Tractor Sizing Help selecting the right series of tractor

[RPW]

As far as dealers go talk to each one within your area. Most brands of tractors are good. Tractors are one of those items with with a minor amount of attention will last a long time. Don't be afraid of used as long as you do your homework. Hours on a tractor really don't mean much until you get into the 10s of thousand of hours. For shredding (bushhog, slasher whatever you want to call it) for 25 acres personally I'd not look at anything smaller than 6ft. Unless you like to sit in the seat for "many" hours. It does get old fast. With a 6ft cutter you will be able to do about 3 to 4 acres an hour depending on terrain and obsticles. Weight will always be your friend with a tractor. Backhoes are pricey useful attachments but you can get by without it. For those once in a while jobs one word "rent". For your size property I'd be looking at around 50HP. You can get things done with less but in this area the smaller the machine the longer it will take to do. If buying new then get the most attachments with your initial purchase as you will be able to get more bang for the buck. As you said your new to tractors I'd look at HST (can't believe I said that ) which will limit you in size as HST is "generally" onĺy available in compact lines (not always true) so do your shopping. For buying new be prepared to spend a bit more for all the attachments you want. My FEL for my JD was about 6K back in 2008. And one last comment on dealers and especially John Deere, it depends on the dealer my dealer around here will work with anyone reqardless of size of machine and how deep there pockets are.

Good luck on your new property. Please be safe and good luck.

 

[kneedeep]

I agree with bspeedy about a 3pt backhoe if you don't have heavy soils and big digging projects to do. Used with care and respect will give you a lifetime of good service.
I had lots of heavy digging in tough gumbo soils, brush grubbing, ditch work, stump removal, waterline, septic system, etc. I chose the subframe mounted unit. When I need it, it gets a workout. But I had a piece of property overgrown and not taken care of for decades to contend with!

 

[Wagtail]

So, How easy is it to find used attachments for tractors? Like a back hoe. I see that there are so many variations, almost like they make attachments that are NOT interchangeable unlike the rear mounted Cat 1 hitch. Is that a fair statement.
Also really appreciate your guidance on the effectiveness of the dealer. Ironically, I asked a JD dealer to send me a quote and it has been 10 days after 3 reminder emails, no quote yet!

Mate, you have to get yourself physically to the various dealerships. Quotes over the phone/email really don't cut it, for them and you, because you haven't discussed your tractor needs and you haven't had an opportunity to see & sit on the machines. Tractors sorta 'fit' a person, ergonomics... where the pedals, knobs and joystick are in relation to you.

You can't do this remotely. My Dealership had (and has) all the time in the world for me, even though I've got a CUT in a mostly big-ag-tractor State, because I went to them in person. I discussed my needs (total newb) and they sold me the tractor that I needed, not one that was sitting in the lot.

 

[DK35vince]

By the way, those FEL mounted shovels like Jeff9366 has are fine for digging in sand or sandy loam but they wouldn't even scratch the dirt where I live AND if you force them, you have a good chance of bending the lip on your FEL bucket. Even an FEL with tooth bar wont dig very much in my hard Arkansas soil. One has to be aware of soil conditions where one member might have good luck using an implement whereas another place it wont work at all.

I was thinking the same thing.
That shovel may peal off a bit of of top soil, but other than that it wouldn't do much here.

 

[sdcharger]

Massey Ferguson 1736/1742 or Mahindra 1533/1538 or 2538. Skip the backhoe, bank the work, and rent a mini-ex for a month at $2000.

 

[grm61]

That was an awesome lesson. Still not convinced that i can get away without a BH.
Also, lots of recommendations for a kubota, how does it compare to JD? How about a 3039R?
Do I need a mid PTO? Or is it stupid to buy a tractor without it?

I am pro backhoe very handy item to have.
Mine comes off in 3 minutes and goes back on in 5 to seven.

You want to pay for a rental every time you need to dig a hole?, you will save yourself 4 grand buying it with the tractor vs buying it later.
Don't listen to the nay sayers..they don't have one ,so they don't know how nice it is to own it, and have it available whenever you want it.

FYI you will pay alot for green paint

Look at Kioti and LS also, very good tractors lots cheaper than JD and kubota

 

[grm61]

I see your location is farmington hills,is that Michigan?If so I would call Michigan Iron & Equipment Located in morrice mi. (517-625 5590)and speak with Bob Piro(owner)and check out Kioti tractors.Great sales and customer service bar none.Go talk to many dealers and drive the various makes and models see what fits your needs.As others have stated a good dealer(sales,parts & service) to work with is very important.Good luck and happy tractor hunting.

Ditto to what Coobie says, Michigan Iron and Equipment is a top notch dealer...I live in Washington state....If I need anything, that's who I call.

 

[DK35vince]

You want to pay for a rental every time you need to dig a hole?, you will save yourself 4 grand buying it with the tractor vs buying it later.

I actually got a great price on my backhoe adding it later (of course that was in 2003)

 

[dadster4]

You may want to decide what kind of mower would suit you best, seeing you have 20 acres to take care of several times a year. A snowblower or plow may be in your future after the house is built, or a dedicated lawn tractor w/blower for the "nice" lawn and drive maintenance could be purchased later. What size tractor will be necessary for the implements you need now AND in the future? A boxblade will take care of your gravel drive and is great for moving, leveling, and spreading soil/compost. I have used my backhoe a LOT this past year, and have many stumps to remove and other uses in my plans. Only you know what your needs are and what tractor feels comfortable. Visit several dealers and try different models of each brand...then go buy that Kioti :thumbsup:

 

[grm61]

I actually got a great price on my backhoe adding it later (of course that was in 2003)

Vince, it seems like guys are being quoted 10k to 11.5k from reading on here buying it stand alone, for a sub frame mount.
When I bought my tractor the hoe was 6500 to add it.