Buying Advice Bought a farm, looking for a tractor...and help choosing!

[curdy]

Just bought a farm out in south central PA and I'm trying to figure out what tractor to get for it. I'll do my best to describe what I'll be doing and any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated on what I should be looking for!

I'm a used equipment type guy, I don't like paying more for brand new things unless it really really makes sense for me to do so. Especially since I'm just getting started out, and my needs may change some as I go along, buying used probably makes the most sense...not to mention that I need to really watch my expenses (who doesn't these days right?). So I also want to keep maintenance costs in mind (just because something is lower priced up front, doesn't mean it is long term.)

The property is 50 acres, rolling terrain. Our interests are in pastured livestock.
IMO, these are my needs as I see them now:

Priority
Mowing (around 2 houses, under 5 acres)
Loader work

Secondary needs
Brush cutting
Driveway grading

Loader
Given the frequent need for both mowing and loader work, I think a loader with a quick detach/attach is a must.

Trans
With obstacles around the houses and barn areas, I think a hydro trans is going to be the most ideal. I haven't operated a tractor with a shuttle shifter before, so let me know if that would be good for my needs and if it would be less to maintain.

Size
My loader needs should stay under 1000 lbs and I have a good neighbor with a big loader for the occasional need for anything over that. My thought would be that a shorter frame would be helpful for the mowing with tighter turns, and my lighter loader requirements doesn't require a larger frame. I also think having it a bit lighter (around 2k)

Power
Not sure of my HP needs. I'd rather not just 'get by' on power and find that I wish I had more. Occasionally its OK, but not often. I'm thinking 30 HP is a good #? I won't be brush hogging large fields, just along fence lines and some smaller areas, so I would think 5' should be good.

$10k is my top # for the tractor, FEL, and mower. There was a JD 955 with under 900 hrs, FEL, and 72" MMM for sale locally that I found about a week too late. It sold for $9700. That would have been pretty ideal I think. I was disappointing when I called and found it had sold.

Need some advice on what models would accomplish what I need and open to any other advice on things I should be considering. I'm not in a bind where I have to find something right away, but I think before spring would be ideal. If anyone knows of something for sale, let me know. I am fine with traveling to get a good deal.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Transit]

I would go with 40 hp. You will find all kinds of new thing to do as you grow into a farmer. 40 hp gives you about 35 PTO hp. to run 5 or 6 foot brush hog, 7 ft would be the max. a 1,000 lb FEL is about as small as you want, 48 in width.

 

[leveled]

You will not be happy with 27 hp i would go at least 40 plus 4x4 and bigger loader.

 

[curdy]

Forgot to mention that I was only looking at 4x4, thanks for mentioning that.

Can you recommend some model #'s that you had in mind?

I know I'm new to this, but I don't see myself needing to brush hog that large of an area that would require me to step up to a larger tractor. What other reasons would I need to step up? I'm not plowing or discing, and a box blade would probably be the extent of any ground engaging implements I plan to use for now.

I'm always a fan of mo' powa , but my concern would be that stepping up to the larger size would hinder my maneuverability for mowing which is one of the primary jobs for the purchase. I also figured the added weight would be harder on the ground when mowing, and weights could be added for loader work.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Forgot to mention that I was only looking at 4x4, thanks for mentioning that.

Can you recommend some model #'s that you had in mind?

I know I'm new to this, but I don't see myself needing to brush hog that large of an area that would require me to step up to a larger tractor. What other reasons would I need to step up? I'm not plowing or discing, and a box blade would probably be the extent of any ground engaging implements I plan to use for now.

I'm always a fan of mo' powa , but my concern would be that stepping up to the larger size would hinder my maneuverability for mowing which is one of the primary jobs for the purchase. I also figured the added weight would be harder on the ground when mowing, and weights could be added for loader work.

Ideally you would want something along the lines of a John Deere 3320, 3520, or 3720...Although, I don't think you'll find one for under 10K...

