Buying Advice First time tractor purchase

[TripleR]

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

I prefer the HST and think it is an excellent choice for a new owner especially.

Both geared and HST have their place and the debate will be never ending.

 

[dmay]

The tractor will be used to bush hog trails in the woods

Bush Hog or similar rear rotary cutter. Maybe a flail mower.

, and plant and maintain deer food plots

Lots of good all-in-one units available from various MFGs. Example:

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ag/media/pdf/frontier/seeding/dsfe39904_food_plot_seeder_lit.pdf

and a power line.

Do you mean you need a trencher?

There might be some need for ocasionally pushing logs around, etc. so probably a front bucket will be needed.

I'd suggest a bucket with grapple, or 4-n-1 bucket, or at least debri fork.

 

[Gittyup]

22 - 35 hp, Ag. tires, 4WD with locking differential, HST, QC bucket where the whole loader is easily put on and taken off, telescopic 3PH. Maybe loaded tires or movable weights for the mud. Probably want a 2 stage clutch if going manual tranny. Electro over hydraulic PTO clutch is good, but may dictate a slip clutch on your 3PH for best operation. Use of split brakes is limited on some HSTs. You may or may not want to take advantage of this. Can help with maneuverability and traction in the mud. Might think about a grapple attachment for the FEL if moving a bunch of logs/brush.

Consider how tight your woods work will be. You'll also want good ground clearance. This should keep you away from the SCUTs that are lower to the ground.


Want something short, yet stable? Conside a Kioti CK20, Bobcat CT220, or TYM T293 in addition to the top tier brands. Not sure these models will run big enough implements for you. Depends on your acreage and the amount of bush hoggin you are talking about. But, they are considerably smaller in wheelbase than many others and will fit into tight spaces with minimal performance compromise.

A lot to choose from, and many ways to meet your needs. Do your research and sit on as many as you can.

 

[USMMAN]

Thanks to everyone for the valuable information. I'm going to print all these responses and take them with me when I make my rounds at the tractor dealers.

Jack :thumbsup:

 

[Soundguy]

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

how much land.. makes a difference.

so far sounding like small cut or mid to large SCUT.

soudnguy

 

[sacsr]

I am new to the game as well...but my criteria for purchasing a tractor was the ability to move it with my Ford expedition. I was fortunate to find a small Yanmar 187D tractor with a FEL. 18 hp. 4wd. Not a big strain for my vehicle to pull. If not on my land, it is kept in my carport at the house. It is not for maintaining a big area...I have 40 acres of woods...maintain the roads, paths, and currently trying to open up more land. The shredder and FEL were a must for me. Blade came next...but now looking for a box blade. You can find one of these tractors with FEL for less than $5500. Like every other tractor here...it has its plusses and minuses......Good luck!

You have come to the right place. This is a great site for information.