Doing research for purchasing first tractor. I am a 54 yr old home builder homesteading 3 acres of mountain property. Gotten into 4th yr here in 2024 and property needs a tractor to progress. Have about 20 trees already felled, a sawmill waiting to accept them. There are also trenches that need to be dug, some possibly 300ft long along with dropping more trees continuing clearing to build rental cabins. Probably can only afford an under 40hp tractor. Figure i need loader, grapple attachment, backhoe and probably log splitter attachment. I am in Maine and have choice of manufacturers, for the most part, within 2 hours. I say first tractor but i had a1970 case 530 ck with a poor transmission. Could not get that tractor up the mountain. Because of the poor tranny could not back up, it barely would move forward after a couple months of work. Through that experiment i know i need 4wd. Any import from experienced owners in quality and pricing of manufacturers like jd, mf, bad boy, Kubota or any other suggestions. Thank you for reading this far.
Marc~