Small Tractor Reccomendations --- Help

[SPARKYISMARK]

Need some advice from the experts and found this site....

Folks, I've got a six acre semi wooded little Paradise we call the Ponderosa, nestled in amongst a couple thousand acres of farm land some protected in the local Land trust. I'd like to have a small compact inexpensive tractor that is capable of the following: Front end loader to transport small amounts of mulch, firewood, etc. 3 point hitch at PTO capable of lifting a tiller, smaller mower, and auger, and potentially drag a 1000 foot gravel drive. I want to play farmer in my older years, have some chickens, a couple goats, etc, put in a fence, and don't want to dig 50-or so post holes myself. I won't be using the thing to do any heavy work. Any ideas?

The big question is, how much do I need to plan on budgeting and how does one know if a tractor is a good deal. There is a little Yanmar for sale, with a front end loader and 3 point hitch. How does on go about figuring out how much it is worth?:thumbsup:

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Egon]

Looking for the perfect tractor at minimum cost gets rather difficult. Seeing as you know what the tractor will be used for it's time to go shopping. Remember shopping ain't buying. What your doing is looking at different tractors either new or used and gettin an idea of costs for your area. When you get through this stage then it's time to start serious looking for what comes into your area of need.

Look often, get sales folk familiar with your needs and do a lot of checking on the tractors. You'll find one that you like and will do what is required. Just takes time.:thumbsup:

 

[creekbend]

Welcome aboard. We live in Caswell County, NC. As was suggested before by another member, shopping is not buying. Find out all you can in regards to the different makes and models of tractors. One place to start is TBN. Review all the forums related to your inquires such as attachments; etc. The following website will provide you with info also TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors Best wishes.

 

[El Wood]

Sparky,

I'm also in the market for a small CUT. I have 20 acres and construction on my house will begin soon. I plan on doing the same things you mentioned....post holes, goats, couple small pigs, etc. I'm looking hard at the JD 2520. It looks like a nice machine, is small enough to maneuver in tight places, and has plenty of muscle. The 2720 in my opinion is close enough to the 2520's specs and isn't worth the extra cash. When you get into the 3000 series, watch your attachment options. You can't get a belly mower on the 3005 and on the next "e" series tractors, you can't get a backhoe if you want one . If you go to JD's website, you can download brochures for all the different series tractors. It makes it easy to compare. I'm not sure what your budget is but the 2520 goes for around 16k. Good luck!

 

[Depmandog]

Welcome! The question you asked is a popular one here on TBN. I think if you spend some time looking over some of these threads you will start to narrow down your possibilities.

I bought used (50 HP Kubota) found one with only 360 hours, but was 5 years old...saved a bundle. I was pretty convinced I wanted a Kubota with FEL after stopping at every tractor dealer within 75 miles and sitting on and test driving numerous tractors. I also spent countless hours here, researching and reading up. TBN was a huge help, but you need to also touch and feel and make sure the tractor fits you.

After i made my mind up which brand / size range, i started my search. Took a couple of months to find the right tractor, and I am very happy with my purchase.

Good luck with your search! See you in the forums.

 

[moored4]

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor: ing!

 

[flusher]

Need some advice from the experts and found this site....

Folks, I've got a six acre semi wooded little Paradise we call the Ponderosa, nestled in amongst a couple thousand acres of farm land some protected in the local Land trust. I'd like to have a small compact inexpensive tractor that is capable of the following: Front end loader to transport small amounts of mulch, firewood, etc. 3 point hitch at PTO capable of lifting a tiller, smaller mower, and auger, and potentially drag a 1000 foot gravel drive. I want to play farmer in my older years, have some chickens, a couple goats, etc, put in a fence, and don't want to dig 50-or so post holes myself. I won't be using the thing to do any heavy work. Any ideas?

The big question is, how much do I need to plan on budgeting and how does one know if a tractor is a good deal. There is a little Yanmar for sale, with a front end loader and 3 point hitch. How does on go about figuring out how much it is worth?:thumbsup:

Welcome to TBN--join the fun
Which Yanmar model? Which year? Serial number? Can't estimate the cost without info like that. Otherwise the estimate is just a WAG.

 

[kensnelling]

Welcome to TBN from Oklahoma.

Ken

 

[TripleR]

Welcome to TBN from Missouri.