Noob Here...Seeking a Tractor Education, Please

[rScotty]

It really doesn't matter what tractor you decide on. New tractors are nice, but used tractors that are not abused last just about forever too.

Some people are more comfortable with new things and others prefer used - but in the tractor world which way you chose is more of a personal choice.
Unlike toys and things which are made to wear out, tractors are made to last. Some may last better than others, but they are all made well.

And whether new or used, if you keep it up & don't beat it up you'll likely get back most of what it cost when you sell it.

The other side of that coin is that if you do look at used ones, expect the price to be nearly what it cost when new - a situation even worse now because everything is scarce now, new prices have gone up radically in the past few years, and the used tractor market has always been high. Well cared for tractors maintain value.

So what is right? Well, I'd go for 4wd, with good tires and hopefully some sort of maintenance records. Size wise, even small ones can do big work - they just take longer to do it. So something between 20 and 50 HP is about right. It should start easily when cold.
Be sure to get one with power steering, a front end loader, and a good 3pt hitch on the back. Try it out. See if you feel comfortable with the seat and controls. All tractors work differently, so ask questions. There are several types of transmission and some require more shifting than others. Get a transmission type that you find relaxing and intuitive. Most importantly, get a tractor that speaks to you. Get one that you like.....

Oh, and get one that is quick and easy to get on and off. You'll do that a lot. Lots more than you know.

A tractor with those features will get you going, not break the bank, maintain value, and do lots of fun work while you learn more about tractors.
Enjoy, rScotty

 

[Torvy]

Lots of good advice here. As someone in a similar situation, I would add a few considerations.

1. How mechanically inclined are you? I can do basics, but welding and serious work will be out of my wheelhouse. This will influence new/used.
2. Do you have a place to park the tractor? If so, think of any size limitations. If not, make sure you plan on a covered structure to protect your investment.
3. What happens after you remove the trees? New trees? More lawn? If it is a one and done thing, I would echo the rental/hire out the tree work. You can get a smaller tractor to do the other work. If dealing with timber will be on going, I would want a Front End Loader (FEL), that can lift at least 2000 lbs.
4. Features I have discovered that I really like...ability to raise/lower 3pt hitch from the rear of tractor...Pin style rather than turn buckle sway bars...3rd function hydraulic valve to control grapple on FEL...suspension seat with arm rests..
5. Right now, most new tractors are better than used. Prices are similar, but you can get better financing, if desired, and warranty and insurance to protect you. Personally, I would not consider used unless I knew the seller well and the price was at least 25% less than equivalent new.
6. Don't get hung up on color (brand). Most of the YouTube people are fan boys or paid by one manufacturer or another. Similar advice abounds here...just like auto makes, some people cannot see a better deal if the nameplate is not what they expect. My current spreadsheet has 11 brands and various models in the 30-60 HP and 2000-5500 lb ranges (though most are 3-4000).
7. Dealer is important, but not more important than the right equipment. I initially was concerned about proximity. Now, I am trying to find the better dealer for the same equipment within the region. In my experience, some of the big dealers do not care about a guy with a few acres as they focus on big AG. Some small dealers have less access to units and may not be able hire/retain staff. My suggestion is to figure out 3-4 tractors that you like and then find the best dealer you can for those brands within your comfort range (distance wise).

 

[RalphVa]

In contemplating tractor choice, don't buy one if you only need it once or occasionally for big stuff. Also, depends on how much help you have. My neighbor with his Lamborghini (he calls it) 52 hp green monster with grapple was not able to get some tree trash taken out right near our line. It's the same kind of stuff that my wife has been able to cut up and then load into the FEL of our JD 2025R and me haul with it to some of our gullies. Got gullies piled high with tree debris. If I didn't have the wife to help load the FEL, I'd need a grapple as well.

She finally called it quits though. Got lots of stumps, some of which I just cannot get to with the JD because slope is too steep.

We've a forestry mulcher guy with some other equipment coming in next month to take out the stumps and to also take out zillions of trash trees that have grown up in our creek overflow meadow. For $5,000, he's going to take care of stuff that I likely could not get, even with a bigger wheeled tractor. He's gonna pile stuff up and supervise burn it.

The JD, even like my 18.5 hp 4010 I had first, is fine for my normal diesel wheelbarrowing, bush hogging and wood chipping and occasional carries of lots of stuff in FEL and carryall. An 18-19 hp tractor is plenty for this stuff. For the wood chipper, I'd just rev it up to 540 rpm on the PTO instead of 450 I use on the 2025R (with it loafing along). For work around trees and other underneath stuff, you would not want something like a BX that has lower clearance with underbelly HST cooling coils and fans.

