First time buyer, suggestions?

[gary321]

I am looking to buy a tractor. I know this much, partly from reading TBN, I am wanting 4wd, hydorstat, FEL. I like green, orange and blue(not in that particular order). I have rented orange and blue and like them(apx. 35 hp). I will be doing the following: maintaing 1 mile of dirt road, corral cleanup, unloading and moving 1000lb round bales, fence building and animal buriel. My wife raises goats, sometimes not very well /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I will be building additional barns and outbuildings and also need to move fill dirt. My budget allows me to spend aproximately $20,000. However, I dont want to buy more tractor than I need. Any suggestions on minumum size and hp? Any input is appreciated.

 

[normde2001]

I think your biggest problem is going to be lifting those 1,000# hay bales. They're pretty big and the lift point is several feet beyond the rated lift point on a tractor. You are probably going to need a 3500-4000#tractor with at least 35 hp. I'm not sure you can get that with the features you want, in the colors you like, for $20,000. You may have to also consider red, (Branson or Century).

 

[FamilyFarm]

I would think a Kubota L3830 with 723 loader would handle the hay, but may need larger and definitly may need more $$$.
I've always been told you need 30 hp (pto) or larger, heavy duty FEL and obviously heavy tractor, rear ballast to effectively deal with hay.
Good luck finding what you need - and keep those goats healthy!

Terry

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would recomend that you check out a Century as I just got one for 17500 that 40pto hp and weights 3900# with a fel that is heavy duty and will move that hay very good. This is one fine tractor and was the best value for my money I could find. CK out my review under other tractors forums or search for Century 3045 and it will show up.

 

[thcri]

gary321,

If you don't have a Century dealer in your area then look for a Branson dealer. Century and Branson are the same thing from what I was told. All's I can tell you is I looked at a Branson and was thoroughly impressed. I think if I would have saw it before I made my purchase I would have had one. They are built pretty durable and felt pretty good when sitting on it. And yes, you will find them less expensive. I am not sure about re-sale but I am sure they are starting to hold their value just like the others and maybe re-sale isn't something in your plans anyway. Good luck in your purchase.


murph

 

[frank_f15]

welcome to the forum! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif when u say maintaing 1 mile of dirt road, do u mean just an ocassional grading or will u be plowing lots of snow? 1/2 ton bale could create a problem. u mosy assuredly need at least 35 hp with some mass to it. not sure u can get all u want in the big 3 for the price u mentioned. some others have mentinond century and branson, u also might want to check kioti and the long tractors if there are dealers close by. another option is to go to a used tractor, some nice units out there if u can find one.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I am doing all the same stuff, ('cept we burn dead goats...) I have a Deere 4310. You have to understand what you are doing to move the bales. Mine come in on a low trailer, and I can lift them off with the FEL, and transport them on a rear carrier (safer...) I think that is the minimum size machine that can work.

We have a LOT of trees, and trails through them. Our 4310 is just right sized for our property. A bigger machine just couldn't get where we need it.

My setup cost ~$23000, but that included a backhoe ( ~$5000) So you could get into what you want in your budget...

I looked at blue, but was steered away by the dealer, they felt the front axles weren't up to the heavey loader work. Kubota has some great loaders, and the L's have some pretty good mass, say a L3130 (probably the smallest) For me Deere was the best price, (It actually was LESS then Long, go figure..)

My wife and I both use the tractor and are very comfortable with it. I really would stick with the hydro, it is so easy to use, and very safe. You don't want to learn the hard way going downhill with a full bucket...

 

[gary321]

first time buyer

I will be grading the road occasionaly, not much snow in this part of colorado. I appreciate all the input, I have a neighbor that owns a Branson with aproximately 35 pto hp, a real nice tractor. Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. I am trying to go the used route intially. I am planning on attending a large tractor auction near Tulsa Oklahoma on May 7th. Its called Enlow tractor auction. This is supposed to be a good place to get low hour machines. In fact, a lot of dealers from all over the country attend this auction to buy implements and decent used tractors. Bottom line, whatever I do, I cant wait to get a good machine and I appreicate yalls input. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Slippy]

Re: first time buyer

What are your pto requirments. When looking at tractors, it is important to not only think of size, weight, and grading type implements, but also what are you going to run with the pto. If you have alot of mowing and it will be tough going, you should think about a little more pto hp. Just a thought. Also, if you are thinking Branson or Century, check out the Mahindra tractors.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Re: first time buyer

( Who actually builds the Branson engine and powertrain? Mitsubishi maybe? I dont really know. )

Bransons and Centurys are built by Kukje in Korea. For the most part, the build their own engines. Kukje also builds tractors for John Deere, which should be an indicator of their quality.

Branson and Century are available with Ansung loaders (sold under the Branson and Century names) that have quick disconnect buckets. Bale spears and pallet forks that fit the quick disconnect are sold as options.

You should be able to get everything you need well under $20,000. No hydro though.

SnowRidge