Have an 8n that is gasping it's last breaths. Was going to have it rebuilt but figured out I could sell mine and buy a pretty well restored one for $1000-$1500 out of pocket. Then, I found myself with a few thousand unexpected dollars in my pocket, so I started looking at larger tractors with live PTO, like the Ford 5000. What I really want, though, is an FEL, so I started looking at large used tractors with loaders and quickly ran out of my $5000 budget. Of course, if you really want to use a loader, you need 4 wheel drive. And $5000 is a good chunk down on a new 4WD tractor with a loader and a warranty...
And here's where the advice comes in. I borrow a B7500 from my neighbor when I have to have a bucket for something or need to dig post holes, but the one task I want an FEL for above all else is to unload round bales from a trailer. Not something I do regularly 蔓probably 20 bales twice a year, but right now it involves straps and chains and comealongs and super-human feats of strength. I don't need a huge tractor 蔓I've made it fine on my 8n for years and I'm really liking the LS G3033 and G3038 for the price and features. My question is, is it reasonable to expect either of those tractors to lift a 1300# bale off a flatbed trailer? I know I'll need to load the tires and weight the back and if I planned to do it everyday I would need something bigger, but what's the real world experience? The lifts are rated at 1600 and 1900 pounds respectively on paper, but how does a tractor that size/weight handle that kind of load? I'll also add that I don't mind setting them down on the spot and grabbing them with a 3pt spear once they clear the trailer.
Those tractors are at the top-end of what I'm willing to spend, and if I spend that much it has to be new and it has to unload bales without being a hazard. That's the only two things that make it worth a monthly payment to me. Will a tractor that size meet my needs or am I better off paying cash for a 5000 or similar, maybe with a loader if I get it at auction? Appreciate any advice or recommendations.
And here's where the advice comes in. I borrow a B7500 from my neighbor when I have to have a bucket for something or need to dig post holes, but the one task I want an FEL for above all else is to unload round bales from a trailer. Not something I do regularly 蔓probably 20 bales twice a year, but right now it involves straps and chains and comealongs and super-human feats of strength. I don't need a huge tractor 蔓I've made it fine on my 8n for years and I'm really liking the LS G3033 and G3038 for the price and features. My question is, is it reasonable to expect either of those tractors to lift a 1300# bale off a flatbed trailer? I know I'll need to load the tires and weight the back and if I planned to do it everyday I would need something bigger, but what's the real world experience? The lifts are rated at 1600 and 1900 pounds respectively on paper, but how does a tractor that size/weight handle that kind of load? I'll also add that I don't mind setting them down on the spot and grabbing them with a 3pt spear once they clear the trailer.
Those tractors are at the top-end of what I'm willing to spend, and if I spend that much it has to be new and it has to unload bales without being a hazard. That's the only two things that make it worth a monthly payment to me. Will a tractor that size meet my needs or am I better off paying cash for a 5000 or similar, maybe with a loader if I get it at auction? Appreciate any advice or recommendations.
