Tractor Sizing Now I stepped in it, I need everything

[Tractorable]

Another option could be to buy an old school big 2wd tractor like a Ford 4610 on the cheap as a dedicated mowing machine and get a smaller 4wd compact tractor for property maintenance.

Best of both worlds.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[bridge4]

Re-stating.


You haven't said if you're going to build new or if there is already a house you'll be working on, but either way, you'll have more work than you think for quite some time. Let somebody else do the mowing and maybe even make a few bucks in the process by selling the hay.
.







Hopefully, you can find a good neighbor to help you learn some of the things you'll need to know to make a more informed buying decision. Asking here is one thing, but it's no substitute for on site learning and experience.

Finding a neighbor is a VERY GOOD piece of advice. My neighbor has taught me a ton, and helped me get my first few pieces of equipment set up, and helps me if I have any issues. He is an older, reliable gentlemen who knows just about everything I'd ever want to know about a tractor.

Fine one, be nice, respectful and form a friendship. He may let you test out his tractors if you prove "trustworthy" and offer you some very real first hand advice and practical applications. Your area probably has some unique things to consider, and your neighbor has dealt with them for 30 years or more. Could be local politics, could be local regulations, could be a swampy spot on your property you better get to before august and its too wet for the rest of the year...

As far as size, I'd get what fits the most spots you want to go on your property. This might lead you to a smaller tractor than some recommend. All that means is you take more time enjoying your beautiful property while you do some of the larger jobs. You're in the country now, ENJOY IT!

 

[KennyG]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

 

[Steppenwolfe]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

I can vouch for this... I've got ants in my pants to get back out there right now... but given the amount of rain we had this winter... I'm gonna wait.

 

[JethroB]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

Might as well add a good chain or tow strap to your shopping list. Sooner probably than later you're going to need it. You're gonna get stuck.

 

[Number15]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

 

[buck12]

I can vouch for this... I've got ants in my pants to get back out there right now... but given the amount of rain we had this winter... I'm gonna wait.

Plus one.

 

[ericm979]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

I think you would be better served with a 20 series Branson than the smaller 15 series. The greater weight and size will handle a large mower and heavy grapple loads better. The tractor will feel smaller after you've operated it for a while.

 

[Diggin It]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

You sounded committed to orange at first, but if you're willing to look at other colors, you have two LS dealers within 50 miles or so. One down around Rome and another northeast of you. Not sure if they stock the bigger machines though. This is the XR series:

https://lstractorusa.com/products/compact/xr-series/

 

[HawkinsHollow]

It has a cleveland address in Bradley county.

Previous owner mowed with a 15 foot mower is what I think he said. He owns over a thousand acres in the area and has lots of equipment. If we get the deal worked out he said he would spend some time with me to get familiar with the property.. said he had no prob mowing a couple of times until I get going.
He also said he might be able to get me one of his tractors on the cheap, I guess he owns an equipment or construction company.

I have budgeted a huge amount for the equipment but I am loathe to rush in and buy a bunch of shiny stuff without having a grasp of what I need. I know this is where mistakes can be made if I am not careful.

I'll tell you locally everyone seems to be pushing kubota. HawkinsHollow or anyone else have opinions on the Chattanooga kubota dealer? I am going to pay a visit soon

I have never been to the Kubota dealership, but it is huge with a brand new location. They have a little bit of everything.

There is lots of beautiful land up there. Looks like you found a slice. Congrats!

 

[Number15]

You sounded committed to orange at first, but if you're willing to look at other colors, you have two LS dealers within 50 miles or so. One down around Rome and another northeast of you. Not sure if they stock the bigger machines though. This is the XR series:

https://lstractorusa.com/products/compact/xr-series/

The one good thing about being a complete noob is I have no experience and didn't even realize that brands had colors so to speak. I mean I knew jd was green but that's about it.

I appreciate the link and I will at least call the dealers to see if they have stock. I am open to anything that will be quality and help me get the job done.

 

[arrow]

Coming to TBN is a great start as there is a world of seasoned information waiting to be discovered on this sight.
Congratulations on your property purchase, the pictures look like it has been well maintained and offers some great potential.

As far as your future equipment needs/wants I would start with a new (or newer) hydrostatic drive tractor with 4 wheel drive in the 50 HP range. Add a step in step out front end loader with quick attach capabilityç—´, a third function hydraulic system, and independent PTO. This unit becomes the backbone of a your material handling needs, depending on future attachments, from dirt and gravel to pallet forks and log handling with a grapple. Rear end (three point) attachments become more job and seasonal specific from rototillers to snow blowers and beyond.

