Looking to buy my first tractor

[torch1]

Good morning, first thing I will recommend is get a tractor brand that is supported by a dealer that is close to your location and that is willing to help you with any service problems you may have.
Have a look at the service points for the tractor, is this something that you can do if that is something that appeals to you.
One excellant tool to have with any loader attachment is a quick attach for the front end of the loader, this allows you to change from a bucket to a set of forks or other attachment iI minute’s without any major hassles or tools. If you are going to handle logs, get a thumb for the loader, this is another great tool and is just like having another set of hands. 3 point hitch for the rear is a must as again you can add on all sorts of attachments to make your job easier. With the three point hitch you want extra hydraulic controls that you can add hydraulic control with hydraulic quick couplers.
I am unsure of your Texas weather but I will suggest a canopy over the operator station, great for sun and rain, hard plastic is just fine. Cabs are very very nice but the price will shock you.
30 horsepower should do most jobs you will attemp on 20 acres. I will also recommend that your tractor have a PTO.
if you do not understand any of these terms, get your perspective dealer to show you what they are and how they operate. A great way to help pick a brand and what attachments you may want.

This is a great group and members are more than willing to help new people out, great way to find out what you want and need for your acreage. Welcome.

 

[somanytractors]

The tractor you need for clearing and the tractor you'll need for maintenance are 2 different things.
For clearing I would buy a used backhoe. Not super big but deffinately big enough. If you're looking at one and you're not sure it's big enough, go bigger.
Being a used tractor, when you're all done clearing and dont need the big tractor anymore, you can resale it and buy something with a 3pt and pto for general tractor work.

 

[rScotty]

I am pretty much a noob as well, and found a really nice 1986 YM336D with less than 200 hrs that fits my needs perfectly. Another factor beyond needing DEF that made a newer tractor a non starter for me was the fact that they are chock full of electronic components and require computerized diagnostic tools to service. I want to be able to fix it myself with a minimum of special tools or equipment. You may want to consider the possibility that you may end up in limp mode with some little glitch that requires plugging in to fix it. Sometimes repairing small purely mechanical issues can trigger fault codes. I wanted no part of that. Something like this YM3110D is probably at the lower end of what you need but there is money left over for ballast and attachments. These Yanmars are built like tanks, and Fredericks is authorized by Yanmar to rebuild them and use the Yanmar name. Good parts availability. No affiliation with Fredericks. I was ready to pull the trigger until I found the one I bought for a deal that was too good to pass up. You may be better served by buying a nice smaller tractor that will handle many tasks, and get a "beater" to do the heavy lifting. I have a neighbor that has a fleet that looks like they are scrap, but they all work hard.

YM3110D

You got yourself a real classic. Congrats. We had a YM336D for a long time & wish it was still here. Low hour ones are rare. A keeper for sure.

BUT, for the OP to be doing 20 acres of woodlands - well the 33 hp Yanmarr 336D is a little light. My advice is to get a used yellow loader/backhoe to get things done, and then use the Yanmar to maintain it.
rScotty

 

[Padi]

Hi just joined the group, I’m looking for opinions on what tractor to get I’m thinking that a compact is what I need. I’ve got a little over 20 acres in north east Texas a lot of timber on the property a lot of down trees needing cleaning up and piles to burn.

I’m planning to do a lot of heavy lifting in addition to a good bit of dirt work. That said I require a front end loader, a box blade and eventually like to get a grappler and a brush hog and I’m sure other implants down the road. I’ve gone to several of the local tractor dealers just looking and having no real ideas on what to get.

For the little bit of research that I have done I like a lot of the standard options the new Summit tractor offers. I know it is not a well established company and only time will tell.

One thing I would prefer is that the tractor not need DEF because of the added complexity of them and from what I’ve heard they can be more finicky. I’ve been advised to stay away from the tractors with regin systems.

Additionally I would like to stay under 25k

Thanks in advance.

