Buying Advice Looking for a walnut orchard tractor

Lorenzo Leach · Jun 15, 2020

Hello!
I am looking to purchase a new tractor for my 100 acre walnut orchard. The trees are in a 22 x 16 spacing. I am not sure a specialty tractor is necessary as the rows are plenty wide. After some research I am between a MF 2607 or a JD 5075E both in their platform configuration as the ROPS can be folded and are relatively low. Does anybody have any other suggestions or advice? Thank you.

redman135 · Jun 15, 2020

What is your main working speed range? ie are you trying to do a stick shift, because the closest gears are to high and to low, or can you remain in one main gear and use the splitter. ( JD power quad, work in "c" range and use the quad shift button to change gears( 1-4), with out the need to use "b" or "d" range)
I am not familier with the gearbox in either tractor.

What is your hydraulic requirement? Machinery is going hydraulic instead of pto. Also if you get a front - end - loader, get 3rd service from factory as retro fit is expensive.

Lorenzo Leach · Jun 15, 2020

The tractor will be running a flail mower and a sprayer so everything will be PTO driven. Currently I use an old MF 135 and usually run it in either 3rd gear low range or 1st high range. I am not sure i will get a loader at first but would like to get one further down the road so I'll get the 3rd service form factory.

oosik · Jun 15, 2020

I know that Kubota makes what they call an orchard tractor. It's low and wide. Called - M Low Profile.

Lorenzo Leach · Jun 15, 2020

I have looked into them but sadly I cannot get them where I live.

jeff9366 · Jun 15, 2020

Lorenzo Leach said:
I am not sure i will get a loader at first but would like to get one further down the road so I'll get the 3rd service form factory.

A Loader not purchased with the tractor is very expensive as a stand alone option. You only need a third function remote if you will operate a grapple from the Loader. Third function is installed on the Loader.

mred2 · Jun 15, 2020

Agree, plan to buy loader with tractor. 3rd function for grapple can be added later. With the flail, I use a ditch bank flail, it requires 2 rear remotes. Great mower. With the offset on the ditch bank, I can mow about 4 foot to the side. Hst may be better for you. Think about getting ballast in the tires. Slope of land may made a difference.

Lorenzo Leach · Jun 15, 2020

mred2 said:
Agree, plan to buy loader with tractor. 3rd function for grapple can be added later. With the flail, I use a ditch bank flail, it requires 2 rear remotes. Great mower. With the offset on the ditch bank, I can mow about 4 foot to the side. Hst may be better for you. Think about getting ballast in the tires. Slope of land may made a difference.

Thanks for the advice! May I ask what mower you have?

mred2 · Jun 16, 2020

I have an AGL165. Made in China. So far it is ok. If I had to do it over again, I might look a little longer and change my mind, as I think some of the other mowers will go out to the side a lot farther than this one. But a good choice for me at the time. It was a good sale on it at the time. My wife does not want the lower limps on some of the trees cut and it allows me to mow around them. A lot of good videos on the internet on this one and others.