Trying to find the best tractor for the job

demonllama · Aug 12, 2017

Hello All,

Ive recently just purchased 8 acres of field with plans to expand into the 15 acre range that is all relatively flat and im looking at getting a tractor and trying to find the best tractor for the job. Im new to tractors so ill rely on your imput to get me started.

With this tractor, it needs to be able to pull a 15' batwing with articulating sides so it will probably need hydraulic hookups in the back. I Would like it to have a bucket attachment on the front so it would need hydrolics there. I figure something around 85hp and 4wd should be good. I prefer that it does not have AC or a cab because I like being able to sit in the sun. Im not looking for a specific brand but I am willing to buy used and am trying to keep it under 10K if possible.

Let me know your thoughts or if you need more information, I can provide it.

Michael

demonllama · Aug 12, 2017

Ive done a little bit of looking since I posted this and found a JD 4020 with a front end loader. Gas and 4wd. If im not mistaken, this should be able to do what I am looking for. The one im looking at is used with 2990 hours on it.

Tractorable · Aug 12, 2017

Hold your horses there buddy. Welcome to the forum. We'll get you sorted out. First, what tasks do you want to do around your new property with a tractor? Make a list and post it here.

Why are you thinking that you need a 15ft bat wing mower and a 4020 for only eight acres? I mow my eight acres with a Ford 8N and a riding mower.

List your needs first and we'll get you going down the right road.

teg · Aug 12, 2017

TractorData.com John Deere 4020 tractor information

That's a pretty good size tractor... that should work for you. How much are they asking for it?

LD1 · Aug 12, 2017

Nothing wrong with old big iron.

But....if I had 8 acres with the potential to expand to 15.....

A 10,000 pound tractor with a 3000hr gas motor from the 1960's and a 15' batwing would be VERY low on my list.

What other than mowing do you plan on doing? Any other reason to what 100hp heavy iron?

Turbys_1700 · Aug 12, 2017

You can see what's available through Tractor House. Pick the HP range, the brand, and then the states close to you. That will get you the market. Is their is a tractor in your price range you like research that model.

You need to determine your budget first. You will need 70-80 PTO HP to pull a 15' batwing adequately.

Personally with your acerage a 10' brush hog will serve you well. If you go that route you can find a little lower HP unit that would pull it great.

Keep us posted on your progress. Lots of folks on here with great advice and experience.

demonllama · Aug 12, 2017

Wow so many responses! Thank you for the encouragement.

The reason for the 15ft articulating bat wing is yes I only have 8 acres but I've got a 6 acres section that I plan on buying with 3 smaller 2 acres plots for a grand total of 20 but some of that would be. Built on. I realize a 15 ft is really big. But I was told to plan for the biggest thing to. The articulation is for a ditch and next to a pond to get down the hill a little bit. A 10foot would be as small as I would go.

I've got 15 acres of woods so pulling out trees and moving around large pieces of wood would happen.

The front end loader I plan on doing a lot of dirt work initially filling in some ponds this guys dug and leveling out some piles he has around (I could probably rent a bobcat for this but if I can get my own bucket that's better because down the road I'm sure it'll get used.

That's really the only uses but the main reason is mowing.

As far as the used jd4020 I saw online, they asked 7900 so I'm sure they would come down to 7k.

I figure John Deere because theee is a lot of those around my area. I think case is fairly popular around here too.

I hope this helps with more. clarification on my uses for it.

LD1 · Aug 12, 2017

Hills, ditches, ponds, woods.....

I would not want a big heavy 2wd loader machine. :2cents:

demonllama · Aug 12, 2017

Thank you for your response. I think you misunderstood. 99% of the land is flat. The articulation was so one side could go into the ditch slightly. Same thing with the pond. Just a little overhang. I have no intentions on driving sideways on a hill to mow. Idk if that changes that response.