needs assessment please

[teststrips]

I've decided that a small tractor would come in handy for me. I just bought a small 6.5 acre plot and want to do the following:

1 - clean out horse manure from barnyard - so a FEL is a must
2 - mow about 4.5 acres of newly planted pasture to knock down any weeds that pop up - once every month or two - (this is my major confusion... since there will be poop that will be in the way + I prefer to spread it during the mowing process. Can i do this with a Finish mower, or do I need a seprate brush cutter or something for this. The field is mostly flat but there is a decent valley in the center - nothing significant though.
3 - mow my yard - roughly 1 acre - flat - can be done with a riding mower that came with the property, but I'm thinking tractor would be faster + I can sell this to get back some $$$

I was hoping to keep a budget of 6-7K, but from what I'm seeing so far this doesn't look to good.

Brands/models as suggestions would be nice. Also if anyone has suggestions on where to look for used equipment it'd be appreciated. (in pennsylvania, northumberland county to be specific)

 

[kwolfe]

I would start by looking on Tractorhouse.com. I don't what state you are in, so I could not look for you. That should be able to give you an idea of what you can get for $7000.

What you are looking for is possible. Its just going to be a older tractor with a few more hours on it.

 

[aesanders]

Any of the small subcampacts would work for you: John Deere 2305, Massey Fergusen 2300, Kubota BX, New Holland TZ etc. THese are all closer to 10-12k though with loader.

You might want to go used if these are to much $ new.


Also, as far as spreading the manure, I'd look to invest in a small chain drag to spread it. You could pull the drag around while your mowing if you want.

You really do not need a bush hog unless you have brush you want to clear. A good belly mower will handle a nice pasture just fine.

 

[RoyJackson]

Start looking used...

You should be able to find an older (early 90's) Deere CUT (670, 770, 755, 855 or 955) or Kubota (B7400, B7500) in your price range. Factory loaders are tough to find for these older Deeres, so make sure you get a tractor with a loader. There are aftermarket loaders available, but that would most likely blow your budget.

Using a finishing mower on a pasture may or may not work. As long as the pasture is grassy and no stumps or other debris, a finishing mower may do the job...can't hurt to try.

As far as looking in PA, I'd try craigslist: Craigslist and MachineFinder.com. I'd also try your local dealers.

 

[teststrips]

Tractorhouse.com found me a load of options... I'm going to check the local newspapers and a local paper for selling stuff.. the shopper - once a week classifieds