New Tractor or Used

[louis2244]

I have 100+ acres of recreational land in North Florida that is a combination of hard woods and open and cultivatable land that I want to manage for deer, turkey, duck and dove hunting. I need to mow/bush hog the hardwoods to keep the land open for the turkeys, plant food plots for the deer and turkey, and disk and cut in brown top millet for the doves. I have a small floodable area (3-4 acres) that I would like to plant annually with corn or other crop that I would flood in the fall to attract waterfowl. I will need to do some light road maintenance with a box blade. What size tractor would be ideal for these requirements and should I look for a new or used tractor. Since the property is about 1.5 hours from my home I want something reliable that I can count on with minimal maintenance. Looking for recommendations.

 

[nybirdman]

A 30-40hp ,4WD and FEL.It's up to you to decide if you want to spend xxxx dollars for a new compact or a used utility tractor.Do you plan on trailering?Most familiar with Kubota,owned a L3130 and currently a L4240 and L3000 DT(purchased used) ,all 4WD and FEL and capable for any work you described.
The new 2014 tractors above 25 HP have DEF which you may or may-not want or desire.
Check www.tractorhouse.com for available in your area or maybe Craigslist(be careful there)

 

[Soundguy]

if in trails or woods. how wide are you wanting to go.. that will determine tractor size.

if you aren't into antiques.. but classic ok.. then something in the 4610 / 5610 range.. depending on yuor size needs.

heck.. a 3010s NH would even be nice..

 

[paulharvey]

I'll go counter to that and say a full sized 2wd, used tractor. Maybe a ford-4000 or MF65/165, for discing, bush hogging, ect. I would assume you want to use 6 ft bush hog and 6-7 ft disc.


Edit: I mean counter to the 30-40 hp newer model

 

[Grandad4]

Agree with nybirdman's assessment regarding size and features, although without having seen your place, a larger model might serve well also. One of the old tractor adages says to get one size larger than you think you'll need because there's always more work than first anticipated. Dunno if that's always true, but it worked out that way for me. Also agree with your comment about reliability. It sounds like there's some serious work in store, meaning you want something dead solid dependable so chores get done on time. That suggests new or a used one that's in top condition... you don't want to be forever tinkering with something that has seen better days. That would also favor something that has good local dealer/parts support in case something breaks. Any number of good brands to consider, so shop around and see what's available and what the dealers are like.

 

[BOhio]

I think the answer to "new or used?" -- regardless of product category -- is always "it depends". It depends on your budget, and what you might want in terms of features and/or brand, and what you think represents value.

In our recent decision of that type, we looked at a couple of used options, one of which was kept in like-new condition. However, their asking prices (from which they weren't going to budge much, if at all), were not appreciably lower than a new tractor (in our case, Kubota was our preference). And after learning about Barlow Equipment (based in Kentucky) on this website, we realized that we could get a better and brand-new tractor for an amount of money above the used alternatives that was a really good deal. We took to heart the advice that nobody really wishes they would have bought less tractor.

 

[louis2244]

Great information. I appreciate the input. I like the pointer picture on your post. I used to have bird dogs. Pointers worked best in Florida but I really liked the look of English Setters. Unfortunately wild quail population is so far down you can't justify owning bird dogs anymore. Thanks again.

 

[/pine]

New Tractor or Used

IMO...there are two key factors...your budget and your mechanical ability/incentive...

Would you be servicing the tractor yourself? or relying on a dealer etc...?
If you are a capable mechanic etc...you can save a lot of $ comparing new to used...

Tractors are generally quite reliable...once minor issues get resolved...

Good Luck...

 

[louis2244]

Thanks to all the rapid responses. I see lots of Kubota owners responding. It is tempting to go for a Ford or John Deere but I want to look at all the options, especially for new tractors. It is very important that I have a reliable tractor because my leisure time is limited (I have keep working to pay for the toys!). I'm leaning toward pricing new tractors then seeing how willing dealers are to negotiate off MSRP. I assume getting used implements is a good strategy to help offset the cost of buying a new tractor.

 

[paulharvey]

For used, there is a JD-301 industrial loader tractor with box blade and bush hog for $6000 on Jacksonville craiglist. Get a disk and good to go for 1/5th the price of the cheapest comparable new machine. Assuming you can do some work your self.