First time buyer 35-50 hp and implements

[HenryIV]

I have about 10 acres and am planting it out in Christmas trees. I have gotten by for my first few years borrowing my dad's D19, which is more than I need, but available. I finally am in a position to get my own equipment, and am looking for all the advice I can get.

My anticipated use is 50-100 hours a year split between mowing, running a 4'-5' rototiller, pulling my single seat transplanter, and some FEL work spreading gravel, mulch, etc.

The rototiller and transplanter are only used about 2 days a year when I plant the trees.

So, like I said, I don't anticipate heavy use of this tractor, but I also don't have time to be fixing something that breaks regularly as my day job keeps me pretty busy.

JD has the only dealership in the immediate area, but I have Kubota, MF, New Holland, and IH all within an hour.

I have looked at the rural king tractors, and they certainly seem to be the least expensive. I can get the 37 hp model with FEL, tiller, and rotary cutter for about 30k which is a little less than a similar Kubota L series with just the FEL prices at 33k and way less than the 45k prices I'm getting for comparable JD tractor with no implements.

I know least expensive isn't always the best buy, but it is tempting to go with rural king. That being said I'm leaning towards Kubota as their 0% financing is attractive. I could buy it outright, but I'm also getting ready to build a house, so using someone's else's money is a plus.

Thoughts?

My thought is a used tractor. A Ford 4000SU or 4000 if you are using a FEL due to the robustness of the front axle. The Ford 3600 has less front axle but can take an FEL. These are 50 year old tractors but parts are still available at a good price because they are revered by Punjabi farmers, so a licensed model is still produced in India. These tractors were made when gears were larger and had superior metallurgy and bearing support than today's "compact tractor". The real problem with these old 2WD JDs, Fords, MFs is the scale of farming here has grown so large, that FEL on tractors can't keep up with a Bobcat, and field work is done by closed workstation in the 50+ range. So many old 2WD tractors, <50HP do 72 rotary cutter, finishing, grader and subsoil with no problem are still out there. I use mine primarily for logging, and nothing will test your power and traction than a trunk of a wet oak or maple being pulled up a hill. for the $30-50K you budgeted, you could spend 20K for a used tractor AND a used Bobcat and use both at what they do best.

 

[Bentrim]

Don't know how popular MF tractors are in your area, but I would recommend a MF 135, 150, 230, 245, 240, 250 (38 to 45 hp) or similar model not a 235 though. Yes the are OLD but they are tough dependable tractors and as a rule used parts if needed are readily available. The three cylinder diesel is very fuel efficient, dependable and cheap to overhaul when needed. The Ferguson draft system can't be beat. If you can find a low hour tractor that has been taken care of it will give good service and last a long time.
Those listed would accept a MF 232 or 236 Quick attach loader, or even aftermarket loaders, and are usually equipped with a two stage clutch or independent PTO.

But that is my advise and opinion.

 

[OzarkChris]

So I just stopped by the JD dealership and took a look around. They have a lot of compact tractors they are trying to move including some 2022 models so they 3032E at 4k under list. Total package for tractor, FEL, 5' tiller, and 5' RC is 31k with 0% financing for 4 years or 0.9% for 5 years. So I think I'm going to do that.

You might want to specify a "reverse tined" Tiller. Having the tines rotating in reverse will help dig into the soil while you are going forward. 5' tillers really are not that heavy and a standard tph will have a Tiller bounce up on hard ground.

Just my two cents.

 

[sjmedin]

Allis Chalmers D 19

 

[DanBick]

Somebody asked my budget...I don't have a specific one. I'll pay what I have to, to get what I need, but I don't want to pay more than I have to. I always try to find the best value for my money, I rarely regret my decisions that way.

I have prepared to spend about 35k for a high 30s HP Kubota or JD with a FEL, though I admit it was a bit of sticker shock when I first started looking. I can go a little higher if I needed to, but it doesn't sound like that would be necessary. Would love to spend less, but don't want to buy something and be wishing I had spent a few more grand to get something a little better.

Take a look at the Massey Ferguson 1840M...if you can find one.

 

[olenjohn]

I have about 10 acres and am planting it out in Christmas trees. I have gotten by for my first few years borrowing my dad's D19, which is more than I need, but available. I finally am in a position to get my own equipment, and am looking for all the advice I can get.

My anticipated use is 50-100 hours a year split between mowing, running a 4'-5' rototiller, pulling my single seat transplanter, and some FEL work spreading gravel, mulch, etc.

The rototiller and transplanter are only used about 2 days a year when I plant the trees.

So, like I said, I don't anticipate heavy use of this tractor, but I also don't have time to be fixing something that breaks regularly as my day job keeps me pretty busy.

