Hello everyone. I have been researching tractors for several months - largely on this forum. We're having a home built on 60+ acres. We're getting close to our tractor purchase and I now have a better idea of what we'll need...
I have operated tractors and other large machinery. We need to keep cost under $20k for budget reasons and a good finance package would be nice. The majority of the acreage is in CRP so that part (at least for the next several years) will only require weed spraying.
1. Most important job will be plowing driveway (2800 feet long, gravel, rises 300+ feet, grade averaging 8% or less for the most part, 3 switchbacks with several hundred feet of the driveway cut into a hillside, no significant shading by trees, much of it southerly-facing). Commercial plow service not an option. Snowfall is frequent during winter months - usually 6 inches or less, but occasionally 12 inches over 24 hours. Drifts will likely be an issue at times. The snow often melts between snowfalls - some years it will accumulate, but rarely more than 18 inches on ground. I'm really thinking hydraulic angle is a must as the direction the snow needs to be pushed will change depending on what part of the driveway I'm on (and what side is uphill and not amenable to a snow berm). I have a 1 ton diesel pickup, but would rather not subject it to the abuse of frequent, fairly lengthy plowing.
2. Rough mowing grass/weeds on a little over 1 acre as well as brush in several parts of the 15 or so acres of timber. (Our lawn will be small enough to continue using our push mower).
3. Weed spraying on 40 acres - combination of spot spraying with some broadcast spraying.
4. Making the job of moving firewood (5 cords yearly estimated) easier.
5. Reliability will be an important consideration.
I've considered the following:
Mid sized CUT with FEL and hydraulic controlled back blade (6+ feet) vs. a CUT (specifically New Holland TC 30) with front blade and carryall. I've also considered a Power-Trac but really want a blade wide enough to knock out the driveway in one round trip. I understand chains will likely be needed. I would include a bush hog mower in any of the above setups. I'm leaning toward the TC 30 because the front blade available with it is 78 inches wide with a 20 inch high moldboard. Of course, I would be giving up what many consider the most versatile implement - FEL. I do not think a snow blower is the best option as we will often have only a few inches of snow.
Sorry for the length - I'm trying to give as much info. as possible.
Thanks.
I have operated tractors and other large machinery. We need to keep cost under $20k for budget reasons and a good finance package would be nice. The majority of the acreage is in CRP so that part (at least for the next several years) will only require weed spraying.
1. Most important job will be plowing driveway (2800 feet long, gravel, rises 300+ feet, grade averaging 8% or less for the most part, 3 switchbacks with several hundred feet of the driveway cut into a hillside, no significant shading by trees, much of it southerly-facing). Commercial plow service not an option. Snowfall is frequent during winter months - usually 6 inches or less, but occasionally 12 inches over 24 hours. Drifts will likely be an issue at times. The snow often melts between snowfalls - some years it will accumulate, but rarely more than 18 inches on ground. I'm really thinking hydraulic angle is a must as the direction the snow needs to be pushed will change depending on what part of the driveway I'm on (and what side is uphill and not amenable to a snow berm). I have a 1 ton diesel pickup, but would rather not subject it to the abuse of frequent, fairly lengthy plowing.
2. Rough mowing grass/weeds on a little over 1 acre as well as brush in several parts of the 15 or so acres of timber. (Our lawn will be small enough to continue using our push mower).
3. Weed spraying on 40 acres - combination of spot spraying with some broadcast spraying.
4. Making the job of moving firewood (5 cords yearly estimated) easier.
5. Reliability will be an important consideration.
I've considered the following:
Mid sized CUT with FEL and hydraulic controlled back blade (6+ feet) vs. a CUT (specifically New Holland TC 30) with front blade and carryall. I've also considered a Power-Trac but really want a blade wide enough to knock out the driveway in one round trip. I understand chains will likely be needed. I would include a bush hog mower in any of the above setups. I'm leaning toward the TC 30 because the front blade available with it is 78 inches wide with a 20 inch high moldboard. Of course, I would be giving up what many consider the most versatile implement - FEL. I do not think a snow blower is the best option as we will often have only a few inches of snow.
Sorry for the length - I'm trying to give as much info. as possible.
Thanks.
