Greetings! New member here!

[Osconda]

In case you haven't already stumbled upon a good source of used equipment, you could start here:
http://www.machinefinder.com

Take your time in your search. I'll guarantee you'll change your mind several times as you learn more about what you need /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif and want. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I haven't seen anyone recommend 2WD or 4WD. Should Randy_Leo be looking at 4WD?

 

[Randy_Leo]

Thanks again for all this input!! I'm sure glad I don't have to make a tractor decision today or need to go out tomorrow and start taking hay (I'm daggone near broke with the closing and everything).

I wondered about 4WD too. I think what ever big tractor I wind up with will need to have a loader. With all the sand out at the place, I wonder if 4WD will be the best solution or, will the extra weight of the driven front wheels combined with that of the loader just cause bigger problems? The prior owner of the property had a 50something HP 4X4 Kubota and there's evidence that he stuck it on several occasions. Maybe flotation tires are the better solution?

 

[Bird]

I think you'll be much happier with 4WD than you would be with 2WD.

 

[JeffRey30747]

I never had a tractor that hasn't been stuck at some time. As long as you can free it without breaking something, you have at most lost a little time. My point is, if you use equipment in anything other than ideal conditions, that getting stuck is a normal occurance at least on rare occasions.
Don't worry, be happy (and sounds like you may need the 4WD)! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jeff

 

[Ryno1]

Welcome Randy, looks like your getting some great advice. I agree with most that a 70+ hp tractor is required with todays hay equipment. Especially if your going to do round bales.

Now, I'd also say this unless you've put up hay and just want to do your own, I'd strongly suggest keeping some sort of agreement with the neighbor. Up here, in Missouri, alot of farms do haying on shares. He does the work, you keep the field fertlized, limed etc and the two of you split the hay crop. Some people have found that to be a better deal then buying all the equipment and spending the time to put up the hay. Just something to think about. Haying, in my opinion, is not an enjoyable job. Goodluck Terry

 

[frank_f15]

IF you can find a tractor in the hp range you want and it has 4wd then by all means go for it. MHO is ,if it has 4wd it is better than the same tractor with 2wd /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[txdon]

<font color="blue"> "I think I should plan on someday taking my own hay..." </font>


Welcome fellow Texan to TBN.

I agree with Ryno. Before you buy a tractor with the intent of haying with it for 70 acres Look around your area and find out who else besides your lessee bales hay and how much they charge. My Dad who has a cow calf operation with about twice as much bale-able land has found it more economical to hire out the baling about 3 times a year than to buy, maintain and fuel a larger tractor and hay bailing equipment. He has a 45 HP tractor for all the other uses. I found my 50 HP tractor (no baling) to be a good fit for my land which is about the size of your land but reversed open and woods areas. HST is great for mowing and loader work, 4WD is great for heavy loader work and is worth the extra $. If you need the bat-wing you will need more than 50hp. I have a 6' mower and enjoy the seat time, my Dad has a 8' and enjoys the speed.

Just a few more Ideas to think about. Enjoy the tractor shopping!

 

[Randy_Leo]

Well, we're back from the first three days out at OUR farm, doing little odd jobs like fix the broken water line to the barn and getting the area in front of the barn knocked down with a push mower.

Our neighbors to the south are the greatest; we've got the start of a great friendship and they're now running 35+ of their biological lawn mowers (red brangus) on my middle pasture (it needs it!!!) and we've reached an agreement for them to do the big mowing and haying for the time being.

Thanks to all again for the great advice and guidance. Over the next few months, I'll probably be on the lookout for a larger tractor. I'll be definitely be buying a used unit, hopefully a 4WD with a loader.

Cheers!

 

[Highbeam]

Check prices before trying to find a used tractor. I have found little or no savings when looking at used. It is not like a truck which I always buy used for the huge savings.

 

[Soundguy]

Around here, it seems that used CUT's tend to hold their value very closely with new CUT's.. staying at 90% or better of new for at least the first 5 years.. etc.... especially the 30hp and under / 4wd / hydro / loader units.

UT and ag tractors tend to drop a bit in value... etc.

Soundguy