Buying Advice Advice on first tractor

Sikard · Dec 5, 2014

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and looking for some advice from those with more experience than myself. My tractor experience is limited to haying as a kid on my grandparents' ranch, but that was about 20 years ago. I feel comfortable around machinery, but there seems to be a lot of options/makes and I'm just not sure where to begin searching for my first tractor.

I have recently bought a 130 acre old homestead. About 100 acres is forested (pine, birch, spruce, poplar, etc). About 10 acres was at one point in hay and I hope to get that field workable again. My needs are general work around the farm, possibly skidding firewood (although I have other options for that if needed), snow removal on a 1000' driveway and haying (small square bales). I want something with a front end loader (pretty standard now, I understand), and a rear PTO powerful enough to operate haying equipment on slopes. The hay field is not flat. I do not think it is steep enough to pose much of a tip over threat, but it is certainly steep enough that I'd want to be careful. Roll over protection would also be needed. I imagine four wheel drive would also be nice both in the winter months, and when pulling a bailer uphill.

I've read that I need a minimum rear pto of 40hp for smaller hay equipment, but I'm not sure if this is factoring in working on an incline.

I'm willing to buy new, but also not afraid of buying something used if it can be found in my area. There are not a lot of used machines around here.

Thanks for your input!

TJP89 · Dec 5, 2014

You are certainly going in quick with 130 acres and no prior experience! Others here have more experience in bigger tractors and land, but I would aim for about 75 engine HP. That would give you plenty of power for any implements and hydraulic power on the loader and remotes. Snow would be no problem with that either. In terms of type, you have plenty of options, although not as many as for a CUT. John Deere of course (pricey unless you go E series), but also Kubota and Case. Massey Ferguson and New Holland as well. Kioti also makes tractors in that area. Depends on what dealers you have around. You need to decide whether you want a bare bones tractor, or one with the little things that make life easier (more $$$). Cab or open station? Most people agree cabs are more comfortable, but they are pricey and there is argument about how much they get in the way. If you are going to spend a lot of time on the tractor, a deluxe one will make you glad you paid for it up front. Transmission options are another factor. HST is out at your level, so you have shuttle shift, hydraulic shuttle, and some other basic gear options, of which a hydraulic shuttle is the best. Decide on a budget, because this can get expensive quick. Used is great, if you find the right tractor, otherwise they are a headache and time eaters. You know what you're getting with new. You have a lot to learn, so don't rush it.

Beltzington · Dec 5, 2014

I only have 8-acres and I would not like to live without 4WD or live with a manual clutch. Also, a cab would be a major pain considering the amount of times I get on and off they tractor. Good Luck!

Danny C · Dec 5, 2014

Sikard said:
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and looking for some advice from those with more experience than myself. My tractor experience is limited to haying as a kid on my grandparents' ranch, but that was about 20 years ago. I feel comfortable around machinery, but there seems to be a lot of options/makes and I'm just not sure where to begin searching for my first tractor.

I have recently bought a 130 acre old homestead. About 100 acres is forested (pine, birch, spruce, poplar, etc). About 10 acres was at one point in hay and I hope to get that field workable again. My needs are general work around the farm, possibly skidding firewood (although I have other options for that if needed), snow removal on a 1000' driveway and haying (small square bales). I want something with a front end loader (pretty standard now, I understand), and a rear PTO powerful enough to operate haying equipment on slopes. The hay field is not flat. I do not think it is steep enough to pose much of a tip over threat, but it is certainly steep enough that I'd want to be careful. Roll over protection would also be needed. I imagine four wheel drive would also be nice both in the winter months, and when pulling a bailer uphill.

I've read that I need a minimum rear pto of 40hp for smaller hay equipment, but I'm not sure if this is factoring in working on an incline.

I'm willing to buy new, but also not afraid of buying something used if it can be found in my area. There are not a lot of used machines around here.

Thanks for your input!

Here is my 2 cents:
- In Canada, there is no HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on tractors of 60 PTO horsepower and above. That's a 13% saving in Ontario!
- Cabs are great in the winter when plowing and such and are great in the summer when it's dusty (road dust, hay dust, etc) and when it's hot due to A/C
- Cabs are not so great in the woods = lots of broken glass.
- Buy the most power you can for your budget. You can always buy a second, smaller tractor (ROPS instead of cab?) later for the small stuff.
- Check out LS Tractors. LS Tractor USA http://lstractorusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/P-Series-Brochure.pdf Exceptional value for the price. 3 sets of hydraulic remotes standard, telescoping bottom 3 point arms, telescopping 3 point stbilizers and more.

Danny

MtnViewRanch · Dec 5, 2014

1st thing, figure a real budget, not just for the tractor, but for implements that you may need for what you want-need to do.

2nd thing, find every tractor dealer that is in your comfortable driving radius.

3rd thing, go looking, setting on, trying to get a feel for the operators station. They are not all the same. In fact they are all different in some way or the other.

4th thing, come back here and ask lots of questions about everything related.

My :2cents:, 75hp at the minimum, 85 would be a nice step up from the 75 and that 10hp machine can make a difference.

Good luck.

Grandad4 · Dec 5, 2014

Welcome to TBN. You'll no doubt sees lots of differing opinions since everyone has their own favorite brand and has their own unique experiences to draw from. In the end, you need to become comfortable with your own decision for obvious reasons. Here are a couple of my thoughts.
1. Running hay equipment is demanding work and you need something large enough to do it safely, particularly on any kind of a slope. Pulling a baler and wagon is a lot of weight and you need something big enough for the job. A 50-75 hp "utility" tractor would do that kind of work well if you're making small square bales. You can get "compact utility tractors" (CUT) in that horsepower range, but they are shorter wheelbase and a bit lighter, which would be more of an advantage for your firewood handling in the woods (Nothing's ever black and white with equipment, is it?). That said, please think about the economics of buying equipment like this just for a 10 acre hayfield. If you're doing it for the entertainment value, by all means proceed, but unless you're getting seriously into the hay business, you'd likely be better off financially having someone else make hay for you on those 10 acres.
2. As to brands, if you're going used, look to the condition of the specific tractor you're buying more than what color paint it has. As long as you stick with the major brands, they're all well-made, reliable machines. If you're thinking new, check out the dealers you can work with and figure out which one has a good parts and shop operation, which one will give you a good deal. There are subtle differences in how things work that make a difference between brands. You'll have to figure out which one rings your bell by kicking tires and spending some time running the various models.
3. Spend the time to figure out which tractor you like and know will do the job. Remember you're going to have to live with it for a long time, and buying something else just to save a few bucks or listening too much to what salesemen and others say can lead you off track (just my opinion).
Good luck!

Danny C · Dec 5, 2014

MtnViewRanch said:
1st thing, figure a real budget, not just for the tractor, but for implements that you may need for what you want-need to do.

2nd thing, find every tractor dealer that is in your comfortable driving radius.

3rd thing, go looking, setting on, trying to get a feel for the operators station. They are not all the same. In fact they are all different in some way or the other.

4th thing, come back here and ask lots of questions about everything related.

My :2cents:, 75hp at the minimum, 85 would be a nice step up from the 75 and that 10hp machine can make a difference.

Good luck.