Buying Advice new here looking for some advice

[boomr]

Hello,
New to the site and have been lurking for a couple weeks trying to pick up on anything to acquaint myself.
So here is my short brief - I am a new small farm landowner in NH. We have 18 acres mostly wooded. Our goal is to clear about 2-5 to start a small family farm. We also plan on utilizing our existing hardwood to heat the house with our wood-burning stove. We would like to plant some of the land and have a small amount of animals.
All the folks around me have suggested I look in the 40 hp range etc...
I am a newbie so I may ask some dumb questions when it comes to understanding the right gear needed.
Thank you in advance!!

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:

There are no "dumb" questions.

I've about that size acerage and have a 32 hp Deere 4300. Perfect for me, and utilizing the wood for heating the home...about 6 cords per year for the last 35 years. Just sayin...

 

[Farmwithjunk]

You're likely to hear 10 "I bought too small"s to every 1 "I bought too big". That doesn't mean you have to have a 400hp 4wd, but don't go for "just barely enough".

SOME farm chores just plain and simple require a little "heft" from time to time.

Implements such as what you might find yourself needing, especially older (read CHEAPER) ones are far more common in sizes for 35 to 45 hp tractors as opposed to equipment for smaller tractors.

IMHO, 40 hp as a minimum.....

 

[Thomas]

Welcome to TBN Granite Stater.
By the sounds your neighbors given some good advice since NH mostly know for growing rocks pushing bank snow banks..lets not forget mud season.

Visit your local tractor dealers and try model out/test also read up on them..do keep us updated.

 

[boomr]

Thanks very much for the thoughts. I guess my next question is what do I need attached (implements, I guess?)? Some have suggested a Backhoe w/thumb, but how big? - 12 inch 36? Also, weights - the Kubota dealer suggested weighting the wheels. Is this needed? And, my next question would be what has been your experience with a cab enclosure or none?
Wow, I really like putting these questions out there. This is really great!
Thank you for your thoughts!!

 

[RoMad]

If a lot of your neighbors have tractors you could ask them what they like about the ones they have and also what attachments they use since thier land is probably a lot like yours.
As for the HP range I would heartily agree to make sure you get enough to start with. My tractor is my first and the one thing I would change on it is a little more HP. I think my next one will also will have an HST transmission also.

 

[Ductape]

Assuming you will have plenty of NH's most bountiful crop to move (rocks) ..... I like the idea of the hoe. Seeing that you will also be using this for moving snow, GET THE CAB !!!! I like the dealer's suggestion of loading the tires also.

A few attachments you will want, are a bush hog, tiller, post hole digger , snowblower, and for land clearing..... perhaps a third function on the loader with a grapple.

I'd be happy to spend your money further if you have any leftover !

What end of the state?

 

[TripleR]

I can obviously only speak for myself, but have owned/own a few tractors. We have both open station as well as cab models. I will never buy another open station tractor; love the comfort and convenience of a cab. However, if you will be clearing woods, you will be limited due to cab damage or be prepared to spend some time with a good pole saw.

A few years ago, I accepted the fact I can't afford and don't want the hassle of owning every piece of equipment I will ever need, so now rent something from time to time.

It seems you are pretty close to the mark on HP, though consider a cab will rob some HP; for this reason, I went with a 50 HP cab unit.

We have HST as well as geared units and for all around work with a lot of FEL use, you can't beat an HST.

I have no need for a bh, but would get one for your needs.

Implements are fairly universal; box blade/back blade and rotary cutter to start with and go from there.

As mentioned; no such thing as a dumb question.

 

[boomr]

Thanks TripleR.
How does a cab rob HP?

 

[Thomas]

Boomr.
Have you decided on HST or Gear tranny?