Another "what tractor to buy" question....sorry, I'm new a this!

[threeaces]

Hello all, first post here!

My wife and i just bought 7 acres and I'm currently shopping for a tractor. I'm the geek that has a complete spreadsheet comparing brands, models, etc. I've also looked at pretty much all of them in person but am still needing advice on what to buy. Some days I think I have my mind made up, then the next day I'm going a different direction. I will list out my details, then feel free to chime in!

7 total acres, about 2 will need to be mowed (bush hog) and about 4 acres pasture where cows are, and will continue to roam. I may in the future fence the upper 2 acres and open up for a second small pasture. This would eliminate some future mowing. The terrain is average for being hilly, definitely not flat, but most all will be easily navigated on the tractor. We also plan on adding a large garden, building some small outbuildings, and general small farm work. Note, all driveways are paved, so no gravel work needed. I also plan to drag the pasture often as this will be my "weekend therapy".

So far I've determined the 30hp to 40hp tractor might be best. Don't want hydrostatic.....driven gear models before, prefer to stay this way. Cost is always important but I've worked my butt off for 30+ years and this will be my toy for the next phase of my life, so I'm going to spend what I need to for something nice, reliable, and comfortable. Also, I'm in an area (Oregon) where most major manufacturers are within an hour of me, so I believe I'm set there.


Here's where I stand as of now:

Massey Ferguson 1735M: Closest dealer, family owned. Seem like good guys. Having a little difficult time getting a final price out of them as they have no "M's" on the lot, only "E's". However, after getting their price on the "E" model, and then adding $3k to $4k for the "M", I'll be right around $27,000 to $28,000 cash including FEL and 60" rotary cutter. Like the look and feel of the MF, seem pretty solid from reading reviews. The M model is nice!

J Deere 3035D: Seems like a really good dealer, large corporate outfit. Shopping and quote experience very professional. I realize the D model isn't the luxury model, but it seemed solid. Has the JD name. Just under $25,000 cash with FEL and 60" cutter. Guessing $30k for the next model up.

Case Farmall 35C: Seems like a solid dealer. Like the feel of the tractor, seems very similar to the MF......engine the exact same? However, Case doesn't come up in the discussion much. Great 10 year power train warranty. Price is $26,700 cash or 84 months at 0%. This seems to be and attractive deal. The C model is nice!

Mahindra 1640 & 2638: These two are priced less than $400 different, at $24,250 and $24,638 cash. Mahindra comes with all the features, seem to be very comfortable. All hp ratings and capacities are up with the others. 4 cylinder engines with no DPF system. Good warranties. The downfall in my area is the dealer. They are basically a high end lawnmower / landscaping dealer. For some reason this makes me nervous. Also, my sales experience hasn't been what some of the others has been like. Lastly, a Mahindra.......really? Am I taking a chance?

Kubota: Yes, believe it or not they are on the bottom of my list. Price on the high side. Dealer is a little on the cocky side. Not sure I can handle the orange color, seriously. Just not feeling this brand.

Kioti: My MF dealer carries these too. Again, orange. Just not overall feeling it.



So this is where I'm at (probably a little all over the board). If I were to buy tomorrow, I'd buy the MF.......that is if they could be me a price and delivery date. The JD is easy, professional staff, tractors in stock, solid reputation, etc. The Case is intriguing for some reason. The Mahindra was definitely on the top of my list until I realized I might have dealer support issues and a tractor with questionable reliability.

So tell me where I'm off base with any of this. Tell me I need a bigger or small tractor. All opinions welcome. We move in a month and I want to figure out what to buy soon!

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

 

[aczlan]

Will your wife drive a gear tractor, or would she be more comfortable with a hydrostatic?
We have hydrostatic, automatic clutch (Kubota GST) and gear tractors and unless there is a need to pull a ground engaging implement (such as a plow) a hydro is MUCH more convenient and the power loss is neglible.
If it's a gear tractor, make sure it's at least a shuttle shift.

Aaron Z

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

This site may assist as a reference when comparing your options: TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors

Enjoy the site.

 

[jeff9366]

Will your wife drive a gear tractor, or would she be more comfortable with a hydrostatic?
We have hydrostatic, automatic clutch (Kubota GST) and gear tractors and unless there is a need to pull a ground engaging implement (such as a plow) a hydro is MUCH more convenient and the power loss is neglible.
If it's a gear tractor, make sure it's at least a shuttle shift.

All of the tractors you are considering are ample for seven acres. Ample weight. Ample power. Ample ground clearance.

I offer a 'second' on HST over traditional clutch & gear. You have hills. HST is the 'go to' transmission for slopes.
There is considerable differences between HST operating pedal(s) between brands.

Three decisions that wreck compact tractor resale value are 1) no Loader 2) traditional clutch & gear transmission 3) 2-WD.

 

[dodge man]

Where gear tractors shine is ground engaging, that is where they put the power to the ground, such as plowing a field. For what you are describing, most people would preferably HST. If you are set on a gear drive, go for it though, don’t let us talk you out of it.

Which one? It sounds like you have a good feeling after talking to the dealers. Service and parts availability are important and in my area JD and Kubota have the best.

 

[Egon]

If the tractor you get will have a loader seriously consider the HST transmission.

For serious pulling power at low speeds the hydro works much better than gears. Gears require slipping the clutch or spinning the wheels. The hydro does not have that problem. Wheel slip is controlled by backing off of the pedal reducing ground speed but maintaining tractor rpm.

 

[dalola]

Based on the info you have given, get the MF and go have fun. You have analyses paralyses. You did your research, trust it & move on.

 

[Roadworthy]

I opted for less than you seek for my ten acres and have been very happy. I stayed just below 25 hp because that's the point at which Tier 4 EPA kicks in adding extra complexity (and expense) to the tractor. I pull my five foot mower just fine - no strain. I have a hydrostatic transmission. I was dubious at first but I like that I can set the throttle to PTO speed and use the pedal to adjust ground speed. Cruise control is even an option on some tractors. I ended up with the Kubota and I'm getting used to the orange. I really preferred the blue of my last tractor but it was a bit "long of tooth". I have four wheel drive which was a change for me but it has come in handy putting more power to the ground for removing some trees and moving big rocks. Good luck with whatever you get.

 

[tradosaurus]

I was new to tractor buying (at age 53) and what helped me was watching youtube videos from various dealers comparing tractors. Messicks does a good job.

Reading past posts on this sight might give you insight.

Know what you will be doing with your tractor.

 

[mred2]

Make sure you test drive, some of them just fit better. JD is great tractor, but if you want anything other than the bucket on the FEL, see if you can get it with the SSQA. I like the shuttle shift, but that is me. My wife will never get on my tractors. That said the HST best for a lot of people. But test drive, many don't like the pedals on some of the models. I like the MF, but not the dealer. The dealer, the price and the comfort of the drive is why I went with the LS.