Buying Advice Need help selecting the right tractor...

[gritgreenhorn]

I am looking to buy my first tractor soon. I have read a few forums on here and other sites and it seems like a utility tractor can manage a farmette nicely. I will be looking to plant about 15 acres of row crops, maintain a pasture of about 10 acres, and do some utility work like plowing snow, digging out a pond, removing some stumps and hauling as well. I don't know a whole lot about tractors, but I'd be looking to buy something used to start with between 7-13k. How much HP should I look for? Which brand would you prefer(i'm kind of partial to International and Deere for some reason), and what else should I consider? I live in the midwest and soil here is pretty ideal. The land is a bit hilly but has a few flat spots too. Thanks.

 

[DwightD123]

I assume you are buying used? If so I think you should look for the best deal you come across with the implements that fit your duties. Spend some of that money having a good diesel mechanic giving it a once-over...it'll be a good investment.
If in fact you are trying to buy new for that price you will want to look at LS. I have been extremely happy with my LS and feature for price with the warranty it's a good deal assuming you have a good dealer somewhat convenient.
No matter what you get if it's your first tractor you're going to love it. Take some time reading about rollover safety and take your time getting used to it.

 

[DennisFolsom]

Welcome to TBN!

Looking for used, and in a lower price range, I would not immediately rule out any particular brand. As you learn more, and start to focus on the size and features you need, you can get a better idea which models would come close to fitting your needs, expectations and budget. You will also learn which brands are more "mainstream" and which are more risky purchases. A big indicator here is the dealer (and parts) support available within 50+/- miles of where you live.

You need a loader. Don't even consider buying a tractor without one. It's a costly proposition to buy a new loader for an old tractor.

Can you do without 4 wheel drive? Maybe. Is it nice to have for most situations? Yes.

You will get a lot of advice about the size of tractor you should buy. My interpretation of your post is that you should be looking in the medium to larger range of the "compact" category, and should avoid the subcompacts.

In the current John Deere lines, I would look for at least a 3000 series, or even a 4000 series. (Be careful - the older model designations for John Deere include a wide range of sizes as 4xxx models). In the Kubotas, I would look at the "L" models, and not at the "B" models or "BX" models. If you familiarize with these two brands, you have a basis of comparison with others, such as Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Case/IH, Kioti, Bobcat, etc.

With regard to horsepower, I wouldn't recommend anything less than 30. That said, lots of guys are happy with smaller tractors with less than that.

Visit some dealers and look at tractors to get an idea what size makes sense to you. After you've done a bit of research, ask to test-drive a few. Don't fall for the first thing you try. Try to get the feel of several before making a choice.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Gale Hawkins]

2006 Mahindra 3525 Tractor with Front End Loader 165 HR | eBay

If you are looking for a new like model this one has 35 HP which I too agree is about min you want.

4x4 Kubota Front end loader L4200 | eBay

About the same money but ten years older yet it WAS orange.
The bucket condition tells me how it was used. Not sure how people bend them like this unless it is abuse.

1962 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR 4010 MODEL WITH FRONT END LOADER-RUNNING | eBay

Old green about the same price.

Please keep in mind this is just an
ebay search for info only and I have no idea where they are junk or not, etc. I have to say the first one being very new like (2006 with under 200 hours) and a great brand would be of interest for an operation of your size.

I just wanted to highlight paint color greatly affects the price but that is not without reason quite often.

Skip the abused and miss used. Dings are kind of normal from use but just beat up, lot of welding, etc often may indicate the internal conditions.

Bottom line is get what you think you want. $8K is not cheaper than $16K if you get one that will do the job for years to come and that you do not try to keep it hid out behind the barn. :thumbsup:

Bought right with some inflation most tractors will sell for no less three years later than you might pay today. The cleaner, newer it is the more buyers you should attract should you find a need to sell it.

Let us know what you buy.

 

[jenkinsph]

I am looking to buy my first tractor soon. I have read a few forums on here and other sites and it seems like a utility tractor can manage a farmette nicely. I will be looking to plant about 15 acres of row crops, maintain a pasture of about 10 acres, and do some utility work like plowing snow, digging out a pond, removing some stumps and hauling as well. I don't know a whole lot about tractors, but I'd be looking to buy something used to start with between 7-13k. How much HP should I look for? Which brand would you prefer(i'm kind of partial to International and Deere for some reason), and what else should I consider? I live in the midwest and soil here is pretty ideal. The land is a bit hilly but has a few flat spots too. Thanks.

For your uses and price range I would look into something like a Deere 2155, similar in size to a new 5000 series machine and these are available in your price range with fel.

 

[KYDan]

From your post it seems you are planning on a small working farm and need a versatile tractor. I have had several tractors over the years, some very old and worn out, some somewhere between, and 2 new. Every tractor I have used on the farm where we live has been between 28 and 60 horsepower. Some were 2WD and some with 4WD. I have some rough ground and hills. First, I will never have a tractor with a loader without 4WD. It's a simple matter of usefully applied power and safety, particularly when transported a loaded bucket downhill. You can do a lot more effective work with a 30 hp 4WD tractor with a loader than you can a 50 hp 2WD. I currently have a Kubota MX5100 4WD HST with a LA 844 loader. It is by far the most effective and useful tractor I have ever used on this farm. Kubota also offers it as the M 4700 with fewer standard options and less horsepower. It uses less fuel than the 5100 as it is not turbocharged. You can also save some money by getting the DT (geared version). Used tractors can save you some money, but can exponentially increase the aggravation factor. I suggest you follow the threads on this site and evaluate what you can afford and want. I also suggest that you pay particular attention to the problems with certain makes of tractors threads. Some appear to require more repairs than other based upon posts. I have had several Ford tractors over the years and we have had good service from them and we use them (now New Hollands) on the big production farms the family has in Saskatchewan. Here in Kentucky we now pretty much exclusively use Kubotas simply because of reliability. I would suggest that you look at the entry level M series Kubotas for your use. They don't have the amenities of the L series, but offer a larger utility machine in the same price range. This is just my opinion and we all have our favorites. My son has the Grand L 5040 and I have used it and it is a wonderful tractor, but I still prefer my MX5100 over any tractor I have ever owned or used in this range. Good luck with your venture.