Hello all. I am a tractor newbie (fairly new anyway) and have been monitoring the forums over the last few weeks to garner some information from the very knowledgeable folks that contribute here. In addition to these forums, I have spent plenty of time at dealers etc. doing research for a purchase. Even with all this I am unsure of what the "best" solution for my situation would be (quite frankly I keep changing my mind as to which options are best for me!). This has prompted me to ask others, more knowledgeable than myself, for some less biased opinions (less than my own anyway as I tend to think short term $$$ sometimes vs long term picture).
In advance, let me apologize for being so wordy, but want to give as much detail to my expected use/needs so as any advice received is as relevant as can be.
My current situation is that I live in North Eastern PA on a 45 acre parcel. The parcel is divided into about 30 acres of open land and 15 acres wooded. Topographically, it is "hilly" which is to say that there is no level or anything extremely steep (about 150' total elevation change).
My primary task are (ordered by priority):
1. Brush hog about 15 acres 3 times per year, another 10 acres one or two times per year. The final 5 acres are finished mowed about weekly. I presently use an early 60's Ford 2000 to brush hog, which works fair if I do not let the fields get to high. The finish mowing is done w/ a sears craftsman 25 hp garden tractor which works fine but is a little on the slow side. I am not looking to really do finish mowing with new tractor as I see a ZTR in my future ...
2. Plow driveway in winter. I have a 1300' drive with just under 100' elevation change. At present I use a Polaris Ranger 4x4 with a 6' plow which gets it done with some effort. Our winters here can vary quite a bit so some years I may only plow once or twice and others I may be plowing every week.
3. General landscaping, clearing, driveway maint. etc. Presently use combination of SHOVEL, Polaris Ranger (small dump box good for bark/small amounts of dirt etc.), and Ford 2000 w/ box plow and a blade. Again, this works but know I could be much more efficient!
4. Motocross track. I have a dirt track that I need to keep ripped up (box plow/disc) and I would like to be able to build jumps and move larger amounts of dirt around. Presently use Ford 2000 w/box plow to rip up but have no way to move larger amounts of dirt.
My goals for new tractor are to A) be more efficient and B) consolidate the pieces of equipment I need. C) be able to move dirt (FEL work) D) Add BH capability in future. I am looking for a single good all around tractor that will do most of the things above. I realize that this is asking a lot and that using a single machine will be a compromise (which I am willing to do). E.g. A commercial grade 4wd backhoe would be ideal for the track or track machine but not very useful for mowing so I know whatever tractor/FEL/BH combo I may end up with will not be the best for moving dirt BUT as long as it CAN move the dirt although w/ a little extra time etc. is ok.
Three options I am presently narrowed down to (although willing to change my mind based on this forums advice!). Note that all are 4WD.
1. Relative selling used John Deere 4500 (I know this is a KUBOTA forum and I submitted here as my NEW tractor options are greatly favoring the Kubota .... because of local Dealer reputation and location). This tractor has only 400 hours, includes 460 FEL, Curtis CAB (heat but no AC), an 7' power angle plow, and a sprayer system that mounts to 3P hitch. It is in great shape. My concerns are it is only 39 HP (is it enough for my needs - FEL especially) and if I would get a BH I am not really going to be able to use the cab. Asking price is about 19.5k. Has full AG tires where I believe that I would prefer the "industrial" tread.
2. L5030 - Love this tractor, seems to have plenty of power at about 52 HP, full hydro so I believe that my wife will be willing to use (refused to touch the old FORD!) and seems pretty ideal for MOST of my needs. I would get it with the HD FEL and Tooth Bar. Initially would not get BH but definite option in future. Quoted 27k from dealer (w/ LA853, HD Quick Attach Bucket, Woods Tooth Bar) and believe that I could potentially get that down $500 or so ...
3. M4900 - Seems like a lot more tractor than 5030 or 4500 which I like BUT am concerned about whether my wife will like/use it, will miss the HYDRO myself, and am not sure what I lose in flexibility to the smaller 5030 (front end snow blower etc, extra weight). Have not asked dealer for price but seems like it will be on par with 5030.
