Do I need 4wd and/or loader?

[Botabill]

Yes you need / want 4WD and a FEL. I don't think a FEL even with 4 WD will really be good at pusing out stups. You will probably end up bending your FEL. That's what happened to my first FEL.

 

[TripleR]

I find it hard to say that "less is more" when talking about tractors, but I can't see having two tractors to do the work you can do with one. Initial cost is certainly not the only consideration. You are a "new" farmer, so you have not had to buy the fluids/supplies for two tractors, done maintenance/repairs, tires for two tractors. For those of who don't count on any of our tractors to make money, this may not be much of an issue, but if you are "farming" on any level, cost is going to increase LOTS with each addition which needs to be offset by productivity; don't see it here.

My father in law bought a 2WD with FEL many years ago against my advice and within ninety days it was back at the dealer and a 4WD was on his property and his wallet was a lot lighter.

A 2WD will do lots of stuff if it is the "right" one. The guys who farm our land have gone to 80xx series John Deeres, but kept a couple of good big 2WD IH with FEL and dual rear tires and a boat load of weights as utility tractors, but most 2WD's don't do so well.

 

[jenkinsph]

I find it hard to say that "less is more" when talking about tractors, but I can't see having two tractors to do the work you can do with one. Initial cost is certainly not the only consideration. You are a "new" farmer, so you have not had to buy the fluids/supplies for two tractors, done maintenance/repairs, tires for two tractors. For those of who don't count on any of our tractors to make money, this may not be much of an issue, but if you are "farming" on any level, cost is going to increase LOTS with each addition which needs to be offset by productivity; don't see it here.

My father in law bought a 2WD with FEL many years ago against my advice and within ninety days it was back at the dealer and a 4WD was on his property and his wallet was a lot lighter.

A 2WD will do lots of stuff if it is the "right" one. The guys who farm our land have gone to 80xx series John Deeres, but kept a couple of good big 2WD IH with FEL and dual rear tires and a boat load of weights as utility tractors, but most 2WD's don't do so well.

Triple R,
I took his comment (farmer) as part humor and part insult and decided it was probably more ignorance. As I am sure you are aware there is a lot more to being a farmer than buying a tractor branded hat.

As for the single tractor vs. two or three tractor issue, "do you wan't him to do as you do or do as you say?" Looks like you have several.

 

[LBrown59]

It would be hard to put a $ value on a loader, the amount I use mine and the many uses it is good for is priceless.

I could almost get by with out a tractor before I could do without a loader.

 

[TripleR]

Triple R,
I took his comment (farmer) as part humor and part insult and decided it was probably more ignorance. As I am sure you are aware there is a lot more to being a farmer than buying a tractor branded hat.

As for the single tractor vs. two or three tractor issue, "do you wan't him to do as you do or do as you say?" Looks like you have several.

Boy ain't that the truth; farming gets more and more complicated and expensive all the time. I loved farming, but gave it up so I could eat regularly.

I figured someone would catch on to the multiple tractors, so I was careful how I worded it to apply only to someone concerned with cost/production

In my defense, my equipment is located at three different farms though I must admit one may be viewed as being a little "tractor heavy"; course I left a couple off too. We won't even talk about my chain saw or gun collection...

 

[RobertN]

That is kinda my take on it too. Now granted I just take care of a 5 acre and 7 acre properties, no discing or plowing.

I got my previous "tractor" with a rotary mower and a scraper. I had an immediate need to mow.

Note I typed ""Tractor"". I added a loader two years after I got it.

That said, at least in my case, that Kubota was not a tractor until I put the loader on it. Then, it was a tractor! It really made the whole setup. I can not imagine one without a loader now.

Don't know what to say about 2wd vs 4wd; the Kubota, and now New Holland are 4x4.

I could almost get by with out a tractor before I could do without a loader.

 

[Soundguy]

The laoder will be handydandy.. you'll sell your wheel barrow soon after getting it.

4wd? sounds like you don't need it on your flat area.

