Buying Advice So many tractors!

[Jstickler]

Just signed up but have read so much on this forum. Located in northern Ohio and I currently own 6 acres and would like to purchase the 6 next to me. I would like to purchase a tractor to till a garden, plow the drive eventually disc an area to plant rape.The plan is to get a few heritage hogs. And maybe a food plot for deer. I started off looking at a Kioti CK35 w/FEL but have since found slightly larger tractors that I like. The mahindra 3535. Massey 1736 and branson 3520r or 4020r. Cost is of concern obviously but I am not sure of future land use and quality of build. I like the larger tires of the later 3 and the wet clutch of the massey. But turbo or non turbo? What is the right size? I would like to use at least a 5foot tiller and not struggle with a72 " brush hog or finish mower. Any insight would be greet! And thanks in advance!
P.s. Soil is a mixed clay gets super hard in summer.

 

[GManBart]

If you like the size of the 4020r, and 3535, you might as well compare them to a Kioti DK40SE....same size, similar power, better loader.

I wouldn't go below 30hp at the PTO for a 72" brush hog (finish mower takes less power).

 

[jeff9366]

The Kioti CK35 has 34-hp moving 3,100 pounds and 55" tire width, presumably with ag tires. The CK35 is about a match for my Kubota L3560. It would handle a five foot tiller easily, with HST transmission, and a standard duty 72" rotary cutter for 1" brush, which is less PTO load than the tiller. As the other tractors you have itemized are larger, you say, you should be fine with any of them.

Personally, I would not get a turbocharged engine if I had a normally aspirated engine option.

Unless you are mechanically inclined, I would select a tractor dealer within 25-30 miles of Chatham, which would mean hauling the trailer a total of 100-120 miles round trip for tractor service. ( I am grateful my Kubota dealer is six miles from home.)

You can use a roto-tiller for deer plots if your soil does not have large rocks nor too many tree roots. Slower than a Disc Harrow, which I use, but reads like your food plots will be relatively small. You will likely want a Cultipacker to roll in seed and press in ridges to inhibit erosion. An HST transmission is better on hills, no rollback after changing HST ranges.

Try to buy a tractor with Tier 3 emission controls while some are still available. I have a Tier 4 tractor which costs more and which you have to de-soot periodically. Get Tier 3 if available.



Paragraph your next T-B-N post.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[Jstickler]

Thanks GmanBart, I think I should be ok with the smaller tractor. I just don't want to ever look back on it and wish I would have gone bigger. I was quoted high 15k for the kioti ck35 w/FEL and high 19k for the branson w/FEL and I know the other two are more. Thanks again.

 

[Guesseral]

While you are at it look at the LS brand tractors. The closest dealer I know of is Paul Robison in Thompson Ohio there may be a closer one but they are the dealer I deal with, and they are great people.

 

[murphy1244]

Howdy neighbor you have plenty of dealers around you in Lorain County. Get some seat time on others.

 

[KYDan]

Research your local dealers and buy a coffee for some neighbors that have tractors and ask them how they like them and how the service is from the dealer where they purchased their machines. Surf around this website and note the problems with tractors. A reliable tractor and a good dealer will greatly enhance your appreciation of a good deal (er). I have had several different brands and a couple of different dealers over the years and the disappointment of saving money on the front end was more than offset by spending more down time and money on the back end. Good luck, take your time and research, and then research some more. It can be fun if you approach it with an open mind.

 

[flusher]

Buying new--find the closest dealer with decent parts and service facilities and check out his 35-40 hp (pto) tractors with FEL, dual rear hydraulic remotes, hydrostatic tranny, ag tires. This will set you up to handle just about anything you'll encounter on your 6 acre homestead except backhoe work (rent that equipment or hire it done). Be sure to test drive before buying. Get the service manual after you take the plunge.

Good luck.