You're getting good advice (opinions?). I even agree with some of them[grin]. Stan hit a tender spot with the "buy bigger" comment. It doesn't seem there's a lot to be scared of if you stick with one of the major brands. I've had good luck with Cub, Ford and Kubota. Hope to drag a Bobcat CT335 home next week, but just in case that falls through we're headed out to look at a B7800 this afternoon. Still waiting for more contact info from a guy with a Massey Ferguson as well. The B7500 is almost perfect but sometimes I'd like another 5 or 10 HP. The Bobcat is at the upper end of size for us.
go to all the dealers an look at the tractors in your hp an price range.sitt on them ask alot of qs,an test drive them if your comfy doing that.a good dealer will be more than willing to show you what they have an answer your qs.