what HP tractor do I need

[ELEE24]

hi I,m new to the tractor seen. Just purchased 20 acres. I've been looking at tractors gone to tractor shows and I'am very confused on what size tractor I need. Let me tell you alittle about what I want to do with the tractor. The 20 acres is basiclly cleared my drive way is goinging to be around 600 ft. long. I want to bush-hog about 10- 15 acres and finish mow 5-10 acres. I need to maintain my drive way in the winter and would like to use it to help build it. Building a new home so going to have alot of land scaping and lawn leveling. Any sugetions on what size tractor I would need. this is my first tractor so I really want to do it right . I'v been looking at kubota, kioti and new holland.
Thanks

 

[JoeR]

I would be looking for something between 30 and 50hp. I would want a tractor that could handle a 6-7ft bush hog. That way you do not spend 6 hours mowing with anything smaller. If you plan on ground engaging work, then you might need the higher HP range.

Good luck,

Joe

 

[MotorSeven]

Ditto....30hp min would be my guess. I have 20 ac to hog and i wish i could have afforded a 35-40hp, but i got as much as my wallet could handle. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

RD

 

[ToadHill]

I used an old 25 hp ford for many years on my 90 acres and I was supprised at how much work it was asble to do. I purchased a 35 hp with four wheel drive and while the horsepower is only 10 more, the four wheel drive makes a big difference. I think you would be happy with any unit in the 30 to 40 hp range with four wheel drive.

 

[Egon]

I would think you will have to balance the finish mowing size and bushoging/moving dirt HP to come up with a compramise.

As others 30 to 40 HP.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Oleozz]

I think you will want something nimble and manuverable for all the mowing you will be doing, especially the weekly finish mowing on your lawn. I would be concerned about the turning radius of your compact, the tire tread, and then the hp. I mowed my lawn for years with a 28 hp JD and it did fine and also maintained my 100 acre farm with it. I would think that a 30 to 35 hp tractor would be ideal for your needs and should be thrifty on the diesel fuel.

 

[daTeacha]

On the small end of the size ranges quoted, look real hard at the New Holland TC33. The ergonomics are nice, the reputation is good, the seat is great and you'll be spending a fair amount of time on it. Try sitting on any one of the tractors you have in mind for about 20 minutes and see what hurts or doesn't. Just sit there, you don't need to drive it to get an idea about how it might fit.

 

[Joe1]

Since You don't have a lawn now, you might consider buying a tractor that will do the heavy work now and in the future possibly a Zero Turn Mower for the "finish mowing" if you in fact end up with that much grass.

It might be cheaper in the long run. to buy a tractor capable of the heavy work and have one that wouldn't tear up the finish work surface without changing tires migh be difficult. It would certainly require some comprimise on your part.

 

[Glen_Ippolito]

I would set on them all see how they feel. I think a Ck30 would do you fine. Very nice tractor and feature rich. Also I would look at the bota's nice tractors.

 

[deerefan]

You did not mention John Deere, but they have the 5003 models that are a great deal. The 5103 (50 hp) gear drive is about 12,5K new. Check them out, they are great tractors.

 

[SnoFalls]

I'd agree and getting a "bigger" machine for the work ... when done, maybe trade down to a smaller machine for mow/maintenance.

Huge "manicured" lawns are pretty, but not worth it IMO. Plan for what you'll use in your landscape, what fits "naturally", and then enjoy.

I found this book very imformative. It is tailored to the pacific northwest, but I'd guess you may find a similar resource for your location.

It all comes down to what *you* want. I like small lawns I can mow with a walk behind (and plants landscaping to fit around that). Some like the huge expance of lawn (and practice their golf game). Other till and work some acres for income ...

 

[daTeacha]

I did a double take on that price, but it set me to thinking. Most of the posters here think 4wd in compacts. If you don't need 4wd, you can save a lot of money or get a bigger and stronger tractor for the same price. The small Ag tractors can be very competitive in price if you have room to use them on your land.

 

[Soundguy]

Just like the others said.. 30+ hp... and it just depends on 'how fast/ how long you want to mow. / how often..' and how much you want to spend.

If you want to mow fast.. get more hp and larger mower.. if you don't mow often... less hp.. smaller mower and take the time..

Just for ideas... a with a 10' mower i can mow 10ac in about 2.5 hrs.

I think I'd rough mow as much as possible, and finish mow whatever a lawnmower would handle.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[Big_Cajun]

Sounds like everyone is sending you in the right direction Elee24. Definitely 30 to 50 HP in my book.

BC

 

[kozak]

ELEE24,

I think Joe1 gave you the best advice. No lawn yet & you have alot of heavy work ahead of you. I would go no smaller than a 35 HP machine & if you need something smaller later you either buy a used riding lawn tractor or garden tractor. Soundguy also succinctly put it in terms of time. If you have alot of time to do landscaping & brushhogging, etc, go slightly smaller & be prepared to take up to twice as long for the tasks. Big difference in machines (NH) from 33HP to 35HP as you are comparing a Class II compact tractor with a Class III tractor. Check out the specs & of course check out the machines themselves. Dealership (if he wants your business) will go out of his way to help you make your decision based on what you indicated you will be doing.

Good Luck & Keep us Posted !! It's alot of fun buying your first machine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Vic

 

[Poncho]

A couple of questions... when you say "cleared" it sounds like no trees... if the are no trees and you won't be planting any except a few small ones around the house, then I would go with a utility tractor as opposed to a compact like the NH TC's, MF 15's etc. Also it sounds like you live North when you say maintaining driveway in the winter... snow. I think you would definately want the 4WD. If your land is "bumpy" you may also find the compacts shorter wheel bases will bounce a lot more than those with longer wheelbases. If it was me and going with a 2WD, I'd look real hard at the MF 431, Bota M4800, Mahindra 4500 etc. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[20acres]

JD5103 sounds like a good choice. Appears you just want it for keeping the land clear. No need for 4 WD really.
50HP pull about any BH with that thing. They are cheaper around here than CUT's in the 32HP range.