Buying my first tractor

[Egon]

The logistics for the OP must also be considered. A Bigger machine will increase trailer and truck capacities and may be limited for landscaping/trenching/mowing lawn use. So the decision should be based on what gets the most work For the OP.

A bucket does fine for moving dirt and levelling when going forward. Backblading doesn’t do much for making flat level surfaces.

From the OP’s description the small tractor will be able to grade slab sites. With rentals their job use should involve as short a time frame as possible. It will not be there for those everyday small twenty minute jobs.

 

[jeff9366]

Mowing will be based on time. If I can mow 7 acres in under 2 hours great, if not some of it will be left to knockdown a couple times a year.

Neither mowing aspiration can be achieved with 25-horsepower gross.

Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is worse than depreciation on a tractor.

BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.​

 

[ericmb]

I’m looking at a Mahindra 1635 HST with several attachments for under $20,000. It has a 60” brush hog, forks and 60” box blade included along with the loader on the front. It seems like a great deal, any input on Mahindra tractors would be great.

 

[rScotty]

I’m looking at a Mahindra 1635 HST with several attachments for under $20,000. It has a 60” brush hog, forks and 60” box blade included along with the loader on the front. It seems like a great deal, any input on Mahindra tractors would be great.

That wouldn't be my first choice. What are the advantages other than price?

 

[ericmb]

Price and size are the two main factors. It also has a canopy but no cab. Are there issues or concerns I should be aware of?

 

[fried1765]

I’m looking at a Mahindra 1635 HST with several attachments for under $20,000. It has a 60” brush hog, forks and 60” box blade included along with the loader on the front. It seems like a great deal, any input on Mahindra tractors would be great.

So......it appears that you may be chasing the cheapest idea, not necessarily the best idea.
If so, for new tractors, you should investigate RK tractors.
They will likely be the lowest price!

 

[ericmb]

I have a budget of $20,000. Most tractors I’ve looked at are a lot older to get in that range (I’m finding a lot of 25hp for $17,000-$20,000). I’m not scared of buying older equipment, I bet there would be a lot of life left in them for my needs. A 35hp tractor with loader for $20k seems like a great deal, not even considering the other implements. I’m not familiar with tractors, if I’m missing something it’s no big deal to keep looking. I don’t need a tractor today.

 

[kenmbz]

List what you want to do and then match it to the tractor that would cover the most.
Also, go drive some tractors. I am very happy with mine, but I might not do the same as you or in the same time frame.
Driving the different size chassis will give you a better idea.
For me I need small to get through the woods and don't mind it takes me a lot more time than if I had something with a bigger chassis. But I also don't use a boxblade or tiller, that might have changed my choice.

 

[fried1765]

I have a budget of $20,000. Most tractors I’ve looked at are a lot older to get in that range (I’m finding a lot of 25hp for $17,000-$20,000). I’m not scared of buying older equipment, I bet there would be a lot of life left in them for my needs. A 35hp tractor with loader for $20k seems like a great deal, not even considering the other implements. I’m not familiar with tractors, if I’m missing something it’s no big deal to keep looking. I don’t need a tractor today.

The complaints of folks buying a tractor with too much capability and quality, are as scarce as hen's teeth!

 

[rScotty]

I have a budget of $20,000. Most tractors I’ve looked at are a lot older to get in that range (I’m finding a lot of 25hp for $17,000-$20,000). I’m not scared of buying older equipment, I bet there would be a lot of life left in them for my needs. A 35hp tractor with loader for $20k seems like a great deal, not even considering the other implements. I’m not familiar with tractors, if I’m missing something it’s no big deal to keep looking. I don’t need a tractor today.