Buy older tractor between 80 to 110 hp 4wd with front loader compact tractor no good for what you need also in the future the implements you buy can be used on a newer tractor other than that a backhoe if you are a good operator will do any thing you need as regards timber clearance

 

[tbjr8257]

I researched a lot of tractors and settled on the BadBoy 4035 tractor without cab. Front loader and backhoe and like this tractor. As for $25000 you may want to look at going a bit higher to get something decent. I paid $32,000. This is made by TYM so you may find the equivalent there. 35hp.

 

[jrsavoie]

I'd stay away from newer machines with electronics and emissions.

A lot of the newer mm achiness are oversized for the horsepower or under powered for all the size of the machine.

If you see are handy or lucky, you can find an older be used machine, that will most likely be better built and outlast anything you can find new

 

[jrt750]

Hi just joined the group, I’m looking for opinions on what tractor to get I’m thinking that a compact is what I need. I’ve got a little over 20 acres in north east Texas a lot of timber on the property a lot of down trees needing cleaning up and piles to burn.

I’m planning to do a lot of heavy lifting in addition to a good bit of dirt work. That said I require a front end loader, a box blade and eventually like to get a grappler and a brush hog and I’m sure other implants down the road. I’ve gone to several of the local tractor dealers just looking and having no real ideas on what to get.

For the little bit of research that I have done I like a lot of the standard options the new Summit tractor offers. I know it is not a well established company and only time will tell.

One thing I would prefer is that the tractor not need DEF because of the added complexity of them and from what I’ve heard they can be more finicky. I’ve been advised to stay away from the tractors with regin systems.

Additionally I would like to stay under 25k

Thanks in advance.

Three years ago I purchased a Kubota BX23s for $25k they are now $32K. Its a great machine but it is not big enough to handle tree work. It has a very low lifting capacity. It is good enough for what I'm doing but its sounds like you need a bigger machine. It is also very tippy on uneven ground. You have a big property, buy a bigger machine , you'll get your money back down the road. Brand wise Id chose Kubota everyday. My wife picked it, she noticed how much heaver it was bult compared to all other brands . Happy wife happy life.

 

[txdoc42]

I bought a Branson 3515h last year now it’s the tym 3515h. I live in the same area as you , with 25 acres. I got mine at BigTex Tractors in caddo mills and had it delivered. I think a 2515h would fit in your budget. It one of the biggest framed 25 hp tractor out there and about 2/3 the price of the green/orange. On their website they have 2515h with a mower and box blade for about 23000. If you can’t get the grapple yet try to get the 3rd function installed at purchase. I would also get the tires loaded if possible. A set of forks would also serve you well until you can afford a grapple.
I think you will find the lifting capacity and weight of the tractor is the best you are going to find in that price point of 25k.
Definitely check out big Tex I think you will find what you are looking for. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

If you end up shopping new tractors, I also bought a Branson from Big Tex in Caddo Mills a year and a half ago. That 4815CH has been the best investment I've made for my property, and Big Tex has been more than helpful both before and after the sale. I had an electrical issue with the PTO system about three months in that they were able to diagnose over the phone with me. They then had the replacement switch overnighted to me at home. No extra charges, no headaches.

I believe the measure of a dealership is how they handle problems when no money is on the line. These guys got me fixed right away and then called back a week later to confirm everything was still working properly. I couldn't be happier with my purchase or their service.

 

[ljjhouser]

Welcome to TBN. Glad you are here. From what you are saying, I don't think I would go much below 50 HP. Unfortunately, I don't think 25K will get you there. Best Wishes.

 

[tonynz]

Your needs (wants) will change over time. Nothing worse than having a big beefy machine when all you need is something to mow the grass and tow a trailer. FEL's can be a pain when you only use it a couple of times a year. Often, a good back bucket or forks will do the job and can be removed easily. I have a Ferguson 35X and it has done everything I have ever asked of it. The best thing you can do is to become as familiar as possible with your tractor so as to avoid so called "service" offers from the dealers. Learn to change the fluids and to listen for changes in the sound of the tractor so you can avoid costly breakdowns. My choice of implements is limited to a grader blade, back bucket, crane, post hole digger and rotary hoe- oh, a shredder is great for creating mulch for the garden.