Buying Advice First Tractor - Which way to go?

[TSO]

Checkout LS tractors ... You can probably get into a new G3038 (38 HP) and stay within your budget, AND have a warranty.

 

[GManBart]

I was thinking along the lines of TSO....here's a local ad for a G series LS with HST tranny (helpful on hills), FEL that lifts 1,600lbs to full height (going up to the G3038 increases that to 1,900lbs), 4wd, etc, etc. This is more than enough machine to run a rotary mower or flail mower to keep the weeds down, and would be like dying and going to heaven compared with doing stuff manually, or using a pickup truck!

New LS 33 hp diesel tractor loader

 

[vtsnowedin]

Here is one near you on craigslist that might do.
John Deere Tractor
Or this one from the Orange side.
2004 KUBOTA L3130HST

 

[TSO]

Here is one near you on craigslist that might do.
John Deere Tractor

That's a nice one...

Only problem I see is that the loader only lifts about 800 lbs.

 

[KevT]

I feel for you, I really do. I bought my first tractor at a local auction and got a good deal. I paid 9 grand for a JD 790 with FEL 4x4. I hired a guy to push over the trees with his road equipment and it did it very cheaply because I was in no hurry and let him do it during his slow time. But as I found my self wanting to do more with the land, I found the little 26hp tractor wasn't enough. Earlier this week I took delivery on a new Kubota L 3901 with FEL and canopy. The dealer gave me 8000 trade-in, and 22,000 for the new one so I ended up financing 14000 for 5 years 0% percent.... Now my payments are less than my truck or wife's car was but I do now have that monthly payment. I still think I made the right decision. Only you can decide what is right for you.

 

[TSO]

I feel for you, I really do. I bought my first tractor at a local auction and got a good deal. I paid 9 grand for a JD 790 with FEL 4x4. I hired a guy to push over the trees with his road equipment and it did it very cheaply because I was in no hurry and let him do it during his slow time. But as I found my self wanting to do more with the land, I found the little 26hp tractor wasn't enough. Earlier this week I took delivery on a new Kubota L 3901 with FEL and canopy. The dealer gave me 8000 trade-in, and 22,000 for the new one so I ended up financing 14000 for 5 years 0% percent.... Now my payments are less than my truck or wife's car was but I do now have that monthly payment. I still think I made the right decision. Only you can decide what is right for you.

Sounds like a good upgrade in size and capabilities. For reference, that tractor compares very closely to the LS G 3038....FYI

 

[woodchipper]

As you will drive the woods, have hilly terrain, plan on having a large garden, wanting to lift heavy stuff, and plow your snow, I would opt for a 4x4(or called FWA-front wheel assist), HST transmission, loader, filled Ag (R1)tires with "Rim Guard", and in the horse power range from 35 to 42. Get it used, and make sure you could get parts locally. You will need parts, even with a low hour machine... Consider keeping money to buy implements. You will need a few, especially if you want a large garden, or doing cash crop and hay.
I wish you a lot of fun in your search, and please try to have your dear second half to participate, as she will be using it as well!:thumbsup:

 

[vtsnowedin]

That's a nice one...

Only problem I see is that the loader only lifts about 800 lbs.

Having cleaned cow barns with a shovel back in the seventies I think a loader that will lift 800 lbs. is a gift from god equal to beer.

 

[KevT]

Having cleaned cow barns with a shovel back in the seventies I think a loader that will lift 800 lbs. is a gift from god equal to beer.

AMEN!!!!

 

[Creamer]

If you want a loader that lifts more than 800 lbs you are probably not going to want the tractor on your lawn when it is wet. There are tradeoffs and you can do a lot with 800 lbs of lift. In the 22 years I have owned mine there have been about five times that I wished I had more lift on the loader but I drive the tractor on the lawn many times when wet like tomorrow when I am going to roll it.

I keep seeing people on this site that need to have everything. The bottom line is that I can do almost anything with my 1710 that I have ever wanted to do. It is a great little tractor. There are many times I would not want one much bigger. Now my brother on the ranch where I grew up thinks it is a toy which it would be for him.