 32 horse gear model to clear some land and with a little patience can accomplish great things

 

[Creamer]

Agree - the TC45 for handling those bales plus the attachments