I've outgrown my tractor

[jlbash1]

I\'ve outgrown my tractor

I've had my Kubota L2650 for 5 years now and I really like it. It's 4wd with the GST tranny. Most of it's life has been dedicated to mowing, tilling, and other light utility work. I'm moving in the direction of some more AG related work. I've purchased a New holland square baler, rake, and a 7ft sickle bar mower. The Kubota can pull the baler and the other equipment, but bigger would be a little better. What really convinced me that I wanted a more AG related tractor was how some of the implements I have borrowed fit my tractor. I'm using a 2 bottom plow now and it hits on my lift arms when it is raised too high, and a few other little things.

So here's the question. I've read and been told I can probably get around $9500 out of my tractor. What kind of tractor can I reasonably expect to get for this kind of $$. I'm hoping to find a 40-50 horse full size tractor. The used market around my area is very bad right now and I don't have too much to go look at. I would really like some of you guys to maybe steer me in a direction so I can really start looking. So far I've just been confused with all the older tractors, don't know much about the older tractors, and I've never owned an AG tractor.

Maybe this is too open ended, but I feel like I need a little advice as to some models that would work for me.

Thanks

Jarrod

 

[Soundguy]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

If I were you.. I'd keep that tractor.. it sounds like a creampuff... and then get an older ag tractor for the big brute work.

Things like Ford 5000, 6000, 7xxx and 8xxx case 1xxx.. MF 1100.. etc Those will get you into tractors in the 60-115 hp region.

One issue about trading your versatile mid size tractor to get a large tractor.. is well.. you can no longer do that mid size work. I did the same as you.. i traded my creampuff NH1920 in on a NH7610s.. trippled my HP nearly.. and now can't use cat 1 implements.. or do anything that a 7' wide , nearly 11' tall (at the stack ) tractor can't get thru / to!

You have already said the used market is bad.. so.. I'm not sure where you would be able to sell yours and get another.. etc... Even looking at the chinese market.. to get into the 40-80 hp range.. you will still be dropping double digit $$..

Soundguy

 

[BarryinMN]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

A JD 4020 90+ PTO are selling around $8-10K in decent shape. Another option is a Zetor they sell cheap & are reliable. Check www.fastline.com for availability.

I concur with Soundguy keep the smaller tractor for small stuff.

 

[Spiffy]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

Another vote to keep the CUT if you're going for some ag horsepower.

Irronically, the 4020 was mentioned. Something like that would be great. The FIL puts a 3010 [about 60HP] on the baler [about 1000lb rounds] and it has no problem.

Of course, even that's way too big for tasks just "around the farm."

How, ironic; just today I mentioned in a PM to another member that my knowlege is closer to ag than the CUT needs most expressed on TBN. Then I happen across two threads needing an ag style machine worse! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MMM]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

I second the 4020. Plenty horsepower, yet nimble and not too bad on fuel. Many of the older big tractors aren't synchro tranny and can be a pain. I'd be wary of powershift types too, unless you know they've been redone recently. Really expensive to repair.

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

Right up my alley!!!

There's a host of good "AG tractors" in the $5000 to $10,000 range. Some even cheaper than that. For the needs you listed, 50 HP would do the trick, but bigger might be better. I'd shoot for 60 to 80 HP. Remember, bigger means more fuel used in a given timeframe.

I'm a great fan of John Deere equipment. so I'll start there.

The 4020 is a great tractor. In it's day, there was no equal. They still command a good price. Problem is, they're from 35 to as much as 41 years old now. You're apt to be spending pesos on them in due time.

My personal favorite is the xx40 series Deere. The 4440 is in my opinion, the best tractor Deere ever built. It's a bit big for your needs though. I'd suggest a 4040, or 2440,2640, (skip the 2840..) or a 2940 You're looking at 90 HP, 60 HP, 70 HP, and 80 HP respectively. The "Dubuque" tractors from Deere are (2XXXseries) extremely popular. (From mid 80's on, they were actually made in Mannehiem Germany) The xx40 series, xx50 series, and xx55 series utilities sell like hot cakes. Expect big dollars beyond the 40 series.

Ford made some darn fine tractors in the 50 to 90 HP range. So did Massey Ferguson. (and just about all the "majors")

But here's my only real solid piece of advice.... Don't "limit yourself" to a particular brand, model or year. Go find what's "out there", then come back with your findings. Odds are, someone will know about that exact tractor.

By the way, I have a Deere 4020, a pair of 2440's, a 4240, a 4440, a 4955, and several smaller, older tractors.

I farm, among other things, and LOVE using the 2440's for haying. (60 HP, around 6800 lbs. )

 

[jlbash1]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

I unfortunately can't get an ag tractor and keep the one I have. I am hoping for a tractor that would be a good compromise. I'll still have to pull a finish mower, I currently have a 6 footer. I am thinking a mid 40's HP or a little more weighing about 4500-5000 pounds. 2 wheel drive diesel.

So far I have visited a few local tractor dealers and have struck out because they just don't have any used tractors. I did look at a New Holland tractor yesterday, can't remember the model #, it was about$13,750, so a little high. It looked like it would be about right though, I'm thinking it was a 4330.

Looking on fastline.com at some of the local places I haven't had a chance to hit yet they have a some JD's; 2940, 2020, and a 2150. I'll try to run and look at those soon. I also know of a Ford 3930 that may be for sell but i haven't seen it yet.

I'm in no hurry so I'm going to look around quite a bit. They tell me this is the slow time of year for finding used tractors, so maybe my luck would be better in the spring, but things will cost a little more in the spring too.

I did talk to the guys at sweet tractors, he's probably around on this discussion board somewhere, they had a JD 2040, MF 265 and 175, and Ford 2600 and 2810 tractors plus a few others. They are far enough away that it will be a special trip to visit there, but I intend too. They were very helpful on the phone.

Thanks for the advice and keep it coming. I'll post back when I've seen a few more tractors around and see what you guys think.

Jarrod

 

[Paddy]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

I bought a KAMA 454. 45 hp 4x4. She has some weight, 4900lb with the FEL. This is a work horse with out the shine of the big 3. I would not mow the front yard on a wet day with it but I don't feel I bought an under sized tractor.

Chip delivers to your area, visit his web site at www.artrac.com

 

[Keith_B]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

A good place to locate used ag euipment is at Equipment Trader Online . The search page I have linked will find equipment within certain distances of your zip code. If you watch you can find some really good deals from individuals on occassion. Here is a sample of an ad from a guy that is about 35 miles from me, and purchases ag tractors in the 65-125HP range to resell. He goes to sales all over the midwest and picks up a lot of stuff at a good price that may be deemed to small or too large to sell elsewhere and bring much money. http://adcache.equipmenttraderonline.com/9/0/7/80384307.htm

In my area the most expensive tractors are 50 HP and under utilities, bigger stuff can be purchased much cheaper.

 

[jlbash1]

Re: I\'ve outgrown my tractor

I went and looked at a local dealer yesterday after work, they had a JD 2150 that looked like it would be about right. Approx. 45 horse and 5000 pounds. Just about right, this one was a little rough for my me, but it looked like the size I was thinking.

Anybody have a 2150 or have any comments on one? If I run into one in a little better shape I'd like to know a little more about it.

Jarrod