New landowner, need a tractor

t5stein · Mar 28, 2016

Hello all,

I am new to the landowner game. I have 10 acres, 3 grass and 7 wooded. I am looking to buy something that can handle mowing, snow duties, and garden maintenance (tilling, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I could get for a decent price that is reliable? I'm hoping to avoid dropping $15k+ on a new tractor and attachments. I posted in the Buying Advice forum regarding a lead on a 1980 Ford 1500. Any other suggestions/advice you may have would be most welcome. Thanks.

T

dickfoster · Mar 28, 2016

t5stein said:
Hello all,

I am new to the landowner game. I have 10 acres, 3 grass and 7 wooded. I am looking to buy something that can handle mowing, snow duties, and garden maintenance (tilling, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I could get for a decent price that is reliable? I'm hoping to avoid dropping $15k+ on a new tractor and attachments. I posted in the Buying Advice forum regarding a lead on a 1980 Ford 1500. Any other suggestions/advice you may have would be most welcome. Thanks.

T

Now much snow and how often? I have no idea where Gobles is nor do many here. Based on info given, this sounds like a job for a SCUT if this is all you need it for.

Don't know how many hours or how well maintained it is but the used tractor you mentioned is over 30 years old so I'd look it over very well since it may be no bargain at all. A lot has gone on in tractor development since it was built. I'm assuming it's a Japanese made two cylinder, 2WD, gear with about 20HP 30 years ago when it was made. No tellin how many beans it has left today.

Yeah I know, tractors aren't as cheap as you thought they'd be. Me too. However they do hold their value better than cars even if they do cost like cars. They hold their value so well in fact there is little gain to be had buying a used one.

jeff9366 · Mar 28, 2016

pedzola said:
Building a home in southern New Hampshire, and looking for something to help maintain the property. ~8.5 acres with about 5 being woods. The rest will be lawn.

Mowing and snow removal are two primary concerns. Will have some landscaping projects in the near term as well. Installing a patio and moving some dirt piles are the two that come to mind.

What would you be looking for in a machine for these tasks?

Answers in this thread from the T-B-N archive will answer most of your questions:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ns/353402-looking-tractor-maintain-8-5-a.html

jeff9366 · Mar 28, 2016

If you post your complete location in your T-B-N profile one of the readers may know of a good used tractor near you.

It happens.

t5stein · Mar 28, 2016

Gobles, MI. It is in the southwest corner of the state. We get a pretty good amount of snow and it can vary from November to April.

dickfoster · Mar 28, 2016

t5stein said:
Gobles, MI. It is in the southwest corner of the state. We get a pretty good amount of snow and it can vary from November to April.

That says you might want to step up to a CUT maybe something with a cab which could likely be overkill for your garden and mowing tasks. You might even be looking at a snow blower. How much drive way to deal with? That is gonna bust your budget but unless you like freezing your buns off, that little used Ford is likely out of the equation.
Don't think I'd get a snow blower front or rear unless it had a cab. Like sitting in a self induced blizzard. However, a cab would be cumbersome in the woods if you use it for that so you have some more pondering to do.

t5stein · Mar 28, 2016

Double-wide, 150-ft long driveway. Great points about the blower and can/no cab. I do intend on using it in the woods, at the very least to haul out firewood.

dickfoster · Mar 28, 2016

t5stein said:
Double-wide, 150-ft long driveway. Great points about the blower and can/no cab. I do intend on using it in the woods, at the very least to haul out firewood.

Well in that case, not so much driveway, maybe you can get by just fine with a FEL for pushing snow and or a back blade later. I was thinking with 10 acres you could have a long long driveway to deal with. That would free the tractor up for working in the woods and the other stuff. Also you can likely get by with a SCUT making it better for mowing your lawn and lighter tasks around the garden. Don't know what your aspirations are down the road but you could also consider a CUT, it just depends on how much of what you're going to do. Bear in mind it's better to get more tractor than less but you don't want to be driving thumb tacks with sledge hammers either. Read on.

TBN Support · Mar 28, 2016

Welcome to the forum! :welcome:

I'm going to move this thread on over to the buying, pricing and comparisons section along with your other one. There is enough good advice over there for more than one thread.

brasco426 · Mar 28, 2016

First off Welcome to TBN

. I'll agree with Dick on the SCUT. The only issue will be ground clearance if you plan on driving the thing in the woods, a SCUT does not have as much ground clearance as a CUT. I have 6 or so acres between 2 properties to maintain and my SCUT has been up to any job I need it for. For what you plan for so far it sounds like that would be fine. For Snow Removal, Mowing, Garden Maintnance you mentioned you'll probably be ok in the 25hp range. Keep in mind implements add up quick. Before you put up your hard earned dollars take a peak at all the offerings, from all the manufactures in your area. Do business with a good dealer and ask around. I like my Mahindra Max 24, stout little tractor. 5 year powertrain warranty. Mahindra is also offering 750 off from any 2 qualifying implements, loader doesn't count don't ask me why lol. However a mower and anything else to help you round out your package will help. Donnie