Buying Advice First time tractor purchase

[USMMAN]

I'm sure you see a lot of questions like this, but I need to purchase a small tractor for the first time. I plan to use it in an area in south MS that can get pretty wet at times, so I am thinking about a 4 wheel drive. The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods, and plant and maintain deer food plots and a power line. There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed. It's not a big piece of land, there are about 6 food plots.

What tractor and accessories/equipment should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jack

 

[dave1949]

I'm sure you see a lot of questions like this, but I need to purchase a small tractor for the first time. I plan to use it in an area in south MS that can get pretty wet at times, so I am thinking about a 4 wheel drive. The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods, and plant and maintain deer food plots and a power line. There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed. It's not a big piece of land, there are about 6 food plots.

What tractor and accessories/equipment should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jack

:welcome:

The thing about wet and tractors is - avoid taking your tractor into wet areas. You can chew up a lot of dirt, create ruts that never dry out and make things worse. It's much better to wait for the right conditions. 4wd is a good thing to have though and realistically, there may always be some wet spots to cross that are rarely dry. You can work on those over time to make them passable.

I've done a lot of log, brush and sapling pushing with a bucket. It can be like herding cats at times, but will work with patience. The worst is damaging the trees that are still standing by rubbing the bark off and such. A simple 3 point hitch mounted lift boom & log chain is good for skidding logs and piles of brush as long as the logs aren't too heavy for the lift boom's rated capacity.
Dave.

 

[gauthier]

Whats your budget?,planning on buying a new one?

 

[Don87]

I'm sure you see a lot of questions like this, but I need to purchase a small tractor for the first time. I plan to use it in an area in south MS that can get pretty wet at times, so I am thinking about a 4 wheel drive. The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods, and plant and maintain deer food plots and a power line. There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed. It's not a big piece of land, there are about 6 food plots.

What tractor and accessories/equipment should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jack

If I were in your position, I would get something like the JD 790. Very good tractor. Small enough to get around well, but big enough for what you are describing,
Add in a brush hog, tiller, FEL, and cultipacker(for food plots), and you are set.

EDIT: Add a broadcast spreader of you don't want to throw seed by hand.

 

[buck12]

I do much the same thing only in North MS with a Mahindra 2615. Other good choices would be something like a JD 790 or Kubota L3400. Any well known brand in the 25 to 35 hp range should fit the bill. If you work in a lot of mud look for ag tires. I have industrial tires and a few times have wished for ag tires.

 

[rcowan]

I'm sure you see a lot of questions like this, but I need to purchase a small tractor for the first time. I plan to use it in an area in south MS that can get pretty wet at times, so I am thinking about a 4 wheel drive. The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods, and plant and maintain deer food plots and a power line. There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed. It's not a big piece of land, there are about 6 food plots.

What tractor and accessories/equipment should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jack

Hey Jack

What tractor dealers are relatively close to you for support?
What is your budget?

I like my Montana 2740. I wouldn't be without the 4 wheel drive and FEL.

 

[TripleR]

While I went with a bigger tractor, I really liked the Kubota L3240. Other cheaper options would be the L3300 or L3700.

For me a FEL is a must and I really like the QA. I would probably hold off on a tiller until you determine your needs; bought one and don't use it often enough to justify the cost. For me my must haves are a good rotary cutter and box blade with hydraulic top link.

I have others, but could live without them.

I wouldn't get hung up on brand as they all make good tractors and in my opinion a good used one is as good as a new one.

 

[USMMAN]

My local dealers have MF, Case, New Holland, and Kubota. I wouldn't mind buying equipment that is a few years old, but I can buy new if necessary. Someone asked about my budget - the least amount possible for good, dependable equipment, but no budget. I am no mechanic by any means, so I don't want my equipment to stay in the shop the majority of the time. Sharpening blades, etc. is about the extent of my mechanical knowledge.

One of my buddies suggested hydrostatic transmission, I guess that is like automatic? Is that a good idea?

Thanks for all the great information.

Jack

 

[Grandad4]

Hydrostatic vs. gear transmissions is one of the great, never ending TractorByNet discussions. Even better than debating Brand x vs Brand y. Either one will happily and reliably do your stated work needs. I have both kinds and find the hydrostatic gets more work done because it's easier to operate in my applications. But everyone has their own situation, so you'll have to decide what's best for you by checking them out at a few dealers.

Have fun choosing what you want... doing that is one of the more fun things to do in one's life. Just take it easy in the mud until you get some experience and practice... a tractor isn't a swamp buggy, and getting one unstuck is not much fun.

 

[flusher]

I'm sure you see a lot of questions like this, but I need to purchase a small tractor for the first time. I plan to use it in an area in south MS that can get pretty wet at times, so I am thinking about a 4 wheel drive. The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods, and plant and maintain deer food plots and a power line. There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed. It's not a big piece of land, there are about 6 food plots.

What tractor and accessories/equipment should I be looking for?

Thanks,

Jack

Tractor--30-35 hp (pto), 4WD, hydrostatic tranny, power steering, FEL with 5-6 ft wide bucket preferably with a skid steer quick attach option and chain hooks, dual rear hydraulic remotes

Implements- 5-6 ft wide rotary mower (aka brush hog, bush hog, slasher, shredder), 5-6 ft wide tandem disc with a drag to bust up the clods, 3pt hitch broadcast fertilizer/seeder