 

[curdy]

Ideally you would want something along the lines of a John Deere 3320, 3520, or 3720...Although, I don't think you'll find one for under 10K...

What was the comparable model prior to '05? The power on the 3320 looks like the same as the 955 but is obviously a bigger tractor. What advantage would I have going with something like that?

BTW, it doesn't have to be green. I like green, but orange may work well too

 

[amaxwell]

As others have suggested for that much property I would suggest at least 35 to40 hp.tractor. Get a 50'' to 60'' zero turn for lawn mowing. I have CubCadet/Yanmar EX 450 and Exmark 60" for my 32 acres.Anything smaller in a tractor would make some jobs much take lots longer and be pushing its limits,but it IS too big for lawn mowing.

 

[flusher]

Just bought a farm out in south central PA and I'm trying to figure out what tractor to get for it. I'll do my best to describe what I'll be doing and any advice you can provide is greatly appreciated on what I should be looking for!

I'm a used equipment type guy, I don't like paying more for brand new things unless it really really makes sense for me to do so. Especially since I'm just getting started out, and my needs may change some as I go along, buying used probably makes the most sense...not to mention that I need to really watch my expenses (who doesn't these days right?). So I also want to keep maintenance costs in mind (just because something is lower priced up front, doesn't mean it is long term.)

The property is 50 acres, rolling terrain. Our interests are in pastured livestock.
IMO, these are my needs as I see them now:

Priority
Mowing (around 2 houses, under 5 acres)
Loader work

Secondary needs
Brush cutting
Driveway grading

Loader
Given the frequent need for both mowing and loader work, I think a loader with a quick detach/attach is a must.

Trans
With obstacles around the houses and barn areas, I think a hydro trans is going to be the most ideal. I haven't operated a tractor with a shuttle shifter before, so let me know if that would be good for my needs and if it would be less to maintain.

Size
My loader needs should stay under 1000 lbs and I have a good neighbor with a big loader for the occasional need for anything over that. My thought would be that a shorter frame would be helpful for the mowing with tighter turns, and my lighter loader requirements doesn't require a larger frame. I also think having it a bit lighter (around 2k)

Power
Not sure of my HP needs. I'd rather not just 'get by' on power and find that I wish I had more. Occasionally its OK, but not often. I'm thinking 30 HP is a good #? I won't be brush hogging large fields, just along fence lines and some smaller areas, so I would think 5' should be good.

$10k is my top # for the tractor, FEL, and mower. There was a JD 955 with under 900 hrs, FEL, and 72" MMM for sale locally that I found about a week too late. It sold for $9700. That would have been pretty ideal I think. I was disappointing when I called and found it had sold.

Need some advice on what models would accomplish what I need and open to any other advice on things I should be considering. I'm not in a bind where I have to find something right away, but I think before spring would be ideal. If anyone knows of something for sale, let me know. I am fine with traveling to get a good deal.

Thanks so much in advance!

Used hydromatic tranny tractors with FEL: the amount of hp you can buy will increase as the age of the tractor increases. With a $10K budget total and assuming that you can find a suitable MMM for $1.5-2K, you're talking about $8K or so for the tractor/FEL and 8-10 year old tractors in the 25-30hp pto range.

How handy are you with hand tools? How much do you know about tractor and engine repair? If you're looking for used iron, you need to be able to service and repair it yourself and the older the iron, the more repairs you'll be facing.

Here are some tractors that might fit into your budget and needs:

2000 Kubota L3010 HST (25 hp pto)
2003 Mahindra 2810 HST (22.5 hp pto)
2000 New Holland TC29D HST (23.5 hp pto)
2000 John Deere 4300 HST (25.5 hp pto)

Be aware that finding a 10-year old tractor with FEL is not a slam dunk--they're hard to come by. And be prepared to pay $3-5K for a new after market FEL if you can't find one used.

