kfvintx
Bronze Member
I was recently in a very similar position of buying a tractor to get family ranch back in order. Immediate needs very similar of clean up chores and also haying the coastal pasture. After many hours of research and making a purchase I thought was the right one and good for long term I can honestly admit I wish I had done a little different. I too was trying to find the ideal machine that does it all. I ended up with a JD 4105 knowing it was small enough to use in the yard and around the house but also right on the edge of flirting with haying (small square bales). It would just have to be with smaller equipment meaning more time..... no big deal.
I still think the 4105 is good tractor and will be kept but probably could have gone with 3 series as I'm now looking at bigger tractor for pasture work. With 172 acres I'm leaning towards 6 series as well (better market for larger round bales rather than small, square) with thought that 5E/M could get the job done but not going to make the mistake again of being on the small side. I'm also looking at 2WD with cab as pretty flat pasture doesn't require 4WD. I think 4105 and 6 series will be pretty good long term combo as no one machine can do it all.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet but just want to throw out the idea of renting some machines for some of the work instead of purchase. How oftern are you really going to use backhoe? Always want to hook up when needed? Are you close to rental yard with smaller tracked excavator? You can rent a machine quite a bit for cost of purchase if not truly needed all the time. Just a thought.
I still think the 4105 is good tractor and will be kept but probably could have gone with 3 series as I'm now looking at bigger tractor for pasture work. With 172 acres I'm leaning towards 6 series as well (better market for larger round bales rather than small, square) with thought that 5E/M could get the job done but not going to make the mistake again of being on the small side. I'm also looking at 2WD with cab as pretty flat pasture doesn't require 4WD. I think 4105 and 6 series will be pretty good long term combo as no one machine can do it all.
I haven't seen it mentioned yet but just want to throw out the idea of renting some machines for some of the work instead of purchase. How oftern are you really going to use backhoe? Always want to hook up when needed? Are you close to rental yard with smaller tracked excavator? You can rent a machine quite a bit for cost of purchase if not truly needed all the time. Just a thought.