Which tractor for small operator? 5'1" petite farm owner

[mvoght]

4 years later and I think I'm finally about ready to buy a new tractor.

I decided to find this old thread and read it again, because you all gave me some great input. I compiled a bit of a list to refresh.

What do I do now?

• Use a 93" finish mower on my pastures. Documentation on mower says it needs 60 HP PTO. My case is not that high of PTO HP, I suppose I should try to figure out what it HP is on the model I have, and it has been fine, but it is somewhere in the 50s.
• Drag my riding arena about 2x a week, I have a 3pt hitch framed chain drag. It is 9'6" wide since the Case is so wide.
• Harrow the fields with the drag
• push snow in winter-except the blade we have was too light, and a couple of years ago, it got damaged, needs a welder to fix it, on the to do list, and I'm considering a better blade. Now we push snow with the FEL - not ideal
• Turn the manure pile, sometimes spread the composted manure from the bucket while driving at speed in the field with the drag attached, I don't have a spreader so sometimes pay someone to come spread for me
• I've used rear PTO augers to plant trees...but not in a while.

What do I want to do on my farm? Should I just rent a skid steer for some of these?

1. I'd like to get into my dry lots with the box blade and re-level, this might not be feasible, Case footprint is too big for this. 10' gates on a 12' aisle.
2. Get a box blade and fix some drainage issues, smooth out some areas, move dirt around. I can re-level my arena - but the blade used to work reasonably well for this. It took a long time. I understand there is a bit of a learning curve on the box blades. My neighbor offered to let me try hers.
3. Snow removal, but this is Virginia, it isn't all the time. I need a new blade...maybe, maybe the box blade can do in a pinch?
4. Grade and maintain gravel driveway, area around manure pile, anywhere that gets disturbed.
5. I use the FEL a lot, mostly to manage manure, but also for heavy things,
6. I'm pondering the idea of a pallet fork attachment to unload pallets from my truck, but we don't do that too often and I'd need to figure out the tailgate clearance, is that not an issue with an FEL
7. Husband wants a wood chipper, I'd rather get him a PTO driven one and share my tractor than have another small engine around that requires maintenance.
8. I do love hydraulics...man invented them so small people could lift big things!

Next up, my annoyance at the salesman who seems to want me to buy a MX5400HST cab...and cannot seem to read all the questions in my emails.

 

[ericm979]

Not being able to read an entire email is common these days. Tractor dealer are often particularly bad about answering emails. Part of the reason I went with Branson was that my dealer does answer emails (and they read the whole thing too). Every time I buy filters or whatever, they're a pleasure to deal with.

Chippers and tractors go together like rum and Coke. Chipping wood takes a lot of power. The tractor supplies a lot of power and is far more mobile than a truck moving a chipper trailer. Woodmaxx and Woodland Mills both sell decent chippers for a good price. They're both made in China and designed in North America (Woodland Mills is Canadian) though they are different designs. Woodmaxx also has a couple made in the US models. Their WM-8H is popular among TBN members.

HST pedals change the transmission gearing... push down a little for a low gear, push down farther for higher gear ratios. It's not a gas pedal like on a gear tractor, though it gets even more confusing when the HST pedals and throttle are linked and then it is a throttle pedal too. Once you're used to it, it makes sense. It lets you change speeds on the fly without changing engine RPM (useful for mowing especially on variable slopes) and move the tractor very precisely. That's useful for pallet forks especially if you're using them to pick up something in your nice pickup truck.

 

[Creamer]

You should seriously consider a Bi-directional like my Versatile 150. To start with the first thing I hate about it is that the cab is way to small (I am a very large guy) - but my almost 5' daughter finds it great with the controls right where she wants them - she finds it a lot easier to drive than my Ford 1710 gear drive because of simplicity and visibility and that she can sit in the seat normally and reach all of the controls. Mine is 70 HP hydro that you do not have to hold a pedal down - just put the hydro lever where you want it and it stays there. four wheel drive to go anywhere and do anything. Articulated so it can turn very sharply and get into your lots as it is only about 80" wide. It also does not create a lot of ruts because it is not real heavy - only about 7800 lbs with loader.

The real key is that the seat and steering wheel turn 180 degrees so you can drive the tractor either direction just as easy - gives you a lot of flexibility and visibility - one of the key reasons my daughter likes it. She can see the entire front edge of the bucket while moving dirt so she knows if it is digging or not - not guessing from where a gage rod is positioned. Moving snow with the large bucket is really easy and quick as it has a 1 yard snow bucket - especially since the loader mounts to what is normally the back of the tractor and your seat is turned around so you can see it. Using pallet forks is really easy as well because of the visibility.