As far as $$$, of course this is important BUT the most important item to me is to get the best tool for my needs and its durability as I would like to sell off my ranger, ford etc and plan on keeping this tractor for the LONG haul!
Thanks in advance to all those that take the time to read all this!
In advance, let me apologize for being so wordy, but want to give as much detail to my expected use/needs so as any advice received is as relevant as can be.
My current situation is that I live in North Eastern PA on a 45 acre parcel. The parcel is divided into about 30 acres of open land and 15 acres wooded. Topographically, it is "hilly" which is to say that there is no level or anything extremely steep (about 150' total elevation change).
My primary task are (ordered by priority):
1. Brush hog about 15 acres 3 times per year, another 10 acres one or two times per year. The final 5 acres are finished mowed about weekly. I presently use an early 60's Ford 2000 to brush hog, which works fair if I do not let the fields get to high. The finish mowing is done w/ a sears craftsman 25 hp garden tractor which works fine but is a little on the slow side. I am not looking to really do finish mowing with new tractor as I see a ZTR in my future ...
2. Plow driveway in winter. I have a 1300' drive with just under 100' elevation change. At present I use a Polaris Ranger 4x4 with a 6' plow which gets it done with some effort. Our winters here can vary quite a bit so some years I may only plow once or twice and others I may be plowing every week.
3. General landscaping, clearing, driveway maint. etc. Presently use combination of SHOVEL, Polaris Ranger (small dump box good for bark/small amounts of dirt etc.), and Ford 2000 w/ box plow and a blade. Again, this works but know I could be much more efficient!
4. Motocross track. I have a dirt track that I need to keep ripped up (box plow/disc) and I would like to be able to build jumps and move larger amounts of dirt around. Presently use Ford 2000 w/box plow to rip up but have no way to move larger amounts of dirt.
My goals for new tractor are to A) be more efficient and B) consolidate the pieces of equipment I need. C) be able to move dirt (FEL work) D) Add BH capability in future. I am looking for a single good all around tractor that will do most of the things above. I realize that this is asking a lot and that using a single machine will be a compromise (which I am willing to do). E.g. A commercial grade 4wd backhoe would be ideal for the track or track machine but not very useful for mowing so I know whatever tractor/FEL/BH combo I may end up with will not be the best for moving dirt BUT as long as it CAN move the dirt although w/ a little extra time etc. is ok.
Three options I am presently narrowed down to (although willing to change my mind based on this forums advice!). Note that all are 4WD.
1. Relative selling used John Deere 4500 (I know this is a KUBOTA forum and I submitted here as my NEW tractor options are greatly favoring the Kubota .... because of local Dealer reputation and location). This tractor has only 400 hours, includes 460 FEL, Curtis CAB (heat but no AC), an 7' power angle plow, and a sprayer system that mounts to 3P hitch. It is in great shape. My concerns are it is only 39 HP (is it enough for my needs - FEL especially) and if I would get a BH I am not really going to be able to use the cab. Asking price is about 19.5k. Has full AG tires where I believe that I would prefer the "industrial" tread.
2. L5030 - Love this tractor, seems to have plenty of power at about 52 HP, full hydro so I believe that my wife will be willing to use (refused to touch the old FORD!) and seems pretty ideal for MOST of my needs. I would get it with the HD FEL and Tooth Bar. Initially would not get BH but definite option in future. Quoted 27k from dealer (w/ LA853, HD Quick Attach Bucket, Woods Tooth Bar) and believe that I could potentially get that down $500 or so ...
3. M4900 - Seems like a lot more tractor than 5030 or 4500 which I like BUT am concerned about whether my wife will like/use it, will miss the HYDRO myself, and am not sure what I lose in flexibility to the smaller 5030 (front end snow blower etc, extra weight). Have not asked dealer for price but seems like it will be on par with 5030.
As far as $$$, of course this is important BUT the most important item to me is to get the best tool for my needs and its durability as I would like to sell off my ranger, ford etc and plan on keeping this tractor for the LONG haul!
Thanks in advance to all those that take the time to read all this!