Looking for advice

[IslandTractor]

Originally Posted by kcook

I will mow a small section with my lawn tractor the other 3 to 5 ackers with a brush hog once a couple of weeks.


"It will cost you well over $1000 to get a bigger tractor with similar features etc." I would agree with this. I plan on getting a rear blade only, then a brush hog down the road. I will use other implements from friends as needed. My thoughts are if I can get a larger tractor under my budget, get it.

KC

I understand the desire to get a bigger tractor and making a stretch in the beginning is something a lot of people do. However, when you are dealing with just 3-5 acres you are in a range that can easily be handled by a less than 30hp machine so why tie up the capital in a bigger tractor? You may save 45-60 minutes each time you mow all 5 acres but even if you do that 8-10 times a year (cannot believe the growing season is that much longer in MI) and save 6-10 hours tractor time per year, that will take a long time to amortize given the extra thousands you will spend on a larger tractor. Again, for commercial use it is a no brainer but for private use it is worth thinking about.

You mention bush hogging every 2 weeks. That is quite a lot of bush hogging and is really more like lawn mowing. Most fields are cut less frequently (though you would not be the first to mow that much). After bush hogging it a couple of times it will look more like a rough lawn than a field. In any case, if you are mowing that much you might think of a finish mower which could easily handle two weeks growth. A 20 something hp tractor can easily pull a 5ft finish mower which would speed things up.

[drgill]

I have five acres. I mow about 3.5 acres using a 4 ft rotary cutter. My B2320 (which is great) is more than adequate for the job. Now given that, if I could go back in time, I would buy a B2920 or possibly a L2800. I bought exactly what I needed at the time. Now I am looking at the possibility of buying a PTO generator and I am restricted in my choices because of the PTO output of my tractor. I would suggest buying one size larger than you need. This is just my opinion.

Cheers,

Dennis

[kcook]

Originally Posted by IslandTractor

I understand the desire to get a bigger tractor and making a stretch in the beginning is something a lot of people do. However, when you are dealing with just 3-5 acres you are in a range that can easily be handled by a less than 30hp machine so why tie up the capital in a bigger tractor? You may save 45-60 minutes each time you mow all 5 acres but even if you do that 8-10 times a year (cannot believe the growing season is that much longer in MI) and save 6-10 hours tractor time per year, that will take a long time to amortize given the extra thousands you will spend on a larger tractor. Again, for commercial use it is a no brainer but for private use it is worth thinking about.

You mention bush hogging every 2 weeks. That is quite a lot of bush hogging and is really more like lawn mowing. Most fields are cut less frequently (though you would not be the first to mow that much). After bush hogging it a couple of times it will look more like a rough lawn than a field. In any case, if you are mowing that much you might think of a finish mower which could easily handle two weeks growth. A 20 something hp tractor can easily pull a 5ft finish mower which would speed things up.

One last though is we might buy another 5 ackers or more (up to 17 more ackers) that is next to our land. I would like to be ready just in case. Boss said this is a one time purchase get for today and Tomorrow possible needs.

KC

[GPintheMitten]

Well, I think you really want the B3200 and I'm sure you'll like it. Based on what your saying now, if you got something smaller, you'll always yearn for that "other model". I think it is about 3 grand more for a B3200 with FEL than the B2320 with FEL. Keep in mind, that would buy a some nice implements but you want what you want. Just don't get cash poor and not be able to buy the extra land. Post back what you end up getting.

[IslandTractor]

Originally Posted by kcook

One last though is we might buy another 5 ackers or more (up to 17 more ackers) that is next to our land. I would like to be ready just in case. Boss said this is a one time purchase get for today and Tomorrow possible needs.

KC

Now that is a whole new ballgame. However, a 32hp machine is undersized for 22 acres so you'd likely need to trade up anyway.

[kcook]

Buying much bigger now would be a money issue. Im not sure if it would down the road Another 5 ackers is a real possiblity now so we can have our driveway go out onto a paved road. I would still need to maintain a 1/2 mile dirt road to get into the rear of my future pole barn and property.

Thanks

[gonegreen]

"Future Pole barn"? Sounds like you need a couple tractors.

[kcook]

Originally Posted by GPintheMitten

Well, I think you really want the B3200 and I'm sure you'll like it. Based on what your saying now, if you got something smaller, you'll always yearn for that "other model". I think it is about 3 grand more for a B3200 with FEL than the B2320 with FEL. Keep in mind, that would buy a some nice implements but you want what you want. Just don't get cash poor and not be able to buy the extra land. Post back what you end up getting.

My budget is getting set up for a 17,000 tractor.

KC

[kcook]

Originally Posted by gonegreen

"Future Pole barn"? Sounds like you need a couple tractors.

The boss said yes I need a tractor not tractors

[GPintheMitten]

$17,000 budget... it looks like the B3200 with FEL will be $18500 plus tax, then add the rotary cutter and back blade. Maybe you should get the B2320 or B2620. Have you looked at NH T1510? You might want to compare price and features.