New in Southern California

BeardedJoe · Feb 2, 2015

I've been lurking on these boards quite a bit lately since I'm in the process of buying a nice little chunk of land here in Southern California. If everything goes well, I'll have 27 acres (about half useable) by March. We're starting from raw land, so a good tractor is pretty far to the top of my list of priorities. And I know almost nothing about them.

I'm amazed at both how much everyone knows on these boards and how friendly everyone is. While I'm new to tractors, I've got a vintage VW Karmann Ghia and a Jeep Wrangler that I wrench on. Those boards can be great info but the breadth of knowledge here is really impressive.

I'll be posting questions about my research and digging around. Finding friendly folks (and dealers) between LA and San Diego could be nice too.

deerseeker001 · Feb 2, 2015

Welcome from Wisconsin

davesl708 · Feb 2, 2015

Welcome. Good luck on your new property.

flusher · Feb 2, 2015

Welcome to TBN. Join the fun:thumbsup:

Tractor buying is a step-by-step process.

1) Make a list of the jobs/projects you plan to do for the next 4-5 years that will require a tractor.
2) Determine the set of implements you'll need for your plan (size, horsepower, weight, special features). Will you need more than one tractor to handle this work?
3) Then go tractor shopping. Start with dealers close by that have a good inventory of new and/or used tractors and decent parts and service departments. Get as much seat time as you can before making a buying decision.

Good luck.

MtnViewRanch · Feb 2, 2015

You need to go to the Tulare World AG Expo next week not much time to get your ducks in a row, but you still need to go. Most all the different manufacturers have good displays there. Gives you a good idea of what's available and what fits YOU. Size depends on what all you plan on doing. Put your thinking cap on, the clock is ticking. Even if you cannot figure out what size you are going to need, still go, well worth the time. Get your tickets online, saves from having to wait in 2 lines, getting the ticket and then getting in.

jel1988 · Feb 2, 2015

Welcome from coastal SC, the other coast. A good dealer is almost as important as a good tractor!

davrow · Feb 2, 2015

BeardedJoe, I second Brian's recommendation of the Ag Expo. My wife and I did that before buying our tractor. Very eye opening being able to compare brands while they are right next to each other. I found out there were some tractors I just downright found uncomfortable. Helpful in narrowing down the list.

The crowd is kind of huge there, take a shuttle bus.

Several of us here in So. Cal. - even in Riverside (Temecula, Aguanga, Hemet) - whereabouts you gonna be?

bcp · Feb 2, 2015

A big place. Only 14 states are larger than Riverside County

What part of the county?

Bruce

woodchipper · Feb 2, 2015

:welcome:from Québec, Canada!
Bying a tractor is a lifetime investment (or close to!) and demands good research on your part. You need a plan to determine your exact needs in the short term, as well as for the long term, and possible business developemnts you may have in the future. Starting you search at an Ag. Fair, is one of the best things to do right away. If you know ahead of time what you may be after, that will help, as the exhibits are so numerous, it could be runing a derby over there....
So many brands to choose from, but your budget will be the dictator!LOL! Get your wife involved if at all possible. Better to have her as an ally early in the process.:dance1::dance1:
The membership here on T.B.N. awaits your questions! So, I wich you a very pleasant search!