Need help making a decision...Which one, what should I do?

[TripleR]

Read some threads by bp fick as he is doing pretty much what you seem to want to try. He uses a Kubota B2320.

I have farmed for a living and whenever I get the desire now I just start hitting myself in the forehead with a ball peen hammer until it goes away; usually doesn't take too long.:laughing:

 

[bigbull338]

tripleR no matter how meny times i hit myself upside the head i cant quit running cattle or farming.even with this drought we are in i still want to keep going no matter what.

 

[TripleR]

tripleR no matter how meny times i hit myself upside the head i cant quit running cattle or farming.even with this drought we are in i still want to keep going no matter what.

You know what they say, "Get a bigger hammer".:laughing::laughing::laughing:

I think cattle farming is a little different than row cropping especially if you are just supplementing your income. I have several acquaintances who run a few cattle and make a few bucks, but the ones who have tried it row cropping have all quit.

The last year my brother and I tried it, we broke even. I now run tractors for relaxation and accept I am always going to lose money, but I enjoy it.

 

[Carl_NH]

For what you want to do the Kubota 7200 2WD is a bit too small and the implements tiller, plow will be limited to a 1 bottom plow, or a 4' tiller, the Ford 4WD and loader is nice, but $9K and the turf tires and you will still need the implements - I dont think 20HP on the Ford will do a 2 bottom plow very well.

The Kubota L3400 with the loader would be best as that can handle a 2 bottom plow, disc and more, but 1500 hrs @ $11,300 is a lot of hours for the price - I would think at those hours $10K max as on Tractor Smart you can find 2008-09 units with a loader for $15K and 300 hours.

You should also consider the Kubota L2800 4WD 29HP with a loader or a Ford of similar size. Look on Tractor Smart - Marshall Machinery in NE PA has several L2800's for $13-14K with low hours.

All this said, the small Kubota B7200 could work @$4500 which would get you started, but I really feel it is too small and lacks the loader - you should get a loader if possible and buying one on a used tractor is the best way - not adding one later too much $$.

Carl

 

[hrcarver]

With that budget, and what will need to be done, I'd be looking for a 10-15 yr old 60 (anywhere from 45-80hp) hp 2wd tractor. Bigger tractors will do lots more work for about the same money. Also, you should be able to pick up implements at farm auctions cheap. 30-50 hp (cat 1) implements stays high because of all the homeowners using them. Used cat 2 stuff is much cheaper, but may be harder to find.

... and you will not need to worry about outgrowing it for a few years at least.

I realize that you started this thread about what looks like a walk behind tiller. No way that thing will do 10 acres in any sort of reasonable time. If you had a 45hp tractor, a 2 bottom plow, and a disk harrow, it would still take you all weekend to get one 10 acre field in shape.

 

[nyfarm777]

Thank you again everyone for your posts. Well I am off to just see if I can find a good compact tractor at a good price. I am looking forward to know though where I can go to auctions if that is an option of finding a good tractor. Does anyone know where tractor auctions are located in, near the NY/PA/NJ area?
I am looking at some tractors in craigslist and other ads. I will let you guys know if I find something I might be interested in.

Thank you.

 

[Grandad4]

Be sure to follow Craig's list (beware of scams... if it sounds too good to be true, it isn't true) in your region, and there are several good on-line sites...
TractorSmart, IronSearch, MachineryFinder, Fastline, to name a few. Auctions sometimes have what you're looking for, and they are great fun to attend, but you need lots of time. Good luck with your search!

 

[nyfarm777]

Okay well I think I found something that interests us (my family and I) for our small and initial operation.

There is a 2004 John Deere 4115 Tractor with loader, and belly mower attachment.
It has a cab with heater..I think that is a plus for me if I want to start prepping this property in the next month and the cold coming on.
I am not going to lie it looks like a good tractor and the cab really grabs my attention.

I have not yet seen it but the person I spoke to, told me that it has minor rusting on the bottom of the cab, etc.

It has 586 hours, and the price for it is $10,800.00

I would like to know the following:

1. Is the price okay for this tractor?
A. I really would like to know where I can go to purchase a tractor in an auction if it will save me more money and maybe even buy the implements. Does anyone know auctions in NJ/PA/NY?

2. Do you think this is a good tractor, and I should consider it or should I look in to something else?

I appreciate the suggestions and assistance,

Thank you very much.

 

[hrcarver]

Just my opinion, but that is way too small for ground engaging anything, much less 10 acres. For 10 or 11k, you can get a real 50+ hp tractor, granted probably not with a cab.

For local auctions, try here. Auction Zip - Live Auction Locator - Find Auctions Anywhere!

 

[flusher]

5-10 acres of row crops, huh. What you need in terms of a tractor depends on your budget, the time you have available for plowing, discing, planting, harvesting, and you're mechanical ability to service and repair your tractor.

Low cost route: there are tractors like my 1951 Farmall Super A that are designed for small row crop farming. I bought mine a few years ago for $1300, including a 5-ft rear scraper blade, a 6-ft mid mount sicklebar mower (great for mowing hayfields, ditches, etc) and a 3-pt hitch setup (normally old Farmalls like mine came with a 2-point hitch). Plows, discs, field cultivators, etc. are available (eBay, craigslist, etc).



It's about 18 hp (engine) so you will log considerable seat time doing your farming chores on this type of small tractor. Parts are readily available, not too pricy, but you need to do the work yourself or find someone who will do tractor repairs inexpensively to make this option pencil out.

High cost route: find a recent (10-15 year old) used tractor in the 30-40 hp range possible with a front end loader. Now you're up in the $10-15K range with FEL. You can get your work finished more quickly but working on larger tractors yourself takes heftier equipment (floor jacks, jack stands, engine hoists, etc) and more investment in time learning how to repair a larger, more complex tractor.

Good luck.