Another Newbie Tractor Needs Question

[Max2310]

The way I see this is as long as you have the right sized implement to fit what ever sized tractor, it will do the job. The more hp, the bigger the tractor can be = the faster the job will get done.

Get the rough stuff done by the biggest guy in town and the rest you should be able to handle it and enjoy it.

I have an MF 22.5 hp (18 pto), 4 wheel drive HST (Hydrostatic transmission) and works perfectly well when you learn how to operate it considering it's small size. Ground clearance was a bit of an issue at the beginning but its no longer the case now thats its all nice (almost, not quite done yet ). The 3 cyl. diesel doesn't ask much in return.

I rented a Kubota B21 (21 hp I believe),for a week-end job over two years ago and I was also impressed with its capabilities. This is bigger than the tractor I bought BTW, even if it has less hp. The magic is in the hydraulic.

I'm still very happy with my purchase after 1.5 year and 330 hours. I have no regrets at all. Its small, convenient, easy to use, very powerful and practical and I'm getting a snow blower this year , there is all kinds of implements you can use.

I bought it new at 0% of interest for 5 years. Check the new ones and don't underestimate these little subs... oh, and if you plan on getting any implements later, think twice, if you get something new with no interest, you should consider adding it to the deal because later will probably feel harder on your wallet and you may end up not getting it. Then you tractor may be a bit less practical without it. Basics are FEL (front end loader) and either a box blade or rear blade.

My two cents.

Good luck,
Max

 

[GPintheMitten]

With that land you need a tractor. Wives can give us a hard time at first just to be sure we really need it and are being practical about it. Without a tractor of sufficient size, you and your wife, if she helps on chores, and your kids will get very tired and disappointed in all the hard work. And you will likely break down your body trying to be the hee man. I'm serious. I tried to get by without a tractor for years when we moved to the country and I hurt my self a few times and am probably paying for it still today with my recurrent back pain. So enough on that.

I would not purchase a finish mower until you have the cabin built and a lawn put in. You would be too tempted to use it on rough stuff and ruin it. A FEL, a brush hog rotary cutter, box blade and rear blade and a couple of logging chains should do it for quite a while. You might want tire chains but can try it without and see how it goes. If you haven't purchased a chain saw yet, you should get one even if you do not plan on doing any timber cutting, they come in very handy for clearing and cleaning up.

I don't have a FEL and should have bought one years ago. Hope to build one this winter.

I recommend you look for good used tractor. But definitely go to dealers and talk to them and bring your wife.

I recommend you try to get something in the 20-25 hp range... I have smaller and would buy larger if had it to do over. Hydrostatic 4wd and something with some good ground clearance would be valuable.

As to your ditches...before you just fill them in enough to get a driveway in... are they necessary for water/melt drainage? You might need to put in culverts to keep the runoff flowing.

Be careful when operating the tractor... you and your wifej. And don't let the kids operate it until you understand everything about it and can pass on the safety lessons to them... and of course only when you feel they are old enough. My advice, keep them safe and away from it.

Tractors are useful but can be dangerous. Rotary cutters are powerful, front end loaders lifted on rough ground can make it unstable, so take it slow and eazy. With ditches, you get too close and it could roll. Hit a stump ... well you get the idea. I'm just saying start out slow and eazy, learn your machine and you'll do fine.

Best of luck.