The JD 4010 with its turf tires was fine for ground breaking stuff with an old JD M soil ripper, too. It's turning brakes allowed me to make nice, even raised rows with opposed discs on the soil ripper bar, too. The 4010 is 1420 # without the FEL.

Some have advocated an old Ford. Those old gasoline tractors guzzled the fuel, too. An old 8N or 9N would likely use 2 gallons/hr; whereas, the 4010 used 0.46 gph. A diesel uses 50% less fuel than a carbureted gasoline engine. Of course, with HST, you can literally just crawl along with PTO going full force.

That last picture is with the 2025R. It is near 250 # heavier than the 4010. The 500ish # WC46 chipper is noticeable on the 3ph on slopes on the 2025R. Would not take a bigger WC68 chipper at 700 # unless always on flat ground. Would run it fine. Has plenty of power.

 

[rScotty]

So much of tractor choice comes down to your preferences being as much or more important than what the tractor can do. Most tractors do basically the same thing.
For most "chore tractor" uses, the tractor needs to have a front end loader, a PTO, and a standard 3pt hitch. That's all. Most tractors have those things.

After those basics, it's what you like. Some guys like to do big jobs with little tractors, and others like to do little jobs with big tractors. Some people want every implement and others enjoy making an implement work in untypical ways. Some like comfort, others like basics. Some enjoy shifting gears and others hate it. I happen to like power steering; my friend thinks it is a silly luxury....
For some owners a little maintenance is too much. Others thrive on solving the occasional mechanical problem.
Some will only buy new; others only used.
No matter what machine you get, you'll be in one of those clubs.
You need to choose what fits you. The tractor will be fine.
rScotty

 

[Raul-02]

It really doesn't matter what tractor you decide on. New tractors are nice, but used tractors that are not abused last just about forever too.

Some people are more comfortable with new things and others prefer used - but in the tractor world which way you chose is more of a personal choice.
Unlike toys and things which are made to wear out, tractors are made to last. Some may last better than others, but they are all made well.

I am so sick and tired of fixing everything all the time that I won't buy used unless there is a massively compelling reason.

 

[rScotty]

I am so sick and tired of fixing everything all the time that I won't buy used unless there is a massively compelling reason.

I agree completely. Buying new or used isn't a decision we can make for anyone else. Buying either can be a personal choice based on emotion or it can be a buying decision based on facts.
That's fine.....

Tractor dealers and popular advertising speaks for the new tractor option, and it's certainly a good way to go.
A roughly equal number of restorers, refurbishers, parts houses, and old tractor clubs speaks for the used tractor side. It's also a good way to go, but for different reasons.

And once you buy it, it becomes used; no longer new. For used tractors value is always a question of use, time, and maintenance.
rScotty

 

[rademamj1]

I am so sick and tired of fixing everything all the time that I won't buy used unless there is a massively compelling reason.

I sort of agree with you. Particularly today, when used tractors are holding their value so well, it makes more sense to purchase new and avail of the 0% financing over 7 years most brands provide to customers.

 

[Raul-02]

new and avail of the 0% financing over 7 years most brands provide to customers.

I asked my dealer what the cash price would be and he gave me a number that was only a couple grand less

 

[N80]

A couple of thoughts from someone who bought his first (and only) tractor about 20 years ago without a whole lot of knowledge or experience:

When thinking about size and weight, think about your towing capabilities if the tractor will need to be towed. And it will. Standard pickups will pull a lot these days but it is still worth thinking about. Especially if you will be towing with implements, a loader, loaded tires. It adds up in both pounds and feet.

Consider that over time you will find many more things to do with your tractor after you have it. I bought mine for mowing. I initially did not want the loader but the salesman convinced me. The loader has become one of the most useful things I've ever owned. So if your budget allows consider this aspect of things and buy a level or two up in terms of capability. Of course that starts to impact weight. When I bought my tractor (45 hp 4wd) it was more tractor than I needed. Now, after about 20 years I probably need a bigger one. (But that is not likely to happen.....unless someone here has a low hour Kubota M6040 for a song.)

Finally, consider simplicity. Newer tractors have become complex with their computerized systems, DEF requirements. These things come with plenty of pros but there are cons to consider as well. I did not know enough to be comfortable buying used when I bought mine. But if I was advising someone right now I would say do your homework and consider a simpler tractor in the 15 year old range with moderate hours on it.

 

[OzarkChris]

I asked my dealer what the cash price would be and he gave me a number that was only a couple grand less

You are lucky. Most will tell you it doesn't matter if you finance or not, still the same price.