Looking for new 35-45 hp tractor

[danvt]

I'm in the market for a tractor. I need something for maintaining about 750 feet of driveway/trail, pulling a dozen or so logs a year about a half mile or so, digging out trenches, cleaning and installing culverts, laying pipe, clearing old logging trails, landscaping (shaping ground), pulling stumps. Grounds are uneven, a lot of sloping property, a consideration for as stable a tractor as possible. Terrain is mostly rock and ledge. This is not to be used for mowing. Will obviously need decent backhoe. This is for our own use, not commercial. I'm getting too old for shovels and picks.

Any thoughts of size, type, etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

I think you are in line... staying in the 3X hp range also keeps the tractor small enough to be nimble. Make sure you get 4wd and power steering. 3X hp should be fine for occasional skidding of reasonable sized timber..

For the 'Big 3', brand is pretty irrelevant.. just pic one with ergonomic features you like and that has good financing, and a great dealer.

Soundguy

 

[KiotiJohn]

The HP range is probably fine. Make sure you can move the wheels out far enough for good stability. Many times if you get Industrial R4 tires as opposed to Ag R1's you'll be at the maximum width already and can't widen the stance any. This is common on many compact tractors.

I recommend that in your search you check out the Kioti LK3054XS TLB package. It has a good backhoe and loader setup on it, and pulls as though it were more than 30 HP. Also comes with the 4pt ROPS/canopy set up for a little head protection. Of course, you can't put that under just every shed as it doesn't fold down.

Any of the Kioti models CK30, DK35/40 or DK45 would all do fine for your jobs.

Of course there are many good makers out there, Mahindra, Branson, LG Montana. I think the Kioties and Montanas probably offer the most standard equipment for the price. Many others charge extra. Check em all out and get your short list and come back and let us know so we can help you spend those $$$!
John

 

[Homeboy]

I just researched this myself and am probably going with a JD 3720 (I was not necessarily looking for that much HP, but that is where I ended up anyway as the 30HP model was close enough in price I jumped up).

I only considered Kubota as an alternative, so all I can say is I found the JD to be really nice. I particularly liked the ease of removing the loader and backhoe, which you may not care about, but the controls are great too. The 3720 is 44HP (35 PTO) annd there are some lower models in the line which are identical except for power and price.

The dealer I'm talking to quoted $24,479 base discounted to $20,563, FYI (not including any options) - I have not called around or negotiated yet ...

good luck.

Homeboy

 

[chatcher]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I just researched this myself and am probably going with a JD 3720 (I was not necessarily looking for that much HP, but that is where I ended up anyway as the 30HP model was close enough in price I jumped up).

I only considered Kubota as an alternative, so all I can say is I found the JD to be really nice. I particularly liked the ease of removing the loader and backhoe, which you may not care about, but the controls are great too. The 3720 is 44HP (35 PTO) annd there are some lower models in the line which are identical except for power and price.

The dealer I'm talking to quoted $24,479 base discounted to $20,563, FYI (not including any options) - I have not called around or negotiated yet ...

good luck.

Homeboy )</font>

Since I'm driving a new New Holland, it is my duty to recommend the TC35/40/45DA's. At least sit on one before you sign any papers. That's all it took for me!

 

[BigAl]

My 2 cents ! Kioti DK45 TLB !!! I got one and use it on 45 plus acres of ranch land and timber . Best dang tractor I have ever owned ! And I have owned and or operated just about everything out there . For the Money, Fit, Finish, Power, Weight ,Optional Financing Packages , Standard Features , Warranty, Operator Friendly and Available Attachments , I think they are unbeatable .
With Kioti ,you are not paying for the name .......yet... , as you do with some brands . But I am willing to bet money that will change as more people discover what a great tractor company Kioti is .Some on TBN will holler about resale down the road of lesser known brands . Yea , they probably paid too much for name recognition and now realize it . Some will also holler about parts and service after the sale . I sure don't have a problem getting Kioti parts . But then again ,I have not needed much since I got my rig . A few filters and so forth . And if I was going out of business soon , I sure as heck would not build a brand new "Parts Distribution Center" and stock it to the roof with parts as Kioti has done .
Are you buying a tractor to resale or use ??? I say resale depends on how well you maintain your tractor, any tractor ! If it looks and runs like a piece of #X@! , when you decide to upgrade or no longer need a tractor , then you really have no one to blame but yourself for getting less money on your "trade in" or sale .I live by one rule , "Take good care of your tractor and it will take care of you" !
There are a number of very good tractor brands out there to choose from and that will be the hardest part of this whole tractor buying/deciding business for you . For me , Kioti was the answer , for someone else it might not be . Good luck on your final decision and keep us posted .
Hey!!! lets get that Bio page fill in so we can get to know you a little better !!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif You never know when we might want to drop by and see that new baby ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Big Al

 

[tough451]

If you want used look at the Massey 135 the 200 series or even the new 400 series.
Also look at the Ford 3000s 3600s 3930s and so on. These two brands ruled the 35 to 45 hp tractors for many years and judging by some of the resale prices are still highly sought.