Do I need a tractor?!

[brucew44guns]

You sound like a guy who will use a tractor of your own quite a bit, and take care of it and nurse it along, till you transform your place into something pretty special. Like stated, you will find a lot of chores that you will easily do quickly, and in no time the tractor will be easily seen as your best right hand. I've got a very nice 1952 8-N Ford that I can't do without around here. Good luck--and remember to look around awhile and get up to speed on prices a bit before you commit. There is always a real good deal for the guy who looks for one.

 

[newbury]

Ok - we settled the question - one thing I didn't see being mentioned is to make sure you get at least full CAT 1 and working 3 point and PTO.

Plan on spending the winter nights reading here. Face it a tractor without implements is almost useless, you'll want things like bale spears, pallet forks, the list is endless. Some of the attachments will be pretty specific to the brand of tractor, but thankfully most are not. It is legal to put a John Deere tiller on a Kubota tractor.

Also - what are your trees like? Lumber prices right now are low, but you might have a lot of good beams standing there which only need a chain saw mill to coax them out.

You picked a good time to get in the market for a tractor. I'll also suggest that if at all possible get one big enough to carry a horse or a log.

good luck

 

[RadarTech]

Some of the attachments will be pretty specific to the brand of tractor, but thankfully most are not. It is legal to put a John Deere tiller on a Kubota tractor.

k

Legal yes.... A target for laughs and jokes..
Yes again...
Will work, yes again...

The value of the laughs you will get at the comments by some tbn members.... Beyond priceless!!!!!!!!!

 

[easygo]

Living in the country definitely is expensive, but worth every penny.

I really like that quote and could not agree more.

 

[RadarTech]

I really like that quote and could not agree more.

Yet another reason we all are members here and enjoy so many stories together!

 

[shade tree welder]

Do I need a tractor...

That's like walkin into a crackhouse and asking if you should get high. LOL

I just saw this thread...

Green, Blue or Red, buy one you will be happy. Old or new.

I have

2007 NH TC40DA
1955 JD 70 Diesel (wheatland)
1950 Allis Chalmers WD
1945 IH Farmall H
1940 JD A

BTW, did you know that ponies live well into their 40's and even sometimes 50's...

I have one almost 35 year old horse.

 

[knightrider955]

Definatly get a diesel. I thought my Oliver 77 was the baddest tractor ever until I got my Long 560. Both are similiar in horsepower. But my ong feels more powerfull and pulls way better. In tug of war, my Long dragged that Oliver like it wasnt even there.

 

[gilbertmsg]

As many have stated, living in the country is not cheap. We moved to 10 acres 4 years ago and started working on our small horse farm. 10 acres, 5 horses is a lot of work. Built 30' x 40' barn (build bigger if you can afford, you will not regret in the long run) for stalls and hay storage, then started on the pastures. Have 4 acres fenced into 2 pastures and small paddock. I have started cutting small pines (less that 6") for another 2 acres of pasture. My best tip for you is to get your pastures in shape before putting your horses on them. It will save you in the long run. Find you a good 30 hp tractor that will move round bails of hay. They are much cheaper to feed in the winter and during dry periods. I did not think 10 acres was much, but it's a lot to properly take care of. I drag my pastures a few times per month with a harrow or heavy piece of fence. Cleaning the stalls, I use the loader to move the poop to a pile behind the barn. Good luck.

Eddie

 

[MicroPilot]

ROPS = Roll Over Protection System = Roll Bar and seatbelt to keep you in the seat and protected in case the tractor goes belly up.

FEL = Front End Loader = Pretty obvious once you know.

3PT = Three point hitch = the system of three arms typically on the rear of the tractor for attaching implements. There are 3 "classes" Category 1, 2, 3, sometime referred to as CAT1, etc. This refers to the spacing and diameter of the pin holes on the 3PT arms and implements.

 

[RoMad]

I am also new to this forum and a new tractor owner. I also own 10 acres, but mine is flat and already mostly pasture.
First, I wouldn't buy a tractor without a FEL or diesel engine.
Second, you asked about reliability. If you go to the specific tractor sub forums on this site you will notice they are in order of number of members. My thoughts are that the most popular tractors are popular for a reason, they are good quality.
As a reference, I ended up with a 2003 Kioti CK20 with manual transmission, FEL, 5' BH, and 4' FM in very good condition for $5,000. So far I am happy with it.
As others have said, if I wanted to turn woods into pasture I would probably hire it out.
Good luck and don't forget to post pictures of your new tractor.