Needing a new Utility+ Tractor - Looking for advice

tarkio · Mar 29, 2013

I have a JD 2940 that I use primarily as a loader tractor for feeding in the winter.

I have used this tractor the past couple years to run a small square baler and to stack hay as well.

I am looking for a new-to-me tractor that is physically smaller that will work better with a small square baler and be a little handier to do utility-type tractor work (post holes, harrowing pastures, etc). With that said, I wouldn't mind finding a tractor is around 60-65 hp, or more, so that I could also use it to run a round baler. I am on flat level ground so I may be able to get away with a lower powered tractor to run something like a JD 535. What is you opinion on that as well?

I have been lurking here gleaning information off and on for years and finally decided that I need to get more active here to learn more.

Thanks in advance.

tarkio · Mar 29, 2013

For example, I am considering a JD 2440, maybe a 3020 or a 2355. I recently saw a 2755 that looked like it would work, size-wise.

jenkinsph · Mar 29, 2013

Welcome to the forum tarkio,

Might wan't to look at the 5075M or 5085M that should put you in the 60-75 ptohp range.

jenkinsph · Mar 29, 2013

tarkio said:
For example, I am considering a JD 2440, maybe a 3020 or a 2355. I recently saw a 2755 that looked like it would work, size-wise.

The 3020 and 2355 are both good tractors imo. I used to have a 3020 and 4020 at the same time and while they were great tractors the newer 2355 with mfwd would be a better option to me.

tarkio · Mar 30, 2013

jenkinsph said:
Welcome to the forum tarkio,

Might wan't to look at the 5075M or 5085M that should put you in the 60-75 ptohp range.

I probably should have mentioned that I can't, or more appropriately, won't tie that much money up in a utility tractor.

I am hoping to, at best, stay in the low-teens for price.

Now, I may consider spending high-teens to ~$20k, if I can get a tractor that does what I described above and SAFELY handle large round bales. I could then sell my 2940 to help fund the "new" tractor.

Chickengrower · Mar 30, 2013

I wouldn't hesitate getting a 2440. I've had a 2240 for 12 yrs and its done well for me. I'd consider another one if I was trying to save a little money and it was big enough for what I wanted to do. I bet any of the 55 series would be good too. If you wanted a newer rig, and if you don't mind an orange tractor, you should be able to find a fairly low houred M6800 Kubota with MFWD and FEL for under 20K. They are 62 pto hp.

Verticaltrx · Mar 30, 2013

Look for a 2350/2550 or 2355/2555 in the utility configuration (not row crop). It will be lower to the ground, have the clam shell rear fenders and overall just feel like a slightly smaller tractor despite having all the power and weight to handle round bales and baler.

tarkio · Mar 31, 2013

Would a gas 2020 work to run a round baler on flat ground?

tarkio · Mar 31, 2013

There is a local John Deere 2020 for sale that has a gas engine. That would simplify the purchasing and hauling the tractor by a long shot.

So, would a 2020 work to run a round baler on flat ground?