Advice wanted for new hobby farm

[MNfarm86]

I am seeking some advice for a tractor size/suggestions. Recently bought 7 acres, 3 are wooded/grove, ~1.5 is lawn that will be continued to maintained weekly, 2 are pasture/overgrown, and the rest is buildings/concrete.
I am hoping to purchase an additional 3-5 acres over the next few years that would all be pasture. Likely getting a few cattle/horses in 1-3 years.
Driveway is 150 feet to large county gravel road that is well maintained.
Long term plan is to have animals on the 5-7 acres of pasture. Primary purpose is hobby farm, if we can make some money off and on that would be great but not expecting to make much of anything.
FEL is a requirement for animal maintenance, snow removal, dirt work, treework, etc. I grew up on a farm with larger tractors and realize a FEL is essential. Unsure if I should get a hydrostatic transmission or not. Will likely buy some 3 point attachments such as a blade for the driveway, tiller for the garden, old brush mower, when renting post hole, etc. These will not be factored in on the total budget right now though.
I am looking to maybe buying an older john deere 4xx like a 455 or something along those lines for maintaining the finished lawn. Open to other options though. I have a lead on a well maintained one for 3k with reasonable hours.
Will be buying a UTV for some light work and a toy for the kids.
I was initially thinking of getting a small utility deere like a 2440, 2520, 3020, 4020. I would like to buy something a little larger then I need right now and that is why I considered these older tractors. Diesel is highly preferred.
The more I am researching though the more I am considering a hydrostatic transmission.
I would love to keep the tractor budget 7-11k but willing to go up to 15k if it makes enough sense.
Color isn't a huge factor but have a heavy green family and several local Deere dealers. Most major brands are close enough that it wouldn't be too bad for breakdowns/maintenance though.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Seeing as you're experienced, what with having grown up on a farm, my advice would be to plan for the future with a tractor that's capable for what you need today. I know that that sounds confusing but it's like this; when it comes to feeding livestock, especially with round bales, the minimum HP is 40. Of course HP is half of the equation; the other half is weight (including 'ballast'). I know that you don't have the livestock now... but you're planing on it.

If it's within your budget, I would recommend getting a separate, small, lawn tractor to handle the 1.5 acres of lawn.

Enjoy the site.

 

[jeff9366]

Now you have two acres of overgrown pasture with a plan to add three to five acres, total five to seven acres.

You cannot make a financial return on either two acres or seven acres.

I would stay at your current size but find some way to rent out the land for ag work so you can remain in agriculture tax category. For your current property almost any tractor with 12" or more ground clearance should be fine. If your land has slopes you will need both 4-WD and HST transmission for sufficient braking.

eBay is a convenient place to research used tractor prices.

 

[rScotty]

I'd say that your plan makes sense to me. Those older Deere's are excellent value and you already know how to pick a good one. Doing that should make it possible to stay within a 15K budget and have enough for a loader (needed) and a separate lawn machine. All for less than the price of a new compact with way less capabilities.
Those JDs you mention are all great machines. Most were available in gas or diesel - both good - and with a smooth powershift tranny that is darn near as good as HST. Parts are cheap for them, and mechanically they are simple to maintain. Quite different from the new machines.
Good on you for considering the bestof the good old used tractors. You'll do well with them.
luck,
rScotty

 

[Tractorable]

My property is very similar to yours. If it helps, my current two-machine approach is a JD X590 for the lawn and I'll probably get a Yanmar YT235 or Kubota L3301 to replace my current Ford 8N.

I'm sure you already know this, but choose what size implements you want to run and choose the appropriate sized tractor. In my case, I already have 5' implements so I'm going with a tractor appropriately sized for those.

 

[sriddle1]

MNfarm86 - Left Balaton, MN in 2013 building a Retirement Home in SW New Hampshire, No Sales or Income Tax. I owned 25 acres, 14 Ag and Homestead with Shelterbelt 11 so I understand about keeping your tax base as Ag. In 2011 I purchased a JD790 Utility Tractor with FEL & Mid-PTO 60" Belly Mower then picked-up a JD59 Front Mount Snow-blower. Very Happy with the performance and price, many tried to convince me to go with hydro-trans but the manual was easy to get use to + has a low gear that is great for snow removal. I do have to admit because of the snow Drifts > 6' the JD59 was challenged at times but after having on old JD3010 with a McKee Rear Mount 2 Stage Blower it was a welcome change from looking backwards "The Neck Issue".... I suppose you will use the FEL for moving snow but I prefer shooting the snow a good 20-30 feet from the area I am clearing instead of stacking where MN Drifts can easily form. Another consideration even when storing inside, if you go diesel be sure to get a Block Heater, a good 40 minute session in low temps limits the amount of black smoke + easier on the Battery. One other small attachment I picked-up while still in MN, a Ratchet Rake from Tractor Supply, works wonders in clearing brush, grading, leveling driveways, etc. Attached PIC of the set-up I purchased. Miss MN a bit, still have close friend that own Grandview Valley Winery near Belview.