Buying Advice Advice NEEDED!!

[bfbill650i]

I know, I know! Many people have asked what to buy etc. My case MAY be different or not!

I'll begin with what I THINK I need.( some I know!) Open platform, since my garage doors are only 7', and I like the unobstructed view and or I just like open platform. A FEL (loader) is a must! 4wd with a FEL is preferable, and I will be yarding firewood in some pretty nasty spots! A snowblower and a "bush hog" are implements I WILL be using!! Either a shuttle ,powershuttle or a hst (hydro) are my trannys of choice....traditional gear tranny with "creeper" is OK too (just worried I'll be shoving the clutch a lot when blowing) Around 30 hp I THINK will be good. Or should I just purchase a tractor over 60 hp at the PTO and save the tax? I also would like something that DOESN'T scream CHEAP! New or slightly used I'm not picky! Looking at a budget of 15-20 grand (cheaper is always good! But I will pay for quality!)

I MIGHT , MIGHT not only do my drive in winter (155' x 20') I may do a few to help pay fuel and in summer do a bit of "bush hoggin' " for a few people.(not gonna start a business or anything).............................................I am not a total NEWB I did grow up on a farm. Although "Pop" only had a 2wd international harvester that was as delicate as I don't know what!

Please suggest a tractor or tractors!!?!

 

[nybirdman]

The snow blower is "not" going to be fun on an open station.You may want to consider a plow instead if you are stuck on the open station.
HST are easiest to use and sell down the road.Pick your brand;lots of good tractors in the 30-60 HP range.

 

[bfbill650i]

The snow blower is "not" going to be fun on an open station.You may want to consider a plow instead if you are stuck on the open station.
HST are easiest to use and sell down the road.Pick your brand;lots of good tractors in the 30-60 HP range.

The openstation and the snow-blower combo is, TO ME, a better option than plowing.(limited space)

 

[paulfun9]

If you go with a gear tranny of any sort make sure it has a good selection of gears for when running that snow blower. I also use an open station tractor for snow blowing and don't have a problem with snow blowing back at me. Getting covered in snow by the blower happens to everyone once then you learn real quick to pay attention, adjust the shoot and go with the wind not against it.

How much property Are you going to be running the tractor on and how big of a blower do you think you want, are there any lift requirements for the FEL? This will be the biggest determining factor in how big or small of a tractor you will be looking at.

 

[oosik]

I had a 3-point snow blower on my previous open station tractor and you will VERY QUICKLY learn to "go with the wind". Otherwise, the only problem is the stiff neck & shoulders that will develop when using this unit and going in reverse for hours on end. It had a gear tranny and it posed no problems when using the blower.

I don't need a rear mount blower with the new larger tractor. The rear blade will easily clear the berms that develop along the driveway.

If you will be clearing snow in tight places - then the blower is the way to go.

 

[Egon]

Your needs seem clearly defined. The sixty HP may be a substantial cost increase to that of smaller tractor. Your bankroll determines that. HST would suit your needs very well. The colour may depend on ergonomics and price.

Happy shopping time.��

 

[Ed of all trades]

I often tell people here don't look for a tractor look for a dealer. Find a dealer that other people are happy with, not just one that smiles when he sees your thick wallet. There are crooks out there and others that just don't care.
find a good dealer and then look for a tractor. Ed

 

[KevT]

I often tell people here don't look for a tractor look for a dealer. Find a dealer that other people are happy with, not just one that smiles when he sees your thick wallet. There are crooks out there and others that just don't care.
find a good dealer and then look for a tractor. Ed

Amen!!!

 

[MESSMAKER]

Lots of good choices in the 30hp range. Probably should go with a hydro. Works better for snow,loader and even bushog work. Budget for a 60hp model seems too low to me. I suspect that it will cost nearly 30k for that set up.

 

[GManBart]

Otherwise, the only problem is the stiff neck & shoulders that will develop when using this unit and going in reverse for hours on end.

In Canada and other places where they get a lot of snow, inverted, or pull-type, snow throwers are very popular....no need for going in reverse.