New to Forum, new to tractors...

[ETractor]

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum and I am new to tractors. my name is Eric and my family and I have just acquired a farm property that belonged to my grandparents it is 50 acres some acreage wooded and the rest is fallow and needs clean up. My family has not used this property in some time (5+ years)and we are in need of finding a good tractor to help us do our job more efficiently.

Again I am new to tractors, I dont know how many hours are good in a tractor ( are they like milleage for cars, what is the measurement to know how many hours are good or not in a tractor to buy)
I do not know if all implements fit all tractors or if they just fit their brand or model. I do not know tractor jargon (if you can let me in on it I would appreciate it), I have been able to read along and I at least now know what FEL is, and some other things but need more information.

I am interested in buying a john deere tractor, they are the closest to my location and if not deere I would consider kubota but I am not sure what range of HP I should be looking for and what I should consider for implements and what their total costs would be.

My family wants a used tractor because a new one would mean $18,000 and we are not able to spend that much right now. I think our pockets could afford something in the $12,000 range but we do not want an old tractor either.

We need the tractor for:
1. making paths/trails from the front to back of property
2. cutting down fallow
3. plowing for some plots we are thinking of
4. making water canals(what implement would help for this?)
5. establishing some small ponds
and other beginning farm chores.

Your help will be appreciated,

Thank you.

 

[TripleR]

Maybe this will get you started:http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/140431-acronym-usage-forum.html

 

[RaydaKub]

ETractor - :welcome:

You've come to the right place. The guys here are a helpful, fun bunch to be around. You'll be amazed at what you can learn here. I'm an old farm kid and have been away from it for years. Got my first tractor a couple months ago and am learning every day.

You've got a tough set of requirements there. I would guess 50 acres would need a 35-40 hp tractor, but your budget is going to be tight for that. I only have 2 acres, so I'm trying to project myself into your shoes.

Given your budget, I'd say something with 4WD and a FEL and a 3ph.. Ater that, you can add implements as you can afford them. I'm sure others will chime in here with some great tips. Good luck! Looking forward to hearing updates. And seeing pictures!

 

[RaydaKub]

I knew TripleR would be here before me.

 

[TripleR]

I knew TripleR would be here before me.

Yeah, but not by much.:laughing:

 

[DennisFolsom]

Invest some time in reading other threads on TBN. You will be rewarded with increased knowledge. While you're at it, jot down a list of questions to ask, and ask them with further posts to this thread.

You are not alone in wanting a good tractor for relatively little dough. Tractors are generally pretty expensive. On the plus side, they last a long while if properly used and maintained, and they don't depreciate much.

I would suggest monitoring the used market closely. As you learn more, you can focus on the size range and features that are appropriate for you. If you are well prepared, some day, you will recognize a real bargain and can jump on it. True tractor bargains do not stay on the market long.

 

[johnrex62]

The difference between $12,000 out of your pocket and $18-$20,000 financed at zero percent is not as big as it sounds. I would not eliminate new until you have a chance to see what used looks like. You might be surprised, I know I was.

I only have 4 1/2 acres I am working on, but I am doing the same type of tasks you are talking about except for the ditch and pond work. My tractor is 37HP (Kubota L3700SU) with a 5' rotary cutter. It has worked wonders clearing out saplings and brush that has been untouched for 20+ years. I too, am a tractor novice, but I have had many people in the area stop by to tell me my property is looking like a park now and I still have a lot more to do to get it where I want it to be.

The ditches and ponds are a different story. I think you would likely need a backhoe for that type of work. A front end loader is great for moving the dirt, but not so much designed for digging it out. It will do the job, but not nearly as nicely as a backhoe.

Depending on how much of the digging you need done, you may consider just renting a bigger machine with the backhoe for those jobs and buy something for the mowing and general ground work.

 

[grsthegreat]

I personally wouldn't rule out other brands. I used to own a John Deere and it was a great tractor, but i now have a Kioti DK45 HST cab tractor . I was able to get it alot cheaper than a comparable JD. I'm not knocking JD at all, but if you have a limited budget, I'm just saying don't close your eyes to other brands.

There are alot of good used tractors out there, but since you admit you know nothing about tractors it might be hard to find a good, reliable used tractor.

Do you have any new neighbors around you that may help you in your search?? Some may even have an older tractor that they might be willing to sell.

 

[Soundguy]

i think you should be able to get a 'starter' tractor, with a loader and the implements you need, int he 30hp range, for your budget. it will be used, but not antique.

later on you may find you need a bigger, perhaps older ( when you are ready for an older one ), for brute force heavy chores.

soundguy