Buying Advice Need Advise...

[Anonymous Poster]

I have read this forum for a few months now and have been really impressed with the useful information and assistance you have given to others. Having said this, I have a dilema...

I recently purchased a 13.5 acre lot (1/3 wooded, 1/3 pasture, 1/3 lawn). When the house and barn and garden are taken out of the lawn portion, I mow around 2.5 acres of somewhat hilly terrain with some trees.

I would also like to be able to do some simple landscaping and moving of round bales of hay for animals, as well as snow removal in the winter.

The property came with an old 216 lawn tractor with a 46in deck, snowthrower and front blade. This tractor is pretty much useless for everything save mowing and I really think it's time to upgrade. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

What would you all suggest? I'm leaning toward something in the 4310 range, but am not sure if this is the best option...

Thanks for any help!

(By the way. I would like to eventually add a 3pt tiller and a brush hog for the pasture. Plans also include removing some old stumps and clearing out some smaller trees in the wooded area.)

 

[rancar]

Welcome to the JD forums mwood. You can do all you suggest with the 4310, except maybe moving those round bales. You may need a 4610 or 4710 for that task. But, a 4310 would be an appropriate size tractor for the tasks you cite and the size of parcel you have. Look forward to seeing what you decide to purchase.

...Bob

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Round bales come in differant sizes. Lots of folks are moving to the 700lb. size. The 4310 does great with those. You can even move the heavier ones with the 3pt.

Not that it would hurt to go to a larger frame, unless it won't fit the space you need it.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Thanks for the advise. I just have to convice my wife that we need a tractor /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Just out of curiosity, how well does the 4310 maneuver around trees with the MMM?

Thanks again

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

<font color="blue"> how well does the 4310 maneuver around trees with the MMM? </font>

About half of that has to do with wheelbase and steering design, the other half with operator skill and experience.

 

[rancar]

<font color="blue">"...I just have to convice my wife that we need a tractor..." </font>

...and this maybe is the hardest part in the tractor purchase. Consider purchasing something she has always wanted in return. The tractor purchase decision may then come easier. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

...Bob