Desisions, Decisions--asking for a little input.

[Guidster]

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!"

 

[ksmmoto]

Hello Guidster and welcome to TBN.

I would rent a CUT and try it out. There must be a rental around your area, I have three or four within 30 miles.

I grew up on a small 80 acre farm in Michigan, we had a Allis-Chalmers D-14 (I have it now) and a John Deere H. I worked for my grandfather and uncle on their two farm dairy operation in the mid 70's. They had large John Deeres and smaller Allis-Chalmers. All two wheel drive.

When my wife and I bought the 40 acres I have now, she said we need a tractor. I kept putting it off and I told her that it would not be that useful. I did rent a skid steer several times and got work done, but I wasn't all that impressed with the digging ability and other things.

Then my wife rented a Kubota B2910 in 2001. I told her that I thought the skid steer would be better, man, was I ever wrong! The Kubota was fantastic. It could dig a hole and bury itself in 15 minutes with the FEL. It had a rear blade on it and I was able to grade much better than the skid steer. I was sold on 4wd CUTS! I told my wife that I needed one bad!

Now I have my own Kubota L3430 HST and I love it! It is the most reliable machine I own. It always starts even at -30 below.

4wd is great. Back when I worked at the dairy farm, I did a LOT of barn cleaning with a Allis-Chalmers D-15. The crap was two or three foot deep. They had a heifer pole barn that had large areas with dirt floor. Had a hard time with 2wd. If I had a Kubota 4wd then it would have taken half the time.

The one thing you might need to watch is the bale lifting. I know some bales can run 1000 lbs. See if a dealer will let you try different size tractors so you can make sure it will lift your round bales.

Good luck and have fun on your tractor search!

ksmmoto

 

[MMM]

You shoulda brought the 285 with you. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
You didn't say what you would spend or why you want a small platform. I think 45hp/4.5klbs is at the upper limit of CUT range.
Are planning on heavy work? There just isn't much middle ground . A tractor capable of regularly stacking bales isn't going to be at home on the lawn or in the garden. 4wd helps with loader work, but you probably remember what heavy loader work does to front ends that aren't designed for it. For economics, I'd find a decent used utility tractor in the 7-10klb range and buy a CUT or SubCUT for garden and lawn, if that's why you were interested in a CUT. If you're rollin in the dough , just get a CX , TN or big Kubota...and a Cut. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

That said, I don't have a CUT yet. I wouldn't dare tackle the things I do with my big tractor though. I want one for the 3acre lawn and my garden.

 

[Bird]

Welcome to TBN, Guidster. Generally speaking, I'd think that a 30 hp CUT with 4WD, front end loader, and a 5' brush hog, etc. is appropriate for 30 acres. But when you talk about uprooting trees and picking up round bales, especially without ballast on the rear end, forget it . . . you need a bigger tractor! Personally, I like the hydro transmission and am reasonably confident that it will last, but there's certainly nothing wrong with manual transmissions, and if you're buying used, you can probably buy a much bigger tractor with manual transmission cheaper than buying a used CUT.

 

[JerryT]

I have a JD 4400 here in SE Texas which I believe is listed at 35hp. I pull a 6! Dragon hog, which is a big heavy mower, without any problems. I have puch over some mid size trees but can't budge the big ones. I have 55 acres about 4 mowed the rest woods with trails. I always want a bigger tractor, but in truth, I can't say I ever really needed a bigger one. Hope this helps.

 

[Varmintmist]

With 30 ac, how many round bales and what size round bales do you figure on moving? What are you going to do, a 2-3 cow operation?? 2-3 pasture potatoes (horses)? 5 Sheep?

If you are going to move 2000 lb round bales then you will do it with a top end in HP CUT. If you are going to move 900 lb ones then a 30hp Cut will do it if the loader is up to spec. Load the rear tires or put a spear on the back and move 2 bales at once.

If you want to dig a lot, buy a hoe. A tractor loader is a compromise attachment. It isnt made for constant rooting and tearing. The hoe is what you want for digging.
If you want to root, and push trees over, get a dozer, a tractor isnt what you want. If you are talking brush and dinky trees, a tractor loader will do it.
The tractor has more guts than the loader so you will start breaking things if you get rammy.

How many ac are you going to hog?? How much area is in pasture that you can move a 7 ft around in? A 5 foot hog is reasonable for what you have and can be run by 27hp CUTs and up. 6 foot would be nice if you are wide open, then you gotta go up in HP.

Yep, 4wd is what you use instead of tonnage. It is pretty handy just for getting around to, holds better on side hills.

Sit back and think if your eyes arn't bigger than your stomach in this case. Would a bigger machine be better? Maybe probably not. Everything you buy for it will cost more and with the larger size you start to lose the Utility portion of the machine.

30 hp ish CUT will do anything you need . 35hp would be enough over to do most anything you can think of.

I'm not one to reccomend over buying a machine as some are. Figure out what you want to do for REAL with a tractor, then buy what you need. Rent one for a week and try it.

 

[kybota]

Sounds like you're really in a two tractor situation, and you will only find peace of mind with a big ag tractor and a CUT.

So I suggest you consider a used ag and a new CUT. After all, it's your money I'm spending!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Varmint had some great comments, as are all that you have already received.

I move 1000 lb bales just like he says, one in the rear and one up front. Works great.

Hydro is great, but at least get a reverser. With a smaller tractor you will really love having either.

One more thing. These little things hold value like crazy! Why worry about whether you will be happy with one forever? You can buy a new one, use it or a few years and sell it for hardly any depreciation, and get a differant one. If you love it and don't want to give it up, no big deal either. You just have to buy another one, because surely there will be someone stealing time on it from you.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[LarryD]

Others on this board have indicated that some dealers are willing to loan equipment to prospective buyers in order to help them make their decision. Around here, a weeks worth of rental could translate into another implement.

My little TC33D never ceases to amaze me, but then I've yet to see anyone post a "my CUT just couldn't cut it" message on this board. Seems like these new machines optimize hp very well.

You'll contemplate and agonize over your choices, you'll make your purchase, and then you'll tell everyone on this board what a great little tractor you've got... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[kensfarm]

Welcome to TBN!

As others have said.. I believe the 35 - 45 hp tractor range would fit the bill.. I'd say "try out" the hydrostatic tranny.. it will also make it easier for others "the misses" to use your tractor too. My other 2 cents.. yes to 4WD.. I've pulled skid steers and ag tractors out of muck for the farmer next door and across the street. I've also lifted up a cow out of a muddy ditch w/ the FEL and gently sat her down on dry ground. She couldn't stand after giving birth.