Ram4x4
Silver Member
Hello,
New to the forum. I'm looking to buy a tractor this summer and I have it narrowed down to a Mahindra (price vs performance) and three potential models, but have a few questions.
We have 15 acres in western Pa and a dirt/gravel driveway about 500' or so long. The acreage is about 98% field that I intend to brush hog to keep it maintained. It does need some smoothing work. The driveway needs work and I also intend to do snow removal and some small stump pulling.
I've only owned one tractor previously. When I was stationed in Texas (I'm now retired Air Force) I had a rather beat up old David Brown 880 with a 6' cutter. It served it's purpose for hogging the 5 acres we had there (lots of coastal grass which is some tough to cut stuff!).
Now with three times the land and additional work needed I've decided I am going to purchase new (it will be nice to have everything work on the tractor!). Soooo, the question is how much tractor do I need?
I've always been of the mind set that a little too much is better than not enough, but I don't want to go crazy.
So far I think I have things narrowed down to the following three models:
5035 4WD HST
5530 4WD
6530 4WD
Things I see as pros and cons for each:
5035 HST - I like the idea of the HST, just not sure how durable it is vs regular gears. I like the idea of a 4 cylinder normally aspirated engine vs the 3 cylinder turbo in the 30 series (or is that an unfounded issue?). Slightly smaller so easier to maneuver. Wish it was a cat 2 3-point vs cat 1 (seems most implements are cat 2).
5530 - A few more PTO HP, shuttle and gears, stronger hydraulics, both 3-pt and loader.
6530 - same as 5530 but more HP.
I plan on a FEL and also wondering if the 41HP PTO on the 5035 can handle a 7' cutter? (looking at Woods brand medium duty cutters).
What would you guys recommend? Is the 6530 too much tractor for my acreage? Is the HST on the 5035 up to the abuse over time?
I've sat on a 5530 and the controls are similar to my old David Brown, although admittedly the steering wheel on the 5530 seemed too low, even after lowering the seat (I felt like I was leaning forward and reaching down too much). I have not sat on or driven a 5035.
Thanks!
New to the forum. I'm looking to buy a tractor this summer and I have it narrowed down to a Mahindra (price vs performance) and three potential models, but have a few questions.
We have 15 acres in western Pa and a dirt/gravel driveway about 500' or so long. The acreage is about 98% field that I intend to brush hog to keep it maintained. It does need some smoothing work. The driveway needs work and I also intend to do snow removal and some small stump pulling.
I've only owned one tractor previously. When I was stationed in Texas (I'm now retired Air Force) I had a rather beat up old David Brown 880 with a 6' cutter. It served it's purpose for hogging the 5 acres we had there (lots of coastal grass which is some tough to cut stuff!).
Now with three times the land and additional work needed I've decided I am going to purchase new (it will be nice to have everything work on the tractor!). Soooo, the question is how much tractor do I need?
I've always been of the mind set that a little too much is better than not enough, but I don't want to go crazy.
So far I think I have things narrowed down to the following three models:
5035 4WD HST
5530 4WD
6530 4WD
Things I see as pros and cons for each:
5035 HST - I like the idea of the HST, just not sure how durable it is vs regular gears. I like the idea of a 4 cylinder normally aspirated engine vs the 3 cylinder turbo in the 30 series (or is that an unfounded issue?). Slightly smaller so easier to maneuver. Wish it was a cat 2 3-point vs cat 1 (seems most implements are cat 2).
5530 - A few more PTO HP, shuttle and gears, stronger hydraulics, both 3-pt and loader.
6530 - same as 5530 but more HP.
I plan on a FEL and also wondering if the 41HP PTO on the 5035 can handle a 7' cutter? (looking at Woods brand medium duty cutters).
What would you guys recommend? Is the 6530 too much tractor for my acreage? Is the HST on the 5035 up to the abuse over time?
I've sat on a 5530 and the controls are similar to my old David Brown, although admittedly the steering wheel on the 5530 seemed too low, even after lowering the seat (I felt like I was leaning forward and reaching down too much). I have not sat on or driven a 5035.
Thanks!