Needing advice on tractor size

[LNSTrees]

I've been reading a lot in this forum and really appreciate the expertise that's freely shared here. I am about to buy my first tractor. I have a 90 acre tract that was just logged and I plan to manage it for hunting (food plots), timber, and Christmas trees. I have a lot of slash to clean up and stumps to grind as the initial surge of work. Longer term, I will be maintaining roads and moving logs to a portable sawmill. The terrain is what I'd call gently rolling hills. I am shopping multi brands, but I'll limit this question to Massey Ferguson options to hopefully get some clear opinions.

I am looking at an MF 2850M and an MF 4707. I've become convinced that a cab is worth the money due to the horse flies and ground wasps in the summer. I tend to think that the 2850 will do everything I need, but I can afford the 4707 and that thing is a real beast and would definitely do everything I need. The only operations I think the 2850 could fall short on is moving larger logs and helping with moving shipping containers around (I know neither tractor can outright move a container, but the 4707 should be able to pick up one end to get rollers under it and then pull it on rollers).

The 4707 is about $20k more than the 2850. That's 20k I could spend on implements like a PTO brush mulcher and a stump grinder. I want a swing arm stump grinder so I can just park and grind, and from what I've researched, it will be at least twice as expensive to get one that can handle the power of the 4707 (have to go from a 24" to a 30" wheel).

Further down the road, I could also see using the tractor and implements as a side gig to remove stumps and clean up brush. I think a smaller, more maneuverable, lighter to haul tractor would likely be a better fit here as well.

If anyone has experience with either of these classes of tractor in these applications, I'd appreciate any knowledge you can share. Thanks!

 

[big bubba]

you'll receive lots of advice for your choice. my only note is a 40+ hp tractor may be undersized for your tasks, acreage, & future needs.. since you'll be in the woods, i'd pass on cab model.
in addition to HP, frame weight will be your friend. & get a sub frame BH, not 3ph type
if there's one consistent complaint on this compact forum, it's "wish i had gone larger to begin with"... best regards
& welcome to the forum

 

[Shawn T. W.]

The 4707 is 70 HP that's probably the smallest I'd want for that job ...

If the place has already been harvested of the trees, and your just picking up the mess, and cleaning it up, I don't see how a cab could be a detriment, except for the checkbook!

In case you haven't seen this thread ... It's mostly all about the 4707 ... https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/4707.399369/

 

[LNSTrees]

Thank you both for the replies.

Yes, the place has just been logged. It's wide open cutover and I'm cleaning up the mess. I was initially thinking open station due to cost, but talking to dealers and neighbors and thinking about my time out there this past summer dealing with the flies, I've leaned more towards the cab now.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

The 4707 is a Utility sized tractor, I'd think for that much land and work you will want the bigger, wider, longer, stronger tractor than the 2850 which is a Compact Utility Tractor (CUT)

While I have a tiny tractor, and it can do a lot ... It's no match for even my other one which is a CUT, which I bought when really looking for a Utility, but was having trouble finding what I wanted in the used no-computer tractor market.

The A/C cab is nice on hot muggy days, no dust or chaff getting in your eyes or ears ... No bugs ... Keeps the poison ivy away from me too! It's a nice bubble to be in!

 

[anomad]

I've been reading a lot in this forum and really appreciate the expertise that's freely shared here. I am about to buy my first tractor. I have a 90 acre tract that was just logged and I plan to manage it for hunting (food plots), timber, and Christmas trees. I have a lot of slash to clean up and stumps to grind as the initial surge of work. Longer term, I will be maintaining roads and moving logs to a portable sawmill. The terrain is what I'd call gently rolling hills. I am shopping multi brands, but I'll limit this question to Massey Ferguson options to hopefully get some clear opinions.

I am looking at an MF 2850M and an MF 4707. I've become convinced that a cab is worth the money due to the horse flies and ground wasps in the summer. I tend to think that the 2850 will do everything I need, but I can afford the 4707 and that thing is a real beast and would definitely do everything I need. The only operations I think the 2850 could fall short on is moving larger logs and helping with moving shipping containers around (I know neither tractor can outright move a container, but the 4707 should be able to pick up one end to get rollers under it and then pull it on rollers).

The 4707 is about $20k more than the 2850. That's 20k I could spend on implements like a PTO brush mulcher and a stump grinder. I want a swing arm stump grinder so I can just park and grind, and from what I've researched, it will be at least twice as expensive to get one that can handle the power of the 4707 (have to go from a 24" to a 30" wheel).

