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.

 

[D7E]

100 hp tractor does not have to weigh 8 tons , Most i've had that size would be nearer 4-5 tons, JCB backhoe only weighed 8.5 tons , My 225hp tractor only weighs 10.5 ? I run my finnish mower on the lawn with 92 hp.

 

[Keith_B]

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?

In the $20K price range you can get a Mahindra 4110 or Kioti DK40, each is about a 40 hp machine with big tractor features, 4WD and the size to help clean up some of the area. I regularly take my Mahindra through muck about ten inches or so deep in the winter months when I feed my horses.

I think the Kubota L3800 and the New Holland TC40A stripped down versions can be purchased for about $1500 to $2K more than the Kioti and Mahindra.

In the John Deere lineup you will probably want to check out the 990, but if they price them in NY like they do here it will top the $20K mark.

All of these are priced with loaders, for what you plan to do a loader is a must have item.

 

[M31]

Thanks a lot to every new friend here. These 10 pictures I took in mid May this year, right now open area all covered by 5-6 feet weeds.
I am really want to test 5-6 acres this year, I know it looks like impossible now.

 

[Keith_B]

I think you would be surprised what an impact a tractor and a bush hog can have on 4-5 ft tall weeds. I've mowed thick weeds that were taller than my late father-in-laws Ford 4000.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

looking at your pics, I thing you would realy be cheating yourself w/o FWA or MFWD. (front-wheel-assist or Mechanical Friont-Wheel-Drive). Just an observation.

 

[KaiB]

Dang, look at that soil!

 

[M31]

Appreciated, I will ask this when go to dealer, 22"+ may be very helpful.

looking at your pics, I thing you would realy be cheating yourself w/o FWA or MFWD. (front-wheel-assist or Mechanical Friont-Wheel-Drive). Just an observation.

 

[Erik_in_Hoyt]

Some parts of my 25 acres look very similar to your pictures and my 35HP century (branson) doeals with it fine - even when pulling a medium duty 5' brush hog.
I highly recommend the 4 "wheel drive" option - it's saved me a lot of aggravation in the past year.
my 5,000 pound compact (including loader) doesn't leave deep ruts - the worst I've done were 8" deep going through a bog with surface water that I couldn't see for the grass. (used MFWA & loader bucket to get me out of that one!)

Check for leftover showroom models - if you can find one, it's a new machine with full warranty, financing terms, etc... and will be a few thousand below "retail".
I paid $16k or my tractor instead of $23k for a JD 990, $22k for a Case or NH 33 HP model, or $18-22k for a 40 HP Caterpillar/AgCo/MF with loader.

I also looked at Mahindra, Montana, and TYM who also make very nice machines with good reliability in the 33-41 HP range under $20k with loader and sometimes you can get other attachments added into the financing.

Whatever you do - look at the universal skid steer type quick detach for your loader so you can use or rent any front end attachment that a bobcat or other skid steer can use. (I love my pallet forks!)

good luck shopping!

 

[GA WTDeer]

Wow!! That's dark soil. That looks like disk harrow/bush and bog land, that soil needs air IMO. Have you thought about waiting on the rotto and buying a harrow. Others might differ with me, but it looks like from your pics it could use that first. Again IMO Clay

 

[scott_vt]

I highly recommend the 4 "wheel drive" option - it's saved me a lot of aggravation in the past year.
my 5,000 pound compact (including loader) doesn't leave deep ruts - the worst I've done were 8" deep going through a bog with surface water that I couldn't see for the grass. (used MFWA & loader bucket to get me out of that one!)

Afternoon Erik,
I have to agree after looking at his property pictures ! My property for the most part drains quite well for the most part. But I have driven the tractor up the road to my friends sheep farm for a bucket of manure and where he keeps the manure is quite wet in the spring. If it werent for the FWD the tractor would still be up there. I was at least up to the rims and probablly higher trying to get out of that mess , I dont think I made the farmer too happy that day but I was trying to escape that quagmire before the tractor got swalloed up ! My tractor is about 5000 lbs with the loader and no attachments also, so I know what your talking about !