Research time, for first tractor

[Horsesense]

I'm newly moved into my log home, on 6.6 acres some of which is sculpted & some of that is freshly planted in grass which is about 2 in high. I need a tractor--not a wimpy riding mower, but one that will handle brush, push a snow plow or snow blower, carry a bale or two of hay for the horse, pull a harrow or disc or tiller, oh and also cut grass--and maybe dig the occasional hole for landscape additions like trees or steps in a hillside. It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

This will be my first tractor--so advice is sought! I'm pretty handy and fit, but as a 5'7" female I'm not interested in having to use more of my muscle because I have a piece of equipment that can't handle the work, nor do I want to spend time & $$ dealing with reliability issues. I also need to be able to get parts and get it fixed when required, so it can't be too esoteric either. I appreciate all inputs!

 

[TripleR]

All of the main manufacturers, John Deere, Kubota, Kioti/Bobcat, Massey Ferguson etc. make a tractor to fit your needs. One of the Kubota Bxx30 models or its equivalent in JD, MF etc. will work well. You really need to decide what equipment you will be using and general size and go sit on a bunch of different ones to see which one fits you are the controls and operator station will vary. Good luck and welcome to the forum; lots of good information available here.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I would guess you need a tractor around 30hp to take care of your 6+ acres.

What do you have for tractor dealers in your area.?? Find a dealer that has a good reputation in your area for customer service.

Go to all the websites (Deere, Kubota, Kioti, etc.) and dig around at the specs and use the price configurators to fit your needs and budget.

When you have specific questions report back here with them and you will get sound advice from a lot of owners who have been there and done that.

Go to Deere.com and look at their 2000 series and 3000 series tractors. That's where the dream begins.!!

Enjoy your search, it's a lot of fun.

 

[Johndeere3720]

What price range are you in? I'd say a 2520-3520 Deere would get the job done. These tractors offer twin touch hydrostatic transmissions (ehydro) which are a huge benefit when it comes to mowing grass and doing loader work. Deere has parts readily available and there products are very reliable. The loader joystick it mounted close to your right hand rather than on the loader itself. If you want a cab model, I'd suggest a 3320-3520. these cabs are very conmfortable and will definatly make blowing snow a bit more enjoyable. Loader wise, I'd get a 200cx or 300cx and since they feature a quick attach bucket, you can add other implements to add to your loader's versatility. For the 3 point hitch, definatly get an imatch quick hitch. I now have 3 of them and they all are worth every penny. These make it so you can back up to the implement, lift, and flip down two levers which lock the implement in place. Good luck with your purchase and post pictures when you bring your tractor home!:thumbsup:

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/series/ho_cut_3000_series.html

 

[RoyJackson]

If you're looking new, I'd suggest a Deere 3005...if used, a Deere 790.
These are the same tractor, BTW. Deere just gave an older tractor a new designation (3005).
Very tough and very reliable machines. About 27 Engine and 24 HP at the PTO....plenty for all of your needs.
The only limiting factor might be the light weight pullng a harrow or disc or tiller. The 790/3005 weighs about 2200 lbs (sans loader).
This machine is a gear transmission...and that's not a problem if you're willing to learn how to use gears (it's not like a manual shift in a car or truck).

Had a 790 for about 6 years...loved it. Only reason I traded off was to get a reverser transmission (still a gear transmission). If that hadn't come along at the right price, I'd still have the 790.

As far as the muscle...you might be a lady, but that doesn't mean you're a wimp. Rigging implements to the 3PH takes a bit of muscle. The mower won't be a problem, but those implements that don't have 4 wheels can be a bit of a problem (even for us Manly type men). Leverage is more important then brute strength, so use the muscle between your ears more then in your arms.

BTW, since you're in AK, I suggest you get a block heater with what ever you decide to buy.

Good luck and be safe!!!

 

[Egon]

I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

Take a tour of Fairbanks and see what Tractor dealers are available. Then talk to the fellars/ladies there about what you need to do and go from there. A cab at -40 C would be nice.

 

[rekees4300]

snow plow or snow blower - a blower would be best.
carry a bale or two of hay for the horse - front end loader.
pull a harrow or disc or tiller - at least 30 horsepower.
oh and also cut grass - mid mount mower.
dig the occasional hole - backhoe.
minus 40 degrees - heated cab and engine block heater.
2 ft of snow - 4 wheel drive and tire chains.
get parts and get it fixed when required - use local dealer of major brand.
ease of use - HST (hydrostatic) transmission.

 

[Horsesense]

Very useful, thanks!

