Buying Advice First time tractor purchase...need advice

[asi424]

I am a first time tractor buyer in need of some guidance. Here is what I am looking for: a 40 to 55 HP tractor with 4WD, live independent PTO, high capacity hyd pumps, creeper gear, R1 or R4 tires, and loader. I will be using a brush hog, 3pt disc, rotovator, manure spreder, flail chopper, grain drill, cultivator and transplanter (pull behind) with the tractor. I figure on putting about 300 hours a year on the tractor, growing 10 acres of vegetable crops.
Here are my questions:

1. What tractors have you had success with, which ones have you had trouble with, which ones can handle the work load? I am not stuck on any particular brand, just a reliable tractor for alot of field work. I have John Deere, Kubota, Kioti, and Mahindra dealerships close by for servicing.

2. Any advice on buying used tractors, where to look for the best deal? Unfortunately, my absolute limit is $18,000 and that pretty much puts me out of the new market.


Thanks for any advice that you have, I really appreciate it. It is great to have a forum like this, it helps us new guys out a lot.

-Dave

 

[Don87]

Doesn't sound to me like you need any help ar all. You know exactly what you need.

Welcome ro TBN.

 

[Don87]

Here is a really good post on the subject: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/2257852-post45.html

But read the entire thread. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/196370-best-tractor-should-open-can.html

 

[TripleR]

First, I don't buy the "Massey Ferguson is best line" any more than "Kubota, JD, Kioti etc. is best".

It looks as though you have a very good idea of the parameters for your use. I would take that and look for the best used tractor you can get to fit them regardless of brand. We have owned Ford, Case, John Deere, Kubota and Massey Ferguson.

Find one that fits you and your pocketbook and you will be happy. I usually have my brother, who is a mechanic check a tractor out if I am unsure.

 

[bp fick]

First, forget the R4s as you are 90 percent Ag oriented. You don't have to mow a lawn, so that's that. R1, over and out. They won't have the side wall strength of the R4 for loader work, but in the field, you absolutely want the traditional Ag, narrower width tread pattern.

You're gonna have to use TractorHouse.com to find some inventory local to you. Realize that they are 10-12% up listed in price.

Craigslist might snag you a few leads too. Watch for the obvious scams. If it is priced too low, and ta-da, no matter how many times you ask to come over and look at it, there's a run-a-round on email? It's a scam. Flat out.

I'd be totally color blind. Let each machine you see speak for itself. I'd likely get a power/shttle/shift so I'd have the pulling power of gear, but the ease of quick reverse.

 

[bp fick]

Actually, if you can find a local dealer you trust. HUGE.
And, he would match this kind of pricing. Also huge.
And, you think this machine would be adequate.
And, you like the tractor's features, etc.

You aren't that far off from new. Check this out.

RCO - LS Tractor I3040 from RCO TRACTOR, a UTDA Dealer

That price includes a couple of implements, which I'd deduct in my mind for the sales tax. Unless, like me, your tractor is Ag and no sales tax.

 

[Haoleguy]

asi424 - From your needs description I think the hydraulic pressure and creeper requirements are where you may see differences with manufacturers. If you know exactly what you need as a minimum use those numbers to shop. I did a quick look at used tractors from JD and Kubota because those are ones I checked out a few years back based on local dealer support. From that look, and only these 2 manufacturers, I would say that Kubota may offer you better used choices and pricing from the M5400 and M5700 series than JD. For JD, and I own a JD 5325, you might look at a 4720(not sure it has the farm versatility) and the 5320s. From what I saw the 5325s are too high with MFWD. These are only 2 of many good manufacturers out there. I know very little about NH blue, Case, and MF and thus cannot comment.........Gary

 

[Don87]

First, I don't buy the "Massey Ferguson is best line" any more than "Kubota, JD, Kioti etc. is best".

.

Then why didn't you chime in on the 'can of worms' thread?

 

[bigbull338]

the brand of tractor you get really doesnt matter,as long as its a tractor you can live with.you said $18000 was your limit,an a MX5100 HST is $25,000 new rigged up like your wanting.an the low range is a creeper gear.

 

[TripleR]

Then why didn't you chime in on the 'can of worms' thread?

I was not interested. I have owned and driven enough tractors over the past fifty years to know there is no such thing.

When providing advice, I try to be as objective as I possibly can and don't brand bash or blindly recommend one over the other.