New ranch - need help deciding on a tractor

[wmonroe]

First, make a 5-year plan listing all the routine jobs and special projects you want to do around your place. Then figure out which tractor implements you will need. The size of your largest implement (weight, horsepower) and your time requirements (how quickly to you need to get your work done) will size your tractor. If you don't want to do this exercise, then my advice is to buy as much horsepower as your budget allows. Good luck.

Fzybear - welcome to TBN! There is a lot of wisdom in this post by flusher. Let me start by saying I don't have nearly as many acres as you so take my advice for what it's worth. I would think you would want no smaller than a 7060 size machine and a 8560 or 9960 would be a better size. I would talk to the farmer that is going to bale your hay and get a feel for how long he plans on doing it. Do you think you will ever make hay yourself? If so a bigger 125 or 135gx machine would be better. Good luck with your tractor purchase and your land, it sounds like a lot of work and a lot of fun. There are a lot of helpful people on this site so ask plenty of questions.

 

[fzybear]

FINALLY BOUGHT ONE! Ok, after everyone's excellent advice to thoroughly consider everything we think we're going to do with this property, both short and long-term, as well as what the budget could absorb, we decided on a 5075E cab with a 553 loader, HX7 cutter and a bale spear. But after getting to the dealer yesterday and physically comparing the 5075E with the larger 5085E (conveniently sitting right next to the 5075E), we decided to get the 5085E. The money part is done (ouch...) and it will be delivered this Tuesday. Can't wait!

I know the adage on TBN, "if no pix, it didn't happen!", so here are some crummy iPhone pix taken in bright midday sunlight, as the tractor was on the front display line along the highway. When it's delivered, I'll post fresh pix. Also, there are a couple of pix of our first cutting this year with the guy's tractor who cut and baled it for us yesterday in his 6140d. So, with 173 bales, that'll be about 3.3 bales per head for the winter, which should be plenty. With new toys come new questions. I'm sure I'll be reaching out to y'all to ask opinions on how to do things as we move forward.

View attachment 386898

 

[jeff9366]

Thank God. I can breathe again.

 

[Wnc3]

Congratulations !
Have fun and keep your check book out, these guys on TBN
will help you spend it all.


Consider building your barn where it cannot be seen from the road.
Out of sight, out of mind.

 

[C4Ranch]

Looks like a great machine! Congrats

 

[wmonroe]

Congrats!

 

[GManBart]

Most new tractors require some "shakedown" service under warranty.

Completely disagree. Then again, I don't spend much time reading the Kubota section.....maybe more folks are reporting problems there.

 

[Wakey]

Congrats on the new tractor and post all the pics you want

PS Are those Live Oak trees?

 

[fzybear]

Congrats on the new tractor and post all the pics you want

PS Are those Live Oak trees?

Yes, pin oaks, live oaks & water oaks

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

The new tractor looks great. You will never be sorry for upsizing or for getting a cab.

You will soon discover how great it is to be in an air conditioned cab listening to the radio when it's 100 degrees outside and the dust is flying and the yellow jackets are swarming.