140 acre farm, used tractor, skidsteer?

[ron_sc]

I am new to this site (and to tractors), and I am impressed with the experience and expertise of the group here.

I just bought a farm in upstate South Carolina. The land is mostly gently sloping, with about 50 acres of pastures, 40 acres of mature woods, 40 acres of very thick old cutover, and about 10 acres of wooded swampy bottomland. There is a moderate to steep slope near a creek that runs down the center of the property.

We will be moving to a small house on the farm, and later building a house. I plan to get a riding lawn mower for mowing around the houses. The dirt driveway is about 500 yards, but we don't get snow here.

My plans are to convert some of the pasture into dove fields (10-15 ac) and wildlife plots (5-10 ac). I would like to be able to add or improve small roads or trails in the woods, and be able to mow some of the pastures. I will let one of my neighbors do the haying. I also plan to dam up the small stream to form a 4-5 acre lake (this will be contracted out), and may clear some of the thick clearcut for a food plot (also contracted out?).

The former owner has a large amount of farm equipment that appears to be in good shape, and he will "make me a good deal" on whatever I want; everything else will be sold at an auction in March. In particular, he has two older tractors: an early 1990's Case IH 495 2wd 53 hp, and a late 1970's JD 2640 2wd (70 hp PT0). The Case has a ROPS, but the larger JD does not. Some of the implements that I am considering are a JD 1018 rotary cutter, an older 6' rotary cutter, disc harrow, spring harrow, and a 2 axle pro haul (dump?) trailer.

He also has a newer Case 1845C Uniloader skidsteer that seems to be in good shape. I do not yet known how much he wants for these different machines and tools, but I will meet with him shortly.

My question is: am I better off just buying some of the implements, and getting a new 50-70 hp 4wd tractor with FEL, or should I get one of the old tractors and the skidsteer (depending of course on his price)? There is a Kubota dealer about 2 miles away from the farm. I'm thinking of spending $20-$30K on the equipent in total.

Thanks for your advice

 

[LoneCowboy]

I don't know any of those implements in particular (although I've run a Case 1845 SS), but used stuff is ALWAYS cheaper than new stuff.
Implements especially, you definately want the implements

He doesn't want to move the stuff, he'll probalby make you a good deal.
You can buy retro-fit ROPS if that concerns you.
If the stuff appears to be in good shape and well maintained, it's probably worth putting together as long as there is a dealer nearby to support them.

 

[Doc_Bob]

If the price is right and the condition of the tractor with the ROPS is good, go with it.
Bob

 

[deereguy]

My parents and I were in a similiar situation in the summer of 2005, we were purchasing 150 acres and the former owner wanted to have an auction at the farm site, we said we didn't want the farm torn up from the auction. If he wanted to have an auction, take it to the school parking lot (within walking distance of the farm) or we would lower the offer if he had an on-site auction. We ended up making an offer on ALL the equipment, furnishings from the house, nut/bolt, etc., some stuff we wanted some we didn't. We are slowly deciding what will go where.

My point is, if he really doesn't want to go thru the hassle of prepping it and advertising for this auction, and the equipment is in decent shape and usable- make him an offer. Also, figure what is your time worth. We figured, it would take us a month or so to look at used equipment, decide, arrange hauling, etc. whereas now- we were basically in the hay business with mostly 80's equipment in very good shape.

 

[Fredex]

Deereguy's idea is worth considering. Unless there is a big junkyard of old stuff you have no possible use for, try to arrange a package deal, if you can swing it. Then you can take your time, see what works for you and what don't, what isn't worth the hassle, etc. Then sell what you don't need/want. The skidsteer will probably run the $$ up.

 

[dgl24087]

The Case IH 495 is a 43 PTO HP, 53 engine HP tractor. The Deere is much more tractor, 70 PTO HP.

 

[ron_sc]

Your replies are very helpful. I see the point about trying to swing a complete package deal -- it would save him a lot of trouble, and I probably wouldn't lose money in the long run.

What I did not mention though is that he has a lot of other equipment in the barn. Besides the two tractors and skidsteer that I am interested in, he has two very nice antique John Deere tractors (one is an Oliver, I didn't catch the other model), a 1960's Dodge 300 flatbed truck, a 1960's Ford F250, horse trailer, a hay bailer, etc. I don't know if I can afford to buy all of this right now, but I'll see what he is thinking.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[ron_sc]

Your replies are very helpful. I see the point about trying to swing a complete package deal -- it would save him a lot of trouble, and I probably wouldn't lose money in the long run.

What I did not mention though is that he has a lot of other equipment in the barn. Besides the two tractors and skidsteer that I am interested in, he has two very nice antique John Deere tractors (one is an Oliver, I didn't catch the other model), a 1960's Dodge 300 flatbed truck, a 1960's Ford F250, horse trailer, a hay bailer, etc. I don't know if I can afford to buy all of this right now, but I'll see what he is thinking.

Thanks,
Ron

 

[N80]

I don't know anything about the Case but that JD is a lot of tractor in a fairly small package. A friend of mine has one. Very heavy, beefy rear end.

I don't think either of those tractors is going to be great at clearing land though, especially with no FEL, but the skidsteer would fill that purpose very well.

 

[Soundguy]

he has two older tractors: an early 1990's Case IH 495 2wd 53 hp, and a late 1970's JD 2640 2wd (70 hp PT0). The Case has a ROPS, but the larger JD does not. Some of the implements that I am considering are a JD 1018 rotary cutter, an older 6' rotary cutter, disc harrow, spring harrow, and a 2 axle pro haul (dump?) trailer.

90's ?? older? Yikes.

On a hundred ac.. you will deffinately want a larger tractor.. at least in the 50's.. if not higher hp.. especially if you ever make hay.. or have to mow large portions of it.

If you can get either or both of the tractors 'right'.. go for it.

I often sugest a person with lots of acerage to get 2 tractors.. perhaps a new/newish CUT.. and a used or older UT or AG.. generally if you can find a good one.. it will be pennies on the dollar.

Soundguy