EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Sounds like you are in a good HP range. Power is something that you will always appreciate and want more of as you become more familiar with the tractor and projects on your land. The hardest thing to plan for is everything you never thought of, and I guarantee you, that in ten years from now you will look back at your list and laugh.
4 wheel drive is a must. Removable front bucket is a must. I would think that for the long term, working in all weather conditions and fighting bugs, a cab is also a must.
I'm not a fan of a ten foot mower. It's too wide and flat. A batwing is much nicer for conforming to the ground with that added reach outside the wheels. If you are already in that HP range, it makes a lot more sense to go for the 15 foot mower now.
Kubota is probably one of the top brands out there. They are also very proud of their reputation and charge you accordingly. If I was out shopping for a 80 hp 4x4 cab tractor right now, I would not limit myself to any particular brand. I would go to every dealer in my area, and also every source of used tractors. Kick the tires, sit in the seat, and look for a deal.
I'm still hesitant on Tier 4 smog for tractors and would prefer to have something before that came out. If I could find a low hour tractor that met all my other needs, I would go used before buying new. There are those on here who have said they don't see the problem, and there are those who talk about what happens when dealing with Tier 4 issues. Either way, you need to know what it is and what to expect if buying new.
4 wheel drive is a must. Removable front bucket is a must. I would think that for the long term, working in all weather conditions and fighting bugs, a cab is also a must.
I'm not a fan of a ten foot mower. It's too wide and flat. A batwing is much nicer for conforming to the ground with that added reach outside the wheels. If you are already in that HP range, it makes a lot more sense to go for the 15 foot mower now.
Kubota is probably one of the top brands out there. They are also very proud of their reputation and charge you accordingly. If I was out shopping for a 80 hp 4x4 cab tractor right now, I would not limit myself to any particular brand. I would go to every dealer in my area, and also every source of used tractors. Kick the tires, sit in the seat, and look for a deal.
I'm still hesitant on Tier 4 smog for tractors and would prefer to have something before that came out. If I could find a low hour tractor that met all my other needs, I would go used before buying new. There are those on here who have said they don't see the problem, and there are those who talk about what happens when dealing with Tier 4 issues. Either way, you need to know what it is and what to expect if buying new.