 

[jenkinsph]

Lots of good small cab tractors to consider I prefer Deere and suggest you look at their Deere 3520 cab tractor with 300CX front loader (fel for short). Would also reccomend a heated garage or heated shop space for the winter, it would be helpful to keep it above 20 degrees if possible, less problems IMHO. I mention this since it may be something you will want to address this summer.

I would also suggest looking into the IMatch and Auto connect implement attaching systems by Deere, makes changing implements possible without leaving the seat of the tractor. This is particularly nice if you work alone frequently.

 

[montyhp]

The best advice so far is to find out what dealers are near you. My impression is that all the major brands (for instance the brands that have boards on tractorbynet) make decent tractors. I just bought a 33 horse Mahindra that is very easy to drive and works great. I also live about 5 miles from one of the best Mahindra dealers around (In my opinion). The other tractor dealers are either farther away or not very good. I would have been happy with one of the other brands, just not one of the other dealers. Think about how you are going to have your tractor serviced.

One caution, one of the posters mentioned moving hay bales with the FEL. in the 30 HP class, you probably can't move a round bale with the FEL. You probably can with a 3 point bale spear, though.

Good luck

Montyhp

 

[flusher]

I'm newly moved into my log home, on 6.6 acres some of which is sculpted & some of that is freshly planted in grass which is about 2 in high. I need a tractor--not a wimpy riding mower, but one that will handle brush, push a snow plow or snow blower, carry a bale or two of hay for the horse, pull a harrow or disc or tiller, oh and also cut grass--and maybe dig the occasional hole for landscape additions like trees or steps in a hillside. It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

This will be my first tractor--so advice is sought! I'm pretty handy and fit, but as a 5'7" female I'm not interested in having to use more of my muscle because I have a piece of equipment that can't handle the work, nor do I want to spend time & $$ dealing with reliability issues. I also need to be able to get parts and get it fixed when required, so it can't be too esoteric either. I appreciate all inputs!

Operating a tractor is pretty easy----no heavy lifting, just sitting and steering. The physical effort comes in attaching implements to your tractor's 3-point hitch. There are a number of quick attach devices that make this job easier. Some of these are advertised on TBN. I suggest you get familiar with the implements you think you'll need and then get someone to show you how to attach them to a tractor.

The best way to zero in on a tractor is to start from your list of tasks then figure out which implements you'll need to do these tasks and then select tractors that will handle these implements.

 

[mjncad]

Even if you're used to Fairbanks winters; I wouldn't be without a cab, and that should be your starting point. I assume that summertime has you inundated with flies and mosquitoes, and a cab will be a blessing at keeping the bugs away. 4WD is a necessity, and a HST (HydroStatic Transmission) makes loader work a breeze.

I have a Land-Pride quick-hitch comparable to the Deere i-Match, and I chose it over the Deere since the top hook is adjustable.

R1 (Ag) tires would probably be the way to go for traction. I have R4 (skidsteer type), and they aren't too great in the snow.

I doubt you have many choices of dealers near you, and what there are will hopefully be the major brands. Find something you like, test drive them, get a feel for the dealer (are they good, or a bunch of jerks).

Keep us informed of how the search goes, and you're getting good advice.

 

[bp fick]

Good advice here. My only $.02 would be to question the compatibility of the OP's "to do" list of mowing with "moving a bale or two of hay".

Hmmmmm. Since you mentioned the new grass, a tractor used for fine, close in mowing usually is too small for moving a "bale or two of hay". A tractor that can handle the hay is often too large, especially on softer soil, for fine lawn mowing. Here in this neck of the woods, very few of us have "lawns". Yards? Yeah, we have yards.:laughing:

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I'm newly moved into my log home, on 6.6 acres some of which is sculpted & some of that is freshly planted in grass which is about 2 in high. I need a tractor--not a wimpy riding mower, but one that will handle brush, push a snow plow or snow blower, carry a bale or two of hay for the horse, pull a harrow or disc or tiller, oh and also cut grass--and maybe dig the occasional hole for landscape additions like trees or steps in a hillside. It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

This will be my first tractor--so advice is sought! I'm pretty handy and fit, but as a 5'7" female I'm not interested in having to use more of my muscle because I have a piece of equipment that can't handle the work, nor do I want to spend time & $$ dealing with reliability issues. I also need to be able to get parts and get it fixed when required, so it can't be too esoteric either. I appreciate all inputs!

She says she has the need to "carry a bale or 2 of hay for the horse."

In this case a FEL will fit the bill. I don't think she will be dealing with large round bales.

