Buying Advice How long can I get by without one?

[crashz]

A 990 is not a huge tractor. And together, you guys have 200 acres to take care of. I'm guessing that farming is not your main source of income, so during the week you are busy at work. It would be nice to be able to tackle tasks together and knockout the bigger mowing and maintenance tasks that much quicker.

You mention nothing about budget, so if I were you, I'd look at a similar size tractor (4000 series?) so that you could share buckets and implements. Your fathers tractor would probably have the JD quick attach if any, so that would slightly steer me to JD first.

Beautiful view!

 

[Thomas]

Honestly you got to go with your gut feelings.

 

[RalphVa]

I'd say you could use a B model. Both the 2301 and 2601 have dual brakes which JD seems to have shucked in its gen. 2, 2 series.

Whether you need the much heavier L or JD 3 series depends on how much soil movement you need to do. Otherwise, just pushing those heavier machine up and keeping them from thundering down those hills would require more hp. My back hill down to the creek looks similar to your back yard. Would not want to have to keep an L or 3 series JD from rocketing down the hill and wouldn't want to keep putting more fuel in it to just get a naked tractor back up the hill.

A man needs a diesel powered wheelbarrow, e.g. a tractor with FEL. Gotta have 4wd for those hills (I tried doing with a Gravely: no good).

Ralph

 

[ovrszd]

There's no way I'd buy a smaller tractor than you already have. Or for that matter, a similar size tractor. The existing tractor is handling all those chores just fine. I would need a tractor that's big enough to do those things Dad's won't. I'd be looking at a 75-100hp tractor with FEL. Then add tools to that tractor to relieve some of the heavier chores from Dad's. All of the driveway work and timber work would be done with the larger tractor. With the heavier tasks relieved from Dad's tractor it will last way beyond his lifetime and probably yours. Same with the large tractor.

 

[4570Man]

There's no way I'd buy a smaller tractor than you already have. Or for that matter, a similar size tractor. The existing tractor is handling all those chores just fine. I would need a tractor that's big enough to do those things Dad's won't. I'd be looking at a 75-100hp tractor with FEL. Then add tools to that tractor to relieve some of the heavier chores from Dad's. All of the driveway work and timber work would be done with the larger tractor. With the heavier tasks relieved from Dad's tractor it will last way beyond his lifetime and probably yours. Same with the large tractor.

Just because they have 200 or more acres it doesn’t look like much of it is workable. His dad’s tractor had proved adequate for their needs. I think buying a 100 hp tractor would be way overkill for their needs.

 

[ovrszd]

Just because they have 200 or more acres it doesn’t look like much of it is workable. His dad’s tractor had proved adequate for their needs. I think buying a 100 hp tractor would be way overkill for their needs.

I have 150 acres, 45% tillable. I worked the snot out of a 44hp tractor trying to take care of it. Sold it and bought a 95hp tractor. Then bought a 47hp tractor better suited for the small tasks.

Tillage isn't the reason to buy a larger tractor. It's to spread the ability to accomplish all tasks on the land between two tractors.

What would be the purpose in buying something to duplicate what's already there?

What would be the purpose in buying something that does less work than what's already there?

 

[4570Man]

What would be the purpose in buying something to duplicate what's already there?

What would be the purpose in buying something that does less work than what's already there?

Because he wants his own machine with HST and a cab. He apparently feels satisfied with the work done with his dad’s tractor or he wouldn’t be looking at smaller options.

 

[ovrszd]

Because he wants his own machine with HST and a cab. He apparently feels satisfied with the work done with his dad’s tractor or he wouldn’t be looking at smaller options.

Then he should go for it.

Couple years from now we can have a new thread about upsizing.

How many times do we see that?

 

[k0ua]

Then he should go for it.

Couple years from now we can have a new thread about upsizing.

How many times do we see that?

Oh, about a hundred threads a year or so..

 

[Jstpssng]

Getting back to the original question...
Only you know what your finances are like. If you can easily afford a new tractor you will never regret it. Having access to your father's JD puts you in a postion to look around, but there's something to be said about owning your own tools and equipment. It took me a long time to realize that borrowing comes with a cost. Now if I can't afford to buy something I will go without. And what I do have I don't lend.