Narrowing my tractor choices

[redlevel]

ABOUT FARMTRAC we have dealer in town have looked at them a few times( just stoped in) they seem like they are heavly built . if i was really looking to purchase i might look hard at them. They do seem a bit cluttered tho.

I agonized for nearly two years before I bought my Farmtrac 535. You have to consider how hard it is for someone who grew up on Massey Ferguson 135's and Ford 600's to finally buy a "foreign" tractor. I finally got the Farmtrac because it was the closest thing now available to what I was used to. It is basically 1970's technology. That is why it seems "a bit cluttered." Not too many worries back then about ergonomics, etc. I only have about 80 hours on it and am very well pleased to this point. It does everything a small Ag Utility is supposed to do. I would hesitate to recommend it based on that limited exposure. When I have 500 hours on it, I'll feel better about telling someone to get one. I first saw them at the Sunbelt Expo in Tifton several years ago. Their display there has grown from one or two tractors, a few brochures, and a local dealer representing the whole outfit to a large, well laid-out, fancied-up with wood chips and fencing display with a dozen or more tractors, both CUT and Ag, with representatives from the International outfit that owns them. There are several dealers in Georgia that I know of, two of them within 30 miles of where I live. In other words, it seems if there is now a support infrastructure in place. By the way, I happened to see a mechanic at my dealership using a Ford shop manual while working on a Farmtrac.

I know nothing about Mahindra, Kioti, etc.

I still believe the original poster should go with a minimum of 60 pto hp. A medium sized Ag Utility, etc.

 

[BarryinMN]

I think that's too general a statement. Some 6' implements require far more power than others.

There are mathematical formulas that quantify force required by various attachments. This particular plow calculated out to requiring 10,000 pounds force. With the plow adjustability (16" - 18" and 20") force could range 8-12,000. There is a fudge factor constant to accommodate diferent soil types. The Farmer I bought it from had trouble pulling it with his 8,000 lb 2wd tractors so was going back to his semi mount plow which adds weight to the tractor and also puts a wheel in a furrow for steering guidance.

Anyway, I knew going in I was at my limit for tractive force, the price was right (cheap) and it was a one time use. I knew better than borrow a plow because I have a tendency to break everything at least once. I do salvage from the wreckage and create something needed. Be tough to explain borrowing a plow but returning a hay wagon. It pays to have a good relationship with a local blacksmiths shop.

 

[froggy]

"A canopy does a good job with that hot old summer sun and does not rob hp like an A/C cab."

Come to Texas in August and I think you will change your opinion.

 

[Highsmith]

Went tractor shopping today. Visited NH/MF and JD dealers. Here is what the JD dealer quoted me:

• JD 5103 $13,490
• JD 5203 $14,595
• Frontier 6' Mower $1500
• JD 512 Loader $4450
• Frontier 200 PHD $1000
• Frontier 6' Tiller $2825
• Frontier 6' Box Blade $850
• Frontier Bale Fork $480

Called a Massey Ferguson dealer in Oklahoma I saw advertised on Tractorhouse.com. Here is how the MFs compare:

• MF 543 $17,900
• MF 563 $20,300
• MF 573 $19,200
• MF 583 $21,300

I thought it odd the 563 was higher than the 573. Dealer explained the MF 563 is only manufactured with a shuttle transmission. That drives the cost up $1100.

 

[GaryCrowell]

Called a Massey Ferguson dealer in Oklahoma I saw advertised on Tractorhouse.com. Here is how the MFs compare:

• MF 543 $17,900
• MF 563 $20,300
• MF 573 $19,200
• MF 583 $21,300

I thought it odd the 563 was higher than the 573. Dealer explained the MF 563 is only manufactured with a shuttle transmission. That drives the cost up $1100.

Those prices are high by a couple of thousand across the board.

 

[Highsmith]

Those prices are high by a couple of thousand across the board.

I thought so too. So I called another dealer and he confirmed MF is high. This particular dealer also sells New Holland. He said he did not know how he would move MFs when there is a comparable NH sitting right next to it for a grand or two less.

 

[Highsmith]

I am having trouble figuring out what tractors can accept a 4-in-1 loader. I saw this attachment on some other threads and it looks great. Will the tractors that I am focused (JD 5103, KB M4900, FarmTrac 555 types) accept this option?

 

[Turbys_1700]

The replys here are right on for the most part. My priorities would be:

1. CAB with air
2. CAB with air
3. CAB with air

I know that was silly but here in NC it is hot and humid and it's even worse in Texas.

One thing you may want to do is get two tractors. One utility in the 50 HP 4WD range and then another larger one. My dad purchased an AC 8050 with Cab and air for $12K several years ago. Sure it's got some hours on it but gosh-all-mighty will that bugger do some work. 180 HP in air conditioned comfort.

Life is good.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm strapped for time this AM but, I mostly agree with everyone else especially Redlevel except that I feel 4WD is worth the money. 2WD is OK if you know your limitations and stay away from muddy areas.

I am very lucky in that I have 2 tractors available. I would think you could use 2 yourself. 500 acrees is a LOT of land. Don't plan on mowing more than 25 acres a day with a 6' cutter. I'm talking about previously cut acreage, not brush. If you are knocking down brush, you need something very heavy duty.

Are you an Air Condition type person. You will find out quickly how hot it gets without a cab.

My recommendations:
1) Find you an A/C cab older JD 4240, 2955, or something in that genre. Ford made some decent machines too. Get you a 12-15' batwing shredder. 2wd or 4wd. If you buy JD used at good price and don't like it, you can get your money back.

2)Get a smaller tractor such as big compact. Look at JD 4710, Kubota MX5000 etc with 4WD. This would be easier for post hole digging, manuevreability, close in shredding, anything needing tight cornering.

3) you need to think about root plowing with a BIG dozer prior to brush hogging. D7 on up. If I had that much land, I'd buy one used, finish my job, and sell it. This would take guidance by a knowledgeable person who would be willing to help gage the condition of a potential dozer.

Remember, if you can buy used you will save thousands.

Don't get in a hurry, the land has been sitting for some time apparently anyway.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I am having trouble figuring out what tractors can accept a 4-in-1 loader. I saw this attachment on some other threads and it looks great. Will the tractors that I am focused (JD 5103, KB M4900, FarmTrac 555 types) accept this option?

I believe you mean a 4-in-1 bucket - it allows you to operate as a bucket, dozer blade, or grapple. The only requirements for a 4-in-1 are:
-quick attach system (either JD or skid steer type)
-third function valve that allows you to operate the moving part of the 4-in-1 bucket

The third function valve can be either a standard rear SCV with a long hose, or if you want to go really nice it can be a 3rd function valve on the FEL valve controller (joystick).

Most tractors can accept these, but I'm not sure a 5103 can because I think its FEL control is simply the two SCVs that are optionally installed (rather than a typical joystick that simultaneously controls two of its own SCVs), and I don't know if you can install a third SCV.

While not a requirement, using a 4-in-1 will probably be nicer with 4wd, especially for grapple work.

While I would love to support green, I really don't think a 5103 is the tractor you want. I'd look at the 5105 but really jump over that to the 5x25 series, probably a 5225 with a 12x12 power reverser. On the Kubota side, I'd skip the M4900 and look at an M6040 or M7040. Sounds like you're going to be on the tractor a lot and the extras you get on these models will be worth it. If money is the problem I would look at used rather than smaller/fewer features.