How much tractor do I need

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Check out a Mahindra 4530 4WD, heavy duty but not more HP than you need.

 

[flusher]

So what's your tractor budget?
With all those chores and 45 acres, I'd get something like my 2008 Mahindra 5525 (54 hp engine, 45 hp pto, 2WD, gear tranny, power steering) with the ML250 FEL (6-ft wide bucket, 2950 lb lift to 10.5 ft height. skid steer quick attach option)--about $19K. It can be an expensive mistake to start with an undersized tractor and then have to trade it in for a larger machine. Better to buy a little oversize to start with.

 

[boggen]

be careful on buying used. backhoe or rather loader/backhoe in my case. tractorhouse.com was helpful in finding nearby ones for sale. out of one day trip looking at i think 12 different machines. it was the very last one i saw that ended up getting. there were all used. and night and day difference between the one i bought many of the others.

the backhoes on some of them. were loose meaning, ya go to swing them left to right and they kept on swinging. or when ya drop the bucket down fast, the bucket would bounce pretty good. do to pins and holes for them were worn out or bent.

the ford 555c. is 4 cylinder diesel, after playing on some 3 cylinder diesels the power difference was huge. both in HP, speed, and just pure power.

for myself i wish i could take the backhoe off the 555c and have a 3pt hitch i could run other implements /attachments. but it came down to a point were. being able to pull the seat latch and do a quick spin around in the seat to operate the backhoe. vs having a regular tractor that had a 3pt hitch. that required you to change seats. plus the pain of taking 3pt backhoe on/off.

it boiled down to. get the loader backhoe machine first that was bigger and more power and do the big work that needs to be done. then in a couple years trading the 555c in for a regular utility tractor that has a 3pt hitch. with some attachments to finish various projects up.

the idea being. once i get most of the large work done, i won't need that large of a backhoe and power, and if a project does come up. it would be cheaper at that time to rent a machine to do the given project.

ya the farm is looking like a mess at moment (front pond the worse) but after i get the bigger work done. and trading in for a utility tractor that i can run attachments, like box blade, rear blade, bigger plow, disc, harrow, rotatory cutter. post hole digger, things will shape up nicely.

granted it would be nice if the budget allowed to have 2 tractors at the same time. or i should say one good backhoe and then a utility tractor. with utility tractor being min of 40hp engine. but would rather see 50 to 60hp utility tractor for the 80 acres i have.

 

[Sulla]

No I'm not building in Sulla Montana, I'd like to visit but no idea where it is.

I've pretty much decide on a Kioti DK45SE with loader and frame mounted back hoe for about $30k. I like the little Kioti I have now and I've done a lot of business with this dealer so I feel pretty good about it. I figure it can do a lot of things well and for projects it can't do I'll rent what I need. It's brand new and has a four year warranty for some amount of hours I won't reach, well maybe I will.

The dealer also owns a truck dealership and is willing to take an old truck I have as part of the deal along with my current tractor, meaning my out of pocket is only around $11,000.

It seems like a pretty good deal on a tractor that gets me 80% of what I need.

Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Carykong]

You mentioned "milling" Any thoughts on the mill you wish to have? Log handling will be a factor in the type of tractor/skid steer you may need.

 

[bill in ny]

No I'm not building in Sulla Montana, I'd like to visit but no idea where it is.

I've pretty much decide on a Kioti DK45SE with loader and frame mounted back hoe for about $30k. I like the little Kioti I have now and I've done a lot of business with this dealer so I feel pretty good about it. I figure it can do a lot of things well and for projects it can't do I'll rent what I need. It's brand new and has a four year warranty for some amount of hours I won't reach, well maybe I will.

The dealer also owns a truck dealership and is willing to take an old truck I have as part of the deal along with my current tractor, meaning my out of pocket is only around $11,000.

It seems like a pretty good deal on a tractor that gets me 80% of what I need.

Thanks to all for your input.

sounds like you're ready for fun! be careful while you work the new tractor.

 

[jenkinsph]

No I'm not building in Sulla Montana, I'd like to visit but no idea where it is.

I've pretty much decide on a Kioti DK45SE with loader and frame mounted back hoe for about $30k. I like the little Kioti I have now and I've done a lot of business with this dealer so I feel pretty good about it. I figure it can do a lot of things well and for projects it can't do I'll rent what I need. It's brand new and has a four year warranty for some amount of hours I won't reach, well maybe I will.

The dealer also owns a truck dealership and is willing to take an old truck I have as part of the deal along with my current tractor, meaning my out of pocket is only around $11,000.

It seems like a pretty good deal on a tractor that gets me 80% of what I need.

Thanks to all for your input.

I think you will find the DK45 SE will be too small for your needs, not enough digging depth, not enough fel lifting capacity and not enough hp. When you buy a tractor that isn't large enough for your tasks you wind up upgrading at some point, that is usually money lost. I recommend you really look into this a little further before deciding. Consider what a pallet of building materials weighs (such as concrete block, pavers, sackcrete) most are close to 3000 lbs. How much reach do you need for a backhoe, there is a huge difference between the 8' and 12' hoe.

I think a Kubota M59 tlb might be a better match for your situation. While more costly it could handle the vast majority of the jobs you would have. I suspect it would save alot of rental expense for you for the construction phases while still being small enough to use in the woods. With a 12' hoe and a 3800 lb fel and a 60 hp tractor you would be in good shape for 90% of your work. I would keep the small Kioti for tight spaces too.

I have a Deere 110tlb which is also good but think the slightly larger M59 would be a better fit. Both of these machines can handle implements that would be just right for your size property and needs. The higher hp Kubota M59 could get the work done faster though.

 

[Sulla]

I think a Kubota M59 tlb might be a better match for your situation. While more costly it could handle the vast majority of the jobs you would have. I suspect it would save alot of rental expense for you for the construction phases while still being small enough to use in the woods. With a 12' hoe and a 3800 lb fel and a 60 hp tractor you would be in good shape for 90% of your work. I would keep the small Kioti for tight spaces too.

I have a Deere 110tlb which is also good but think the slightly larger M59 would be a better fit. Both of these machines can handle implements that would be just right for your size property and needs. The higher hp Kubota M59 could get the work done faster though.

I looked a both a Deere and Kubota, the model designation escapes me. To get a similar set up would cost me about $10,000 more on the Deere and $6000 ok so on the Kubota. I pay cash and have a lot of stuff I'm going to have purchase, so money is an issue. $30,000 is about as high as I can go considering my trades.

I know it's not going to be perfect but I hope I can do 80% of what I need to do with it.

 

[jenkinsph]

I understand that cost is always a factor, the Deere 110 tlb and the Kubota M59 are much higher priced machines no doubt about it. For their purposes both of these machines have a niche to fill and they both do an outstanding job.

I make my living for the most part doing similar work to what you have described and can only suggest what I have learned having been there.


Good luck with your new project.

 

[Sulla]

I understand that cost is always a factor, the Deere 110 tlb and the Kubota M59 are much higher priced machines no doubt about it. For their purposes both of these machines have a niche to fill and they both do an outstanding job.

I make my living for the most part doing similar work to what you have described and can only suggest what I have learned having been there.

Good luck with your new project.

I just took a look at both of these. It would be great if I could keep my Kioti and by either one. They both look like exactly what I need. Blasted, money always spoils the fun.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[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.