Advice for first tractor please

[rScotty]

Having 4wd sure does help a tractor with a load in the FEL bucket to turn in muddy fields. A 2wd with skinny ribbed tires up front will sometimes try to just plow mud instead of turning... The trick is to use the individual rear wheel brakes to help it turn - makes it much easier. Individual braking does take some practice, but anyone can learn how. Also, having well adjusted powerful and sensitive rear wheel brakes is an advantage. My favorites are the the countershaft-mounted internal "wet brakes" common to most utility type and larger tractors. .

 

[Tharg]

Hi there! It sounds like you've done a lot of research already—great start! For 12 acres with the tasks you’ve described, a tractor in the 30-40HP range with 4WD and a front-end loader (FEL) sounds spot on. Ridge and furrow terrain might benefit from the extra power and stability of 4WD.

Older, well-maintained second-hand tractors from brands like Massey Ferguson or Ford could be great, as they are durable and have accessible parts. Alternatively, newer, budget-friendly options from Indian or Chinese brands can also do the job but may require a bit of caution around build quality and after-sales service.

Make sure to inspect the hydraulics and FEL thoroughly and check for leaks or excessive wear. For your uses (topping, harrowing, manure handling, etc.), attachments like a flail mower and a post-knocker will be very useful, so ensure compatibility.

Good luck finding the perfect tractor for your needs—sounds like a fun journey ahead!

Great advice! Many thanks!

 

[arrow]

Having 4wd sure does help a tractor with a load in the FEL bucket to turn in muddy fields. A 2wd with skinny ribbed tires up front will sometimes try to just plow mud instead of turning... The trick is to use the individual rear wheel brakes to help it turn - makes it much easier. Individual braking does take some practice, but anyone can learn how. Also, having well adjusted powerful and sensitive rear wheel brakes is an advantage. My favorites are the the countershaft-mounted internal "wet brakes" common to most utility type and larger tractors. .

Glad you brought this up.
One of the biggest mistake l see ppl making with a 4wd tractor in the 2000 to 3000 lb weight category is to think 4wd is a panacea for traction w a loaded bucket. Having seen more than my share of broken toothed ring and or pinion gears of fwd componentry, l’d say proper ballast is way more important. As a matter of fact, l’d go as far as saying to not use 4wd with a heavy fel load unless you’ve really loaded up your rear weight especially in slippery conditions and no, simply loading the rear tires would be insufficient.
The front gearing on these compacts is really too small to walk around with 1500 lbs of frontal load on a constant or even a one off in slippery or icy conditions.

 

[Farmer495]

I feel I could do more with a 60 HP Utility 2wd loader than a 25HP Compact 4wd loader.

 

[Tharg]

I feel I could do more with a 60 HP Utility 2wd loader than a 25HP Compact 4wd loader.

How many acres do you have? I only have c 13 which is divided into paddocks of various sizes, the biggest being 6 acres.

 

[Tharg]

Glad you brought this up.
One of the biggest mistake l see ppl making with a 4wd tractor in the 2000 to 3000 lb weight category is to think 4wd is a panacea for traction w a loaded bucket...

Interesting. I have to say though that the primary purpose for the loader is to manage a muck heap (which is in a corner of a field and not on concrete). Consequently, I don't anticipate lifting anything which is very heavy. You never know though!

 

[Carl_NH]

Tharg - where are you located in the UK - nearest larger city? The north and highlands gets some snow, then the south, Devon/Cornwall region little.

Assume rolling hills and pasture land?

 

[Farmer495]

How many acres do you have? I only have c 13 which is divided into paddocks of various sizes, the biggest being 6 acres.

A few hundred, farmed it all with a 50 HP 2wd loader tractor for many years. My point is not to rule out a bigger 2wd loader tractor if the price is right and it will physically fit where you need it to go. The weight and larger tires will offset the lack of front drive wheels compared to smaller 4wd compact.

At least over here, the old 2wd utilities with a loader are often half the price of a 4wd compact with loader.

 

[arrow]

Interesting. I have to say though that the primary purpose for the loader is to manage a muck heap (which is in a corner of a field and not on concrete). Consequently, I don't anticipate lifting anything which is very heavy. You never know though!

Even if you do, provide yourself with additional rear ballast if using 4wd through slippery conditions.

 

[stoyan79]

Brand new TYM 2515 is about $20k. It is identical to 3515, except fuel is turned down. Loader lift is 2,200 lbs. Brand new with warranty.