Looking for some recommendations

[phytomaniac]

I just purchased 43 acres about half wooded, half overgrown pasture. I've never owned a big tractor. What would knowledgable people recommend? I'm thinking Kubota obviously. Things I would use it for: Planting trees, shrubs, mowing, clearing(lots of saplings and brambles), posthole digging, FEL work(firewood, earthmoving, mulching etc, small veg garden, some grading/lane construction. Also have 3.5 acre pond, which could be used for irrigation. Some specifics-I've used a skidsteer to plant shrubs with front mounted auger and would prefer same on tractor as opposed to rearmount, is this available. I think HST is the way to go for maneuvering. Does about 45 hp seem like a reasonable amount for size of land? I think a cab would be nice-comments? Also, I've never used a backhoe, is this something I'm likely to use. If not I'd rather save the $4k. I'm just a hobbyist with some money to burn. Rather do this than waste it on a new car.

 

[Hambone]

<font color="red">I'm thinking Kubota obviously </font>

Why would you say that?

 

[frank_f15]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM! althogh i own a kubota, and beleive they are fine machines, i think u would be best serverd to look at all brands some may have features u like or dislike. 45 hp sounds like a good starting point, but u really need to look at them and test drive, i also like hydro,and as far as the BH that is something u need to determine, weather u will get enough use out of it to justify the cost, if not then rent one when u need it . might also be helpful to fill in yor profile, gives a better idea of your climate, land cond.etc. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Soundguy]

I would guess 30hp MINIMUM and sky's the limite from there. Would guess something in the 40's to be nice though.. like a NH 3010s decent 45pto hp tractor.

Soundguy

 

[Henro]

<font color="red"> I'm thinking Kubota obviously </font>

<font color="blue"> Why would you say that? </font>

And the obvious answer? Because he is wearing <font color="orange"> ORANGE UNDERWEAR! </font> /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Not to speak for the poster...but I think he was really meaning "a quality product of any color..." /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Test drive!
Test drive!
Test drive!

As many makes and models as you can. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> And the obvious answer? </font>

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Well as a Kubota owner myself, I can tell you that I have no clue why you would be "thinking Kubota obviously."


I think you might want to look at all the major tractor brands out there. As you are a hobbiest (just like me), you will have a lot to learn (just like I did over the past 10 years). One thing you should learn is not to be color blind.

I have purchased in the past 10 years Kubota, White, Cub Cadet, New Holland and John Deere equipement. That includes 3 tractors, 1 riding mower, and several other smaller pieces of power equipment, and all are used regularly. What I have found is that some tractors do some things better than other tractors, but no one brand (at least not JD, NH or Kubota) stand out as better or worse than the other. They are different than each other in some MINOR ways and those MINOR differences are the things that make you love or hate your tractor.

Me, I have a small 24hp New Holland TC24D, I looked at Kubota, bought the New Holland, and it is my favorite tractor. I also have a 30hp Kubota B2910, can't say anything bad about that one, and I liked it better than the comparabel NH and JD machines when I bought it several years ago.

I think you will find that things like pedal position and location of levers, seat comfort, and operator platform design as it relates to your body and your preferences will make you love or hate your machine much more than brand of engine or the color of the paint. Each tractor is going to be very capable, and any major brand 45hp tractor will get the job done, with minimal fuss, probably with a strong dealership support, ease of parts supply and repair, and a good warrenty. Find the one you can operate the most comfortably and if you need to, wear a blindfold so you can't see the color when you are doing your test drives.

 

[Boondox]

First of all, while you'll get plenty of advise, giving some more information in your profile regarding your land conditions (flat v hilly, parched v loamy v mushy conditions, type of winter you have, etc) would really help us target advise to your particular needs.

Secondly, even though I drive a Kubota I can say nothing bad about the quality of JD, MF and NH tractors. Kioti is also beginning to rival the big guys in terms of quality and features. So don't limit yourself that way. It may come down to the dealers' reputations or how they treat you as you compare products. I have a 32hp Kubota for 155 acres, but because of the terrain only half of that is reachable by tractor. My tractor is barely up to the task. Bigger is better, unless you're looking for a finish mowing machine.

In addition to your bona fide needs, it sounds to me like you're looking for a land yacht, i.e., 25% need and 75% desire. Cool! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Been there! That said, backhoeing is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

You haven't even begun to address the tire choice question. You'll get a spirited debate on that one. I tried R4s and turfs, but they failed miserably in my conditions. So I use aggies and never get stuck in the clingy spring thaw mud we have here in northern Vermont. Others, with different soil conditions, have no trouble with R4s loading up and in fact report they clear themselves rather well. So take all the tire advice with your conditions in mind.

Welcome aboard! Pete

 

[JerryT]

I take care of about 52 acres with 60% woods, a little hilly, never any snow in south Texas, with a JD4400 and I love it. The only attachment I don't have is a backhoe (wish,wish, wish). I would certainly recommend staying above 30 hp. Good luck.