New Dumby online, needing opinions!

BigAl · Feb 28, 2005

Actually ,I have plenty of "gas" from all the beer I drank /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. And the Wife says I have too much gas now, /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif so she won't let me buy any more /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif.
Business Trip ???? Around here that means heading for the nearest tree to take a leak ! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
By the way , The King Salmon are just starting their run up river here .
Big Al

Bob_Skurka · Feb 28, 2005

Al, I think we've gone WAAAAYYYY off topic here! It would be hard to say we are doing justice to the original question.

I will say, I stand by all the stuff I wrote. A smaller tractor is still going to be better suited to the 5.5 acres than the 35hp tractors he is looking at.

HST, especially for a newbie, and especially since mowing is going to be his long term primary function, is the ticket.

A mid-mount finish mower would also be a great long term investment for mowing that size property. Sure they cost more, but many people find them easier to mow with.

As for the king salmon. . . I love those, but walleye is tough to beat when cooked right!

BigAl · Feb 28, 2005

Yes , I actually agree with you that a HST would proably be the best choice in this case for him ,being fairly new to tractors . I grew up on gears and can't seem to get comfortable running anything else . To each his own ,as they say .
He mentioned the possibilty of doing a little "side work" to help offset his cost of buying the tractor . 35 horses is more than likely too big for 5.5 acres of land, if that is all he is using it for . But if your'e taking on a little "side work" to offset the cost of the tractor , it may not be that big of an issue . The larger 35 horse unit would open up the market to the types of projects he might be willing to take on. It also comes down to how much he is comfortable in spending for the tractor . A guy has got to stay inside his budget guidelines ,no matter how bad he wants something or he is just going to add another whole set of problems to the equation .
I am sorry for getting off target on my old post earlier. Sometimes I just ramble along /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif!
Big Al

Bob_Skurka · Feb 28, 2005

Silly me, but I still think he needs to look at what is suitable for his actual property. Now the other arguement to downsizing to a smaller machine is that it might also downsize the cost a bit so that he doesn't have to spend so much time on other people's land doing work to earn money to pay for the tractor. Another thing he could do to save a bit is look at used implements or rent some. Skip the back blade but keep the box blade. Maybe rent a PHD instead of buying it, or buy it, put in his fence and then sell it?

As for going off on a rambling tangent, heck I'm the king of that, but sometimes I go too far and the orginal poster's questions get lost. I like to at least provide them with lots of information before going into an endless loop of balderdash. . . but I wouldn't mind sitting on the porch swilling a few cold ones and counting the elk calves.

frank_f15 · Feb 28, 2005

OF THE three tractors you mentioned i would opt for the kioti although it is a bit $$$. But i also question if you need a 35 hp machine for your acreage. i think VINCE gave some good options for you to check into.

Big_Lug · Feb 28, 2005

Have you looked at a Branson yet. These are fine rugged machines that are cost effective. They make a 30 hp 2810 and it serves me well. I paid $13,500 for mine with front end loader mounted on it new.

DrHoliday · Mar 1, 2005

Hey al and Bob, thanks for all the information. I think the back and forth banter is what makes sites like this work, who the **** wants to read nothing but strict tractor talk. I mean tractors are cool and all, and about this time consuming me, but a little reprieve is always fun. BRANSON?? Can anyone else talk a bit more about them? 30 HP w/ FEL for 13.5K doesn't sound bad, does it? LOL Does Branson have a history in the US? Is it made in the US? How does it compare with Kioti and the big 3, etc? Thanks again EVERYONE, nice to see that yall don't really have lives either. HAHA, just kiddin'!

Bobby

DrHoliday · Mar 1, 2005

By the way, what about Montanas? Anyone use them know abut them, recommend them? thanks again!

Bobby

DrHoliday · Mar 1, 2005

Yet another one.....what about Farmtrac (Long Agribusiness)!!

Sheesh, will I ever stop? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bobby

Varmintmist · Mar 1, 2005

I'm with Bob on everything but the salmon. Never could get the taste for it.

Anyhoo, 35 hp is huge overkill for you on 5.5 ac. Even if you drop to 25hp you can still do outside work while getting a more affordable machine that will do everything you need to do.

Gear vs hydro is your choice. I got gear because I like it and I got more tracttor for the same money over a hydro.

The implements you list are small for a 35 hp machine. Everything you listed can be run by a 25 eng hp machine or less, though the brushhog could push it. Get a 4 foot instead.

Slow down a little, do some more homework and go kick more tires. Look at other offerings at other dealers and sites.

I think you need to get a better handle on what a Xhp machine can do vs a Yhp machine before you start throwing dollars around,