Buying Advice Starting to look for a tractor

Luke'sScreenName · Apr 27, 2016

I did not see trenches in your post. But a hoe mounted on a CTL will do everything a hoe mounted on a large CUT or UT will do IMO.

Plus you might find a hydraulic auger with rock bit that is REVERSABLE with DOWN PRESSURE very important with rock.
Just a thought and probably not a popular one given you are on a tractor forum!

hammick · Apr 27, 2016

Luke'sScreenName said:
Seems like for what you mentioned so far a compact tract loader (skidsteer) might be a better choice.

I can't justify the cost of a skidsteer unless I got lucky and stole one at the military auctions. Thinking that would require a fifth wheel trailer also.

GManBart · Apr 28, 2016

Oh Lord those pictures make me miss Montana!

Generally speaking, I don't think you'll be able to do any significant digging with a compact tractor/loader combo in those conditions. The lack of down pressure for a normal 3pt PHD is also going to be a major challenge.

Before we go too far off the path off what might work, do you have a ballpark budget in mind?

Other than digging some holes none of the tasks you mention really requires a tractor, and holes can be dug in other ways as well. If you were talking about plowing, tilling, brush hogging, etc, it would be different. Do you have any other tasks that keep a tractor in consideration?

Snobdds · Apr 28, 2016

Around here, backhoe is key. Most wood fence on hard pan is done with a hydraulic PHD on a skid steer. One of your neighbors will have one...make friends with him or hire it out. Metal post can be driven with a heavy pounder or attachment for the tractor.

Again, get the backhoe. Make your life easier.

oosik · Apr 28, 2016

If I had "soil" conditions as you pictured I would consider this. Look for a type of fencing that does not require frequent(i.e. every 15 feet) post holes. Or consider using Cordite. I've seen Cordite used and its very efficient.

Tractors - having a dealer that can service your unit and is responsive to your needs is just as important as the color of a new tractor. I have a mile long driveway, use a large chipper, have a land plane grading scraper, have a grapple and many other associated implements. For years I had a Ford 1700 4WD and finally upgraded to the Kubota M6040. The bigger & heavier tractor gets jobs done much easier and allows me to do jobs not possible with the smaller Ford.

As you can see by many of the posts here - many have upgraded to larger tractors also.

hammick · Apr 28, 2016

GManBart said:
Oh Lord those pictures make me miss Montana!

Generally speaking, I don't think you'll be able to do any significant digging with a compact tractor/loader combo in those conditions. The lack of down pressure for a normal 3pt PHD is also going to be a major challenge.

Before we go too far off the path off what might work, do you have a ballpark budget in mind?

Other than digging some holes none of the tasks you mention really requires a tractor, and holes can be dug in other ways as well. If you were talking about plowing, tilling, brush hogging, etc, it would be different. Do you have any other tasks that keep a tractor in consideration?

GmanBart you hit the nail on the head. I don't really need a tractor. I could hire everything out. However, finding people to do work is a chore especially since I am 1,100 miles away most of the time. Since this tractor will be more of a toy than a necessity I think my budget is probably a graymarket Yanmar. I like to wrench on stuff myself and the two cyclinder models sound bulletproof and about as cheap as a good tractor comes.

I miss Montana also as I haven't been up there in close to two months. I can't see the grizzlies and moose if I'm not up there.

I see you are from Michigan. One of my builders relocated to Belfry, MT from Michigan to get out of the cold. Funny.

Thanks for all the good info. If I settle on Yanmar or YNM as the graymarket is called I'll head over to Yanmar GM forum.

Here is a look at my land facing East and West. My driveway will be long but I have no trees.

ovrszd · Apr 28, 2016

Thanks for the pics. Great views. What a jump, KC to Montana.

hammick · May 2, 2016

At this point I have found a 2005 mode Farm Pro 2425 with 494 hours. Looks to be in good shape with no implements for $3,500

Or a 2000 model Kioti LB1914 with 325 hours with no implements for $4,000

The Kioti has turf tires and the Farm Pro has AG tires. Both are 4wd. I won't be doing any mowing so the turf tires aren't much good to me.

dickfoster · May 2, 2016

hammick said:
At this point I have found a 2005 mode Farm Pro 2425 with 494 hours. Looks to be in good shape with no implements for $3,500

Or a 2000 model Kioti LB1914 with 325 hours with no implements for $4,000

The Kioti has turf tires and the Farm Pro has AG tires. Both are 4wd. I won't be doing any mowing so the turf tires aren't much good to me.

Both seems kinda small and light on power for what it sounds like you need or intend to do with it. For loader and hoe work you'd likely want R4s or industrial tires.