JD has the only dealership in the immediate area, but I have Kubota, MF, New Holland, and IH all within an hour.

I have looked at the rural king tractors, and they certainly seem to be the least expensive. I can get the 37 hp model with FEL, tiller, and rotary cutter for about 30k which is a little less than a similar Kubota L series with just the FEL prices at 33k and way less than the 45k prices I'm getting for comparable JD tractor with no implements.

I know least expensive isn't always the best buy, but it is tempting to go with rural king. That being said I'm leaning towards Kubota as their 0% financing is attractive. I could buy it outright, but I'm also getting ready to build a house, so using someone's else's money is a plus.

Thoughts?

I have about 10 acres and am planting it out in Christmas trees. I have gotten by for my first few years borrowing my dad's D19, which is more than I need, but available. I finally am in a position to get my own equipment, and am looking for all the advice I can get.

My anticipated use is 50-100 hours a year split between mowing, running a 4'-5' rototiller, pulling my single seat transplanter, and some FEL work spreading gravel, mulch, etc.

The rototiller and transplanter are only used about 2 days a year when I plant the trees.

So, like I said, I don't anticipate heavy use of this tractor, but I also don't have time to be fixing something that breaks regularly as my day job keeps me pretty busy.

JD has the only dealership in the immediate area, but I have Kubota, MF, New Holland, and IH all within an hour.

I have looked at the rural king tractors, and they certainly seem to be the least expensive. I can get the 37 hp model with FEL, tiller, and rotary cutter for about 30k which is a little less than a similar Kubota L series with just the FEL prices at 33k and way less than the 45k prices I'm getting for comparable JD tractor with no implements.

I know least expensive isn't always the best buy, but it is tempting to go with rural king. That being said I'm leaning towards Kubota as their 0% financing is attractive. I could buy it outright, but I'm also getting ready to build a house, so using someone's else's money is a plus.

Thoughts?

I had a good friend asking me the same question a few years ago. He was debating John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Kubota. I told him go shop the dealerships and let them know you’re serious about buying and want to rent one for a couple days to try it out. JD and MF dealers were pricks and told him to go look at them in the parking lot. Sales rep. didn’t even offer to go outside with him. Kubota set him up with a rental then waived the rent when he bought from them. A good dealer will be worth more than any front end savings when you are having issues. In your area it may be another brand but shop dealerships that will treat you right.

 

[Yander]

Somebody asked my budget...I don't have a specific one. I'll pay what I have to, to get what I need, but I don't want to pay more than I have to. I always try to find the best value for my money, I rarely regret my decisions that way.

I have prepared to spend about 35k for a high 30s HP Kubota or JD with a FEL, though I admit it was a bit of sticker shock when I first started looking. I can go a little higher if I needed to, but it doesn't sound like that would be necessary. Would love to spend less, but don't want to buy something and be wishing I had spent a few more grand to get something a little better.

So given this information, I'll say again, find your nearest Yanmar dealer. Hopefully it's less than an hour away.

Go sit on an SA425. I run a 5 ft tiller behind mine no problem. It runs 5 ft implements no issue. With loader and tractor it probably weighs around 2300 lb.

The fact that it's a lightweight tractor is the reason I bought it. You will have guys on this site tell you that you have to have a heavy tractor to do work. Which is BS.

If you're going to mow with it you don't want a real heavy tractor if you're going to do dirt work and you want more weight add it with rear ballast box front weights whatever.

If you have a TYM dealer nearby also look at them.

Now that you have looked at John Deere and Kubota you will not be sticker shocked by t y m or Yanmar

 

[Yander]

So I just stopped by the JD dealership and took a look around. They have a lot of compact tractors they are trying to move including some 2022 models so they 3032E at 4k under list. Total package for tractor, FEL, 5' tiller, and 5' RC is 31k with 0% financing for 4 years or 0.9% for 5 years. So I think I'm going to do that.

Okay I made the above post before reading this. This sounds like a really good deal for a John Deere and those implements.

I think you'll be good with that decision. you'll be happy with it.

Post pics when you get it.

 

[Hoss710]

any follow up from the op? would be curious of his thoughts now that he has made his purchase?

 

[MikeyCrews]

I would buy something that I could work on. Not sure what size that you want but maybe an older 3610 or so. I bought a 5610 4X4 15 years ago and had the motor rebuilt immediately. New valves, sleeves, pistons, turned the crank, etc.....It has worked great and I would recommend this approach. Its a little expensive on the front end. I think I spent around 13K total at first, but the cheapest 5610 that I could find running with reasonable hours was about 25k then.... So if I look back if I had put an extra 10-12k in it from the beginning I would have had a very nice tractor with a new motor ,tires , paint etc.....Just an idea. By the way it only has 5 wires in the wiring harness, so no computer....