Picking a first tractor

[Smf834]

I know it gets asked here alot, but every property has different needs/concerns, so here it goes.

we live in 5+ ac in a wooded property, lots of holly trees need to go, with lots of blackbery bushes, short volunteer brushes around the taller trees. We live in pac nw. I am considering either a sub compact like the Massey gc1715 (about 1700 lbs), or should i stick with a heavier kubota L3410, but about 5-6k more.

 

[HST4Me]

So many good options, but MFWD and a front loader are absolute musts(in my opinion). HST is also worth every penny in situations such as yours, but depending on local deals can be over-riden by other factors if a glide shift or shuttle shift is on the table. For 3410 money, there are similar sized tractors with 4 cylinders that I would suggest will hold their value better over the long term. Finally, err on the side of larger - always

Good hunting

 

[Cahaba Valley Farm]

I know it gets asked here alot, but every property has different needs/concerns, so here it goes.

we live in 5+ ac in a wooded property, lots of holly trees need to go, with lots of blackbery bushes, short volunteer brushes around the taller trees. We live in pac nw. I am considering either a sub compact like the Massey gc1715 (about 1700 lbs), or should i stick with a heavier kubota L3410, but about 5-6k more.

You need to provide more information about what you plan to do with this tractor.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Yes, your tasks you're expected to perform, move dirt or move heavy objects, manipulate driveways or mowing/haying, snow removal or not? And geography, hills or flat country. All counts for what tractor will suit you best.

 

[Roadworthy]

I suspect you won't need a very large tractor. Determine whether lawn mowing will be one of the tasks required of it. Some tractors support front PTO and belly mower but others do not. Whatever you get you should probably stay below 25 horsepower. Above that you'll have a computer and a diesel particulate filter. I have a preference for staying simple.

 

[Smf834]

You need to provide more information about what you plan to do with this tractor.

As a future tractor owner, honestly i don’t know what i can do with simply a fel on a tractor. I want to be able to clear a grove of holly, clear blackberry, level an uneven field after clearing, and spread gravel occasionally. My property right now is mostly forested and uneven, a slight downhill slope. Soft mud after rain.

 

[Smf834]

I have come across a

1)Massey gc1715 (sub-compact) almost brand new for 11k, or a

2) older 800 hr L3410 for about 15k or

3)a more beatup L2600f w/o fel for 7k,

4) old Ford 1700 low hrs for $7k.

Didn’t know if i should look for specific weight/hp class? Is it better to have a newer model with less hp or an older one with more hp/more weight?

 

[DGZRT]

I'm going to suggest you go to You tube and do a search . Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words or post . Type in removing bushes with a small tractor . Same with Spreading gravel or dirt .

If it looks like you can get your requirements with a smaller tractor than go that route. If not research some larger units .

All I can say is a tractor can save a thousand hours of labor and a hurt back

 

[jeff9366]

Following thread will help your decide between a subcompact or compact tractor.

Most here would consider three acres about the max size property for a subcompact, but a subcompact may work for you if the ground is smooth and you have plenty of time. All subcompact and the <2,000 pound bare weight compact tractors have a mid-PTO as standard equipment, in addition to the always standard rear PTO associated with the Three Point Hitch.
If you do not intend to power a mid-mount-mower (MMM), which requires a mid-PTO, opt for more tractor weight. A mid-PTO can be an encumbrance doing demanding tractor work.

Tractor Sizing - Almost Daily Thread: SUBCOMPACT or COMPACT TRACTOR?

Repetitively typing almost the same advice on the Topic: SUBCOMPACT or COMPACT TRACTOR? is not that interesting. I am going to accumulate some well considered, well punctuated standard replies, then refine the advice. Everyone is welcome to contribute.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[jeff9366]

If the Ford is 4-WD rather than 2-WD, and if the Ford has a Loader, and if you can do the maintenance on a forty (40) year old tractor yourself, this would be an economy choice. 2,600 pounds bare weight is good for five acres. The rear wheel width is adjustable from 43" to 59" so the tractor will be quite stable for its weight if the wheels/tires are adjusted wide. Shibaura Japanese tractors are well regarded by T-B-N contributors. Parts should be reasonably available via web suppliers. (This tractor likely has a mid-PTO.) Twenty-five horsepower is just sufficient to spin a light duty 60" Rotary Cutter via rear PTO for cutting dry grass. I doubt the Ford powering a 60" Rotary Cutter would cut Pacific NW Himmalyan Blackberries, except, possibly, very slowly, backing into the Blackberries with the Top Link short.​

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Ford 1700 Dimensions​

Dimensions
2WD Wheelbase:	60.2 inches 152 cm
4WD Wheelbase:	59.3 inches 150 cm
Length:	110.6 inches 280 cm
Width:	54.7 inches 138 cm
2WD Weight:	2444 lbs 1108 kg
4WD Weight:	2633 lbs 1194 kg
2WD Ground clearance:	14.4 inches 36 cm
4WD Ground clearance:	12.6 inches 32 cm
2WD Front tread:	43.5 to 57.5 inches 110 to 146 cm
4WD Front tread:	44.5 inches 113 cm
Rear tread:	43.3 to 58.7 inches 109 to 149 cm

1979 - 1982 Hundred Compact Series Compact Utility tractor Shibaura built