Advice on purchasing my first "real" tractor

[temba]

Hi All,
I'm looking to purchase my first "real" tractor for projects around the yard and could use some advice on what to look for. I'd like a tractor with a bucket and backhoe, and over time add other accessories like brush hog, fence post digger, blade...etc. For the projects I have in mind I think I'm looking in the 25-35 hp range, but can't break the bank in the process.
What are some of the key features I should look for?
If I buy something used (like a Kubota B2710 HST 4x4 with no bucket or backhoe) will I have a hard time finding parts / accessories for it?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Temba

 

[Muhammad]

Welcome to TBN.

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

If you need a FEL especially there are no "good used loaders" You will end up buying a new loader and then all the plumbing and valves to get it working. If you are buying new get the loader installed when you buy it. That way the tractor is set up right from the beginning. You might find a used backhoe but you will look long and hard and there still could be mounting issues. Get a 4wd with the loader all at the same time. 2wd loader tractors don't work nearly as well as 4wd. Don't go too small. And welcome.

 

[creekbend]

This website will provide specs and info that may be helpful in your search. TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors BTW, good to have you aboard. :tractor:

 

[kiotiken]

I agree, if you want a loader, get it with the tractor. Finding a good used backhoe, especially when you don't know much about them, if VERY difficult, and for that reason, I'd want to buy it with the tractor as well.

Here are some basic considerations for your shopping.

Weight = traction = ruts. It's a balancing act that only you can make. Examples in the range you're looking at, Kubota, JD are light tractors, Kioti, Mahindra are heavy tractors.

Hydraulic flow capacity is an important consideration, especially for loader work which will respond much faster with greater flow.

Lift capacity of the Front End Loader (FEL) is next to impossible to compare across manufactures. Some measure it at the pivot points, some measure it in front of the pivot points and all measure it to full height. This is a problem since capacity drops very rapidly with height so a loader that has a higher reach may show a lower lift capacity. Since nobody drives around with a bucket to capacity at full height, I'd suggest comparing breakout capacities instead, it's still not perfect, but much better.

Weight is a good thing for a backhoe.

All manufactures make good tractors these days. The important thing to do is to get out to all dealers around you, talk to them to see how comfortable you are with them and sit on and drive each tractor. Look at what each tractor offers for capabilities and features and decide what matters to you. I would do this before going to look at private sale used machines, you should be able to learn a lot from talking to dealers and looking their new and used machines.

 

[Briana03]

WELCOME to TBN

I moved your thread to the Buying/Pricing/Comparisons Forum.

 

[temba]

Ok Bri.
Thanks

 

[Jamming]

I bought a John Deere 3005 "790" and love it, the cost was a big factor for me but also prefer manual shifting, unless your doing tons of transition work, "fast back and forth" then you might also consider a 3005. Resale value and reliability and dealer support for a Deere is hard to beat in my area. Also the whining high rpms of a hydro was a annoyance to me. Good luck.

 

[temba]

Thanks Muhammad and all for the welcome!
This is my first time chatting online, hopefully my chat etiquette is acceptable...

Jamming - I just watched a video on the 3005. Sweet machine! Are manuals more reliable than hydro's?

Kiotiken - I was thinking of getting turf tires to minimize ruts on the lawn, but am a bit concerned about traction as I will be clearing out some woods. I'm hoping the 4wd will compensate.. Thanks for the tips on hydraulics and breakout capacity. I was just comparing lift capacity.

Creekbend - Thanks for the link. I've already started using it! It certainly helps in comparing models.

Oldtractorfixer - I see your point on the FEL. My preference is to get something new. And 4wd is a must.

Within a 15 mile radius of my house there are JD, Kubota, New Holland and TYM dealers. Kioti and MF dealer is 30 miles away.... I'll be busy this weekend. Thanks again for your advice!

 

[Mike476]

Sounds like an excellent way to spend the weekend. Getting a little older I normally bring a pad of paper and a camera to make note of likes / dislikes so that when I get home I can make better comparisons between the different manufacturers.

Enjoy your shopping, try to take them all out for a trial spin.