Another "what tractor to buy" question....sorry, I'm new a this!

[jjp8182]

...and about 4 acres pasture where cows are, and will continue to roam.

^ This stood out for me -- everything else you described a tractor in the size range you're looking at would work. However, if you have to deal with hay bales (especially large round or large square bales) then you're going to want to look at the loader capacities as that may drive you into a larger tractor sizes pretty quickly. Likewise, should you ever need to deal with unexpected carcasses that may also require higher loader capacities.

From my own looking *most* tasks can be done with any size tractor - however, there are some tasks that quickly run into minimum performance requirements in lifting capacities and/or PTO power requirements --- and dealing (either moving or making) with (hay/straw/etc) bales was one of them.

That can be worked around (to a degree) by using small square bales, but those are generally sold at premium prices (from what I've seen) and they may not always be as readily available as the various sizes of large round/square bales.

 

[tradosaurus]

^ This stood out for me -- everything else you described a tractor in the size range you're looking at would work. However, if you have to deal with hay bales (especially large round or large square bales) then you're going to want to look at the loader capacities as that may drive you into a larger tractor sizes pretty quickly. Likewise, should you ever need to deal with unexpected carcasses that may also require higher loader capacities.

From my own looking *most* tasks can be done with any size tractor - however, there are some tasks that quickly run into minimum performance requirements in lifting capacities and/or PTO power requirements --- and dealing (either moving or making) with (hay/straw/etc) bales was one of them.

That can be worked around (to a degree) by using small square bales, but those are generally sold at premium prices (from what I've seen) and they may not always be as readily available as the various sizes of large round/square bales.

Good points. Also is your place flat or could be driving over stumps, mounds or rocks? Had the salesman brought up clearance issues and bottom protection I would have spent another $8k on a bigger tractor. I've damaged both hydraulic filters and bent the rocker pedal metal rods underneath the tractor.

 

[rScotty]

Based on the info you have given, get the MF and go have fun. You have analyses paralyses. You did your research, trust it & move on.

I go with that, too. That MF seems to be a well though out tractor. I remember the last one I tried out I sure did like the seating position. That shuttle shift is a nice midpoint between the traditional tractor clutched transmission and the HST convenience. I particularly like that you have 4 shuttle selections in each range. That should enable you to pick the one that is just right for any situation from very low speed pulling on up. And it will really fit your hills. All in all, I just don't see much I would change. Nice tractor & you like the dealer - I'd say you've found it.
From what I read, that seems to be the best choice for an emissions control system - although slightly more expensive. I'll admit that I'm no expert on emission control.

If you have any doubts, I'd be curious what they are.
rScotty

 

[MESSMAKER]

If the tractor you get will have a loader seriously consider the HST transmission.

For serious pulling power at low speeds the hydro works much better than gears. Gears require slipping the clutch or spinning the wheels. The hydro does not have that problem. Wheel slip is controlled by backing off of the pedal reducing ground speed but maintaining tractor rpm.

I think you are making a serious mistake not choosing the hydro. I like a shuttle shift but you cannot beat a hydro.

 

[threeaces]

Wow, all the comments are very much appreciated! It seems this forum will really be great resource.

Two specific comments really stick out to me here so far.

First, analysis paralysis is probably true....however, I tend to overthink most things.

Second, I need to rethink not going with HST. Every time I've operated a tractor in the past (honestly, not that much), it's been manual gear driven. I need to realize that HST may be better for my application and in the long run the easiest. This also allows easier operation by my wife and older teenage kids.

Thanks for the advice and feel free to keep it coming. I will update when I purchase and in the meantime cruise this website for more valuable information.

 

[aczlan]

Another benefit to hydro with teenagers possibly driving is that if they let off of the pedal, it stops.

Aaron Z

 

[threeaces]

Another benefit to hydro with teenagers possibly driving is that if they let off of the pedal, it stops.

Aaron Z

My first reaction with this was a "laugh"........but then I realize that this is so true!

 

[3gunr]

I have a shuttle and a hydro .both are great but if i had to choose one it would be hydro for sure .I have the mahindra 2538 great tractor. 280 hrs no trouble.

 

[jjp8182]

...however, I tend to overthink most things.

:laughing::laughing::laughing: I can guarantee you're not the only one here that's done that ..... I spent ~five years of on and off researching before I was in a position to buy my own first tractor several years ago. Grew up working around tractors so I had some knowledge, but looking at compact tractors and making my own buying decisions was all new territory.

The biggest things I've learned was to evaluate the uses I would have and identify any constraints that would put hard limits on the tractor size (e.g. lifting capacity, implements that required a minimum PTO power, having sufficient PTO power for the size of implements to complete chores in the time I needed/wanted, weight/size for better stability & draft power, and not getting too big to fit into the areas I needed to go).

I don't regret buying the tractor I did for my uses at all, but have also started looking at other equipment to handle the things that it just can't handle and wouldn't really make sense to buy a larger tractor to fulfill. For example: to get the lifting capacity I'd like would require a tractor in the size range of approximately 15,000lbs and be roughly twice the price of other types of equipment (getting a usable 5,000lb lift capacity requires a truly large tractor).

So lots of good information here - and it's always cheaper to learn from the mistakes (aka "learning experiences") of others than it is to make them all on your own.

 

[skipperbrown]

If you are going to be spending time mowing, FEL work, or lining up a post hole digger, you seriously need to consider HST. If you expect your wife to use the tractor, you seriously need to consider HST. If you have kids and they will be operating the tractor and you don't want them driving through fences and barns, you seriously need to consider HST.

If you will be moving round bales for the cows, you may want to consider moving them with the 3 pt hitch and not the FEL. Using a 3 pt spear AND a hydraulic top link will give you considerably more confidence moving bales around, however, you cannot stack the bales for storage. I've moved round bales with my tiny bx 2200 with the 3 pt.

Next, go ride on the ones you selected and go home with the one you like the best.