Buying Advice Help!!! Newbie to Tractor World

[cvl]

Right now we are push-mower people, but have purchased and house with 8 acres in S.C. We will be adding a horse barn and detached garage. We are looking for advice on types of tractors and models suitable for mowing, dragging arenas and fields, digging fence posts, moving manure, etc. This will be a small scale, private horse operation. There is a New Holland 2120 for sale locally at a good price - but I think this tractor may be overkill for what we need. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Storm56]

Welcome to the forum and best of luck in your new venture! Probably something in the 30-40 HP range would do you. I like the 4 WD option, especially on the compact tractors.

 

[TripleR]

Are you going to try to get one tractor to do it all including mowing your yard?

 

[Treemonkey1000]

If you do a search on some of the older postings about what should I buy there is a lot to learn from the wisdom of these guys. Most of them will tell you to buy bigger than you think so you don't kick yourself later. You may want to add implements later that will take a little more power. I kind of like having 4 WD just to get out of muddy slippery stuff. Mucking out Manure might be one of those scenarios or wear your boots when you need to dig it out of the "stuff"
Welcome to TBN.

 

[Soundguy]

if the 2120 is in good condition and a good price it would be a great machine. perhaps on th alarer side f the range you might need.. but theyare upeb units.

also.. are you looking for used only or new as well.

if used only.. is there a budjet you are targenting?

there are plenty of tractors that will fill your needs.. anything from antiques ( 2500-4500$ ) all the way to new.

give us some more details on your budget.

soundguy

 

[rd_macgregor]

You probably could get by with a 20 (or so) hp tractor, but I agree with others that you'd likely be happier with a bit more (say 27 to 35 or 40) hp.
Also, unless your land is high and dry, and not very hilly, the 4wd option is a good idea. I suggest avoiding turf tires, unless you'll never be leaving a flat lawn.
Finally, there are many brand loyalists out there, but the truth is that any one of at least 6 or 8 tractor brands would suit your needs. The more critical factor is the dealer. The quality, accessibility and stability/longevity of the dealership are especially important factors for new tractor owners who, like me, are not exceptionally mechanically inclined.
BOB

 

[dmay]

Right now we are push-mower people, but have purchased and house with 8 acres in S.C. We will be adding a horse barn and detached garage. We are looking for advice on types of tractors and models suitable for mowing, dragging arenas and fields, digging fence posts, moving manure, etc. This will be a small scale, private horse operation. There is a New Holland 2120 for sale locally at a good price - but I think this tractor may be overkill for what we need. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

If the price is good consider two machines. A used tractor (NH2120) for the ranch acreage and a new riding lawn mower for mowing the yard.

 

[cvl]

Thanks for all of your responses. We ended up purchasing the NH 2120 - with some attachments(post hole digger, mower and blade) for $15,000. Which includes delivery from NY to SC. We did a little checking around and thought it was a good price. The tractor looks brand new. Apparently it was used to mow a golf course. Hopefully, we done good

BTW the land is flat and dry and we will be using the tractor mainly to mow the property.

 

[Soundguy]

a 2120 is a haus' of a machine!

soundguy

 

[Pushing_Tin]

I only have 5 acres and my first tractor was a 24hp diesel. I found that I needed a more heavy duty/capable tractor so I now have a 34hp tractor that is far better for the type of work that I do.