Buying advice

[jscusmcvet]

We are beginning our search for a new (to us) tractor. Currently we have a Satoh Buck 18hp 2wd. We are keeping it as we look for something with more capability. Primary uses are maintaining our unimproved road, trail building/maintenance, discing food plots, firewooding, etc... We are on 85 acres, mostly wooded and burn through a couple cords a year since we heat with wood. We also have some livestock, just a few goats and a pony. I am looking for a FEL. For these uses I assume it makes the most sense to get a 4wd, but see many good deals on larger 2wd tractors and wonder your thoughts on comparing larger 2wd (40 - 50 hp) and smaller 20 - 30hp 4wd?

Thanks

John

 

[Grandad4]

If there are a lot of larger 2wd tractors on the market, there's probably a reason for it. Mostly because many of them are pretty well-used, may not be fully dependable anymore, and are probably not as convenient and handy as one of the smaller 4x4 setups. Can you get work done with one? Of course! While a modern diesel 4x4 is reliable, easy to use, takes up less space and holds its value pretty well, you pay more for those attributes going in. The older you get, the more you tend to appreciate easy and reliable, but those old machines do have character. Can't tell you what to do, but the work you describe would make me want a reliable recent vintage 4x4 compact, and I'd be willing to invest some extra cash for it.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota L2501/HST/4-WD.

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/defa...dardlseries_l2501_specs.pdf?sfvrsn=86856e5d_4

 

[jscusmcvet]

If there are a lot of larger 2wd tractors on the market, there's probably a reason for it. Mostly because many of them are pretty well-used, may not be fully dependable anymore, and are probably not as convenient and handy as one of the smaller 4x4 setups. Can you get work done with one? Of course! While a modern diesel 4x4 is reliable, easy to use, takes up less space and holds its value pretty well, you pay more for those attributes going in. The older you get, the more you tend to appreciate easy and reliable, but those old machines do have character. Can't tell you what to do, but the work you describe would make me want a reliable recent vintage 4x4 compact, and I'd be willing to invest some extra cash for it.

Thank you for that insight. I like your closing sentence about for the work I want to do and what would work for you... that is the insight that having only one tractor in my lifetime, I cannot get a firm grasp of. The little 18hp Mitsubishi engine has done more than I thought it could have but I need a loader and a little more grunt. Keep the comments coming, I am in learning mode.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Kubota L2501/HST/4-WD.

https://www.kubotausa.com/docs/defa...dardlseries_l2501_specs.pdf?sfvrsn=86856e5d_4

Yes, that is exactly what I would like to do, but financially not happening at the moment. I am looking at used tractors and am in no rush. In the meantime I am socking away $ so who knows maybe I will get to buying new before it is all said and done!

 

[jeff9366]

Here are used tractors near Zip Code 28327 for sale on eBay:

Tractors | eBay

 

[jscusmcvet]

Here are used tractors near Zip Code 28327 for sale on eBay:

Tractors | eBay

Thanks Jeff! Yesterday we looked at a Kubota 1750. It was priced right but was pretty worn. That and a few other things made us decide it was not the right one. Seeing it also is making me still wonder if a smaller tractor like this is going to be up to the work I will ask of it. There is a Kubota B7500 available in much better condition for a lot more $ that we are considering going to look at. I am not in a rush to buy, so every one I look at I know more and every pay period that goes by I have a little more cash to work with. I am considering looking at an old Ford 1900 and also a Farm Pro 2425.

John

 

[jscusmcvet]

Found and went to look at a John Deere 770. It is 4wd and in good condition. Price seemed reasonable, although more than we thought we would spend. Discussions with the CFO (aka my wife) led to the thought that we want to get something that does not need immediate rehab and spending up front for a more well taken care of and more heavily built unit might accomplish that... Similar to advice given in this thread by Grandad4.

Test drive went well, all functions worked with no issues. I am impressed with the heavier build in comparison to some of the others I have looked at. What do you think about this choice for the duties I have described?

