Looking to buy my first tractor

[kenhar]

You have 20 acres, downed trees, and heavy lifting to do. Buy a small to mid-size tractor and equipment mentioned and in five years you will still have 20 acres, downed trees and heavy lifting to do. I would buy a dresser/international 150 or 175 track loader with 4 in 1 bucket. 10,000 to 15,000 for a good machine, half of what a comparable Cat machine will cost. It will pick up and move your downed timber, push brush to a pile a tractor can't, level your ground, fill stump holes, clean your fence rows, build your roads, and fun to operate. When you get your 20 acres ready for a small tractor, sell this machine, get your money back, then go tractor shopping. Been there, done that.

 

[OK.Montana]

I’m in a similar position. I decided on a 70 hp used FEL tractor and am grateful for the cab and the larger size yet smaller than a big one. It’s perfect except I need a backhoe a couple times a year. I rent a backhoe or excavator as required. My machine is a 2008/9 model and it was under your budget. I have a mobile mechanic that is reasonably priced for my area and very good so I’m happy with the choice of tractor. If I find a 45hp or larger backhoe I will buy it at the right price. New is tempting and smaller new is affordable but I really needed the larger cab tractor. I didn’t know it but a good farmer friend suggested that I go with the 70hp range no def and something the mobile mechanic would work. Large enough to do the job small enough I can haul it myself.

 

[Gord Baker]

Jeff9366 has your answer. Do not go too small. Get a Grapple attachment and Brush bucket attachment. That is a lot of forest to clean. Is it necessary or just so it looks nice?
Talk to other farmers in your area.

 

[redmt]

We are in hilly to steep terrain. Hard clay that turns to snot in the winter. Most of my neighbors are on 20-20,000 acres. The smaller ranches mostly all have Kubota machines in the 3-6000# class. I have a l-3200. I also have a Case 580K extend-a-hoe with 4in1 2wheel drive that gets called into use everywhere when the little Cutebotas don't cut it. Bigger is better to a point.

 

[walnutman]

The Summit tractor website seems to indicate that they are only available in one small model: a smallish 25hp lightweight machine. It doesn’t sound suitable for your intended uses. DEF systems aren’t used in machines less than 75hp.

Funny I recently saw this in our Atwoods flyer

 

[walnutman]

I think everything above 25hp has regen and after 75 DEF and Regen

 

[Deanes]

Hi just joined the group, I’m looking for opinions on what tractor to get I’m thinking that a compact is what I need. I’ve got a little over 20 acres in north east Texas a lot of timber on the property a lot of down trees needing cleaning up and piles to burn.

I’m planning to do a lot of heavy lifting in addition to a good bit of dirt work. That said I require a front end loader, a box blade and eventually like to get a grappler and a brush hog and I’m sure other implants down the road. I’ve gone to several of the local tractor dealers just looking and having no real ideas on what to get.

For the little bit of research that I have done I like a lot of the standard options the new Summit tractor offers. I know it is not a well established company and only time will tell.

One thing I would prefer is that the tractor not need DEF because of the added complexity of them and from what I’ve heard they can be more finicky. I’ve been advised to stay away from the tractors with regin systems.

Additionally I would like to stay under 25k

Thanks in advance.

For your use, get minimum 70hp. Even then a lot of time effort and maintenance. Or, The idea of a used track loader or big skid steer is great advice. Or perhaps a full sized backhoe. Most definitely you will quickly destroy a small tractor with this kind of work. Clean up the property and then trade for a compact to maintain it.
You may be money ahead to hire a dozer to clean it up, then a lighter tractor to maintain it.

 

[JohnTexas]

I own timberland in Texas with some easements, trails and firebreaks which require mowing. I started with a JD 3032e and after a year went to a 5075e as 75 horsepower is the largest engine without DEF and I found that more power was necessary. You can always use more power so I would get the most you can within your budget. I bought both as low hour used models to get more value for what was spent. Definitely get a grapple with third function on the joystick along with a set of pallet forks which is always handy. I have those along with the bucket, mower and box blade. Again, good used items gets more for your money especially if you are not a full time user of equipment. If you are lifting or dragging heavy things 4WD is a good option as well.

 

[Smokeydog]

Agree heavy tractor or construction equipment for moving trees is best. Construction equipment usually has better ROPS and overhead protection. The Kubota TLB plays well within that range. When looking for a used pre tier4, M59 saw many from Texas. Found my 2013. 1100hr, landscape model without a backhoe, M59 near Black Mountain for about $22K trade 6 years ago. Later found a backhoe with thumb for $5K. Great woods tractor with four post ROPS. Easy as pie to operate with heavy lifting FEL. Any tractor working in the woods needs some armor.

Have seen the use tractor valve almost double in the past few years. Still there are bargains if you hunt hard and be quick. One of my better performing investments.

Tree work is dangerous work particularly damaged trees. Invest wisely in your working buddy.

 

[rwendel]

Hi just joined the group, I’m looking for opinions on what tractor to get I’m thinking that a compact is what I need. I’ve got a little over 20 acres in north east Texas a lot of timber on the property a lot of down trees needing cleaning up and piles to burn.

I’m planning to do a lot of heavy lifting in addition to a good bit of dirt work. That said I require a front end loader, a box blade and eventually like to get a grappler and a brush hog and I’m sure other implants down the road. I’ve gone to several of the local tractor dealers just looking and having no real ideas on what to get.

For the little bit of research that I have done I like a lot of the standard options the new Summit tractor offers. I know it is not a well established company and only time will tell.

One thing I would prefer is that the tractor not need DEF because of the added complexity of them and from what I’ve heard they can be more finicky. I’ve been advised to stay away from the tractors with regin systems.

Additionally I would like to stay under 25k

Thanks in advance.

I also am in east Texas on 30 acres with many trees to clear and clean up. I made the mistake of buying a 50 hp Kubota 4x4 and had a third function valve installed for a grapple. It would have been good for a hobby farm for branches but it was clearing logs. I sold it and got a Case Farmall 75 and put the 3rd function valve on it myself, what a difference in tractors. I’m also a fan of the Ford industrial tractors like the 445 and 545. The skid steer idea someone talked about is good as well and if I could only have one machine to do all the work, I would choose the skid steer. What part of East Texas are you in?