Buying first tractor, and confused.

[M31]

Hi, I am the first time be an active user here. This is my the first post. Sametime, I am a brand new farmer too. Just bought a piece of land 36 acres orange county NY. 16 acres are drained muck land, others are trees.
Planning do vegetable and hardy nursery plants growing on 16 acres muck land. Also need spend time with trees, may be need enlarge an ATV trial (800 feet) to allow a truck pass. Clean some space among trees to build couple sheds or a small barn. But field work is major task to me in next five years.
Friends in tractorpoint.com give a lots of good suggestions. But I am confused with size and weight of tractors. within 20k budget, new compact tractor or big used one.The land like this muck land is very soft. I know to handle 16 acres is little too much for a less than 40HP tractors, but the over 100HP used tractor (close 8 tons) will be very easy to sink. Plus I am dummy on tractor repairing now. I prefer a new compact tractor with cab, with a FEL and 5' tiller, but afraid this dicision becomes mission impossible.
Any kinds of suggestions are appriciated.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I have noticed that you can get a decent-sized used utility tractor for the same price as some used compacts.

What range of dealers do you have locally? Dealer proximity has a huge weight with me in tractor purchases. That and whether I like that dealer or not...

There are severeal JD dealers near me and they have always treated me right. Always were friendly, had the stuff I needed right there and even stopped by my house for free to take a look at a hydraulic coupler of mine.

My family has a dairy farm and owns several larger pieces of JD equipment. No complaints.

there are other colors with equally good reputation and service. It boils down to: 1).WHICH MACHINE CATCHES YOUR FANCY, 2). WHICH DEALER WILL GIVE YOU GOOD SERVICE AFTER THE SALE

I choose to say there is no such thing as a bad tractor, there are only bad dealers and bad service departments.

 

[M31]

Thanks, GreenRules, very good point. I have a MF dealer 1 mile away. JD 1.5 mile away. Kubota and New Holland 15 miles away. Kioti and mahindra 100 miles away. I only get chance to talk to the MF dealer once. He did not treat me very serious, told me 1528+FEL+Small Tiller close 20K. May be he think I am not serious enough that time.
But "WHICH DEALER WILL GIVE YOU GOOD SERVICE AFTER THE SALE" is little hard to know for a first time buyer.:

I choose to say there is no such thing as a bad tractor, there are only bad dealers and bad service departments.

 

[doxford jim]

Hi,

I am new too, to this tractor thing. However, you are pretty concerned about getting sunk in the soft soil on a regular basis. Have you thought about dual rea wheels on the tractor. I am sure one of the reason that they are used is that they do not sink as far into soft and muddy soil - just like a dually pickup. I am sure it is feasable even on a smaller tractor - I know you can buy them already fitted, maybe special order though. Also, once the dry weather comes around, take off the outer two wheels and just use single rear wheels.

Just a thought and as no one had mentioned it, I thought it might make a good discussion topic for the forum.

Good luck and please post your decision - us nosey buggers always want to know!!!

Jim

 

[M31]

Hi, Jim. I did not see any farmer driving dual rea wheels in our area. Drive on this kind muck land sink 6" is normal. I will avoid to drive when raining or too wet. 90% sure I don't need it.
If I see someone use it l will ask and let you know ASAP.

Hi,

I am new too, to this tractor thing. However, you are pretty concerned about getting sunk in the soft soil on a regular basis. Have you thought about dual rea wheels on the tractor. I am sure one of the reason that they are used is that they do not sink as far into soft and muddy soil - just like a dually pickup. I am sure it is feasable even on a smaller tractor - I know you can buy them already fitted, maybe special order though. Also, once the dry weather comes around, take off the outer two wheels and just use single rear wheels.

Just a thought and as no one had mentioned it, I thought it might make a good discussion topic for the forum.

Good luck and please post your decision - us nosey buggers always want to know!!!

Jim

 

[DAP]

M31 I lived in Orange County NY for years .... be warned .. the dealers in that area were not interested in selling machines to part time farmers or home owners.

Where in the county are you? I bought a green machine from Chester Valley equipment, but did not get my Kubota till I came to New England.

For your needs, your minimum size tractor would probably be somethling like a Kubota L3130 ...

The thing I've always preferred Kubota's for was their HP to Weight Ratio. My B7800 has 30HP at the engine, 22 at the PTO yet weighs under 1800 pounds. Great for my softish river bottom land, both here in and Maine and where I lived in NY also.

If I still lived in NY and was going to buy a tractor, I would take a lot of conviincing me to NOT buy from Carver's or some similar deal - in other words - I would buy my machine out of state.

 

[M31]

Thanks Dap, the land I bought in New Hampton, just on the border of that black dirt area. For dealer's attitude comment, I can feel it 2. "part time farmer" is my exactly status now. Comparing Kubota L3130 and L3400, looks L3400 is 600lb lighter and more power, older design but looks enough for me.
Did you talk to the Kubota dealer in Pine Bush?

M31 I lived in Orange County NY for years .... be warned .. the dealers in that area were not interested in selling machines to part time farmers or home owners.

Where in the county are you? I bought a green machine from Chester Valley equipment, but did not get my Kubota till I came to New England.

For your needs, your minimum size tractor would probably be somethling like a Kubota L3130 ...

The thing I've always preferred Kubota's for was their HP to Weight Ratio. My B7800 has 30HP at the engine, 22 at the PTO yet weighs under 1800 pounds. Great for my softish river bottom land, both here in and Maine and where I lived in NY also.

If I still lived in NY and was going to buy a tractor, I would take a lot of conviincing me to NOT buy from Carver's or some similar deal - in other words - I would buy my machine out of state.

 

[Soundguy]

Hi, Jim. I did not see any farmer driving dual rea wheels in our area. Drive on this kind muck land sink 6" is normal. I will avoid to drive when raining or too wet. 90% sure I don't need it.
If I see someone use it l will ask and let you know ASAP.

You may not really need them.. or want them. Many times people will buy cheaper larger 2wd tractors and go with duals to get traction and flotation.. vs buying a smaller 4wd.. etc.

Just depends on your needs. You are getting off to a good start by looking at what other area farmers are doing.

soundguy

 

[GA WTDeer]

Look at the L4400 and the MX5000, both should be in your price range, and neither are extremly heavy. Look at the loader specs as well. Clay

 

[Wesdor]

Just read this thread. From what you say, I would suggest you stay with a dealer within 15 - 20 miles. Going 100 miles would get old really fast.

I have a Deere myself and would think you would be well served with one. However, that Kubota L3400 is a fine machine. You might also look for a used Deere 790.

My feelings are that you really want to get a 4 wheel drive. I can't tell you the number of times I have switched into 4 wheel to get out of a wet area or something like that.

You should be able to get the L3400 with a tiller and FEL within your budget. If you can find a good used one - under 500 hours, that might also be a good deal.

Be sure to drive different machines before you buy. You need to find one that feels right to you.

Good luck on your purchase.