If you did extensive loader work, 4wd might be nice.. but for ocasional use.. probably not 'needed'.

pulling / pushing stumps. that's not a good ( or safe ) farm tractor job, 4wd or loader.

Me.. I'd hire out the clearing and then just get the equipment I used 80% of the time.

soundguy

Hello, I'm new here....first post and new farmer. I just recently bought 40 acres and have decided to start farming (part time). The land is flat (no hills). Also just bought my first tractor, a 2wd John Deere 5045D. Here's my question and dilemna:

Uses:
1. Harrowing
2. Planting.
3. Bush hog.
4. Pulling up stumps
5. Clearing wooded area--small trees and bushes (new roads).

I trying to decide if I actually need a 4wd. Also, I'm trying to decide whether or not to put a loader on my 2wd tractor. I will be hauling hay bales from time to time so I'll need a loader or rear spear. I don't have enough experience to know what I need.

My 2wd will pull my harrow and 2 row planter (already tested). So, I don't need a 4wd to plant my crop. However, if I were to use the loader to push up stumps and clear my wooded area, would the 4wd be a must? Or, can I off-set the weight in the rear to make the tractor seemed like a 4wd?

Here are some questions:

1. Can I make the back heaiver to make loader work better on a 2wd (I understand the water in tires...anything else)?

2. Should I spend approx 5K to put a loader on a 2wd tractor?

3. If I did, can I make it heavier to off-set not having the 4wd?

I guess my main concern would be adding the loader to a 2wd tractor....is this a mistake based on what I've typed?

Any advice from experience would be greatly appreciated. I am new to this so anything would be important. One other thing, been looking at trading the 2wd on the 4wd version of same tractor. However, it will be a 14,000 difference with the loader....wow! Is it worth that?

thanks in advance, jed

 

[mad_planter]

My father owned and operated a 400 acre dairy farm in northern pennsylvania for 40 years with no 4wd tractor or truck. We ran chains when we needed them and I can never remember a time when our 70 horsepower 2wd Allis wasn't up to the task. This includes skidding logs out of our woodlot in the winter time for extra cash.

If you've got the extra money go for it, but I wouldn't consider it necessary. If you go ripping and tearing with a farm tractor for excavation or stump pulling I would expect some repair bills. They really aren't meant for that unless you've got loose, sandy soil imho.

Mark D.

 

[tessiers]

My father owned and operated a 400 acre dairy farm in northern pennsylvania for 40 years with no 4wd tractor or truck. We ran chains when we needed them and I can never remember a time when our 70 horsepower 2wd Allis wasn't up to the task. This includes skidding logs out of our woodlot in the winter time for extra cash.

If you've got the extra money go for it, but I wouldn't consider it necessary. If you go ripping and tearing with a farm tractor for excavation or stump pulling I would expect some repair bills. They really aren't meant for that unless you've got loose, sandy soil imho.

Mark D.

I agree whole heartedly. I worked a dairy farm for years with nothing but 2wd tractors and never really had too much trouble. For farm work the 4wd gets you a little further before you get stuck but your still stuck. I can't think of 1 time when the 2wd got stuck but a 4wd would not. The one place I really liked the 4wd when we finally got one was when moving wrapped round bales on ice in the winter, then I think a crawler may be the cats meow.

 

[smokinhart]

How many stumps are we talking here? I bet there is a dozer / excavator and operator looking for work that can take care of those stumps in short order. Leaving you to play with the farm stuff and not tear up the equipment you already own ( or cause you to buy more).

Dad always tried to do more than he should with our tractors and we had our share of damages on tractors and loaders. After being in the rental business for a number of years now, I have come to realize that having someone do a project with the right equipment paid me in time and dollars to do it right. I am the one who always has to do it myself (you know the type) BUT I'd say you are money ahead to have someone else with the backhoe or dozer tear the stumps out.

As far as 2 wd and 4wd - We got along a long time out there in the farming community with an old 9N 2wd Ford. The 4wd saves some time and traction and effort..... beyond that it is just what you want or can afford. You'll get it done in 2 wd too.