If you like to roll the dice, there are lots of 20-40 year old tractors out there with shuttle-shift gear trannies that you can get for under $5K and add the after market FEL. Ford, Allis Chalmers, Massey Ferguson, IH/Farmall are in this category.

 

[Verticaltrx]

Most people on this site seem to look a certain size acreage and say you need 'xyz size' tractor. Having been on a farm all my life I can tell you that I nor any other farmers I know arbitrarily pick a tractor size based on acreage. You are on the right track by accessing your needs, the size of implements, and picking a tractor accordingly.

A tractor with 25-35hp will be about the right size for the tasks you mention and will be much handier than a larger one. That size tractor will easily run a 4-5' bush hog, 5-6' finishing mower, 5-6' scrape blade, 5' box blade, and a loader with 800-1000lb capacity (4-5' bucket). If you need a larger tractor later on a 40-60hp 2wd tractor will be an economical solution and will handle more field work oriented tasks.

As for 25-35hp, 4x4, hydrostatic transmission models to look for:

JD: 855-955, 4200-4400*, 4210-4410*, 3320-3720

*we had one and it was the worst tractor mechanically we've ever owned. Some people have decent luck with the 4000 series, we did not.

Kubota: B2710-B2910, B7800, B3030, B3200, L2800-L3400, L3010-3410, L3130-3430.

 

[Soundguy]

hmm.. 50 ac.. and yer needs.. mowing and whatnot.. and yer budget?

I think i'd get a good rider or mid grade ztr mower for the 5ac finish mowing and maneuverability. that will tick off 2000-3500$ of your budget. for the rest... hmm.. and rest of the budget.. that leaves what.. 6500 or maybee a lil more... and needs a loader.. tho don't have to be detatch since you have a dedicated 5ac maneuverable mower. I'd go with an older classic tractor in the 30-50 hp range.. say an 800 series ford with hd 2 post loader.. that should run you 3000 - 3500 or less.. add another 300-500 for a mower. 150-350 for a box blade and 250-350 for an angle blade and you are about 80-90% thru your budget. might even squeak that over to a 3000 machine with loader and be at the wall $$ wise. should be fine in the 1000-1300# range easy with those machines and a 2 post loader..

that's my take on yer budget and needs..

no one tractor is gonna do it all.. AND be in your $$ range..

soundguy

 

[leveled]

10,000 dollars is not going to get you what you want maybe 15,000. I would reconsider my needs and budget otherwise you will be undersized.

 

[curdy]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts so far. I had thought of getting 2 machines, but I don't think that's a good idea for me right now. One tractor to maintain will be enough for me to handle right now.

Would it be a better idea to ditch the MMM and look for a 3pt?

 

[TripleR]

I have been unable to come up with any scenario in which one machine will "do it all" well. I do agree to focus on tasks rather than acres. Good luck.

 

[silvertramp]

You will not be happy with 27 hp i would go at least 40 plus 4x4 and bigger loader.

I've got a 276D (27 hp) powershift and it handles everything I throw at it. It works circles around my MF 4 cyl Perkins. 12 sp f vs 6, and 4x4 makes all the difference. The MF had double the power, but was always stuck. The correct gearing just didn't exist.

 

[SPYDERLK]

As said - hard to cover it with just one. ... Given your priorities and budget, I think the Kubota B series is for you. [Im not sure, but I hope MMM is available for those.] That "compromise" should reach both ends of your performance needs without much stretch. While compromising I think turf tires are in order ... with a set of chains for use when needed. If you can get a quick detach bucket it would allow you to leave the FEL on mostly.
larry

 

[Soundguy]

As said - hard to cover it with just one. ... Given your priorities and budget, I think the Kubota B series is for you. [Im not sure, but I hope MMM is available for those.] That "compromise" should reach both ends of your performance needs without much stretch. While compromising I think turf tires are in order ... with a set of chains for use when needed. If you can get a quick detach bucket it would allow you to leave the FEL on mostly.
larry

on a compromise machine.. my biggest concern is that he is getting hd enough to move some large loader loades for a farm that size. IE.. if he can't safely pick up 1000#.. it may be a tad light of a loader for that size land.

