Guidster
Member
First off, this is my first post. Been lurking and have already fallen in love with this place. Great info, mature audience and helpful members.
Before I pose my dilemma, I thought that I would cover my history with tractors growing up:
Grew up in Montana, never drove a 4WD in anything less than a Steiger--plowed, cut, baled, stacked, dug holes, etc. with 2 WD tractors just fine. However, this was done with what you could call a true farm tractor.
My last tractor came with my last home a few years ago and it was from the "old school"--a Massey 285 2WD. Lots of power (80 hp), TONS of weight and did about anything that I asked of it.
Now, here I am, in Texas, with 15 (soon to be 30) acres that I need to clip, fence, grub, etc. and I am looking at the compact utility line and am a bit perplexed about how much I really need to do what I expect of it. So much so that I am contemplating going with the traditional farm tractor approach or going with the top end of the CUT line to ensure that I have the weight, power and lift capability to perform. I do not want to get into a situation where I bring a tractor home, only to find that it will not perform to my expectations.
Here are my concerns ( and may be COMPLETELY off base--hence the question):
Lack of tractor weight and rigidity--I am used to a tractor that is heavy--I believe that this is crucial in being able to deliver the power to the ground effectively. I also think that this really enhances stability as well. Is this (lack of weight)why I am seeing 4WD everywhere as a result of this weight reduction? People seemed to do just fine with 2 WD when I was growing up--on a heavier platform.
Based on my inexperience with these newer breed, smaller platform tractors, I am really afraid of buying one that is too small for what I want it to do for me. Budget is a concern, so I want to strike a balance between what I need and what I can afford. This is leading me to lean towards the higher end of the lines--when I might actually be able to get by with less and spend some money on other items I need.
I have read, shopped, read some more and am also agonizing over the new versus used dilemma. Are these smaller tractors as durable as traditional tractors that warrant the high resale that I am seeing--especially with the low interest incentives the dealers are toughting when purchased new? I would bail off of a cliff if I opted for a used tractor with 1500 hours on it, thinking I can use it for 10 years (as in the old days), only to have a powertrain or engine issue out of warranty because they do not hold up as well as the old school philosophy.
I want and need to move, but I am at a loss on the route that I should take.
Here is a detailed list of what I intend to do and I am hoping that your knowledgeable assistance can knock me off center!
Bush hogging--7' would be nice, could live with 6'. However, have been spoiled with a 14' before and would be inclined to get one if one beckoned to me at auction.
Complete tinkerer--Would want to tackle brush, trees with devices of my own creation to hang off of the 3 pt and loader. Ideally, I would like to be able to uproot without having to have a bush hog or something else dangling to keep the rear planted--and have enough power to push them over.
Want to be able to have enough loader authority, traction and power to be able to displace some dirt!
Want to be able to spear a round bale without fear of the rear end picking up--without a cheesy ballast box.
HOWEVER, the CUT platform also has many advantages as everyone knows--I would LOVE a CUT--assuming that it can do the work!
I really like the Case DX line and the NH boomers, but I have not completely ruled out Kubota. To save money and going on the addage of "keep it simple stupid," I have not been seriously considering the Hydro much--I feel it (perhaps incorrectly) as another power drain to the PTO, parts and systems to keep in working order and $ to repair. I would much rather get a larger tractor with a manual clutch and synchro shuttle than opt for a smaller tractor to afford it.
I would greatly appreciate your insight on this dilemma. I am sure that there are more than a few "converts" out there that were skeptical like I am. I would love for some experts out there to say that Hydro is safe, the way to go AND BTW, with the 4WD, superior technology and systems, you don't need that great big, heavy dinosaur!
So, how big do you guys figure I need?
Thanks!
"Stumped in Texas!"
Before I pose my dilemma, I thought that I would cover my history with tractors growing up:
Grew up in Montana, never drove a 4WD in anything less than a Steiger--plowed, cut, baled, stacked, dug holes, etc. with 2 WD tractors just fine. However, this was done with what you could call a true farm tractor.
My last tractor came with my last home a few years ago and it was from the "old school"--a Massey 285 2WD. Lots of power (80 hp), TONS of weight and did about anything that I asked of it.
Now, here I am, in Texas, with 15 (soon to be 30) acres that I need to clip, fence, grub, etc. and I am looking at the compact utility line and am a bit perplexed about how much I really need to do what I expect of it. So much so that I am contemplating going with the traditional farm tractor approach or going with the top end of the CUT line to ensure that I have the weight, power and lift capability to perform. I do not want to get into a situation where I bring a tractor home, only to find that it will not perform to my expectations.
Here are my concerns ( and may be COMPLETELY off base--hence the question):
Lack of tractor weight and rigidity--I am used to a tractor that is heavy--I believe that this is crucial in being able to deliver the power to the ground effectively. I also think that this really enhances stability as well. Is this (lack of weight)why I am seeing 4WD everywhere as a result of this weight reduction? People seemed to do just fine with 2 WD when I was growing up--on a heavier platform.
Based on my inexperience with these newer breed, smaller platform tractors, I am really afraid of buying one that is too small for what I want it to do for me. Budget is a concern, so I want to strike a balance between what I need and what I can afford. This is leading me to lean towards the higher end of the lines--when I might actually be able to get by with less and spend some money on other items I need.
I have read, shopped, read some more and am also agonizing over the new versus used dilemma. Are these smaller tractors as durable as traditional tractors that warrant the high resale that I am seeing--especially with the low interest incentives the dealers are toughting when purchased new? I would bail off of a cliff if I opted for a used tractor with 1500 hours on it, thinking I can use it for 10 years (as in the old days), only to have a powertrain or engine issue out of warranty because they do not hold up as well as the old school philosophy.
I want and need to move, but I am at a loss on the route that I should take.
Here is a detailed list of what I intend to do and I am hoping that your knowledgeable assistance can knock me off center!
Bush hogging--7' would be nice, could live with 6'. However, have been spoiled with a 14' before and would be inclined to get one if one beckoned to me at auction.
Complete tinkerer--Would want to tackle brush, trees with devices of my own creation to hang off of the 3 pt and loader. Ideally, I would like to be able to uproot without having to have a bush hog or something else dangling to keep the rear planted--and have enough power to push them over.
Want to be able to have enough loader authority, traction and power to be able to displace some dirt!
Want to be able to spear a round bale without fear of the rear end picking up--without a cheesy ballast box.
HOWEVER, the CUT platform also has many advantages as everyone knows--I would LOVE a CUT--assuming that it can do the work!
I really like the Case DX line and the NH boomers, but I have not completely ruled out Kubota. To save money and going on the addage of "keep it simple stupid," I have not been seriously considering the Hydro much--I feel it (perhaps incorrectly) as another power drain to the PTO, parts and systems to keep in working order and $ to repair. I would much rather get a larger tractor with a manual clutch and synchro shuttle than opt for a smaller tractor to afford it.
I would greatly appreciate your insight on this dilemma. I am sure that there are more than a few "converts" out there that were skeptical like I am. I would love for some experts out there to say that Hydro is safe, the way to go AND BTW, with the 4WD, superior technology and systems, you don't need that great big, heavy dinosaur!
So, how big do you guys figure I need?
Thanks!
"Stumped in Texas!"
