Looking to buy first tractor - 3 acre farm

[sugarbeard]

Hi All,

new to the forum. Starting a farm next year and looking to buy a tractor. Primarily concerned with tractor width and PTO hp. Will be used mainly for pulling 74' land pride tiller, so hoping to find something equal to or less than that width. Unsure what kind of hp you need to get the job done. 40?

Primarily focused on Kubota L4400, but pricing may be an issue. Looking to spend no more than $19000.

Anyone out there know of anything comparable or have any advice for a first time buying? Is it possible to find this within my price range?

Thanks

 

[ModMech]

Welcome!

Our B2410 has "about" 17 PTO HP and does just fine with a 60" tiller, it could use more weight.

I would suggest you look at the 3000 and 4000 series JDs, you should be able to get a package including tractor, shredder and trailer for that - NEW!

EVERY time I get on our tractor I wish it was "bigger", mostly it needs to be HEAVIER and not larger or more powerful, although the rear lift is not strong enough to lift implements that the tractor is powerful enough to operate.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[newbury]

Rule of thumb at least 5 pto HP per foot. more if you have dense or new soil. L4400, 38HP PTO should handle it.

My M4700 cost 11.5K used, so it's doable.

 

[jeff9366]

Primarily focused on Kubota L4400, but pricing may be an issue. Looking to spend no more than $19000.

L4400 would be a good choice. Ample, ample for three acres. Heavy enough platform to be stable and safe.

For once, someone considering ENOUGH tractor for the first purchase!

A front end loader (FEL) is the most useful single tractor option. Four Wheel Drive is important to have with FEL, for traction when filling the bucket.


TWO LINKS:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/318561-no-fel-no-problem.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/search.php?searchid=2332508

 

[countryguy1225]

I really agree w/ jeff9366. I have a 25hp L series kabota w/ 23hp on the PTO and it's a bit shy on the 60' tiller if the soil is packed and hard. Besides, You WILL want to upgrade quick once you get into the farm and other implements. 1 bottom -vs- 3 bottom etc. I also would not buy anything less than 4 wheel drive but that is my opinion. Also, are you looking at Ag tires? turf, Other? I do not like my turfs... they slip in the mud and I love my Ag's on the Mitsubishi tractor. ENJOY the purchase.

 

[Texasmark]

I too agree with Jeff. If you are going to be doing any fencing, LIVE PTO is an excellent choice because within the full clutch travel are two drive system, one PTO and the other ground movement. The ground movement is controlled on the upper part of the clutch pedal travel while the PTO is controlled on the lower part. So you can be drilling the hole, need some correction, push the clutch down about half way, make your shift, move F or R to straighten the hole as necessary all while the PTO is turning.

When drilling the hole it seems you always need to do a little tweaking before you finish the hole and the LIVE PTO allows you to creep F or R as needed to straighten the auger while the PTO is still turning.

On 4wd and FEL, the 4wd front end is rugged and tires are usually large as compared to a 2wd. This makes for better "flotation" on the front wheels when the bucket is full. Amazing how handy they are and once you use it you too will agree. Other thing on the 4wd is that when working slopes, lt helps to keep the front end straight, rather than wanting to slide down hill. On hard pulling it makes the difference too.

Only thing I would add is getting a transmission with enough gear selections for you to move at the ground speed you need when doing tilling. Got to be going slow.

Good luck,
Mark

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

I had a 60 inch tiller that I used behind a L3700 and it worked fine changed to a L4600 and went with 72 inch tiller . I think that tiller should be as wide as tractor to cover tracks. think advise to get a FEL and 4wd is worth noting and if you have to wait on this I would because its a big investment take your time and get what you want enjoy.

 

[sugarbeard]

Thanks for all he feed back. Found something in my area that might get the job done... Kubota L4330 FEL Shuttle shift with 800 Hrs. Heading up this afternoon to check it out. Anything particular I should be looking for or questions to ask when buying a used tractor with this many hours? Was just gonna take it for a spin...

 

[jeff9366]

I was wondering that same thing. You have a guy that can't physically watch what's going on behind the machine which is really a requirement to be able to use 3pt grading implements.

Are the Kubota tractor and FEL manuals (2) available?

Is there a maintenance log?

Is there FRESH grease visible around all the pivot pins on the FEL? Are FEL telescoping chrome extensions free from corrosion?

Is the bucket level, left to right? (Otherwide one FEL arm has been "sprung".)

Any signs of leaks on the hydraulic hoses or at hose connections?

Crawl under the tractor and look for damage, torn rubber boots, leaks, rodent damaged wiring.

Is the Three Point Hitch complete? All Kubota parts?

Does the PTO turn with force? Are the splines free of dings/obstructions?

How are the tires? Big tires are a big expense.

Does the temp gauge read in the green after 30 minutes operation?

Tractor stored inside preferable to tractor stored outside in this vintage.

L4330 = nice tractor; 800 hours = moderate use IF WELL MAINTAINED.