Not sure what buildings came with your new property but after 50 years of rural living, I could not exist with out a well inventoried and year around farm shop. Equipping said shop is a very personal experience and continues as your inventory of equipment grows and no one ever said my shop is too big.

Looking back and reminiscing about our 50 years adventure of rural living starting with virtually nothing but a few bucks from selling our city house, buying 80 acres or undeveloped land working full time off the farm while building the first edition of our current home to raising two now successful adult children,
I can not think of a better way to have spent the last 50 years of my life.

B. John

This^^^^^ without question.
The phenomenon about tractors is that the user discovers more and more ways to utilize the machine. Basically you are just starting out and a 50-60 hp tractor will do just about anything you're going to want so don't cut yourself short right at the beginning.
In your case with the long runs you have when mowing, whether you get a hydro or shuttle shift won't make much difference. Hydro comes in real handy with a lot of loader work but you'll get used to just about anything. I have a shuttle and it's like breathing to me. However once on my bils horse farm in Kentucky where I had to build up an arena, I sorely wished for a hydro over the balky stick of the Kubota I was using.
As far as brands, for what I've learned about tractors, go with the closest, decent dealership.
Don't get sucked into "which brand is better" crap. All of them have problems or all of them last and last. It is the luck of the draw how YOURS will be for you so don't fret about that part. You have next to no control about the future. I have a Mahindra that has given me 8 yrs of trouble free operation and I use it hard. That should be considered a "so what" statement because it doesn't mean squat about what you select even if it's the exact, same tractor. My favorite is the Kubota mainly because i like that color best on a tractor.
It'll either give years of trouble free service or it won't. That's where the closest dealer comes in if it doesn't.
Sit on some and see what you like as far as ergonomics.

30 acres of mowing is nothing to sneeze at. (unless you're allergic then disregard that statement) I'd get something that will handle an 8' cutter. You won't be sorry. You'll need at least 40 PTO hp for that.

 

[Number15]

So I have gone to a few more dealers, most of them were nice and helpful. Some of them were pretty low on stock or catered to the smaller HP tractors I think.

I had one dealer pretty much tell me I should buy used and it doesn't matter the brand. It's the only dealer that did not give me a quote, oh well their loss. I was a little confused by his tactic but I think he was actually trying to save me from a huge bill. I think he thought he would scare me off with the price tag, but I am guessing.

I'm still liking the Branson but I am still in search mode. Still need to get to LS and Kioti.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

So I have gone to a few more dealers, most of them were nice and helpful. Some of them were pretty low on stock or catered to the smaller HP tractors I think.

I had one dealer pretty much tell me I should buy used and it doesn't matter the brand. It's the only dealer that did not give me a quote, oh well their loss. I was a little confused by his tactic but I think he was actually trying to save me from a huge bill. I think he thought he would scare me off with the price tag, but I am guessing.

I'm still liking the Branson but I am still in search mode. Still need to get to LS and Kioti.

Which Branson dealer did you go to?

 

[Wakey]

You're in a good spot. You found this forum and you have a neighbor willing to help so there is no pressure on you sorting this out with summer coming.

Enjoy the knowledge rabbit hole, keep us updated!

 

[Number15]

Which Branson dealer did you go to?

Reed and Reed

Do you have a different one I should visit? I am not opposed to going to different dealers of the same brand

 

[TractorTYMe]

Bransons make solid tractors, and that Kukje engine (License made A-series Cummins engine) is a jewel. I have the same in my TYM T474 (TYM owns Branson and Kukje machinery)

 

[DonaldP]

Coming to TBN is a great start as there is a world of seasoned information waiting to be discovered on this sight.
Congratulations on your property purchase, the pictures look like it has been well maintained and offers some great potential.

As far as your future equipment needs/wants I would start with a new (or newer) hydrostatic drive tractor with 4 wheel drive in the 50 HP range. Add a step in step out front end loader with quick attach capability’s, a third function hydraulic system, and independent PTO. This unit becomes the backbone of a your material handling needs, depending on future attachments, from dirt and gravel to pallet forks and log handling with a grapple. Rear end (three point) attachments become more job and seasonal specific from rototillers to snow blowers and beyond.

Not sure what buildings came with your new property but after 50 years of rural living, I could not exist with out a well inventoried and year around farm shop. Equipping said shop is a very personal experience and continues as your inventory of equipment grows and no one ever said my shop is too big.

