Good value 2nd tractor recommendations?

lennyzx11 · Jul 24, 2019

So what would you guys think a good sub 5k tractor to be to have as a 2nd tractor.

I have a perfectly good Kubota L3301 but find myself switching 3point items constantly when I’m playing with whatever “project” I’m involved with.even with planning ahead.

I brush hog and finish and flai mow about 8 of the 10 acres. But the usual mowing is done with a ZTR.
Dig and backhoe around the place as I work toward expanding the shop.
Pull an old hay wagon down to the back 40 to dump brush and pull firewood up. I also have a 3 point splitter along with an ordinary horizontal one.
I’m going to plow and till about two acres this fall to start a crop next spring.

Some that I have had in the past are the Ford 2&9n. That doesn’t quite fit what I want but close. The live pto and three point option is important on my list.
I have a JD GT240 that has been an awesome machine but small for my plans.
A little rice tractor was also a little small for what I had in mind.

I’m thinking of a MF35, Or an older JD that is nice enough to take to the parades but still be able to work without worrying about it.
I don’t know enough on the models to pick JDs out yet though.

Or maybe one of the later fords like the 2000/3000 or even the 600/800s.
I’d like to get your thoughts on good capable tractors without a loader and two wheel drive to use as a helper to the Kubota.
A shiny but working “poppin johnny” would be fun but I’m not sure how practical it would be!

/pine · Jul 24, 2019

What I did was...:
Two attachments I coveted but did not have and could not find at anything that resembled a reasonable price and would fit my tractor were a back hoe and a trencher...I bought a 45 HP Ditch Witch (3610) w/ back hoe and 6-way hydraulic blade for $5K...having the dedicated hoe on a separate machine along with the FEL on my regular tractor is wonderful...Also the DW has an awesome auxiliary hydraulic system.

Jstpssng · Jul 24, 2019

A '60s vintage Ford or JD should be available within your price range, or any of what you list will do the job. I know what you mean about switching implements, Someday when I get a shelter built I'm bringing my father's TO35 home for the same reasons that you list. In one day I took off the single bottom plow and put on the disc harrow; took that off, and put on the potato hiller; took that off, and put on the skidding winch. I used the first two for about 2 hours each, the last for an hour or so that day but it will (probably) stay on until next month when it's time to dig the potatoes. it took longer to put the hiller on than it took me to use it; I did two rows of 'taters and 3 rows of corn in a couple of minutes. It sure beats a hoe, though. :thumbsup:

fried1765 · Jul 24, 2019

Jstpssng said:
A '60s vintage Ford or JD should be available within your price range, or any of what you list will do the job. I know what you mean about switching implements, Someday when I get a shelter built I'm bringing my father's TO35 home for the same reasons that you list. In one day I took off the single bottom plow and put on the disc harrow; took that off, and put on the potato hiller; took that off, and put on the skidding winch. I used the first two for about 2 hours each, the last for an hour or so that day but it will (probably) stay on until next month when it's time to dig the potatoes. it took longer to put the hiller on than it took me to use it; I did two rows of 'taters and 3 rows of corn in a couple of minutes. It sure beats a hoe, though. :thumbsup:

You plant corn in 3 long rows and get good pollination?

Jstpssng · Jul 24, 2019

They're not long, (20' +-) and I've never had pollination problems.

I just was up in the garden and remembered something else to add to my list of implements that day... before I could start plowing I had to take the bush hog off, as the soil I turned needed the grass knocked sown first.

lennyzx11 · Aug 7, 2019

Guys, would an Oliver 550 fit what I am looking for? I’ve never been exposed to one.
Are they a very good tractor?

dusty3030 · Aug 7, 2019

Massey 235 / 245 or 240. Plenty of parts available for the Perkins engines. Heavy so they pull well for the horsepower, but not a huge tractor so you can get them in and out of tight places. Good values in my opinion.

I do what you are wanting in that I use two tractors. I have a 4wd Kubota L4701HST with a loader, third function up front, plus two remotes in the rear. I also have a 2wd Deere 5105 gear tractor with one remote and draft control that I prefer to mow with, pull a disk and plow with.

It's nice so that I can leave the PTO sprayer on the Kubota and the cutter on the Deere in the summertime. I don't have a lot of time in the evenings by the time I get home from work.

Jstpssng · Aug 8, 2019

lennyzx11 said:
Guys, would an Oliver 550 fit what I am looking for? I致e never been exposed to one.
Are they a very good tractor?

That's a good sized tractor, bigger and heavier than your 3301. It should do everything that you want and more.

5030 · Aug 8, 2019

I got tired of switching heavy implements and at my age it's a PITA anyway so I bought another tractor just like the one I have (M9000) but an open station. I runs the rotary rake tedder and brush hog all the time. The other runs the disc bine and the round and square baler.

I'd buy another if I could find another (pre tier 4) at a good price. Guys are sucking up pre emissions tractors today.