Other implements like tree planting would again be right in front of you whereas for mowing you would turn the seat around and look over the engine hood for driving while the mower comes along behind.

I converted it to SSQA loader attachment so that I can use any accessory that you can think of.

Support for them would be through the New Holland dealer.

If I were your height I would also change the steps so add one and re-space them. I find them tall and my daughter has a hard time.

 

[CalG]

I haven't posted in a while, but the time is coming to think about a new tractor. I have a 2WD Case 585 (mid 80s vintage) that I bought in 2004. It has served me well, but I'm starting to want a new tractor, with a narrower footprint, and one that I can actually reach the controls on. And even if I don't decide on a new tractor, I need

The property: 15 acre horse farm with 3-4% grade (so no steep hills), riding arena maintenance, mowing, manure management, and moving snow in winter are the required uses. I'll be honest, a snow blower is desired, despite that being a silly thing in Northern Virginia...moving 3-4' drifts with a bucket gets old...fast, even if it is only once every 3-4 years.

Currently have a 93" finish mower, blade, & bucket and a 10' 3 pt hitch drag/harrow.

I took a spin (in the parking lot) of our local JD dealership, and was really thinking I'd like to go green, as I could leverage my USEF membership discount, but I hated driving the one they put me on. And, I don't think it had enough HP.

I'm likely going to have a Kubota rental/loaner next week, while my current one is in the shop, because the grass is tall! So that will give me an opportunity to drive a Kubota and see how I like the feel of that.

But, do any of you have a smaller operator in your usual drivers of your tractors?

Look into SL&H

SAME , Lamborghini & Hurlimann.

Nice tractors! Many good features in a compact package.

Duetz-Farr has the brand now.

Our Brands - SDF GROUP

www.sdfgroup.com

 

[mvoght]

You should seriously consider a Bi-directional like my Versatile 150. To start with the first thing I hate about it is that the cab is way to small (I am a very large guy)

The problem with that Versatile 150 is that they don't appear to be made anymore, and I'm wanting something with lower maintenance than my mid-80s Case. They do look pretty nifty!

CalG - I have never seen any of those brands in my region and that gets me into the "who supports it?" problem. I'm an operator...not a maintainer

Ericm979 - I was thinking about it, the reach on the FEL arms is longer than the forklifts they use at the feed store and co-op to load the pallets. I have not used the pallet forks on an FEL, and I've only seen one tractor with them in use, and it was about 15 years ago, which means I have no recollection of any details, other than they did not damage my nice truck getting in the pallet.

I spent my Sunday morning coffee drinking, reading news time on tractor research instead. I've got a lot more research to do. And I'll need to take a bit of time off of work to visit dealerships.

I created a comparison document that I'll be using. Based on dealer availability, my current list is:

• Kubota
• John Deere
• Massey-Ferguson
• Kioti
• New Holland

Features I have added that I need to test out and see what I like are:

• Transmission
  • Shuttle shift, manual and power reverser
  • geared 4x2 or 3x9 (I might have the shorthand wrong on these)
  • HST
• FEL
  • Extra valve functions, possible grapple in future, I realize I'm going to need to start replacing my Leyland cypress trees that are my windbreak around my riding arena, and a grapple would make this a much easier job to tackle.
• Rear hydraulics
  • TnT
  • Just a top link as hydraulic
  • Remotes
• PTO - I need to learn what the draft control does, my current tractor has it, but I have never learned what it is, and with the 3 implements I've used, I have not noticed it making any difference, but if it is something with the rear hydraulics, I don't have an implements that use those
• Weight/size
• A few others are on my list too.

Learn more about the the options, what each brand calls things, to be conversant and understand so sales men don't pat me on the head and tell me not to worry my pretty little head with those details.

Seriously, I am a systems engineer and am accustomed to leading technical discussions, even if I'm not an expert in every field, I lead and facilitate discussions on building some pretty technical items. The lack of detailed answers I received from the initial salesman would have me laying on the sarcasm THICK and I guarantee I would NOT be getting junior high school level answers when I asked a college level question from anyone I work with.

And I do need to tell the initial guy that he gets one chance to start over, and the first thing is that he needs to understand that I am buying a tractor and I might share with my husband...or he might have just lost his chance. I am undecided. I have more than one Kubota dealership to choose from.

