Hello From Afghanistan

[lasherb1]

Neither grunt nor jar head! Air Force Officer:flag-airforce:

I'm looking for muscle building a pole barn, removal of several trees and general maintenance around the property. I had a Ford 3600 before I sold it, but still have several implements. The list is endless of things I plan to use it for, but I'm looking at used tractors before buying new.

Must have: front end loader, 4wd and at least 40 horsepower. Looking to stay under/around $25K

Allergies might make me lean towards a cab.

 

[TBN Support]

:welcome:

Welcome to the forum. Happy to have you here!

:tractor: I'm going to move this thread over to our buying, pricing and comparisons section for you.

 

[mddorange]

Neither grunt nor jar head! Air Force Officer:flag-airforce:

"O" Goody... Which "O"? Where you a zoomie?

 

[blackdog2086]

Welcome. Where are you stationed (unless OPSEC prevents you saying)? I spent 5 years in Afghanistan (2010 - 2015) as a security contractor and during that time saw a pretty big portion of the country. I gotta say, I don't miss the place.

 

[lasherb1]

I'm a Logistics Officer and get the opportunity to travel around quite a bit. That being said, I'm over being here and only have a month or so to go until I return stateside.

I'll be happy to return to a more steady life pace and take the time to develop my property into what I've always wanted.

 

[Thall303]

Welcome and please stay in touch, and above all come home!

 

[TheMan419]

Welcome!

My usual advice is find a dealer you like. Even buying used figure out who the good dealers are in your area.

For example if the JD dealer is poor you might steer away from a used JD since help for repairs may be spotty.

All the major brands should have a tractor that meets the specs you mention.

As the others have said thanks for your service.

 

[Texasmark]

Ditto on the best wishes. I gave Sam 9 ('59-'68, Abrn. A&E). Your Ford size will do you well this time too with your adding the 4wd and FEL. Cab is something to think about. They are for your protection from the elements and they are worth every penny. If you choose open station, think about how it was with your Ford.

Lots of quality machines out there in the 40 hp class with little use in that hp with a cab for your price range. If you can move on up 10 hp with the added amenities and all you'll be happier.

 

[John Fitzgerald]

If you buy a used tractor from an individual, please make sure first that it is free of liens.

 

[dougtrr2]

A few random thoughts.
Very few people on this forum have ever complained about buy a tractor too big. With forty acres bigger might be better.

Tree removal. Consider how many you are thinking about. Do you want just the tree down or the stumps also? If it is a lot and the stumps are going to be removed it might be better to let someone else to it. Leave the stumps high so a dozer can push them out easier.

With forty acres and half wooded look into forest preserve. In Iowa there is a definite tax advantage. For me I don't have to pay residential taxes on the acres that are forest preserve. There is a criteria to be met and some restrictions but it was well worth it to me. The only real restriction is that I cannot SELL firewood off my preserve. I can cut all I want for my own use, I just can't sell it to others. A side benefit was have the district forester evaluate my woods and give me a plan to meet my goals. In June I was hit with straight line winds that took out over 65 trees. The forester came out, spent over three hours going over my acreage and set me up with everything I need to do a timber sale, including the mailing labels for bonded tree buyers.

I retired after 20 years in the Air Force on my small 9 acres of woods near Offutt AFB.

Doug in SW IA