Further down the road, I could also see using the tractor and implements as a side gig to remove stumps and clean up brush. I think a smaller, more maneuverable, lighter to haul tractor would likely be a better fit here as well.

If anyone has experience with either of these classes of tractor in these applications, I'd appreciate any knowledge you can share. Thanks!

I would consider a skid steer (aka compact track loader) if you're looking at a tractor as big as the 4707 and not knowing the exact nature of your property. Would definitely expand side gig options down the road as you mentioned. I frequently consider trading my equipment around. Tractor versus skid steer is a whole conversation unto itself. I've considered it, but I like to do "tractor patrol" and just drive around, check the mail, or just goof off. I don't think I would go check the mail in a skid steer.

Don't disregard a small-ish excavator either. Combined with a small tractor you can do a lot. The used market is plump right now with low hour equipment. Especially compared to 4 or 5 years ago.

Echo what others have said, you want a cab. Unless you are abusive to equipment. My tree guy is, he's rolled his skid steer several times and admits he beats the tar out of stuff.

 

[Farmer495]

4707 seems like no brainer for wide open spaces.

If you were going to do stump removal professionally in urban/semi urban areas, then yes the smaller unit would make better sense.

 

[Torvy]

I have timber and some Christmas trees. Only about a quarter of what your space though.

If I were you, I would get the bigger tractor for now and budget for a smaller one down the road. (Smaller than the 2850 to save some $$)

You want to be able to easily move between rows of trees.

You didn't mention where in the world you are. If a cab is what you want, get it on the big tractor. You'd probably be fine without on the smaller one.

I wouldn't want the cab on mine working around my trees. It's about the size of the 2850. You've got some years before you need to worry about branches taking your glass out.

 

[paulsharvey]

So, let me be contrarian, just cause...

I think the answer is likely two separate machines. To me, the 2M50/2M55/2M60 is a great machine (replaces the 2850M), and probably not too large for anything other than yard work. My thought is, if you size for the heavy work, it might be a but much for general chore kinda work. Size, but also budget. My thought, something like 100hp, older, used, basic machine to pull a disc, that kinda stuff, and a nicer, smaller, cab, loader tractor like the 2M55.

Honestly, possibly a JD-544G/H full sized loader. Problem is, they were used about to death. I did a quick search, and Sunbelt is about $4500/month for a 544 sized wheel loader. Root rake/stacking rake might round that number upto about $5k month.

Now, I would probably Plan the work, to the point that 4 weeks cover heavy demo/hauling; so you get get out of with a 4 week rental.

On the 4707; if thats the route you feel fits; the 4710 is pretty available with low hours, used, for around $60k. No one has ever regretted 30% more HP in the same weight class.

Also, since we are looking at MF. 2600 series is Cheap, Horse Power; if primitive and basic. But its cheap, warranty, power,

 

[paulsharvey]

Forgive the AI...

Nice — good question. I compared the three Massey Fergusons you named (2607, the 2M series ~55hp (e.g., 2M.50 / “2M55” class), and the 4707) and pulled current specs and dealer prices so you can see tradeoffs for a 40-acre startup farm. I’ve highlighted the most important numbers (power, hydraulics/loader, transmissions/cab options, and realistic price ranges). Sources are shown after the key points.

Quick summary (one-line)

2M (≈50 hp / “2M55” class) — compact, lowest cost/new price, light but capable loader lift for property-work and light field chores; best if budget and tight turning radius are priorities.

MF 2607H (≈74 hp) — solid mid-size utility tractor, very good value for horsepower; good for heavier mowing, small tillage, loader work; priced mid-range.

MF 4707 (≈75 hp) — newer/feature-rich utility tractor with higher hydraulic capacity and heavier loader specs (better breakout and lift at height); pricier but more capable for loader-heavy tasks.



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Head-to-head details

Engine / PTO / Core power

2M series (e.g., 2M.50 / “2M55” class) — ~48–50 engine hp (PTO ~40–45 hp range). Intended as a compact utility tractor.

MF 2607H — ~74 engine hp (rated series entry in the 2600 H line). More straight-line power for heavier implements.

MF 4707 — ~75 engine hp (MF 4700 series utility tractor). Similar engine hp to the 2607 but built on a larger frame/weight.


Transmission & drivability

2M — offered with hydro or power-shuttle transmissions; easy for property work and loader cycles.

2607H — typically offered with shuttle/partial powershift options (good balance of field and loader work).

