City Boy Could Use help

[Rch]

I don't know how severe (slope angles) your arroyos are but industrial or turf tires don't usually come with the ability to widen the stance like agriculture tires/set-up does. Agri tires, of course, are hard on lawns if the tractor is to serve that purpose also. I see on the dealer lot some new balloon turf tires that are quite wide. I guess my point is that you got to figue out the tire/wheel business according to the tractors uses. Myself, I need traction for spring ground work so I want an agri set up. Besides, I find taking a finishing mower on an off a PITA since you use it so often and it affect clearance ( if mid mounted ) Also, I want to never mow the grass so I have a dedicated hydrostatic mower the wife and kids can handle. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[frank_f15]

first of all welcome to the foum, as for tractors, with out being brand specific, some thing in the 22 to 29 hp range would do the job, my personal choice would be 4wd. hydro, p/s with fel.

 

[JDgreen227]

Soundguy,

Green may be the most expensive, but remember the saying:

"We have no quarrel with those who sell for less, they know what their stuff is worth".

 

[Old_Hickory]

"We have no quarrel with those who sell for less, they know what their stuff is worth".

I have a JD 4400 and I could argue this point. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif But I am not going to. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Maury]

You guys are good! And friendly. Thanks for the comments.
A few more thoughts from my perspective. I certainly agree with a good dealer being key. I learned that the hard way with a couple of motorcycle dealers. While money is always a concern, reliability, versatility and safety are more important to me. I like the idea of a hydro transmission and am sure I won't need turf tires. Also, since I'm retired , the speed to do a task is not too critical.
Maury

 

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue">Buy whatever tractor brand you are comfortable with but be advised....
Visit dealers in your area and talk to them. Look over their service facilities and their parts and accessories areas. Whatever dealer seems to be the most helpful and attuned to your needs, BUY FROM THAT DEALER. Brand isn't a consideration, they are all good.

Some brands are better than others in the opinion of us here. That is just an opinion. Whether it is fact or fiction remains in the minds of the posters.

Remember, service and/or warranty issues after the sale, coupled with the dealers attitude toward you will determine what brand you buy. Let your experience with various local dealers be your guide.

</font>

I agree with 5030 and might also add, don't let just color be your guide. If you look throgh the various forums I think you would have to agree that just because a tractor costs more doesn't mean that it won't have it's share of problems just like all the rest.

 

[Egon]

Take your time in choosing. Look around lots. Get an idea for pricing. Take some for a drive. Tractor shopping can be an enjoyable task so make the best of it.

Retired and lots of time!!!! Buy the tractor of your choice and you'll find you don't have any spare time. Projects will continuously pop up with a rapididy that may surprise you.

I'd suggest hydrostatic with a loader that is easily detachable. Hp is important for rotary equipment. Weight and four wheel drive for pulling.

Think of your needs, go shopping and enjoy.

Egon

 

[grandad]

Congratulations on a) being able to enjoy your retirement, b) having some land in Texas hill country, c) realizing you need a tractor and d) finding this forum, where you are already getting lots of good advice!

Only thing I would suggest that's a bit different from what the others have already said is for you to try to develop an inventory of the tasks and chores needed for whatever improvements you plan to make. Those tasks, plus whatever regular chores - like periodic mowing - will help define what kind of equipment you're going to need.

For example, if you will need to get a bunch of rocks out of an area before you start to mow it, make a plan for how you figure to go about doing that (de-rocking an acre by hand in some places down there is something I wouldn't want to do!).

In addition to knowing the equipment better than just about anyone else, the "veterans" here usually have lots of good advice about how to get things done, so don't be shy with questions!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[JDgreen227]

"Retired and lots of time"....must be nice to have that. After falling off the treadmill 14 months ago sometimes I wonder how I ever managed to get anything done for ME when I was still working for a living. You are very right about projects popping up, here it is not even winter and my better half is talking about a pond in our backyard this summer. Hope she is serious, 'cuz then I can justify a backhoe purchase....

 

[Slamfire]

There is an answer to stability problems caused by steep terrain. Look around and see if you notice one. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif