80 Acres - Tractor Decision

[Kyle_in_Tex]

50 Hp is the bare minimum I'd recommend. You can NOT put bigger tires on the MX5000 as far as I know. The ratio between front and rear tires has to remain the same.
I'd recommend a 6 foot shredder or bigger. Maybe an 8 or even a 10. But these are high too. If you have time, you could look for a nice used tractor. There are 4wd tractors out there and they usually command a premium. If you stay with a main brand and you buy a clean used machine, you shouldn't have to worry about too much depreciation.

 

[BarryinMN]

I had the same considerations 2 years ago.

Didn't get excited with the green blue & red offerings.

Almost resigned to buy a Deere 6300 MFWD, cab, 640 loader used or a 5420 new.

Then stumbled across this brand at a local dealer. I was going to put a grapple on the loader dirt bucket but dealer talked me into putting on rock bucket.. excellent advise.

A grapple is invaluable for speeding cleanup.

I agree with the notion of large tires mine has 16.9x30/11.2x24's. I drove into one of my swamps to mow - it looked dry - muddy surprise! But was able to drive straight up a berm & out the other side dragging the bush hog. Smaller wheels would not be able to step up a 24" berm.

I bought the tractor with 2nd seat, loader & attachments at one time about $30K & change.

www.zetor.com

Other stuff hay wagon, dump trailer, plow, etc. I bought used at auctions or junk yards cheap. Got to practice with the welder a bit.

 

[NHeuro]

I think a tc 48-55 will be a good chose
there are other brands
have a look here: http://www.landini.com/pdf/05_MIS_8P.pdf

 

[zjohnson]

In my area, the Massey 400 series was ,by far, the best $/per hp deal in a basic farm tractor. This may or may not be true for you.

 

[RedRocker]

Barry, what brand is your rock bucket?

 

[Soundguy]

You can always look at the JD 5103.. it's int he 50hp class.

However.. 50hp may not be big enough for your needs.. depends on what your future plans are for the land.

You may also want to get a new 35-40hp machine.. and al old 50-110hp machine for the big work. late model ag tractors go for pennies on the dollar.

Soundguy

 

[BarryinMN]

Rock bucket is from a local skidloader attachment & trailer manufacturer.

http://midsotamfg.com/

Pried up several lawn ornaments & taken direct hits with all 10,000 # of tractor behind it. Have not been able to bend it.

 

[3RRL]

I noticed some of the posters refer you to some other brand tractors that have hp, size and value for the $$.
I ran across THIS LINK in another thread.
I have the 55hp model and am very happy with the performance. There might be a dealer in your area, since my dealer refers to one of his suppliers out there. Sounds like you're pretty handy so working on the tractor should be no sweat...which you'll have to do regardless.
Although I only have 27 acres to deal with, wishing for more horsepower and a larger tractor is always on my mind. Must be that power thing that gets us all excited...

Just noticed the item has expired, but you might contact him anyway....