Hello everyone. Here's the story:
I have approx 50 hilly acres in Vermont. I currently own a 50-horse 4wd Long, which is very strong and was very cheap, but requires more upkeep that I can keep up with. All the issues have been minor, but they keep coming and it seems like I spend as much time tinkering, as I do operating.
So I'm looking for something a bit newer. My main issue is $ (I'm sure most of you can relate). I cannot afford exactly what I want, which would be a slightly used M5040 or something along those lines. So I'm left wondering if I should try to find a more-than-slightly-used utility-size tractor... I have no particular brand loyalty; I only mention the 5040 as a reference to what I think would be about ideal. OR... could I get away with a newer, low hour machine the size of, say, a Kioti DK35 or NH TC35 (I mention those b/c I've seen a couple on Craigslist that look very good for the $ I can afford).
Here is what I am currently doing with my Long:
Skidding logs for my sawmill and for firewood (I have a winch)
Clearing snow with bucket
Moving compost/bedding, etc
Moving rocks
Clipping pasture
General small farm tasks
I'm a little nervous about the capacities of a smaller machine, after having become accustomed to the Long, which has an incredibly stout loader (2900-lb lift). Any advice from the peanut gallery? My budget is $15k, plus or minus.
Thank you!
I have approx 50 hilly acres in Vermont. I currently own a 50-horse 4wd Long, which is very strong and was very cheap, but requires more upkeep that I can keep up with. All the issues have been minor, but they keep coming and it seems like I spend as much time tinkering, as I do operating.
So I'm looking for something a bit newer. My main issue is $ (I'm sure most of you can relate). I cannot afford exactly what I want, which would be a slightly used M5040 or something along those lines. So I'm left wondering if I should try to find a more-than-slightly-used utility-size tractor... I have no particular brand loyalty; I only mention the 5040 as a reference to what I think would be about ideal. OR... could I get away with a newer, low hour machine the size of, say, a Kioti DK35 or NH TC35 (I mention those b/c I've seen a couple on Craigslist that look very good for the $ I can afford).
Here is what I am currently doing with my Long:
Skidding logs for my sawmill and for firewood (I have a winch)
Clearing snow with bucket
Moving compost/bedding, etc
Moving rocks
Clipping pasture
General small farm tasks
I'm a little nervous about the capacities of a smaller machine, after having become accustomed to the Long, which has an incredibly stout loader (2900-lb lift). Any advice from the peanut gallery? My budget is $15k, plus or minus.
Thank you!