Buying Advice How long can I get by without one?

[EddieWalker]

Eddie, in your fleet of several tractors are there any duplicates?

nope, no duplicates

 

[oosik]

We moved down to this property in 1982. It's 80 acres and I had a commercial contractor build my mile long driveway - from the county road to the East edge of my property. In 1982 I purchased a brand new Ford 1700 - 4WD. With FEL and rear blade. I successfully used this tractor and Class 1 implements until 2009. I traded the Ford in and got a brand new 2009 Kubota M6040. Since then, I've slowly but surely upgrade my implements to Class 2.

It took me twenty five plus years to do all I wanted to do with the Ford 1700. Then the project simply became too large for the Ford. Now I dream of projects that are larger than the Kubota M6040 - ha, ha.

 

[ovrszd]

nope, no duplicates

Me neither. And if I thought I needed an additional tractor it would not duplicate any of the others.

 

[jjp8182]

Not everyone sees this differently, Eddie. On this I think the same as you do. Two of the same tractor aren't the same machine at all. Not anymore the same than one son is just like another. Both of you have houses, don't you? Drive PUs? Besides, it doesn't have to be the same exact tractor, just the same brand and very close to the same model.

Having more than one tractor is a welcome treat. Look at anyone's signature on TBN! There are lots of jobs where changing tractors just makes more sense than changing inplements.

It's obviously going to be a used tractor, so it will also be frugal. And now that you know what you have to look for - roughly - you can look for a real nice one. And concentrate on some attachments too.

Now just take your time. You do want a nice one. I once knew a guy who bought the very same tractor with the same FEL, but the second one had a powershift transmission and power steering. Much nicer.
Enjoy,
rScotty

The the hydro vs gear transmission that was mentioned as a potential difference makes a difference. I've operated both, and I personally prefer a hydrostatic transmission for doing loader work in close proximity to high value objects/buildings (e.g. within inches - or fractions thereof - of a house) - granted most of the tractors I've driven with geared transmissions were from the 50's-60's, but one of the hydrostatics with a FEL was also '70's/'80's International (not sure of the model).

 

[mred2]

I have a 32 hp older tractor, no FEL. I mowed pasture, graded the road, box blade. I purchase a small dozer for the clearing of some trees. My son purchased a small 26hp tractor, FEL, box blade, forks, finish mower. I was not happy with him at first. I tried to talk him into something a lot bigger with me paying for most of it. I then purchased a 50hp,FEL, grapple, hay spear. I needed something to stack hay. My tractor has been great, but his is too. He can use his without rutting the yard up. It is great for the small things, mine is better for the bigger things. If he tried to sell his tractor, I would buy it.
At the same time, I don't have snow or a cab. I am not sure how well a small tractor would handle the snow. I like the big for me.

 

[ovrszd]

I have a 32 hp older tractor, no FEL. I mowed pasture, graded the road, box blade. I purchase a small dozer for the clearing of some trees. My son purchased a small 26hp tractor, FEL, box blade, forks, finish mower. I was not happy with him at first. I tried to talk him into something a lot bigger with me paying for most of it. I then purchased a 50hp,FEL, grapple, hay spear. I needed something to stack hay. My tractor has been great, but his is too. He can use his without rutting the yard up. It is great for the small things, mine is better for the bigger things. If he tried to sell his tractor, I would buy it.
At the same time, I don't have snow or a cab. I am not sure how well a small tractor would handle the snow. I like the big for me.

So you guys now have three tractors?

 

[MGH PA]

With all this coronavirus crap going on, our school is closed for 10 days. So I have been doing some research and I think a 2501 might fit the bill nicely. I still have my dad's tractor for more PTO driven tasks, so the lower PTO HP of the 2501 wouldn't hinder me as much. I could get a FEL, grapple, third function, and land plane and have most if my main needs met since we already have a 6' Rotary cutter for my dad's tractor plus a 3pt rear blade.

This would stay relatively affordable and I could even add a Curtis cab later down the road.

 

[ovrszd]

Post pics when you get it home!!! We love pics!!!!

 

[HillStreet]

You need a tractor so get one. I could not live on my property without my pickup, tractor, and side x side.

 

[radioman]

hmm /- i had riding mowers for years before switching to my bx. I then didnt know how i lived without one. the FEL , 5 ft mower and rear tiller was a plus right off the bat. If you need something for mowing - why not stay away from the box store riding mowers and get a "real" tractor that lasts so much longer like your dads tractor. who knows - if he get old to the point where he doesnt use his tractor - you wil end up with both later one. a larger one plus small one. if you starting a family - having a tractor in beginning is a good way to save time for family matters and then kids will see you using one and maybe helpout between xbox time or whatever 5-10 years from now they do...
i grew up on riding mowers and used it at my house and didnt think i regretted it, but now its like -- HOW in the world did i make do? you can always upgrade later if you start out with something small . my 2 cents.