Buying Advice Need help deciding on first tractor

[Dfwflyr]

So my fiancé and I just got a 55 acre place and it's time for a tractor. I'm not really sure on the HP size I can get away with. Right now the land is somewhat dense with young mesquite trees and I have a bucket attachment to pull them with I was using on a borrowed case tractor. Primary use right now will be moving round bales, digging what I can to level clay soil in the horse stable and other dirt work before we get to pasture cutting. I'm on a tight budget (under $10K) and I have been drawn to two different tractors. One is a M.F 1040 with 4x4 and a loader. I like the compact size but concerned if 32hp is enough for me and parts availability. The other is a M.F 275 with a loader but it's a 1975 and parts availability is still a concer. I'm half wondering if a small skid steer isn't more appropriate and I can borrow the in laws tractor to cut once I get mesquite trees under better control. Looking for any advise on buying right within my limits.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Pulling Mesquite is no joke. What size was the Case tractor you were using? Is mesquite a primary or secondary concern? The next most demanding thing you listed would be moving round bales safely (IMO).

 

[Creamer]

Have to Agree with Luke - pulling mesquite is no joke. 32 Hp is not enough. You mentioned a couple of MFs which I have never been a fan of because I have never been around where there was any dealer support. I sure would not be shy of some old iron though - 70 or 90 series Case, 56, 66, or 86 series IH should fit in that budget. I would be looking at a minimum of 70 Hp for 55 acres for dealing with mesquite and round bales. The Deere's of that era are good as well except they seem to fetch higher prices.

 

[Dfwflyr]

Yeah I have noticed the older deeres can be somewhat affordable. The Case I was borrowing was an 85hp and a bit out of my price. I borrowed their Massey once and perforated the tiered with mesquite thrown runs so I am hesitant to borrow the case. I have worked on aircraft and vehicles since I was a teen but there is something intimidating about having to split a tractor which is what has made me cautious with the old iron. I'm going to look up some of the IH. Looking at some of these older tractors what kind of maintenance cost should I be expecting? Thanks for the advise guys

 

[wcampbell47]

Moving round hay bales: doubt 32 hp is going to be enough but that depends on the weight of the bales and if you are going to use the FEL or the 3 point.
Digging in clay with a FEL: strongly suggest 4 WD for this task.

Use tractordata.com to lookup lifting capabilities of these tractors. My understanding is round bales can weigh 1500 lbs. The FEL on the 1040 will lift only about half that. Do you know enough about tractors to assess the worthiness of a used tractor? Just asking. I looked on dallas craigslist and found only 2 tractors with FEL under $10k. The MF 275 has enough horsepower but no info on the FEL. I have been looking at skid steers and found nothing in the $10k range that I would consider. Used tractors with hay spears on the FEL generally run in the 50 plus hp range.

Ask about tractor size for moving hay in the Hay Production forum.

What I have done in the past (3 times now) is put down $2K on a new tractor with zero percent financing for 60 months. That gave me a tractor I did not have to worry about fixing every time I wanted to use it, a warranty, and insurance to fix any mishaps. If things don't work out resale value for diesel tractors is usually very good.

 

[jeff9366]

Moving round hay bales: doubt 32 hp is going to be enough but that depends on the weight of the bales and if you are going to use the FEL or the 3 point.
Digging in clay with a FEL: strongly suggest 4 WD for this task.

Use tractordata.com to lookup lifting capabilities of these tractors. My understanding is round bales can weigh 1500 lbs. The FEL on the 1040 will lift only about half that. Do you know enough about tractors to assess the worthiness of a used tractor? Just asking. I looked on dallas craigslist and found only 2 tractors with FEL under $10k. The MF 275 has enough horsepower but no info on the FEL. I have been looking at skid steers and found nothing in the $10k range that I would consider. Used tractors with hay spears on the FEL generally run in the 50 plus hp range.

What I have done in the past (3 times now) is put down $2K on a new tractor with zero percent financing for 60 months. That gave me a tractor I did not have to worry about fixing every time I wanted to use it, a warranty, and insurance to fix any mishaps. If things don't work out resale value for diesel tractors is usually very good.

---- X 2 ----

Very few people new to tractors know anything about diesel engines; fewer know anything about hydraulic systems.

Here in low-cost Florida, the Kuborta shop bills the mechanic at $70 per hour. Parts for tractors are even more expensive than parts for cars. Old beaters can be really expensive to keep running.

Buy new. If you buy Kubota, buy Kubota's KTAC insurance, which protects you against unexpected repair bills after a $250 deductible.

Weight is as important as horsepowers when buying a tractor.



Here is a LINK to new and used tractors on eBay, customized for Dallas: Industrial Tractor | eBay

 

[4570Man]

I don't know of any new 10k tractor that can lift a round bail with the FEL. Will the 3 point hitch be able to lift high enough? It is about the only way to lift a round bail with a 10k tractor.

 

[GManBart]

I don't know of any new 10k tractor that can lift a round bail with the FEL. Will the 3 point hitch be able to lift high enough? It is about the only way to lift a round bail with a 10k tractor.

He never said new, and mentioned a couple of used tractors he's interested in. I think it's going to be tight either way for $10K, but possible if he's willing to look at older machines and stick to 2wd.