 

[fried1765]

The problem with that Versatile 150 is that they don't appear to be made anymore, and I'm wanting something with lower maintenance than my mid-80s Case. They do look pretty nifty!

CalG - I have never seen any of those brands in my region and that gets me into the "who supports it?" problem. I'm an operator...not a maintainer

Ericm979 - I was thinking about it, the reach on the FEL arms is longer than the forklifts they use at the feed store and co-op to load the pallets. I have not used the pallet forks on an FEL, and I've only seen one tractor with them in use, and it was about 15 years ago, which means I have no recollection of any details, other than they did not damage my nice truck getting in the pallet.

I spent my Sunday morning coffee drinking, reading news time on tractor research instead. I've got a lot more research to do. And I'll need to take a bit of time off of work to visit dealerships.

I created a comparison document that I'll be using. Based on dealer availability, my current list is:

• Kubota
• John Deere
• Massey-Ferguson
• Kioti
• New Holland

Features I have added that I need to test out and see what I like are:

• Transmission
  • Shuttle shift, manual and power reverser
  • geared 4x2 or 3x9 (I might have the shorthand wrong on these)
  • HST
• FEL
  • Extra valve functions, possible grapple in future, I realize I'm going to need to start replacing my Leyland cypress trees that are my windbreak around my riding arena, and a grapple would make this a much easier job to tackle.
• Rear hydraulics
  • TnT
  • Just a top link as hydraulic
  • Remotes
• PTO - I need to learn what the draft control does, my current tractor has it, but I have never learned what it is, and with the 3 implements I've used, I have not noticed it making any difference, but if it is something with the rear hydraulics, I don't have an implements that use those
• Weight/size
• A few others are on my list too.

Learn more about the the options, what each brand calls things, to be conversant and understand so sales men don't pat me on the head and tell me not to worry my pretty little head with those details.

Seriously, I am a systems engineer and am accustomed to leading technical discussions, even if I'm not an expert in every field, I lead and facilitate discussions on building some pretty technical items. The lack of detailed answers I received from the initial salesman would have me laying on the sarcasm THICK and I guarantee I would NOT be getting junior high school level answers when I asked a college level question from anyone I work with.

And I do need to tell the initial guy that he gets one chance to start over, and the first thing is that he needs to understand that I am buying a tractor and I might share with my husband...or he might have just lost his chance. I am undecided. I have more than one Kubota dealership to choose from.

You will have a tough time with almost ANY tractor salesman, because YOU are a woman.
Unfortunately, they will likely not take you seriously.

Whatever tractor you do buy, be absolutely certain that it has a 3rd function, (for grapple) and good hydraulic pump capacity, for flow demanding attachments.
My Kubota L48 (2006) has 25.9 gpm. hyd. capacity.
You may not need that much (I have an 11' hoe), but too much is better than not quite enough.

If you buy a grapple, the Everything Attachments grapples are the best.
Just ask anyone here on TBN about EA stuff.
All the attachments that EA makes are the best, or equal to the best.

Too bad you live so far away.
I am an 80 year old long ago engineer, and would love to tag along on your shopping trip,..... maybe posing as your father.

 

[nybirdman]

I would recommend one of the MX Kubota's also,lots of bang for the buck;problem is "inventory";lack of availability.Short supply and lots of demand ,so if you find one on the lot jump at it.

 

[Williy]

Don't know is you have seen these tractors?
Do you have a Yanmar dealer near you?

YT3 Series | YANMAR Tractor

Explore YANMAR tractor models in the hardworking YT3 Series. Popular for 25 or more acres.

www.yanmartractor.com

https://www.yanmar.com/us/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Yanamar_2017_brochure_YT347-359_LR.pdf

willy

 

[mvoght]

Willy, Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't believe there is adequate dealer support near me for that brand.

 

[mvoght]

Too bad you live so far away.
I am an 80 year old long ago engineer, and would love to tag along on your shopping trip,..... maybe posing as your father.

LOL, That would be fun.

It would also perpetuate the trend from salesmen to not acknowledging that an awful lot of small farmers are now women, and actually have our own bank accounts now! We don't need our husbands, brothers, fathers, or manly neighbors to make technical or financial decisions! Shocking for the poor troglodytes.

I acted as general contractor when we built our farm in 2004. On a few rare occasions, I sent my husband to monitor an installation because I had work meetings that I could not miss. Do you know how fast they ALL wanted to turn to him to ask for details and clarifications? The first time they laid eyes on the man. And every time, he had to say "She's the project manager, not me, you'll need to ask her".