Bought the Farm- need a tractor

[Creamer]

I am definitely thinking larger than 50 hp. Kyle is about right with 75.

 

[Turbo5upra]

I live pretty central to most dealers- I have 2 Kubota dealers, John Deere, New holland, Case, Kioti, TYM, Yanmar, New Holland, Mahindra, Bobcat within 20-30 mins of me. I drive past or near a bunch of them on the way to different job sites.

I would compare "reclaiming" to a pasture- mostly weeds with some small brush and a few small diameter (2-4') trees sprinkled about. I thought about going bigger but once the land is up and running I felt it would be overkill.

My plan is to finish getting the brush and fences down this summer and the following spring to have someone come in and take over from there. I don't want to make the investment in enough power to plow or disk it.

 

[fishheadbob]

I like your thinking about at least 50 hp at the pto, MFWD, and no cab. I was in a similar situation a long time ago and that did the trick for me. If I were you I wouldn't limit myself to a particular brand but rather look to see what becomes available on Craigslist and at local dealerships. Personally I'd restrict myself to a big brand tractor like Deere, Kubota, Case-IH, or New Holland, and watch for whatever turns up. Some of the other brands come and go, or at least the dealerships do, while somebody always wants a franchise from one of the big boys. I am also a big fan of weight whenever I purchase equipment. Yes a heavier tractor will leave bigger ruts, and no you can't mow your lawn without tearing things up some, but more weight gets more power on the ground. 140 acres isn't the place for a suburban homeowners dream tractor. I wouldn't consider any tires except Ag for your needs.
A utility size tractor should also provide you with a pretty good hydraulic flow rate which you will find useful at some point, look for a machine with some remote hydraulic outlets, they won't add much if anything to the cost and you'll thank yourself later.

 

[oosik]

OK - so those two pictures show a portion of the 140 acres. I'm on board with Kyle and would recommend at least 75 hp. If you plan on mowing everything down and cleaning it all up - you will appreciate the added power.

I understand your wanting an older tractor to stay away from pollution controls. It might end up being a choice between an older tractor needing repairs/maintenance or a new tractor with Tier 4 and a warrantee. Today's tractor has a lot of the original pollution control problems ironed out - so that shouldn't be much of a problem.

The only reason I mention the older vs the newer is because around here - used tractors and implements are like trying to find a full set of hen's teeth.

 

[Turbo5upra]

The pics are of the rougher area that needs to be cleaned up. Once it痴 cleaned up I expect to have 10 acres of wet area and otherwise un-tillable that aren稚 woods.

I壇 prefer to keep the purchase under 25k Which would limit me to older higher horsepower units and new 2nd tier manufactures.

 

[oosik]

AH - completely understandable. I hope, NO, I know, you will have better luck finding a suitable used tractor back in your area than around this area. Around here its basically two choices - one that's 25 hp with mid-mount mower( basically a lawn mower) OR 400 to 550 hp that wouldn't even fit down a normal driveway or a country road, for that matter. There just isn't much choice in-between. Folks buy mid sized utility tractors and keep them forever.

 

[Turbys_1700]

What is your budget? I would suggest looking at Tractor House and Craigslist. When you find something you like let us know. Lots of knowledge here.

I'm a Ford guy in older tractors. You are fortunate to have dealer support local. If you get a good unit it won't matter.

My opinion. Buy blue, green, or orange. That and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee.

 

[Turbo5upra]

thanks for the coffee! lol

I would like to keep it below 25k.

I was looking at green 5205 but found limited reviews with 2 people saying they broke font axles. I've beaten craigslist to death lol- I'm about 4 months out from purchasing unless the perfect deal falls in my lap.

 

[ovrszd]

I have 170 acres. 20 acres hay ground that my neighbor takes care of. 80 acres of timber and waste land. 70 acres of seeded area that I manage and brushcut. I started with a 45HP Kubota 4WD with FEL. Realized after two years it was too small. Sold it and bought a 95HP Kubota 4WD with FEL. Three years later I bought a second tractor, 47HP Ford 4WD without FEL. Now I'm properly equipped. The larger tractor does the FEL work and heavy tillage or brush cutter work. The 47HP tractor does all the lighter chores. I put 4 hours on the 47HP tractor for every hour on the 95HP tractor now that I am caught up and just maintaining the property. Your heavy FEL workload is probably less than mine was in the beginning. My original 45HP tractor breathed a sigh of relief when it left my property on the buyer's trailer. I worked the snot out of that CUT and it was not going to be able to maintain that level of work for very many years without failures. In my current evolutionary state I have little use for a 45Hp tractor with an FEL. Considering your budgetary constraints that's probably where you need to start though.

Keep us posted on your progress. Welcome to TBN.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

thanks for the coffee! lol

I would like to keep it below 25k.

I was looking at green 5205 but found limited reviews with 2 people saying they broke font axles. I've beaten craigslist to death lol- I'm about 4 months out from purchasing unless the perfect deal falls in my lap.

Anything can break if you push it past it's limits. Never heard of front axle breaking. Wonder what conditions caused it? Most of the larger deere have a Spanish cast front axle which I know I've put ours to the test, hauling post oak trees to the burn pile.