Looking back and reminiscing about our 50 years adventure of rural living starting with virtually nothing but a few bucks from selling our city house, buying 80 acres or undeveloped land working full time off the farm while building the first edition of our current home to raising two now successful adult children,
I can not think of a better way to have spent the last 50 years of my life.

B. John

John;

What wealth there is in your response and advice. Thank you!

Its not just horsepower in life (or tractors), but its the way we live and by what means we do so.

I don't EVER forget where I have come from. Every day I am in wonderment that I have the ability to take this time, TODAY, to experience some of the joy that you have spent years doing.

That lifestyle, and to some degree, my current lifestyle (still in formulation) has been in many folks viewports for some time, however not as clearly visualized and acted upon as yours was 50 years ago.

So, just letting you know, I appreciate your experience!

Don

 

[DonaldP]

Here is a mowing calculator. Mowing four times per year, tractor speed can be 5-6 mph if the field(s) are not too rough. Mowing once per year will require a tractor speed of around 4-mph. Mowing every second year will limit tractor speed to 3-mph due to density of vegetation.

Mowing once per year will require 40 - 45 tractor horsepower to operate a 60" HD bush hog = 2 acres per hour.

Mowing once per year will require at least 50 tractor horsepower to operate a 72" HD bush hog = 2-1/2 acres per hour.


Mowing Calcuator: Mowing Calcuator | How many acres can I mow in an hour



Tennessee has a lot of hills in parts, which strongly influences tractor width required for tractor stability.

Do you have hills to tractor? Are your fields on a slope?


Tractors are inherently unstable operating on sloped ground. Tractor rear wheel/tire spread, adjustable on the MX series, is a critical factor increasing compact tractor stability working sloped or uneven ground. Rear axle is the tractor component on which rear wheels/tires mount. A 6" to 10" wider rear axle substantially decreases tractor rollover potential. Tractor width is an approximation of rear axle width.

I suggest a cabbed Kubota MX5400 tractor of 4,250 pounds weight including 600 pounds for cab, 53-horsepower net, 66" width, capable of pulling a 72" heavy duty Rotary Cutter weighing 1,100 pounds through tall grass, tall weeds and brush.

Cabbed Kubota MX5400 tractor/'SSQA' Loader/4-WD/HST transmission = $42,000.
Land Pride by Kubota HD 72" Rotary Cutter/RCR2672 = $4,000.

Every tractor producer has models with above specs. This is a high sales volume category.

John Deere pricing for equivalent equipment will be the same to 5% more expensive. Other tractor brands such as very fine Kioti, LS and Branson, all three produced in Korea, are available for 5% to 15% less than Kubota. Kioti, LS and Branson share perhaps 5% of compact tractor sales and are somewhat regional in penetration. All three are growing rapidly. Be sure to select a stable dealer.

KUBOTA LINK: *New* Kubota MX6 & MX54 Utility-Compact Tractor - YouTube

If your finances are especially sound, Kubota makes a series of deLuxe tractors in the same weights as basic MX series, the Kubota 'Grand L' models. Grand L tractors are tractor nirvana.

A $400 Bucket Spade is a very fine tractor tool for planting five to fifty trees. PHOTO

Jeff!!!

Beautifully put!

I was in similar circumstances as this gentleman sans acreage! (He he he) but still, after much tribulation
(self education from never having used or owned or EVER used anything bigger than a 17HP Cub Cadet Lawn mower), I ventured into the Tractor landscape with little more than recommendations from a local Contractor that I have used and trust greatly.

I started looking in Aug of 2019, and I finally purchased in March 2020 with a delivery in mid July of 2020. YES, in the middle of Covid.

After 7 months of use, half a summer, and most of a winter, 50, 100 and 200 hours services, I can share that my experience with this purchase has been a mixed bag.

Delivery July 17 2020 NEW

Kubota L3650HSTC Cab $52,500 (0% Interest - 84 months/$603 per month)
($1000 Buy down for 0% - $ 1,000 Cash
No KTAC Insurance ($5200) Purchased my own Inland Marine Insurance at $225/year ($1575 for 7 years)
Kubota 3rd Function Valve (Kubota Branded - not After market Land Pride)
805 Loader (Did not make sense to order with smaller loader 645?)
B92 Backhoe 9'2" (Did not make sense to order with smaller Backhoe 7')
LandPride SGC1072 Grapple (Dealer)
Spill Guard (hydraulic control - does interfere somewhat with Grapple/Fork use)
Defrost (all windows options)
Rear wiper
R4 Tires



Implements:

