80 Acres - Tractor Decision

notafarmer · Dec 11, 2005

I purchased 80 acres of land, 40 were in cotton the rest is 8 year old cut over / swamp. The swamp is caused by beavers, I am not 100% sure how much of the lower 40 acres are usable.

I have looked at various tractors from JD, NH, and Kubota, I finally settled on a price range of around 25k which needs to include implements that I think I'll need, 6 ft Brush Hog, 6 ft Disk, Post Hole Digger, and a spreader. That's what I figure I will need to make the cotton field into pasture.

I plan on putting up a HT electric fence around the perimeter of the property and raising livestock (cows, goats, pigs, and chickens). I am hoping to make a little money doing this in 3-5 years, until then I expect to hemorage money /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have researched tractors for several weeks and finally discovered this forum, spend several days reading and decided to ask for advice.

I was thinking of a MFWD tractor with FEL in the 50hp gross with 40hp PTO. Best price I have found for this setup is a $21,000 MX5000 Kubota, the FEL is the LA852-2 which is the heavier version. Transmission is 8x4 partially synchronized (3rd and 4th gears are synchronized)

Comments on my choice?

The JD 5105 MFWD was 20045.00 w/o loader with loader adding somewhere around 4k. Transmission is 9x3 and is synchronized.

NH TC40D with loader was $22,925 but is only 40hp gross and 35hp at PTO, less HP but has the hydro transmission. I am not sure how much a TC48 would set me back with a FEL.

Picture of the property

Kyle_in_Tex · Dec 11, 2005

( I purchased 80 acres of land, 40 were in cotton the rest is 8 year old cut over / swamp. The swamp is caused by beavers, I am not 100% sure how much of the lower 40 acres are usable.)

Swamp is the key word. The MX5000 is a versatile machine and I would normally recommend it. What worries me is your type of land. I would push the biggest 4WD machine you can afford. You mentioned the 5105 and this is what I'd lean towards (even a 5205). Believe me, there is a HUGE difference of where a smaller wheeled machine can go compared to a bigger wheeled machine. Don't ask me how I know. Furthermore, don't get anywhere near the wet stuff with R4 tires. Get R1's and you be happier. Don't try to compromise and get a machine that you think you can mow your yard with too.

notafarmer · Dec 11, 2005

I don't plan on mowing my grass with the tractor, I live in the city about 12 1/2 miles from the property, eventually I will build a house on the property but not yet.

What got me leaning toward the Kubota was the 3k difference in basically the same machine when compaired to the JD5105.

Could I put bigger front tires on the Kubota MX5000?

TillerofdaEarth · Dec 11, 2005

40 acres is a lot of ground to cover with a 50hp machine, not to mention if you get rid of the beavers and free up some of the swampy stuff. Smaller tractor equals more time in the seat which is not a bad thing if your having fun... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

The kubota and deere are good machines and will live up to the task. I understand budget constraints, but get as much tractor as you can afford at the present time. Definitely stick with MFWD and like Kyle stated I would go with the R1 ag tires.

If you find that a 40 to 50 hp tractor is to small you can always trade up to bigger. Happy tractor shopping!

notafarmer · Dec 11, 2005

I forgot to say I was indeed going with AG tires.

So you thing a 50 hp machine is too little for mowing 40 acres and doing some "stuff" in the woods/swamp? I like the idea of beaver dams on the property, not sure just how much or what it would take to "steal" some of the ground back from the beavers, I was thinking perhapse over time I could build up a dyke recapturing some of the land back but more than likley I would end up trapping water on the good side of the dyke and making a mess of things.

Really would like some advice about the HP range of the tractor I am looking at.

Another + for Kubota is they have 3 year 0% interest where JD only has 1 year 0% financing. I am sure I could finance more as I was thinking of purchasing a JD 6220 with cab and FEL (61k) but I want to build a house on the property sooner rather than later so decided to go with a less expensive tractor and figured 50hp range was in the right area.

Thanks in advance!

RedDog · Dec 11, 2005

Are you definitely set on either a JD, NH, or Kubota?

RedDog

notafarmer · Dec 11, 2005

Well before comming to this forum I had never heard of the brand in your sig RedDog, I'v heard of Case, Massy, International etc but around here mostly JD, NH, and Kubota.

Didn't really answer your question, it would all depend on how I perceived other brands and the price to what you get factor.

Glenn9643 · Dec 11, 2005

JD has a "economy PTO" feature on their 5025 series that could save you some fuel. Some other manufacturers offer something similar, but from what I've found only on much larger machines.
Look here for more information...
I would think with your acreage a utility tractor would be a better fit, unless you have a problem with transporting it from one parcel to another as I do. I've been looking to change to a cab model, and am seriously considering the 5225 cab model simply because of the savings on fuel with the ePTO.
I've found that I can seriously reduce the amount of fuel used bushhogging by reducing RPM's from about 26-2700 to around 1900-2000 if my blades are sharp. I've also been considering a PTO generator for power outages, but fuel costs would be tough running my present tractor at 540RPM. With the ePTO and the 5225 I should have enough HP available to run a 10KW in the economy mode for much less fuel costs. Just something else to think about...

RedDog · Dec 11, 2005

Well before comming to this forum I had never heard of the brand in your sig RedDog, I'v heard of Case, Massy, International etc but around here mostly JD, NH, and Kubota.


Actually I kinda stumbled across them myself (Kioti). /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Mostly JD around here.

Good luck in your search, RedDog

tjkadar · Dec 11, 2005

Take a look at the M4800 and M4900 too. Those tractors might fit what you want to do a bit better then the MX5000. The M4900 is a heck'uva tractor for the price.

Kyle_in_Tex · Dec 11, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

Barry, what brand is your rock bucket?

Soundguy · Dec 12, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

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 · Dec 12, 2005

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....