Buying Advice What size tractor do I "REALLY" need?

[dickedm]

I need a tractor that will pull a 6-7' rotary mower (without bogging down in rough stuff), lift two 6-7' bales of hay (FEL on front), drag a 8'X8' chain harrow, and move a 2,000 lb cattle chute. We will be hiring contract mowers to mow/bale our hay. I have been going back and forth from 30HP to 40HP to 50HP. No cab needed (like fresh air and am 32 years old...probably get a cab when I age a bit). I really like the specs on Mahindra (for machine weight and hydraulic power), New Holland (price), Case (price) and John Deere (resale value). There are some great interest rates on equipment out there right now so I am interested in new equipment.

What size tractor do I "really" need?

 

[arlen4720]

Are you talking moving 2 large round bales, both on the FEL? that will be over 3K pounds. As far as JD goes, you would need a 5000 series machine, like maybe a 5085E.

 

[dickedm]

Just one bale of FEL and one on a rear spear.

 

[Roadbuilder6]

I would say something like a Deere 4520 or a 4720, or a Case 50b would both work for you. A 5000 series sized tractor seems a little big.

 

[JD 4520]

I have a 4520 which would handle your needs just right. You need a 50 to 60 hp tractor.

 

[murphy1244]

Or a KIOTI DK 40, 2739 lbs of lift and half the cost of a JD 4740. or close.

 

[arlen4720]

Just one bale of FEL and one on a rear spear.

A JD 4720 or 4520 would handle the bales...I do it all the time. But a 5000 series is about the same price, if not cheaper than a 4720. The only reason I bought a 4720, is because I wanted the manueverability and a hydrostatic transmission.

 

[GManBart]

I need a tractor that will pull a 6-7' rotary mower (without bogging down in rough stuff), lift two 6-7' bales of hay (FEL on front), drag a 8'X8' chain harrow, and move a 2,000 lb cattle chute. We will be hiring contract mowers to mow/bale our hay. I have been going back and forth from 30HP to 40HP to 50HP. No cab needed (like fresh air and am 32 years old...probably get a cab when I age a bit). I really like the specs on Mahindra (for machine weight and hydraulic power), New Holland (price), Case (price) and John Deere (resale value). There are some great interest rates on equipment out there right now so I am interested in new equipment.

What size tractor do I "really" need?

Which Case and New Holland machines are you looking at?

 

[namyessam]

I need a tractor that will pull a 6-7' rotary mower (without bogging down in rough stuff), lift two 6-7' bales of hay (FEL on front), drag a 8'X8' chain harrow, and move a 2,000 lb cattle chute. We will be hiring contract mowers to mow/bale our hay. I have been going back and forth from 30HP to 40HP to 50HP. No cab needed (like fresh air and am 32 years old...probably get a cab when I age a bit). I really like the specs on Mahindra (for machine weight and hydraulic power), New Holland (price), Case (price) and John Deere (resale value). There are some great interest rates on equipment out there right now so I am interested in new equipment.

What size tractor do I "really" need?

I have been looking also and currently have a Massey 135 and am comparing all the new to its weight. The massey is about a 3800 lbs tractor and barely handles a large round bale of 1800 lbs. It lifts it fine but when moving it the front end gets very light and is dangerous. I move bales around my property but would never go on the road with one on the three point. The loader I have is too small to lift a bale to balance it out and the 135 has a weak front end so I would never consider lifting with the loader. I have been looked at a Massey 1759 and ruled it out being on the edge of too small for bales. The 2635 would be great but isn't available with a cab. The 4608 would be the smallest Massey to consider. I also looked at a JD 5055e and up to a 5085E. The 5055E at 5000 lbs looks like it would be a good choice but moving up to the 5085E would be even a heavier tractor at 6800 lbs for more stability and is available with a heavier duty loader than the 5055E - 5075E. Price does rise considerablity moving up to the 5058E. I also looked a New Holland T4020. This is a 6800 lbs tractor. I have noticed in looking there seems to be a gap in the available models regarding size, horsepower and cab availability. I have been looking for a fwa cab tractor, since I am in Iowa where cold weather and snow moving is a necessity. A cab adds $8,000 to $10,000 to the cost. I have narrowed it down to the JD and the NH for dealer accessability. I have TYM, Mahindra, Kubota, Bobcat dealers in the area and probably some others that I am not aware of but have not researched yet. Happy Looking.

namyesam

 

[dickedm]

GManBart,

I am narrowing down my search to the Mahindra 5035 (4939 lbs), the New Holland Workmaster 55 (4078 lbs), and the Case Farmall 55A (4078 lbs). Thoughts?