need help choosing Tractor...

[ajwren]

Hi there. we are the new, proud owners of around 51/2 acres, including about 360 feet of river front that i am finding out my little City Mower is not capable of mowing (or really doing anything useful) with. It is a 16HP Toro that is slowly shaking to bits...
I am in the process of looking for a new tractor to do some work and mow with. I have been looking all around and getting more confused by the day! I am turning to TractoByNet for some/any advice i can get...
Here are some things i would like it to be able to do: (eventually)
Move some river rock (to maybe build a retaining wall)
Move some sawn up trees (or haul smaller trees that fall)
Mow about 2/3 acres of rough pasture (weekly)
I would eventually like to build a fence around some/all of the property, so something with a PTO that can run a auger. a decent auger!
I would like to get some dirt brought in and dropped that i could push around and eventually get the place level.
I also have a road that could use some leveling on and off (grading).

So if i sound confused... i am. Should i buy a small John Deere, or an older Ford 8n (and buy some impliments) or something like a Mahinndra (20 something HP), or do i need more HP (for PTO Auger). I want a Bucket also

I am would like to keep it somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000. Doesent have to be new. But needs to be decent. I am no very mechanicaly minded... yet! :thumbsup:

Thanks in advance for any help or advice i can get.
Justin

 

[6dog]

I think a used JD 2210/2305, Kubota BX series, or the Massey GC series will fit your needs just fine. You will get more for your money in most cases if you have the cash, but most manufacturers are running 0% financing deals that would extend your reach for a new machine. Plan on spending closer to the 10K figure though. Check out Tractorhouse.com, Fastline.com, and MachineFinder.com to see what may be in your reach. I'm sure there are some other sites at there as well.

 

[ajwren]

Thanks 6Dog.

Do we have a minimum or reccomended HP i should be looking for, both on the Tractor and PTO... also would we consider these Tractor choices you have recommended to be Mid size Tractors?

Is there one outstanding Tractor out there if i saw it for sale i should go after it?

Thanks again.
Justin

 

[ajwren]

Are Deere really all they are cracked up to be. I know alot of people like them alot. Are they still the same quality these days. If i go Deere am i better off getting something older (like 10 Years), not just because i could get something cheaper but might they be better built a couple of years back... just asking. mot saying. Anybody like New Holland?

I had the Toro Lawn tractor and thought it was a sturdy one, but its falling to bits ont here.

I'm sure this has been trashed out here on this Forum thousands of times, so sorry for the rehashing!

thanks again all.
justin

 

[6dog]

Are Deere really all they are cracked up to be. I know alot of people like them alot. Are they still the same quality these days. If i go Deere am i better off getting something older (like 10 Years), not just because i could get something cheaper but might they be better built a couple of years back... just asking. mot saying. Anybody like New Holland?

I had the Toro Lawn tractor and thought it was a sturdy one, but its falling to bits ont here.

I'm sure this has been trashed out here on this Forum thousands of times, so sorry for the rehashing!

thanks again all.
justin

Deere, Kubota, Massey and New Holland all make fine tractors. It's really a matter of personal choice. I recently did some serious compact tractor shopping and pretty much came to the conclusion that there is no such thing as the perfect tractor. I could tell you good things about each, and I could also pick them all apart about what I would change on them. I think you will find the same thing. I went with Deere because I found it the most comfortable for me (not to mention I happen to find a great deal on a used one ). The best advice is to get out there and try a few and see what works for you.

K7 has some good recommendations as well. You will have to determine what you are going to use the tractor for the most. If it's mowing, I stand by my previous recommendations. If you are looking to do more serious ground engagement tasks, you may want to consider the larger models he mentioned, as well as they're competitive counterparts. The main reason for going older would be cost, but some will argue the older models are better built.

 

[ajwren]

Thanks guys for all the info. I understand what you are saying, with thos top four reccomendations i can narrow down my search. I have been scouring for a deal, but havent found "the one" yet! The bottom line for me is a PTO that can run a decent Auger on the back. I plan on doing quite q bit of fencing. The second requirement would be Mowing, but i could buy a pull behind (pto) mower style. I can get blades after the fact. Oh, and a decent Bucket... I will keep the search going. If anyone sees anything out there i would really appreciate a link to it?

Thanks again everyone. Will be keeping an eye on this thread everyday to check any updates or ideas.

Justin

 

[ajwren]

what about something like this... too little HP? just trying to get an idea. what would be wrong/right about this for me...?

21HP Yanmar 4X4 Diesel Tractor

Thanks