I need help also on picking a new machine.

[WIshane]

I currently own a John Deere 420 With a 60 inch mower and a snow blade and while its a great tractor I think I need a bigger machine. I have a 27.5 acre property I currently mow 3.5 acres and I have begun planting trees on the remainder 24 acres I handplanted 2200 trees on 3 acres and plan to machine plant 6 to 7 thousand trees on 10 acres next spring. While I do not plan to use the new tractor for running the tree planter ( it requires a 35hp tractor ) I have some major landscaping plans , smoothing out my ditches , building retaining walls , and etc the tractor I need must still be something practical to mow my lawn and clear out my driveway in these long cold Wisconsin winters . Also what attachments would I need thanks in advance Shane

 

[Varmintmist]

That planter take 35 PTO hp?? That is different than 35 eng hp and tractors are sold by the eng hp now.

If you need 35 PTO hp you are going to be looking at a pretty big machine for cutting grass. If a 35 eng hp tractor will cut it, then I am happy so far with my Mahindra 3510.

DOH!!!! Reread and saw that you are not going to run the planter.

Ok then definatly look at the Mahindra. I found that dollar for dollar they are a better buy than the big three. They are a modern style tractor, not 40's technology, and Mahindra has been around for a while.

You could probably use something in the 27-35 hp range, not to big, not to small. I assume that you will need to get through the trees while they are growing, so size matters. You can run a decent sized hoe and FEL with a bit less than 30 hp, (JD790) and you can get a lot of moxie out of 35 hp (Mahindra 3510) with a ton of variations and colors in between.

A hoe would be good not only for your landscaping, but if you are doing Christmass trees you can either dig the stumps or sell the trees live with a root ball.

A carry all is the cheapest work saver there is (IMHO)

Toothbar, dont get one without it unless you get the hoe. You can pick up loose stuff with out the toothbar, but you wont break anything loose.

For the snow, between the FEL and a backblade you should be able to move whatever you want. If you get hammered in every storm, then a blower is for you.

You are probably going to need a sprayer for the trees.

List what dealers are near and what you are comfortable with and these guys are full of.................. ummmmmm .............. good ideas /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[PowerTrom425]

WIshane... I suggest you take half a moment to check out ....

Buy American-made Power Trac equipment direct and SAVE up to 30%!!!
12 models of Articulated, 4WD Tractors, Attachments, and Trailer Packages available.
Call 1-800-THE-YARD or click on www.power-trac.com for more details.

I just copied/pasted their listing from the top of this page. In full disclosure, I am a proud owner of a PT425. Very versatile machine.....all the attachments are quick attach front mounted. You can mow, plow snow, blow snow, plant trees, landscape, build retaining walls and more!

I admit that I may be....okay,,,,I am biased /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif, but I think that if a person doesn't at least check out the PowerTrac line as part of their buying decision process, they're crazy!! That being said,,,,,,have a great day, and let us know what you end up with.....Tom

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Shane, I'll second the point to look at the PowerTrac, although I would go larger than the PT425. Probably look for something in the 30hp diesel range.

Now let me disclose my point of view. I have a NH TC24 and a Kubota B2910. Both are excellent machines, both amaze me with their abilities, even if I occasionally complain about them.

But I was looking for a garden tractor replacement this spring and ended up looking at the smalleer Power Trac models (PT422) and was simply astounded by how flexible these machines are and how often they are overlooked. I was really looking for an excellent lawn mower and what I found with PT is that they are excellent tractors but just pretty darn good lawn mowers. As I already had 2 other tractors and more implements than I can fit into my garage, I really didn't want to start over again.

IF I WAS IN A POSITION WHERE I HAD NO TRACTOR then I would say that PowerTrac would be at, or very near, the top of my list of choices. And for the uses you are talking about (major landscaping plans) I can think of no machine that will do the job as well as fast.

Now the downside is you don't get a dealer to help you, and that is a big downside in my mind. The PT guys, however, seem to report that the factory direct arrangement seems to work very well in getting problems resolved if/when they arrise.

 

[PowerTrom425]

I don't know if you recall Bob, but you are the one that originally turned me on to PowerTrac. Thanks! I was initially put off by the no-dealer-network thing, but overcame my angst on that issue. The tractor is perfect for me.

Shane, you might want to check out the PowerTrac forum here on TBN.... Good luck,,,Tom

 

[Kozmo38]

I am not going to talk down any of the other makes or models on this site. However, I am going to speak up with how happy I am about my Mahindra 3015.

I am not much of a tractor guy, but I am amazed every time that I put my Mahindra to a different task.

I think what I like most about it is the profile and manuverability of it.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to pm me and I will be happy to answer all of your questions