 

[servmgr64]

The John Deere is a fine machine, made by Yanmar for them. We have 40 acres and a Kubota BX and L3010. We use the BX at our home & the L at the farm. All that being said in using the BX at the farm the 1st year of that property ownership we found that it was way too small ground clearance and capability wise. I wanted to get a "B" series tractor, but my son recommended a larger "L". We were able to find a very nice used one and bought it. I cannot imagine using a smaller tractor for the things we have done. I would look for a larger machine than the Deere it will be more capable and allow projects to get done quicker. Good luck tractor shopping is fun.

 

[Tractorable]

We are beginning our search for a new (to us) tractor. Currently we have a Satoh Buck 18hp 2wd. We are keeping it as we look for something with more capability. Primary uses are maintaining our unimproved road, trail building/maintenance, discing food plots, firewooding, etc... We are on 85 acres, mostly wooded and burn through a couple cords a year since we heat with wood. We also have some livestock, just a few goats and a pony. I am looking for a FEL. For these uses I assume it makes the most sense to get a 4wd, but see many good deals on larger 2wd tractors and wonder your thoughts on comparing larger 2wd (40 - 50 hp) and smaller 20 - 30hp 4wd?

Thanks

John

The John Deere 770 is a quality, Made in Japan by Yanmar, machine; however, the JD 770 is only 20 PTO hp and really too small for your needs.

You're on 85 acres and do firewood, discing, road maintenance, and trail building. That implies needing a machine with some heft, I'd say 2500lbs bare tractor minimum, preferably 3500-4000lbs bare tractor to skid/move felled trees and logs and do ground engaging work.

What's your budget? Are you looking to pay cash or are you willing to make a payment on a newer machine?

The older 1980's to early 90's Ford 3910, 3930's are good reliable heavy machines and can be found with 4wd and loaders.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Good luck tractor shopping is fun.

That is the truth! I am fortunate in that every time I say, "let's go look", my wife and 8 year old are all in. I appreciate your comments on the size of the tractor. It is bigger than the ones I have been looking at, but not as big as an L series Kubota.

 

[jscusmcvet]

What's your budget? Are you looking to pay cash or are you willing to make a payment on a newer machine?

The older 1980's to early 90's Ford 3910, 3930's are good reliable heavy machines and can be found with 4wd and loaders.

We do not finance anything if we can get away with it, so this is a cash transaction. I have about $8500 put back and that grows each pay period. As I mentioned I am not in a rush, but this looked like a well kept tractor that was in my price range, and checked most of my boxes. I was set to go look at a Ford 1900 but it got sold. I would worry about the physical size of the Fords you mention. I have looked at some of the larger 2wd models ( can't remember all the names ad specs) and wound up backing away as I felt uncomfortable on it size wise. the JD 770 felt right size wise, but it sounds like thoughts here are that it is not enough tractor. Pondering continues. Thank you for your insights. For a relative newbie like me I am gaining from your experience and willingness to share it.

 

[Grandad4]

Keep your powder dry and keep looking for the right one to show up. May take a while but it's out there somewhere. This is kind of the "slow" season for farm equipment so you may find more/better choices as spring approaches. Good luck in your search.

 

[jscusmcvet]

Well I pulled the trigger on the 770. I am comfortable on the machine and confident in it's condition. I think the tractor will do what I need it to, albeit a bit slower than if I found a larger compact. IIn our particular neck of the woods with tight trails, close trees, no flat spaces... I think this is going to work. Worst case scenario, it doesn't and I believe with the price I paid and the condition of the tractor, I could recoup my money quickly. Here it is:
John Deere 770, 70 FEL, 4wd, straight gear.

 

[Tractorable]

Nice! Those Yanmar built Deere's are some of the best...

 

[jscusmcvet]

Nice! Those Yanmar built Deere's are some of the best...

Thank you. I had ot out the other evening and worked on some of our water abatement bars and run off areas. So glad to have gone in this direction. This is going to allow me to take care of my own property for years.