What to buy?

muddwhumper · May 20, 2005

I am wanting to buy a tractor. I am new to this forum and to farming in general. Here is my situation, 9 acres mostly cleared, two creeks and a large depression in the middle of my field that stays wet.( I think it just doesn't drain to the back creek--or could be high water table there?--either way a trench needs to be dug to allow drainage) I have about 2-3 acres to finish mow, I like planting a garden(small 1/8 acre), have a horse, need to build a barn(or lean to for the horse), need to run some new fencing, need to fix a gravel driveway(gravels all at one end), need to bushhog about 5 acres and do general maintenence. I am not brand loyal and just want a very reliable versatile tractor or "cut". I would like to finance one (considering buying this place about broke me). I have read alot of posts tonight and hope this is the right place to post this.(since it isn't brand specific) Any links to websites would be appreciated. I did read one post that heavily recommended going to the dealers and trying the tractor out for fit and comfort. Unfortunately I suffer from "BIG EYE TUS"--the bigger it is the more I need it--haha. I am really looking for recommendations on specific models so I don't fall for the biggest thing I can find. Reliabilityand versatility are the most important aspects--I don't want to be working on one after purchase.

aloha · May 20, 2005

Welcome to TBN. You are in the right place. You should be able to get about 900 different recommendations on what is the right tractor.

( a trench needs to be dug )

I very much like my backhoe, but they are a big ticket item. Since the one trench was the only task you listed that seems to favor use of a BH, you probably would be better off renting the equipment to do this. You might see how much of a dent you can make with a box scraper and front end loader (with toothbar--don't forget the toothbar!).

You have figured out you need a brush hog. Depending on the fence style, you may need a post hole digger. You will want a box scraper, a.k.a. box blade, to maintain the driveway and general maintenance.

The Kubota B series sounds like a good fit for what you want to do. I would not consider finish mowing with my B7800, but you will find many who mow with larger machines.

JoeinTX · May 20, 2005

And here's #2 of the 900-odd recomendations you might receive....

It sounds as if money may be a concern for you. Seeing as how most of what you mentioned doesn't require anything too modern, you might look at a good used or rebuilt older tractor for your needs. Call me biased, but a nice Ford 8N, NAA, or 600, MF TO-20 or TO-30 could be all you need. Shredding....road work...they don't need the latest bells and whistles (no matter how good they are and how much I'd like to have them myself) to get done. A 30-35hp tractor should do fine for what you've mentioned so far...along with a 5' rotary cutter, a 6' blade, and maybe a post hole digger or driver.

If you want to go new for warranty reasons, I might suggest one of the Long Farm Trac series tractors. No frills, simple, built to an older platofrm....but solid and reliable.

I'm talking primarily lower-end here, however. If you've got the credit and the down payment to burn, you might want to check out the Kioti line or LG Montana...solid units with support.

Laminarman · May 20, 2005

Recommendation #3. I'm partial to New Holland and hydro, but I'll offer this advice: buy enough tractor, but realize if you haven't owned one before they can likely do more than you realize. I have over 80 acres now, brush hog 30 of it (in pieces), plow, grade....etc and my 40HP tractor is just fine. I was convinced I needed something bigger. I'd suggest that 30HP will be more than enough, with a 5' rotary cutter and box blade and front end loader (good God do not forget the toothbar as already stated). I'd say buy used as well, but that depends on your pocket book. The good news is that tractors seem to hold their value so if you buy a major brand and need to trade up in several years there's not much downside risk.

fish_wisperer · May 20, 2005

look at a farmtrac 535, mahindra c-35/3325 for a solid affordable machine.

DrewL · May 20, 2005

Kioti /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

gippolit · May 20, 2005

Looks like a Kioti CK20 or CK30. They are great tractors that are built like tanks. I own a ck30 tlb it's an animal. I looked at Kubota, JD, NH, but the Kioti had more features and was thousands less. The Kioti won hands down for me.

regards
Glen

muddwhumper · May 20, 2005

Thanks guys, I sure do appreciate the help. I was wondering what a toothbar was? I am assuming that it is a bucket with the forks that stick out from it? I am going to go to the different websites and look at the specific tractors ya'll mentioned. Is 4wd worth the money? I was going to assume that I needed it since I was going to do some work around one of the creeks but now I am unsure if its really needed. Thanks again--I am sure glad for this discussion board.

muddwhumper · May 20, 2005

Yea, I am trying to watch the money however I would rather take on some debt before buying a used that needs alot of work. I have been around cars alot, but not tractors--especially diesels, so some maintenence I could probably perform (oil change, fluids and filters, and direct replacing of components). Beyond that and I would probably rather go new. I have never heard of Kioti, or Montanas before--what is the story on those? I am going to google and see what I can find but does anyone have an unofficial history?

muddwhumper · May 20, 2005

( but I'll offer this advice: buy enough tractor, but realize if you haven't owned one before they can likely do more than you realize.)

 That seems to be my problem when I go to the dealer. He points me to a smaller tractor than what I think I need. The Kubota dealer keeps refering me to the B7800--but when I look at it--I keep thinking that there is no way this things gonna be able to do what I want--I'm tellin ya I suffer from "bigeyetus". I guess I should trust what they are saying as far as size goes on the newer models.