Need help choosing a used tractor ?

[stangfever]

hello I am new to the site and new to tractors I have looked at some of the following tractors w/fel's,and just don't know which is right for me ? J.D. 750,790,870 , ford 1610 and 1720, and the kubota L2350,L2650,L2600,L2900 all in 4wd.I am looking for a tractor which I can spread dirt and gravel, use a post hole digger with and a brush hog. I would like something that can be maneuvered easily in the woods and is easy to operate.I need this for home use on 12 ac. I have looked in the $6500-$12,500 range used tractors.I don't want to buy to small or to big.what are good hours to look for and what else should I look for when buying a used tractor so I don't buy a piece of junk?I have also been looking at the kubota b series and the grey market and china tractors. all help is appriciated.thankyou Scott /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[RoyJackson]

I can't comment on any of the Kubotas or Fords. Personally, unless you're mechanically inclined, I'd stay away from the Chinese tractors (of course, I think China is our greatest enemy too). And, I wouldn't even consider grey market.

However, as far as the Deere's you mentioned, the 750 is probably a bit small for 12 acres. The 790, a sweet tractor, is borderline. So, the 870 would be the best choice with the 790 a close second. That's of the Deere models you mentioned...you might look at the 970's and 1070's too.
Now, if your 12 acres isn't all cleared (say 5 acres wooded, the rest improved), then the 790 would be a great fit. The 4300 machines would also be an excellent choice...in fact, probably the best choice for 12 acres. The 790 and 4300 series Deeres are both midsized chassis, so they're pretty close in size. Both should work well in the wooded areas. FYI, I paid about $12500 for my 790. I did look at a 4300 Deere (with sync-shift and a loader) for $14200. That was a pretty nice machine. My 790 also has a loader...very robust, but doesn't have the capacities of the newer designs.

Just because I said I couldn't comment on Kubota or Ford doesn't mean they're bad...far from it! Just not enough first or second hand experience to comment.

As long as the tractor doesn't smoke excessively after warm up (expect some smoke when under a hard load) and it pulls well, I wouldn't have any concerns with up to 1500 hours.

Just makes sure the PTO operates with an implement hooked to it. If it's a dual stage clutch, make sure that works OK, or negotiate down to cover the repair cost (about $1500 so i've been informed by my dealer). As far as the rest of it....well, it depends on how pretty you want the machine to be. It is a tractor, so expect a used machine to have some dents and rust. It sure would be nice to have any maintenance records, but I wouldn't expect that.


Good luck!

 

[dsgsr]

1500 hrs. isn't much with these more modern Diesels. By Modern I mean in the last 10, 15-yrs. You should be able to get 6000 to 8000 hrs out the diesels from the big three, JD, Kubota and NH (in that order IMHO) If well taken care of before any major problems. For 12-acres I would be looking for a 870,970,1070 Used or a 790 or 990 new. All are gear drive & not real easy to drive but if you don't have a problem using a clutch and don't mind shifting a lot they are all bullet prof tractors. Here is a site you can check out the spec's & other information on these and other tractors Tractor Tips



David

 

[Soundguy]

I can't comment on any of the kubota models, but the larger deer compacts should be fine.. just check out their 3pt lift specs.. as some models had much lower lift capacities than similar sized 'other' tractor... however they were still very capable. The XX10 series fords were more of the economy tractor line and were great workers.. they had fewer of the bells and whistles than the XX2X or XXX5 series. Usually sparse dash and operator control area.. otherwise.. lots of tractor per dollar. The XX20 series were more bells and whistle laden, and execlent machines. I had a chance to work a 1910 next to my 1920. Seemed just as stout.. though older and more basic. I almost bought a 3010s one time but missed the deal.. again.. basically an engine and trans/diffy.. with a bit of sheet metal and a seat and settringwheel... Same as the 7610s i currently have...

A couple thousand hours of well maintained use is good early middle age. Not uncommon to get into the 5k and 6k range with no rebuild.

Soundguy

 

[CMunger]

The 3010 is a Fiat chassis with the New Holland sheet metal. I am not insinuating that is bad, the Fiat chassis is good, but the tractor you have, Ford chassis, is REAL good, both assembled in Mexico.
Chuck M.

 

[Soundguy]

I was happy with my 1920.. but am glad to say that I am also very happy with the 7610s.. too bad I had to trade the 1920 /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ... but something about doubling the tractor payment.. made me /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Soundguy

 

[vetteman]

Hello I just saw UR posting. On a tractor with a fel Make sure the loader isnt all welded up And check it for squarness. Some people REALLY use there fel as it was a dozer or a crane. Set the loader down on a flat surface ,doesnt have to be concrete, see if the bucket sets down level. Also that would be a good time to take othe measurements to check one side then the other. Good luck Wayne

 

[rozett]

I think you need to do a little more analysis of your needs. What size bush hog do you think you need? How big an auger on the PHD do you need? Answers to this kind of question will help you define your minimum needs for HP. You mentioned that you are concerned about maneuvering through the trees. This might help define the maximum wheelbase and track. Any of the models you mention can do FEL work. The more HP, the larger the bucket and the faster it will go. Is this important to you? I built a spreadsheet with the specs that I cared about and only then went looking for used tractors.

Once you narrow it down to a few (3-4) tractors that you can find, you will need to try them out. See how you and the cockpit function together. I cut my (tractor) teeth on gear drive machines. I find HST to be harder to control. But that's my personal opinion. You would need to try both out and see what works for you.

Before you buy a tractor, you should check out the area dealers that you might be using to meet your service needs. Getting quality service may be just as important as the hardware.