I'm Completely Lost in What Tractor to Buy? Help!

[rback33]

I believe most of the tractors I'm looking at are in the 60'-65' range with R4's. So I may not be able to get too close either. Since I'm not doing any finish mowing, I have thought about going with Ag tires for the extra traction in the woods and creek crossings? A bonus may be a slightly narrower width?

AG's should be narrower, and if you are only mowing pasture, I would not hesitate to go with AG tires.

 

[n8wrl]

I do believe Ag's are narrower so that might work out good with the 5'. I don't have any experience with Ag's but I have heard they're pretty hard on the lawn if you ever do drive it there. There have been several threads comparing Ag's and R4's in various terrain.

-Brian

 

[2whlrcr]

There have been several threads comparing Ag's and R4's in various terrain.

-Brian

Where do I find these threads at?

 

[n8wrl]

Where do I find these threads at?

Just do a search for 'r4 tire' or something similar. You'll get hits.

-Brian

 

[Tim_in_IA]

2whlrcr,

Sorry I am just catching this post. I noticed that you are in my neck of the woods. Are you speaking with Franzen's in Monmouth? They are great people to work with and honest as they come.

Will you be transporting hay with the tractor for the horses? Make sure whatever you get is big enough to move bales around. With a place that size you will always find more to do with the machine. I started at around 40 hp but then I moved up to the 65 hp 4x4 6500. I have found that I can do most of the jobs the smaller machines can do with the exception of finish mowing, and I also can run large round balers and other ag equipment. That being said, I'd love a tiny skid steer to get in those tight areas and clean out buildings.

 

[2whlrcr]

2whlrcr,

Sorry I am just catching this post. I noticed that you are in my neck of the woods. Are you speaking with Franzen's in Monmouth? They are great people to work with and honest as they come.

Yes, Franzens, although I have not actually talked to them yet. Also considering Wapsi Valley in Anamosa and another guy in Dyersville who handle Bransons. I am leaning towards a Case/N.H though, because I just feel more comfortable with established product and dealers, concerning this is a 25 year investment.

Ideally a small skidsteer and tractor would work best for me, but I'm trying to do this with just one piece of equipment. I can't afford to buy new for both and most used skid steers I see are junk.

As far as hay, our initial thoughts is to buy a hay wagon and then just purchase square bails by the wagon. Keep the wagon in the barn and distribute hay as needed. No need to move round bails. We are only going to have 2-6 horses (at least that's what she's promising me!)

Yes, it's a lot of land, but I will only be working a small portion of it. Maybe 4-8 acres in pasture tops and mowing some trails throughout the property. Clearing snow and the little bit of dirt work, manure piles, etc....

Thanks

 

[Tim_in_IA]

2whlrcr,

Before I bought new I went to Franzen's for used parts for my IH400. I will tell you the 4wd will really come in handy on the hills so I am glad you are going that route. Franzen's usually have a good assortment down there so you can always give them a test drive. Good luck with your decision!


I drive by the place in Anamosa every day home from work. Never stopped in yet. I may be wrong but I think some of the models they have are also sold by mahindra. I think a lot of them are rebranded TYM. My 6500 is 100% mahindra, but the smaller machines are outsourced. Keep that in mind when you are searching.

 

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

If you do your homework well, you will find Mahindra is equally established in the world wide tractor market with any of the big three here in the US. Also, the actual manufacturer of the Mahindra compacts, Mitsubishi of Japan, is a better known company than the manufacturing company of the Case/NH compacts. Stop and try the 3215 tractor. Take note the NH dealer tried to sell you on supersteer. This is an option you don't need for your applications and if you try the 3215 you will be impressed with stock turning radius at no extra expense. Don't rule out the Mahindra before you look into it well. I'm not trying to put down the NH, it is a good tractor, as is the Mahindra, just give the Mahindra a fair chance. Good luck with your tractor shopping.

Galen LaWall
Your Mahindra Tractor Dealer
Batavia, NY
585-343-0770

 

[2whlrcr]

Any comments on how the Mahindras compare to the Branson's? These are the only imports I'm considering, except for the Big 3.

Thanks

 

[texasjohn]

You are sitting on the edge of needing something in the 50hp range, IMHO.

True, right now you can't see exactly why.... but you will note that several posters indicated that they started at about 30hp then moved up.

You've got 100 acres and, typically over time people develop needs to do things with the land.. and a bit larger tractor is needed. At age 50, you've got energy and ideas and want-to.

Unless you are wanting to simply maintain a wildlife sanctuary, I predict your need will develop for a tractor capable of working harder/faster/stronger than a 35ish HP .

Given the land, horses, etc, I'd spend your money on these things :
4 wheel drive
FEL
QUICK ATTACH/SKID STEER ON THE FEL
HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION (you can't believe how precise it is and safe)
HAY SPIKE FOR LARGE BALES
note, other attachments will suggest themselves.... observe the variety that other TBNers are using! So, begin putting aside $ for that.