$3600
HD round Back Bucket (Dealer)
Harbor Freight Quick Connect 3 Point adapter $78
Titan Pallet forks 3000# $625
Titan 3point to Quick Connect adapter/ Trailer hitch $225
Titan 48" 4 ft high pallet work Platform $545
Used - Brush Hog Post hole w/12" auger (Dealer) $900
Auction- 84" Titan HD back Blade $575

Trailer:

Trailerman 21ft $1750 (USED)
New Tires (2) $175
Chains/Ratchets for tie down $270
4 Wheels $350
Lights $70
Title/License/Registration $240

200 Hour Breakdown on Usage

20 Hours - break-in and learning equipment - Loader/Backhoe/Backhoe removal and Install
mounting and adjusting implements, testing and validating implements/ Safety
110 Hours - Grading and sloping, removal of old water tank (800 Gallon steel), Gravel install for driveway
100 yards Gravel
35 Hours - Wood splitting support, Logs, moving of material, relocating/Stacking, IBC Totes with Firewood
20 Hours - landscaping (Grapple), foundation work (Porch footings), Road Travel to locations for work
10 Hours - Tree Trimming with work Platform (25 foot lift)
5 Hours - Post hole and post installs

Time at Dealership (out of Service)

1 week - (Sep) 50 Hour service, review of steering, 3rd function Valve Install (not available at time of delivery)
Install of Grapple and Test by Dealership
1 week - (Oct) 100 Hour service, Issues with Front Loader FEL hitting Tire under load.
7 weeks - (Nov) Checklist of issues for dealer due to warrant coverage 25 to 30 items, 200 hour service
Parts listing on order for replacement by Kubota Service Rep expected April to May 2021


General Experiences:

I can't compare this machine to anything as I have never owned or even operated anything like this period.

This has been a phenomenal product. I have few words to explain how the Grand L series has delivered one after another consistently positive results, and with the comfort and convenience that I am sure I would so sorely miss if I hadn't gotten the Grand L Cab version.

Total awe and amazement when I found and I pulled an 800 steel storage tank out of the ground with the bottom at 7 feet, without missing a beat. It dragged that tank up and out of the ground no problem! That tank had to be 9 to 10 feet long and 5 feet in diameter. This Kubota pulled it like it was nothing. Amazing that I could have been surprised by such a find, and actually just take care of it right then, no issue. Amazing.

Or plowing and moving snow at 10 degrees. The comfort of this machine is crazy. I cant believe that I was thinking about and actually made a down payment on, an MX5400 open station - until I said... "Wait a minute, yes these are premium machines, but I do owe it to myself to just look and see what a cab model is all about even if it is $6,000 more..."

I sat in an open L3560 Limited Edition at the dealership while reviewing some paperwork, and within 10 minutes of sitting in that Grand L, I was at the sales desk letting the salesman know that we needed to go to the Grand L Model instead of the MX5400 Open Station.

My wife uses the Grand L because she can drive it like a car. Step on the gas and it goes. No Need to worry about clutch, RPM's or anything else... and it has a horn so she is happy!!!

Truly, this Grand L is every bit as functional and useful as buying a new Pickup for the same price... now, I just have to find a ride to work every day!!! He He He

I was told previous to purchasing that I should buy 1 step up from what I thought I needed. I even offered to purchase an L3901 that was about 5 years old with a 7' Backhoe from someone that lived close by because I thought I would not need more than that for sure. But I held onto that warning... "Dont Buy TOO SMALL it will come back to haunt you very quickly". so I jumped to the largest L, the Grand L, and the smallest engine, because I wanted to maintain as much weight in the tractor as possible. 3800 lbs. without backhoe and about 5000 lbs with. Weight is traction, and its perfect with the backhoe albeit with the rear tires filled the specs are not to use a Backhoe for extended use.

So I will only use the backhoe for pure traction when necessary.

Additionally I had the wheels mounted to give me a larger rear wheel base and can still move them out farther if I need to do so. I have relatively level ground.

 

[JM7500]

Number 15,
We are in a similar situation. We have 75 acres in southern middle TN. Yesterday, I worked out a deal for a new Branson 4820R with backhoe, rotary cutter, box blade and grapple. I cant wait for it to be delivered so I can start working so we can build. I research a lot of tractors and settled on 40 hp, so I went with a 48 hp. Most of our land is wooded so I didn't want a cab when keeping the trails and food plots clean. I'll have about 15 acres to bush hog. If you put you land on the Greenbelt plan, you can get an ag tax exemption and save a lot of money buying a tractor and implements.

I bought mine from Midstate Turf & Tractor. Lance (owner) is great to work with.