Large 2WD compacts with FEL

[cowboydoc]

Deere now has a utility economy tractor debuting for 2003. With a loader you can get the 44hp model for well under $20k with any kind of a deal at all. This is specifically what this model of tractor was designed to do.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/feature/5003-series-tractors.html

 

[RichZ]

I've got an Oliver 1550 with a factory loader. It's not a compact (62 hp), but it's 2 wd. I use it for loader work almost daily for everything from manure to rocks. For my use, 4 wd is certainly not neccessary.

 

[Cacinok]

I've got some time on my old Long 35 hp 2wd w/ FEL. The previous owner had installed oversize front tires, this, I believe, helps enormously.

As has been mentioned above, match your tractor to your job, I would also add, match it to the terrain on which you'll be working and other variables such as whether you will need to work regardless of the conditions. For example, will you need to work the tractor in all conditions such as mud, snow etc. or are you like me, in that when conditions really get soupy, I don't have to do tractor work.

Using a 2wd tractor in the mud is not impossible, but it requires more careful operation to prevent the obvious, getting stuck, and to prevent the heart stopping sideways slide.

Our property is a rectangle w/ a shallow "V" in the middle w/ a 5-8% grade towards, the front and back. I've yet to have a problem when I pay attention.

Clint