 

[bp fick]

Sorry, my mind went immediately to the round bales, don't know why.

OK, yes. You are looking for a "do it all" subcut type tractor. Perhaps, a small cut. You'll find thousands of folks here doing just what you wish to do with subcuts. A CUT will give you more lifting strength, if that is needed. Certainly higher ground clearance in deep snow would be a plus!!!

Your tasks are typical to what the majority of folks here do, in one way or another. A JD 2305 or 2320. The BX series or B2320 from Kubota. Massey, New Holland, Mahindra, LS, Kioti all make similar machines.

I might start with my local dealers and spend some time kicking the tires and see if you get a good "vibe" from the dealership. Yup, believe I'd start there.

 

[FxdGrMind]

Ok my $0.02.

Get 2 tractors =):thumbsup:

Ok now before you moyder me, let me explain.

You mention that you need to move hay bales... I'm assuming by your monicker that you have horses, field, barn, muck pile, etc etc. You want to move snow... Plow, blow etc in -40 deg wx.... &*$#!@!@#! BRRRRR
I see this as a chore for a CUT. There are many, and as you mention service and support, I second the Drive to all your local dealers and bat beautiful eye's at them and find out what they are made of. Now cast off the ones that are :drool:ing and in a lather, and put them out to pasture. The ones that shoot straight and don't look down your dress or up your skirt, but give the straight story on their product and support. Keeper!

So that has your Hevy work ironed out... now about that 2" grass/lawn.

I'll say this from the PNW... I know rain and rain soaked land. Similar to your Permafrost.... when it's wet and thawed.... it is SLOPPY! So for your "Lawn" you need something with a big foot print and low weight, say a 1500-2K riding mower 24-26hp and 48-52" cut.
Reason I say this is that a CUT of any real potential capability, has weight. It will seriously damage your lawn and make rutts. It will also be less manuverable arround shrubs/trees etc etc. and if you have a Cab (yes you will need one both summer and winter) you don't want a limb poping through your Cab's new window....

Happy searching and let them look but keep the bonnet and undercarage secure while they :drool:. =)

Cheers

 

[TGF]

snow plow or snow blower - a blower would be best.
carry a bale or two of hay for the horse - front end loader.
pull a harrow or disc or tiller - at least 30 horsepower.
oh and also cut grass - mid mount mower.
dig the occasional hole - backhoe.
minus 40 degrees - heated cab and engine block heater.
2 ft of snow - 4 wheel drive and tire chains.
get parts and get it fixed when required - use local dealer of major brand.
ease of use - HST (hydrostatic) transmission.

All good advice, because of cost and the fact that temps here only go maybe -40 Wind Chill and -10 Temp on a bad day I went with a no cab model. I went with a ZTR (only about 2k more than a finish deck) rather than a finish mower on my tractor and put an RC on my tractor for the bush hogging. The ZTR cuts faster than your tractor can, delivers a better job and is more maneuverable. It also allows you not to have to change implements as often having a separate mower.

You might want to check out the 3032e or 3038e from JD I ended up going with a 3038e. It is alot of tractor for the money.

 

[Allan_Cen_Ont]

I'm newly moved into my log home, on 6.6 acres some of which is sculpted & some of that is freshly planted in grass which is about 2 in high. I need a tractor--not a wimpy riding mower, but one that will handle brush, push a snow plow or snow blower, carry a bale or two of hay for the horse, pull a harrow or disc or tiller, oh and also cut grass--and maybe dig the occasional hole for landscape additions like trees or steps in a hillside. It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

This will be my first tractor--so advice is sought! I'm pretty handy and fit, but as a 5'7" female I'm not interested in having to use more of my muscle because I have a piece of equipment that can't handle the work, nor do I want to spend time & $$ dealing with reliability issues. I also need to be able to get parts and get it fixed when required, so it can't be too esoteric either. I appreciate all inputs!

First off welcome to TBN. For what you are wanting to do and with the cold temps you get you will appreciate a cab and will want a block heater as well as a tranny heater if you happen to get a HST tranny as it will make starting and moving your tractor easier at the start of the day or when you need it. For the amount of snow you get in AK a snow blower would be better as you won't have to deal with trying to find a place to pile snow all the time and also won't have to deal with snow banks to create a problem with drifting snow. This is coming from someone who knows all about -40 temps and lots of snow in the snowbelt of Ontario Canada .

 

[crbr]

It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

I'm pretty.....and fit, ....a 5'7" female

A block heater and chains.

Doesn't snow in TN...


I could not deal with snow and temps like that.... best to you...