OP
Rick in MS
Member
I'm in Stone county, on 13 acres. Pasture/woods/lawn. I was looking in 2010 and with the help here on TBN I ended up buying a new Kubota Grand L3940. It has the treadle and brake pedal(s) on the same (right) side, but I have never found it an issue, as I never use the brake unless I am setting to park on any type of a grade. With hydrostatic, braking is inherent to the fluid flow so you don't use the brake to stop the tractor, just let up on the treadle.
I have owned my tractor for over 6 years and still feel that it is the right size for what I do. It isn't a bulldozer, and won't rip up trees, but it does everything I need it to do. Whatever you go with, you should consider the following options: front hydraulic remote with 3rd function station; rear hydraulic remote; hardtop/shade top with work lights; 4WD, rear weight bucket (sooooooooooo much more convenient that keeping a bush hog or box blade on the back. With a loader and bucket on the front and a cutter on the back the tractor is 600000000 feet long).
I went with Ag tires and that has worked well, though I have to be careful when driving on the lawn, especially if using the 4WD.
There are a number of dealers in the coastal county area. I typically deal with Parish Tractor in Picayune, or Toomey in Lucedale. I bought my tractor from Barlow Equipment in Kentucky, after reading about them on here and comparing their prices to everyone else. There were some issues with shipping from Barlow's, and I had to return the tractor the first time as it was not configured as ordered, and then I had to push them to keep the return schedule they had promised me. That was a minor inconvenience, and I would buy from them again, but would give the local guys a shot at matching price. I have purchased equipment from Parish. Barlow did not play any pricing games - I gave them the make and model, plus a list of dealer added options, and they shot me a price; a very good price, delivered.
If you plan to eventually bale hay, you will need more horsepower, about 45 at the PTO minimum to run a bailer effectively.
Your truck will be plenty capable of towing the tractor. I suggest a dual axle trailer, as most rigs in the 35-40 horsepower range will weigh in just south of 4000 lbs.
Anyhow, I hope this helps you to at least get started in your search.
Big Al
Appreciate the info on the local dealers. I've not been to Toomey's yet - but they are located about six miles from the new place.
Snead Tractors in Centre, AL currently lists a L3901HST with 525 Loader, 5' Bush Hog, 5' Box Blade and 18' trailer for $24,725 (financed).
Smith Tractors in Jay, FL lists a John Deere 4105 with FEL, 6' box blade, 6' bush hog and trailer for $29,999.
I also saw a 3038E with FEL, 5' box blade, 5' bush hog and trailer for around $26k but can't remember where.
I believe I was told AL has 4% sales tax on agriculture equipment while FL has zero and MS has 7% unless you have a farm. I'm not sure how to go about claiming farm use.
I have no plans what-so-ever to bale hay. I was really trying to rationalize being able to get by comfortably with something in the low 30 HP range but the more people I talk to the more I hear stay with the upper 30 HP range or larger. I don't want to have to spend an entire day every weekend during the summer trying to keep 3 1/2 acres of grass under control if I can do it in an hour or so.