add to that.. if it is a single machine and he needs maneuverability.. then that is a higher dollar tranny.. iether lotsa gears.. or powershift.. or hst.. and he'll want a quick tach loader..that more $$... those add up fast.

i don't even think he could find a chinese machine big enough with a laoder with that bucket with good trans options to fit his budget. thus my thought of finding 1 machine to do all his stated tasks, within his budget was going to be dicey.. thus the idea of a dedicated lawnmower.. and since it is 5ac of mowing.. a ztr vs a big rider.. that gives him good mowing and maneuverability. thenthe rest can buy some old heavy iron that don't need the extra gearing, don't need the quick tach laoder.. but could give him some hp for brush mowing and heavy laoder work.. not to mention the extra weight and the ground clearance a MMM WON'T let him have.

soundguy

 

[curdy]

Alright, I think I've just about come full circle here and come back to what I originally thought was the way to go. Before I started this thread I had thought a ztr and an older dedicated loader tractor would suit my needs. A couple of people I talked to got me leaning towards combining into one machine. I won't bore you with the details of my thought process, but instead redirect my focus here.

I'd like to stay under the same budget of $10k. I won't pass up on something if it takes me a little over so long as its worth it. Can anyone recommend a decent ZTR and a tractor that will get me there? HST would be nice, but I could go with a shuttle shift too. Same with 4x4. Its the most ideal, but not an absolute must at this point.

Keep in mind, this is a machine that I am trying to just get started out with. I would expect that in a couple of years I may look to get something different if my needs change a good bit.

Thanks again for all the help and advice so far everyone!

 

[Soundguy]

hst size 4x4 and to some extent, shuttle shift are gonna be hard for you to find in your budget. you are gonna be splitting it about 35/65 to get the ztr/tractor. 4x4 and hst and to some extent shuttle are found on scut and cut sized tractors.. in your price range and what you need to do I think you should be looking at large cut to smal UT sized.. and am guessing you will find straight gear crashbox, or if lucky, shuttle. There ARE a few hydro options there in old IH units though.

the budget and your wide array of tasks and needs are gonna be tough to fill.. but can be done with compromise.

soundguy

 

[curdy]

Here are 2 local options I noticed originally:

L305, Ag tires, FEL, 4x4, 'low hrs' $7500
L275 (I assume L275DT since its 4x4), Shuttle Shift, Ag Tires, 4x4, 1260 hrs $6900

 

[mud23609]

As others have said a ZTR or a lawn tractor and and older tractor would be the way to go in my opinion. Especially if you are planning on running any livestock in the future.

A tractor that will be big enough to handle your loader tasks will be pretty inefficient in the close in mowing areas and will also be a bit on the heavy side so it will probably damage your grass.

Four wheel drive is nice however it is not required. People have been farming for many years without it. I would go for the mower of your choice and then look for an older cat 1 tractor in the 30 to 40 hp range. I am partial to the ford 3000's myself and have been very happy with mine. I gave 5000 for it with a cab, loader, bale fork, chains and another 500 for a used brush hog. It is small enough to be maneuverable in the woods and large enough to handle the other tasks that come up on the farm. However it is to large to be used in the yard with out damaging the grass.

I also have a Mitsubishi mt 180 with a loader that personally I find useless. Too bulky with the loader for close in mowing (three point finish mower) and to small for heavy work. Would be a good yard tractor for somebody with a couple acres but not for larger acreage like you have. I use my craftsman rider for mowing the yard. Its faster than the MT 180 and dose a better job.

Having had both over the years you will be happiest with a three point mower if you go that route. The belly mounts take to long to remove and reinstall and limit the tractors usefulness when mounted.