1st time buyer. How much tractor do I need?

[Soundguy]

Also some people don't like changing attachments, so they get 1 tractor for each attachment

Hey.. I resemble that remark!

soundguy

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The bigger the tractor and equip the more the cost so a bigger tractor is more money tied up setting around doing little or nothing.

Not so.....I can buy 2 or 3 of my older and LARGER tractors for what you paid for one of your little ones. And, I don't need 3 tractors to handle the chores in one yard. So, I have LESS money tied up.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

There is a strong case to be made that for some small is needed. Primarily because of access for for work. If I had a little BH1500 I could easily scoot into all my neighbors back yards thru their walk gates. Also some people don't like changing attachments, so they get 1 tractor for each attachment

Any gates or access to my yard is always done in such a way as to accomodate a full sized truck. That usually means even the largest of tractors will fit. I've encountered far too many jobs where even a bigger tractor reaches it's limits of capabilities, so a small one wouldn't do me much good. I'm sure small has a few moments where it's handy, but more often than not, small means limited capability/capacity to me. Then again, you're talking to someone who mows his lawn with a 47hp utility tractor....

A quick count of implements I've got here at the home place would equate to needing 28 tractors if I subscribed to that theory. I'd be building sheds for the next 10 years at that rate!

 

[foggy1111]

LOL One area where small is beneficial is operating in timber....such as my land. Small trails with large pine trees to weave thru to get to openings for food plots. I have implements that I have to snake between the trees....and the trees have the scars to prove it.

I dont think a larger tractor would be of much help to me. My 5 foot implements work just fine for most of my needs. Also, hauling those bigger tractors requires more than the typical pickup truck and small trailer....which is another plus for the small stuff. (so there! )

But, in many situations those larger frame / higher weight and HP tractors (at lower cost) are the real deal.....when the rubber meets the road......errrrr, field.

 

[ORBrit]

I can understand the need for bigger machines for multiple tasks.

My situation is a little different though.
I have about 2-3 acres of level brush to control and the 7 acres of forested portion of the land is not easily accessed - if I could get a vehicle back there it would have to be pretty small, simply because of the thickness of the growth.
We plan to thin out the forest but in order to remove the smaller stuff, everything is going to have to be cut down to a manageable size. No room to be pulling whole trees through there.
So most of that will be cutting up for firewood and then chipping the 4" and smaller diameter stuff.

I'm not looking to drill holes all the time - a one time deal to put up a fence.
Not even worth buying an auger for that.

I'm not looking to dig trenches after the initial construction. No need for a backhoe.

I've already done the majority of excavating and dug out some 30-40 foot long tree logs that had been knocked down and buried by the previous owner. None of that would have been doable with anything short of the dedicated excavator and full size construction backhoe that I rented.

It's done now so I don't need that function either.

So it really does boil down to a tractor that can primarily operate a PTO brush hog and occasionally help with moving dirt, rock or other material.
A PTO chipper would be nice, although I'm not opposed to a separate gas powered chipper.

Good point about the trailer too - I only have a single axle landscape trailer with 3500lb capacity.

 

[foggy1111]

OK....so after posting I went back and read the OP question and most of the thread. IMO the best way to answer the OP is by determining what sizeimplements he needs to handle. For example: (all numbers are HYPOTHETICAL....so dont flame me )

1. MOST 4' implement needs AND mowing are best served by a SUBCUT IMHO. The lightweight is the right thing for mowing and the HP (generally about 20 HP) will handle the 4 foot implements.

2. 5 foot implements require about 25+ PTO horsepower (to handle the implements properly) and a few more engine HP to handle the loss due to tranny types etc.

3. 6 foot implements are gonna take about 35+ PTO HP to do a good job....and a bit more wieght to handle the bigger (read heavier) 3 point implements.

And so it goes. I really think the best way to figure the tractor size is to determine the implement sizes needed.

Just my .02

 

[tornadowatchranch]

you might look at priefort implements if they are in your area. My local farm store has a 72 inch rough mower with a slip clutch (this protects the driveline "when" you hit something solid hiding under the grass) for abour $800. Priefort is new to 3 point implements but well know in fencing/cattle pen areas.
I also second the idea to rent a post hole digger. I own a tractor mounted one and if I have more than 20 holes to dig go rent the hydraulic one from the local store. The tractor ones work on gravity and the hydraulic ones (I rent a toro dingo) have down force and reverse (which is important if you get it stuck)

hope it helps. I just bought a bobcat 335 and couldn't be happier

 

[Carykong]

newbury, you may be onto something. a "tractor for each attachment." Just need to get that past the wife.

 

[ORBrit]

OK....so after posting I went back and read the OP question and most of the thread. IMO the best way to answer the OP is by determining what sizeimplements he needs to handle. For example: (all numbers are HYPOTHETICAL....so dont flame me )

1. MOST 4' implement needs AND mowing are best served by a SUBCUT IMHO. The lightweight is the right thing for mowing and the HP (generally about 20 HP) will handle the 4 foot implements.

2. 5 foot implements require about 25+ PTO horsepower (to handle the implements properly) and a few more engine HP to handle the loss due to tranny types etc.

3. 6 foot implements are gonna take about 35+ PTO HP to do a good job....and a bit more wieght to handle the bigger (read heavier) 3 point implements.

And so it goes. I really think the best way to figure the tractor size is to determine the implement sizes needed.

Just my .02

I like your line of thought.
The tractor is just the means of getting the correct implement to the ground or whatever task it is you're performing.

Good way of looking at it.

 

[harpoonalt]

I'm all for multiple machines. I have a BX that I use for plowing snow, grading my driveway, and towing my landscape trailer around, but it's main use is mowing. I mow my developments roadsides and common areas, some of which are pretty rough and mowed with the deck all the way up. I also do my own lawn which is pretty smooth and 1 2/3 acres.
If it wasn't for the rough ground mowing, I'd invest in a good ZTR for my mowing. If you've never used one, you're missing out. My BX mows great, but a ZTR would do a better job and probably take half the time. The MMM really limits where you can go when you want to do FEL work and can be a pain to take on and off for those quick jobs.
My point is that if you have the money and space, multiple machines make a lot of sense, especially if you invest in more specialized equipment for the tasks at hand. A ZTR for mowing and a tractor based on your other needs. Less compromise and more fun.
Making less sense to me is having multiple tractors of the same class just to not swap implements. The exception is those that have lots of money and farmers or other high hour users.
That's why tractor shopping can be tough. You have to make compromises based on your needs and budget. But after owning one, I will say that ANY tractor is better than none at all.