Recommendations please

[hyperrust]

Hi, I'm a relatively new member. I posted once when I was considering buying a new Kubota L3700SU. It turns out I wasn't quite ready to buy then. I'm getting closer now, and the more I learn about tractors, the less I know which one I should buy.

My wife and I bought a 22 acre horse farm in Alabama. About 2 acres are wooded, 2-3 are driveway, lawn, etc., and the rest is grass (read: weeds) pasture. It's gently sloping/hilly, and close to one of our mini "mountains" we have here, which makes for a fair amount of softball sized rocks in some parts.

We've been getting by with a ZTR mower, old lawn tractor with a cart, and a new ATV with a bigger cart. We're getting close to the point of needing a real tractor now that we have 5 horses to take care of. Our chore list will be:

• -brush-hogging (possibly finish mowing one day) 10-15 acres of pasture. Right now half of this is grazed by horses, and the other half is unfenced and growing unchecked. eventually a large majority will be fenced and grazed
• -compost pile flipping/moving with FEL
• -moving sand/soil/gravel piles
• -moving brush/down trees (grapple?)
• -pasture care (spreading fertilizer, chain harrow, etc)
• -digging post holes (ideally with a downforce cylinder with our hard clay earth)]
• -gravel driveway maintenance / box blade work
• -ideally, moving round bales from ground to ground location (no high overhead lifting)
• -arena dragging
• -no plowing, heavy ground engagement work, etc.
• -other stuff??

New or used is OK. I'd prefer HST so my wife is comfortable using it, but gear with shuttle shift is not completely ruled out. I'm thinking 35-45hp range. Would prefer 4wd, but I suppose if it's closer to utility size and heavy then 2wd might be OK... but I'll be using the loader a fair bit, especially for the compost pile.

Kubota/New Holland dealer and JD are close and I like them both. A Mahindra dealer is 45 minutes away. Kioti is 1.5 hours or so, and I like the prices, but I don't know much about the tractors.

Looking for any and all suggestions. Any particular used units that might be good? Is utility size too big for what I need? I've never had a tractor before-- raised a "city" boy in a town of all farmers.

 

[hyperrust]

Oh, and someone I work with is trying to talk me into buying a skid steer instead of a tractor. It sounds appealing except for the cost of those front mount brush hogs... any pros/cons on this?

 

[TripleR]

It sounds like you pretty well have the size dialed in and my choice would be in the upper end of your power range. I can't speak to hay as we always used a bigger tractor for that; sure the real farmers on here can provide good advice.

I see no need for anything bigger than a CUT; UT will work, we have an M8540, but you are talking a lot more money and operating costs.

As to the skid steer, they are really handy for some things, but after using one a while we much prefer tractors for their overall versatility. I am sure others will disagree.

As to 2WD/4WD, we have both and I will never buy another 2WD unless it is for our flat land farm and no FEL; again others will disagree.

Good luck.

 

[High Compression]

Kubota L 5740 Grand would be my recommendation. You would have plenty of power, lift capacity loader and 3 point. Skid loader quick coupler on fel for attachments. Plus a/c, radio, for mowing in those hot summer days. They have the new HST Plus which is REALLY nice. Don't have to worry about throttle and stall for loader work etc. Check into it. It will be the last tractor you buy.

 

[k0ua]

Same as Triple R Sounds like you need a CUT about the size of my L3400HST The new model is the L3800HST. Yes I agree with you the Hydrostat will be the best for you as loader work is high on your list, and not just your wife will enjoy the ease of use, the precision and safety of the Hydro. You too will really come to appreciate it. I would pick the dealer I trusted, then pick a tractor in the 35 horse range give or take a few. As for Kubota/New Holland, Deere, you cant go wrong with any of the three. Oh and 4wd without question, Tractors are all about "traction" and be sure to get the SSQA (skid steer quick attach) on the front end loader, I didnt buy it originally but added it later, cost less up front. Good luck, and report back in when you do buy, with pictures:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

I'd say a standard L maybe a bit on the small side. Maybe consider an L4400.

A skid loader is a terrible idea.

 

[bigbull338]

id say step up to an MX4700 or MX5100 HST 4x4 with LA844 quick tach fel.then youll have the hp for shredding moving an claning up down trees digging postholes an moving big round bales.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I would say that whatever is large enough to handle the round bales is the size you need. You need a bit of weight to go up and down hills with that much weight on a hay spear. You are getting a front end loader, so that will add about 700-900 lbs to the outfit. I would think any tractor over 3000lb( some compact tractors are lighter than you expect) and with at least 35hp would do the job. I think most of the other jobs could be done by a smaller tractor if you had to. Don't spend all of your money on the tractor and not leave a little for attachments. If it has a gearbox, consider new otherwise used is fine and 20-50% of the price of new.

 

[JerryK]

After you stop at the JD and Kabota dealerships, take time to check out that Mahindra dealer, too. You can't go wrong with any of your choices....but the 5035 HST should at least be looked at. If you do a lot of mowing, you might consider a cab'd tractor though.... good thing to have if you are working out in the dust. The big 35.5" 14 X 17.5 front tires make everything look out of proportion....but here is a picture of mine. Good luck looking....that is half the fun. [ the buying and paying for is the hard part ]

 

[hyperrust]

Loving the recommendations so far, thanks!

I hadn't considered the MX4700, but it sure is sounding appealing now... sounds like a bit more than I need, but would likely end up being just right.