Buying Advice How long can I get by without one?

[ovrszd]

I think the OPs relationship with the man he's borrowing the tractor from is unique. I'm not sure anyone posting has that relationship. I think that's why Dad can't understand why a tractor needs purchased.

That might be easier explained if the purchased tractor better fills a need.

 

[MGH PA]

I think the OPs relationship with the man he's borrowing the tractor from is unique. I'm not sure anyone posting has that relationship. I think that's why Dad can't understand why a tractor needs purchased.

That might be easier explained if the purchased tractor better fills a need.

Yep. My dad loves helping put with his tractor. He's on it almost every day. I just see myself doing a lot of loader work and the HST would be nice. I thought of getting rid of my ZTR and getting a compact that could also serve as my mower.

As for a 75+ HP, not only is that not in the budget ($30k and under ), it isn't necessary since as someone pointed out most of the ground isn't tillable. Mostly we do timber work and ground work. Not mowing.

 

[shooterdon]

I have 20 acres and have a 40 hp tractor. I would not want a smaller machine. Processing firewood, a bit of driveway maintenance, snow blowing, food plots.

You will regret trading the ZTR...it mows at double the speed. IMHO.

 

[paulfun9]

Yep. . He's on it almost every day. .

There is the answer to your question on how long you can do without ?

If he is always on it you need one now because he is stealing all your fun tractor time!

 

[dodge man]

I think 30k or less would by a nice tractor that would do a lot of things you need. The argument goes on and on about a ZTR vs a tractor with a MMM vs a tractor with a rear finish mower. They all work great but it depends on your needs. I like the mid mount on my JD 2025r, it is also an auto connect so it goes on and off the tractor easier. For price I got a 2025r, FEL, 60 autoconnect deck, and pallet forks for 21 k taxes and all, 0% for 5 years so a 30k budget would by a lot of tractor new or used.

 

[Diggin It]

I thought of getting rid of my ZTR and getting a compact that could also serve as my mower.

Mostly we do timber work and ground work. Not mowing.

A SCUT with an MMM or RFM will mow, but probably isn't a substitute for a dedicated mower in most cases. I was hoping it would be, but it just isn't. My ground is rough, lots of imperfections. When it gets dry in Summer, it's very hard. That makes for a hard ride on my SCUT with filled R4 tires. Very hard .. to the point I can't comfortably mow at any sort of speed. Just bounces me around in the seat around too much. And the turning radius isn't great for getting around and between things. I also need a minimum of 8' clearance under branches due to the ROPS. Most dedicated mowers are much lower.

A SCUT isn't really suited for tilling and timber work on any scale. I till and move wood, but only on a very small scale.

For price I got a 2025r, FEL, 60 autoconnect deck, and pallet forks for 21 k taxes and all.

Mine was around $18K with the MMM, FEL, BH, 48" tiller and subsoiler/middlebuster.

 

[dodge man]

I think with the OP’s budget he is looking at what is more likely a CUT sized tractor.

 

[ovrszd]

I think if a larger class tractor with FEL is purchased Dad will quickly change which tractor he's on daily.

Tillage isn't why you would benefit from a larger tractor. Timber work is where the need is.

In your backyard picture alone I see a couple hours of heavy grapple work with a larger more stable tractor.

 

[Jchonline]

Get a cab tractor. Dad is getting older and whether he likes it or not he will be much safer (wind, dust, heat, cold) and more comfortable in a cab.

 

[fried1765]

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.

^^^^^ EXACTLY CORRECT !!!!