Tractor Sizing Looking for HP Recommendation

[youne]

I was leaning MMM but with the savings of not buying new I could probably pop into a used ZTR to handle stuff closer to the house and then just grab a rotary or finish mower if I don't do the mid PTO.

 

[rScotty]

There's used L3901 a couple hours away thats 2 or 3 years old with some light use. I am wondering if that's the best to take the chance on. It's a good deal and feel like I could easily resell at the same price if I had to...otherwise it's a jump to the L4701.

That's a more reasonable size for doing the projects you are talking about....not that you couldn't do them with somethng smaller, but you did mention several hundred trees. It wouldn't surprise me at all to read that after using the L3901 for a few years you didn't end up trading it for an even little bit larger machine. The larger compacts/small utility size tractors are very comfortable compared to the smaller. The L3901 does come with either HST or the mechanical F/R 8 speed shuttle option, and both are nice transmissions.

If I was going to put in several hundred trees, I'd get a small Kubota TLB and use the backhoe for planting. The other features of the TLB are just pure enjoyment. However, I see that the L3901 will mount a popular Kubota Hoe - the BH77 & also has a nice loader.

Agree that you are better with a tractor at least that L3901 size and then a separate ZTR for mowing. Especially considering the other things you want to do with the tractor. BTW, what kind of trees? Anything special? Wish I'd planted even more ten years ago.

A used tractor is also a proven tractor. With low hours and good maintenance I'd have no problem with one being used. I always buy low hour used when I can.
Luck to you,
rScotty

 

[youne]

Thanks Scotty. We are doing a shelter belt so will be a minimum of 2 rows. We are thinking poplars on the outside to start because they grow like gangbusters. Haven't decided on what we want on the inside just yet. I have been back on forth on a backhoe too, but I am gonna have to get this past the house's CFO at some point as well...

 

[buck12]

If you don't want an mmm. I would give this tractor serious consideration.
You only have 5 acres and aren't doing very much.

When I bought my 50 acre farm, all I had for about a year was an old yanmar 35 hp tractor.
Believe it or not, I got a ton of work done with that tractor before Up grading

I can relate. I reclaimed much of my neglected 72 acres with a 26 hp Mahindra and maintained it for 12 years before upgrading.

 

[kenmac]

To me, Like a new vehicle, I just don't think a new tractor is worth the hit in deprecation .
Both my CX105, and my MX5100 were bought used.

Buying used, I was also able to stay away from the new emissions on the newer tractors.
More gadgets usually = more problems

 

[youne]

Yeah the biggest challenge is there are about as many used tractors available as new right now around me.

 

[LouNY]

Thanks Scotty. We are doing a shelter belt so will be a minimum of 2 rows. We are thinking poplars on the outside to start because they grow like gangbusters. Haven't decided on what we want on the inside just yet. I have been back on forth on a backhoe too, but I am gonna have to get this past the house's CFO at some point as well...

When you are talking shelter belt, are you talking a wind break?
I would never go with Poplar for a shelter break while they grow fast they are not deep rooted or sturdy.
Most shelter belts around here are evergreens as bare trunks and limbs don't do much sheltering.

As far as the planting i would recommend renting a skid steer with an auger for a day or two at a time,
you could auger in a lot of holes in a day then plant your trees and backfill with any small tractor.

 

[Cycledude]

So exactly what kind and size of trees are you wanting to plant ?

 

[youne]

We haven't fully decided yet, but am building likely a 2 row shelter, maaaaaaaybe 3. Was going to base on this guide. Poplars aren't set in stone. I still need to see the whole thing without snow on it too before we make any major decisions.

Farmyard shelterbelts - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

 

[Cycledude]

I definitely would not choose Poplars.
Planted 2 row Spruce windbreak by my place about 30 years ago and they are doing well