4707 — power-shuttle (Dyna-2 variants) options, heavier clutch/drive package and generally smoother shuttle operation for loader/transport tasks.


Hydraulics / Loader capability

2M series (2M.50 brochure) — loader lift capacities around ~2,400–3,010 lb (pivot/59 in) depending on model/option; designed for general loader work (bales, pallet forks, light material).

2607H — compatible with MF loaders; good lift for routine farm chores (dealers typically sell 2607 as loader packages). Exact lift depends on loader model option.

4707 — loader specs advertised: lift at pivot ~3,020 lb and higher breakout forces (~3,540 lb) on heavy duty loader packages — stronger at height and better for heavier bucket/bale work.


Cab / comfort / weight

2M — available as open station or cab on many dealer builds; lighter footprint and easier to store.

2607H — offered with/without cab depending on package; mid-weight.

4707 — available in cab configurations as a common dealer package (more creature comforts, heavier machine ~7,000+ lbs). Good if you expect lots of hours or winter work.


Price (new and used ranges — dealer listings Nov–Dec 2025 sample)

2M (50 hp class) — new dealer listings ~$38k–$46k for loader/cab variants (some listings higher depending on options). Used/older examples can be lower.

MF 2607H — new loader packages seen ~$42k–$52k (some dealer package deals around $51,960 listed). Used/market low examples reported down to mid-$20k on some listings; typical used is variable.

MF 4707 (cab + loader) — new dealer packages observed ~$66k–$72k (cab+loader packages commonly in the high-$60k). Used will be lower but not as cheap as the smaller 2M.


> Note: those price ranges are dealer asking prices from current inventory/listings (will vary by dealer options, freight, attachments, and region). I pulled representative dealer listings and manufacturer price docs.




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Practical fit for a 40-acre startup farm

If your work is mostly mowing pastures, loading small round bales, moving gravel, brush mowing and occasional light tillage: a 2M (≈50 hp) will do most tasks and save cash. It’s nimble for fence rows and gate access and cheaper to insure/operate. Good choice if you plan to hire help or supplement with implements (bale spear, 6–7' finish mower, small disk).

If you expect heavier loader work, larger rotary cutters (7–10 ft bush hog), small front-end grading, or occasional heavier tillage/implements: go 2607H or 4707 — both are in the 70–75 hp class and will handle a larger rotary cutter, front loader with heavier loads, and a 3-point mounted finish plow or aerator more comfortably.

2607H vs 4707 choice: the 4707 is more loader-centric (higher hydraulic capacity, higher breakout force, heavier frame) and often comes with cab options and more comfort features — good if you’ll be loader-intensive (moving lots of heavy material, pallet work, frequent front-end cycles). The 2607H can be better value if you want horsepower without paying for the larger loader/hydraulic spec and overall higher dealer price.



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Pros / cons — quick list

2M (≈50hp)

Pros: lowest price, nimble, lower fuel/use cost, adequate for most chores on 40 acres.

Cons: less power for big implements, lower lift and hydraulic flow.


2607H (≈74hp)

Pros: very good HP/$, versatile, handles larger mowers & implements, widely available as loader package.

Cons: heavier and pricier than 2M; not as high hydraulic flow as 4707 for heavy loader work.


4707 (≈75hp)

Pros: best loader lift/breakout in this group, higher hydraulic specs, comfortable cab options — great if you use the loader a lot.

Cons: highest price, heavier, slightly higher running costs.




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Recommendations (for a 40-acre startup)

1. If budget is tight and most work is mowing, light hay/bale handling and general farm chores → 2M (50 hp class) with a loader and a 6–7' rotary cutter. Save for attachments (box blade, bale spear).


2. If you need more versatility (frequent larger mowing, heavier loader/landscaping, occasional tillage) → 2607H is an excellent middle ground (power + better price than a similarly equipped 4707).


3. If you’ll do a lot of loader/stacking/gravel work and want the most comfortable cab and hydraulic performance → 4707 (cab + HD loader). Worth the extra cost only if you will use the loader/hydraulics regularly.




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If you want, I can next:

build a short table that lists side-by-side specs (hp, PTO, hydraulic gpm if available, typical loader lift) for easy printing, or

pull 3–5 current dealer listings near you (I can search your region for best local prices/options), or

list recommended attachments (rotary cutter sizes, box blade, bale spear) with approximate prices to match whichever tractor you pick.


Which of those would help you most right now?