Howdy Folks;
I am in the Market for a bigger tractor. I've been buying Round Bales by the Semi load and I need a tractor big enough to unload them. My David Brown 885 is not tall enough nor is the front end loader string enough to unload the top row from a semi.
I will be looking in the used market and not afraid of an older tractor.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.
Texvet45
Seguin, TX
First of all, :welcome: to TBN.
The tractor and loader you need will partially be determined by the size and weight of the bale. And, the tractors that will be suggested will be limited by your budget. Also, be aware that sometimes, very clean used tractors in excellent condition may not be much less expensive than new ones. Factoring in 0% financing by many of the manufacturers, and it can be very close.
Many of the newer tractors don't weigh as much as the older ones of the same HP, so that can be deceptive. For example, my
NH TN70A is an open-station, four wheel drive, 70 hp engine. My cousin has a Kubota M9540 FWD, cab, 95 hp engine. My NH can handle his 5x6' rolls without
ballast. He had to put water in the Kubota's tires so it could pick up the same roll of hay.
Having said that, either of those tractors would do what you are asking. Also, the older Ford or NH 5610, 6610, or 7610 series.
The 5M series John Deeres, like my
5085M, would easily handle it. And certainly, the larger JD tractors, such as the 6403, etc.
Just so that you'll have some to consider, here are some NH models that will fit your need. (you'll have to decide if they fit your budget)
Note: you can do the same with other brands, I'm just using NH as an example.
These are basically arranged from newest and most expensive (current model with the most features, shuttle shift, etc) to the older and less expensive (fewer features, simpler transmission, etc)
2008 NEW HOLLAND T4030 Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (current model) also T4020, T4030, T4040, & T50xx series
2004 NEW HOLLAND TN70A Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (built 2004-2008) also TN75A, TN85A, TN90A, TN95A
2005 NEW HOLLAND TL80A Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (2004-2007) also TL90, TL100
1997 NEW HOLLAND 5610S Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (built late '90's-2000) also 6610S, 7610S
NEW HOLLAND 3010 Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (1996-2003) also 4010, 5010 (this series would be the absolute smallest NH that I would suggest, and the larger ones would be better)
And, of course, if you want to go even older, you can look at the 5610, 5600;6740, 6710, or 6600. (also 7740, 7710, 7610, 7600)
1992 FORD 5610 Tractors - 40 HP to 99 HP For Sale At TractorHouse.com (1982-1993) also 6610, 7610
I hope this helps and is not just overwhelming.
Point is, there are LOTS of tractors out there that are bigger than yours and would do the job.