How much tractor do I need

[houstonscott]

I would say you need something in the 50hp range. This will allow you to run just about any implement you might need to operate PTO upwards of 40hp. If you want the most tractor for the least money right now get an LS U5030. They are built in S. Korea in a new modern factory and are of new modern designs. They use Mitsubishi commercial engines and seem to be an outstanding buy. If you really want the top of the line get a new MF 1600 series, the are also new designs built in new modern factories in Japan by Iseki ( the MB of small tractors) and have the fit and finish and cutting edge stuff of BMW's. Direct injection high pressure diesels and alike. If your scared and don't know what to do just stay north of 48hp and not more than 60 and go JD, NH or Kubota. You'll be ok too.

HS

 

[ejkessler]

I think if you are comfortable with your decision then go with it. One of the most important ones you made is going with a frame mounted BH. 3pt hoes are not worth it IMO. Sounds like you are going to be into "the process of it all" which means you can go slow if you want. There comes a point when you say how much is enough. Just think what the pioneers would have given just for an old Farmall cub. If you own Kioti and have have a good rapport with the dealer then that speaks a lot as well. Just keep in mind you will be working this machine to its limits at times and you will know quickly how well its built. Even if you have someone come in and doze you will have years of work to take care of as well. So many variables relating to size, type and number of trees along with geography and soil. It will all depend on how you will really want to be in "the process of it all". Good luck.

 

[Sulla]

I appreciate everyone's input. In a perfect world I would have like to keep the tractor I have and purchased a specialty back hoe/loader combo like the Deere or Kubota. Ultimately everything comes down to money. I can afford this tractor without having to finance, something I am trying t get away from, and the dealer will take the beast of a truck I have in trade. I'm not sure how else I'd get rid of it.

At $31,000 for everything if I have to sell it later I'm hoping I won't take too much of a beating.

It's a tough call. But into the breach I go.

Now for a welding machine I'm off to that forum.

Thanks for the advice it's much appreciated.

 

[boggen]

ya don't have to have 4x4 or mfwd, an older tractor 2wd can work just as good.

if ya wait and keep an eye on different websites, craigslist, tractorhouse, ironsearch, and few others out there. i bet you could pick up a 2 to 5 year old tractor with at very min a FEL on it. granted it would be out of warranty, but the cost would come down pretty good amount. and you could most likely keep current tractor and perhaps truck as well.

granted it is always nice to have a new tractor. but ya do what ya gotta do.

 

[Sulla]

I just took delivery of a brand spanking new Kioti DK45, with FEL and backhoe for under $31,000. Coming from the CK20 this thing is a monster!

I can't wait to put it to work. Right now I'm just moving mud around, looking for a project.

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Rockgod]

I just took delivery of a brand spanking new Kioti DK45, with FEL and backhoe for under $31,000. Coming from the CK20 this thing is a monster!

I can't wait to put it to work. Right now I'm just moving mud around, looking for a project.

Thanks to all for your input.

Man that was quick! I guess you don't mess around. It took me a full 2 1/2 months to make a decision.

Congrates on the new ride :thumbsup:

 

[Barry Bowen]

Bill in NY

Okay those farmers may have one light duty 4x4, but from what you just said that is not their only tractor. If you are actually going to be FARMING you would be better off with one good, big strong 2 wd. What did we farm with for decades before the 4x4's came along? Gee two wheel drives what do you know.

I can tell you stories of the neighbor with his big 4x4 getting stuck, where my 1066 walked right through it. I know how to drive in muck, and he did not. He just depended on 4x4 to do miracles. Operator is more important that equipment.

I can tell you another story of a 150 HP JD 4x4 that took $3800 worth of parts because the operator forgot to disengage coming out of field. Gotta be great, I sure could never afford that kind of dependable service from my tractors.

Keep telling each other how great 4x4 compact and utility tractors are. Don't think about getting a bigger 2 wheel drive that is actually built to take the abuse you give the smaller tractor.

I say one more time, if you need 4x4 on a tractor, you do not need to go there!

 

[bigbull338]

hold on there,a 2wd drive tractor is all we ran till the winter of 2010.an then it was a 4x4 doing the haying.in the winter of 2009 an 2010 it was so wet we couldnt even get to our hay with out getting stuck.an when we got stuck we called friends with 4x4s to pull us out.tractor would sink to the axel.this year we didnt have a prob haying with the 4x4.

 

[bill in ny]

Bill in NY

Okay those farmers may have one light duty 4x4, but from what you just said that is not their only tractor. If you are actually going to be FARMING you would be better off with one good, big strong 2 wd. What did we farm with for decades before the 4x4's came along? Gee two wheel drives what do you know.

I can tell you stories of the neighbor with his big 4x4 getting stuck, where my 1066 walked right through it. I know how to drive in muck, and he did not. He just depended on 4x4 to do miracles. Operator is more important that equipment.

I can tell you another story of a 150 HP JD 4x4 that took $3800 worth of parts because the operator forgot to disengage coming out of field. Gotta be great, I sure could never afford that kind of dependable service from my tractors.

Keep telling each other how great 4x4 compact and utility tractors are. Don't think about getting a bigger 2 wheel drive that is actually built to take the abuse you give the smaller tractor.

I say one more time, if you need 4x4 on a tractor, you do not need to go there!

barry, i agree, the operator is more important than the equipment. you must also know the limits of both.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

That is the key, knowing your tractors limits. Did a lot of farming with 2 wd tractors.