Buying Advice Tractor choice? Share your wisdom!

[WM75Guy]

I would go as big as possible up to 75HP to avoid DEF. Similar to Eddie, I went with the New Holland Workmaster 75 to avoid regen issues. Not a Deere or Kubota but here is a New Holland Workmaster 70HP to help in comparison pricing for those 2 makes. The $42,240 is the cash price. The 0% interest price of $48,240 has the interest rolled into the base price, for those folks who cannot pay the cash price and need $0 down and payments. Also, don't rule out a cab in the Texas heat.

 

[Torvy]

Frankly, both brands are overpriced, IMHO, but it's your money we're spending, not mine.

One thing to consider, the JD has its proprietary loader connector. That reduces your options on front end attachments. Fewer options tends to add cost for the same utility.

The feel and operation between those brands is very different. Get some seat time in the models you are considering.

You have a sizeable property. Don't go too small. Unless you like more time in the seat.

 

[CADplans]

I bought a 4052R JD, because I found it setting on a dealers lot,,
with 250ish hours on it.
Only 25 PTO hours,, the guy had a 6 foot "bush hog".

I possibly would have considered a 5XXX if buying new,,
but, i got this tractor for $20,000 less than it would cost me to order it.
I THOUGHT I was "buying down",, my other tractor is sized like a 5XXX size JD.

Because of the way it handles,
I have done jobs the larger tractor just could not do.

It had several options that were mandatory for me to want it.
It has the Power Reverser transmission,, I LOVE that.

It has the skid steer loader adapter instead of the JD adapter,,
I had four attachments already.

It had a LOT of options i would not have paid for,, if I were to buy new.
Self leveling loader,
6 rear wheel weights
LOTS of lights that are options
Front and rear auxiliary hydraulics.
Roof
Rotating seat and the seat is spring/shock supported, with 7 inches of travel.
and other options that do not come to mind right now.

In all honesty,, i have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY one of those options
The machine has been a dream to use,,
it has done several projects that my previous larger tractor could not accomplish.
(A new JD 5XXX tractor similarly equipped could ALSO do these projects)
It has surprised me dozens of times.

 

[Yander]

Was going to suggest a Yanmar YT359 but apparently you're settled on a lesser quality tractor .

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Frankly, both brands are overpriced, IMHO, but it's your money we're spending, not mine.

One thing to consider, the JD has its proprietary loader connector. That reduces your options on front end attachments. Fewer options tends to add cost for the same utility.

The feel and operation between those brands is very different. Get some seat time in the models you are considering.

You have a sizeable property. Don't go too small. Unless you like more time in the seat.

I have yet to figure out why people say this? You can get skid steer quick attach on John Deeres, you just have to ask for it.

 

[jyoutz]

What exactly is a “shredder” ?

Some people use that term for a rotary cutter.

 

[Torvy]

I have yet to figure out why people say this? You can get skid steer quick attach on John Deeres, you just have to ask for it.

That's a little disingenuous. They have adapters they sell. Those add weight and length, robbing you of more capacity if you use them.

 

[big bubba]

OP: about the same acreage & make up as my place. Not familiar with the series you're considering, but as mentioned, you're on the right track. a larger utility 70-80 hp would be a good choice. given my acreage & diverse tasks, that hp range works perfectly for me, good luck...but don't be rash & get purchase fever...wait a while & reconsider. wise to post here, regards

 

[Dftodd]

After a few years in the city, our family is about to get back to the country- 125 acres of about 70% woods, 30% pasture. Looking for a tractor to handle the following the jobs:
(1) Rough cutting grass on a few acres (will hire out shredding for the bulk of the pasture periodically)
(2) Cutting and maintaining trails
(3) Some minor dirt work
(4) Gravel driveway maintenance
(5) May need to move up to 1,200 pound round bales on occasion

Terrain is mostly flat or gently sloping, but absolutely must have a tractor not prone to roll. (Will have shredder on 3PH most of the time.) Want reliability and willing to pay extra for it. Budget for tractor and implements up to $60,000. Anticipate needing a heavy duty rotary cutter (shredder), pallet forks, box blade, and maybe a grapple. Have a Deere dealer 10 minutes away and Kubota about 20 minutes away, so am only considering those brands. Don't want a cab. The Deere dealer really encouraged me to look at a 5 Series although I was leaning towards a 4 Series. He says that he sells 20 5075E's for every 1 4066M. What are your thoughts? Appreciate your help!!!

On the subject of field mowing. Quite a few locals around me use the same person and actually get paid for the hay instead of paying someone.

It's not much per bale, but at least it's positive amount instead of a negative.

You can check with other owners around your area and see if they know of someone in your area.

You can get all those attachments for pretty much any tractor from the small subcompact up to the big Berthas

We managed 112 acres with a 25hp Kubota tractor for years. Before that it was an Ford, Mccormick, and started out with a little Farmall A.

That was mowing fields, brush hogging, tilling a garden, using a forestry winch and logging, to dirt work and maintaining the driveways.

So it really depends on your budget, and the HP your looking for. Whether you want to deal with tier 4 emissions or stay under it in the 25hp range.

 

[OzarkChris]

A rotary cutter.

You just learned me something! I've only heard that term used with flails. Must be a regional thing. Please don't take this as a slam, I've just never heard that term associated with a bush hog.