 

[GManBart]

So my fiancé and I just got a 55 acre place and it's time for a tractor. I'm not really sure on the HP size I can get away with. Right now the land is somewhat dense with young mesquite trees and I have a bucket attachment to pull them with I was using on a borrowed case tractor. Primary use right now will be moving round bales, digging what I can to level clay soil in the horse stable and other dirt work before we get to pasture cutting. I'm on a tight budget (under $10K) and I have been drawn to two different tractors. One is a M.F 1040 with 4x4 and a loader. I like the compact size but concerned if 32hp is enough for me and parts availability. The other is a M.F 275 with a loader but it's a 1975 and parts availability is still a concer. I'm half wondering if a small skid steer isn't more appropriate and I can borrow the in laws tractor to cut once I get mesquite trees under better control. Looking for any advise on buying right within my limits.

The FEL on the Massey 1040 isn't likely powerful enough to lift round bales....even if it's the better of the two that were available (1,000lbs to full height). The other thing is, that model wasn't made by Massey, and parts certainly could be a problem....how many Toyosha tractors do we really see supported here?

The Massey 285 shouldn't be too bad getting parts for, but it's still a 40 year old tractor so it's not likely those parts are kept in stock most place. Also, being 40 years old, it means there's a good chance you will need parts at some point, and maybe some right away.

If you have to look at older 2wd tractors, the best parts availability will probably be for Deere and Ford/NH....lots of them out there, so there are places making aftermarket parts and dealers can still get most of the common parts pretty quickly.

 

[Dfwflyr]

I just got off the phone wi a seller and I'm going to look at a Massey 30e industrial tractor in the morning. 61hp with a bucket that lifts 5000lbs and a couple attachments for under $5k. This will be my first but not my only tractor. I just bought the ranch and need to pay down other debt before going with a more expensive tractor. I do like the sound of the Kabota warranty however those new machines are out of my range right now. I think I'm drawn towards the old MF because of the 231 I have been using and I know I can get parts locally (but still further Away than the JD dealer)

 

[4570Man]

He never said new, and mentioned a couple of used tractors he's interested in. I think it's going to be tight either way for $10K, but possible if he's willing to look at older machines and stick to 2wd.

New is where the other posters are swaying him. My neighbor bought a used DK40 4x4 with a loader capable of lifting round bails for $11,000.

 

[Dfwflyr]

What I have done in the past (3 times now) is put down $2K on a new tractor with zero percent financing for 60 months. That gave me a tractor I did not have to worry about fixing every time I wanted to use it, a warranty, and insurance to fix any mishaps. If things don't work out resale value for diesel tractors is usually very good.

A new case 75hp is in my future but right now I'm not comfortable taking on another payment especially with a house I have been in only 90 days and already had to sink a considerable chunk of money into after moving in. The problem I'm having now is things like having to move 5 yards of gravel with a shovel and a UTV bed and other dirt work. I'm moving round bales for the horses by hand and it's taking a toll on my body

 

[wcampbell47]

What I have done in the past (3 times now) is put down $2K on a new tractor with zero percent financing for 60 months. That gave me a tractor I did not have to worry about fixing every time I wanted to use it, a warranty, and insurance to fix any mishaps. If things don't work out resale value for diesel tractors is usually very good.

I admit freely I am a fool for good tools. Been that way all my life. Have seldom purchased used equipment hoping it will last or do the job intended. I value my time and now that I am much older I don't want to punish my body as I did when younger. I can't do the work I did 30 years ago, so I depend on a good tool to give me an edge.

Unsolicited advise: don't work yourself to to point you can't enjoy time with your partner.

 

[motownbrowne]

I don't know of any new 10k tractor that can lift a round bail with the FEL. Will the 3 point hitch be able to lift high enough? It is about the only way to lift a round bail with a 10k tractor.

There's a new tractor for $10,000 with a FEL??

 

[4570Man]

There's a new tractor for $10,000 with a FEL??

I believe a BX or comparable tractor cost about that.

 

[sea2summit]

I believe a BX or comparable tractor cost about that.

There isn't BX that will lift a round bale.

 

[4570Man]

There isn't BX that will lift a round bale.

I'm fully aware of that. Did you read the thread?

 

[sea2summit]

I'm fully aware of that. Did you read the thread?

Did you?

Primary use right now will be moving round bales, digging what I can to level clay soil in the horse stable and other dirt work before we get to pasture cutting.

 

[motownbrowne]

I believe a BX or comparable tractor cost about that.

I wish... The smallest BX has an MSRP of $9,971... without a loader.

Sorry for the sidetrack, OP, you're in a tough spot. Personally, if you know you'll be buying a new 70 HP machine in the next few years, I'd recommend just going for it now. The financing deals are good and you could have a reasonable payment.

Failing that option, I'd look at used M series Kubotas. One member here scored a real nice M4700 for under $10k at a public surplus auction. 4wd is real nice to have, and you won't find that on old iron. Might have to stretch the budget a little, or do some traveling, but there's deals to be had.

Or, find an old heavy two wheel drive with a loader. Make sure the loader is all-hydraulic, not trip style. Make sure you've got power steering, decent tires, and ideally a differential lock. In addition to old ag tractors, one can often find industrial versions from the same period. These are lower, and heavier with a more powerful loader. If you pursue this option, I'd really recommend bringing a mechanic with you when you go shopping. The money you pay them will be worth it. Also, make sure you're ready to tackle some repairs. Buy a set of combination wrenches up to 2" and a 3/4" socket set. A big impact driver is awful nice too.

 

[4570Man]

Did you?

Yes, and I never recommended a BX. I said I didn't know of any new 10k tractor that can lift a round bail, and another poster said you couldn't get any new tractor for 10k.