Buy,Rent or Hire?

[James Reany]

I am truly new to this and I am considering purchasing a used 22hp tractor with front end loader, rear drag and auger. I have about 3 1/2 acres and I need to level two, drill fence posts and clear brush. I also wish to build a rock wall and could use the tractor for procuring rocks nearby. The leveling of the land for farming will only need to be done once. Clearing adjacent land owned by the state to remove weeds could be ongoing. Some people tell me that I will always need the tractor and will be happy I have it. Others tell me that I could rent one or hire someone and save a lot. The tractor I am looking at is about $8,000. About half of the land is for crops and the other will be used for orchard. Thanks, JR

 

[kwolfe]

OK, couple of questions. How much time do you have to spend working on the tractor? What king of tractor are you considering?

It would most likely always be faster to hire these tasks out, however where is the fun in it. Renting would be cheaper, but what are you going to play with once you return that machine?

I own a little kubota bx1500. It is the first tractor (besides lawn tractor) I have ever owned. I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction working on the machine. That, to me, is worth a lot. Yes, a tractor will always come in handy, not to mention that owning it will let you complete your work within your time frame. If you rent, you will be forced to complete the job within x days or rent the machine for longer.

 

[jimmy1]

There are a lot of variables to your decision that will largely depend on what you prefer. Renting on a per need basis can amount to a fair expense over the years as well and you always have a time frame to worry about. To hire work would also add up over the years and then the work would be done to someone elses schedule. Having your own would allow you to do what you want when you want and how you want(as previously posted this is the fun). Just so long as you are comfortable with the machine and the cost fits you budget as it is a large outlay. The other thing that I would consider is the ongoing things that you can use it for like mowing,blowing snow(depending on where you live), tilling, odd jobs for the loader etc.

I have 3 acres and have a 22 hp tractor with FEL and I would not give it up. Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[daTeacha]

If you buy it, the longer you have it the more you will find to use it for.

 

[whodat90]

Depending on the lay of the land you will likely have to do a combo of all three. Absolutely buy a tractor. That said, "I have about 3 1/2 acres and I need to level two," could run the gamut from mildly bumpy, generally flat dirt to a 300' elevation change from one side to the other, with volkswagen sized boulders. If the first case, then hooking a drag mat up to your tractor would work just fine. If the second case, you'd die of old age before you made a dent in it with a 22hp tractor. Need more info on the current state of affairs before we can give a realistic assessment of your equipment needs. Generally, I think it's a money and time saver to hire someone with the right (read that as large) equipment to come in and get the area how you want it, then maintain it with your own equipment.

 

[mjarrels]

First hire... you will see how much fun they are having, then rent so you can have some fun too, then buy because you will be hooked.

mark

 

[Harvey7]

If you can afford to buy, then buy.

T

 

[BobRip]

JR, all of the people here are tractor nuts and want you to join the club. What I say is buy the tractor.

All kidding aside, this largely depends on your personality. I rarely hire out anthing that I think I can do. But you need to describe your personality and the land better.

 

[N80]

I also think buying a new tractor or a used one in good shape is a pretty low risk investment. If you had to sell it the day after you bought it, you'd get most if not all your money back.

 

[Bob_Young]

Welcome, James.

The best thing about hiring or renting is that it gives a first time owner (or someone lacking tractoring experience) a feel for what size and type machine is needed for the intended work. It can also provide useful tips on which implements are needed and how to use them.

Money spent on either, at the outset, accomplishes two things; whatever task was tackled, plus education. The money is very well spent if it keeps you from buying inappropriate equipment.
FWIW
Bob