New Farm

[nitewowl]

I am just stepping in to this forum and will be moving to a very small farm - 7 acres in Jan. About 4 of it is used for pasturing and I'm trying to figure out inexpensive tractor/mower options. I looked at a 1985 Ford 1100 with a finish mower (she wanted 3k though will probably take less) and I think it will be too light for the job. I've been told that a 20-24hp Nortrac might fit the bill though not sure where it can be serviced (I'm in the Ft Worth, TX area). Kubota has a great name and the current owner of the property has a 30hp though that would be way out of the price range I'm thinking of. Definitely want to come in under 10 and used is fine. Not sure if a front end loader would be a necessity though it seems like it would be a nicety. Just thought I'd ask for suggestions and opinions and I appreciate them all!

 

[grandad]

Welcome... you'll find a wealth of knowledge here and a search through the archives will find something about almost any tractor-related topic.

Here's my 2 cents worth... I'm sure others will chime in also.

First, you don't say if your place is mostly level or if you've got hills and gullies to deal with, so I'm going to assume it's basically flat.

Keeping yourself under $10k gives you basically 3 options:
a) New, Chinese-import or similar... not one of the big names.
b) Used compact.
c) Old (i.e. vintage, or close to it) utility tractor, like Ford 8N, etc.

The Nortrac is one of those Chinese imports. Some folks have had good luck with them, but they seem to work out best for people who don't mind doing some occasional mechanical work. Manufacturing and dealer set-up quality often leave something to be desired.

You might be able to find a decent used compact Deere, New Holland, Kubota, etc. by searching your dealer lots, local equipment trader classifieds, etc., but they will probably be pricey unless it's really been used and abused.

You might find a good small utility tractor like a Ford or Massey Ferguson and a 5 ft. cutter. If I was mostly mowing pasture and had limited funds, I would probably start by looking for something like that... they seem to last forever, parts are widely available and you can stay within your budget. No loader, though.

 

[RICHARDG]

Nite,,got a 254 nortrac,,,had it two years,,put over 300 hrs on it since,,,no troubles,,use a 5 ft ,[800lb],tiller with it,,a 5 ft brushog,,kingkutter,,and a heavyduty 6 ft blade,,potato plow,boom pole,and a heavy carry all,,,,,,got a 1/2 acre garden,,and mow about 10 acres 5-6 times a year with it,,,cost me 8,000, then,,can still buy them for same,,get the additional warrenty that can be had cheap,,they come with 6 months parts AND labor,,,how that works is,,,,you find a place that will work on them if needed,,,and nortrac pays the labor and sends the parts,,,they stock most parts and can overnight them,,,,my local independant massy and john deere place,,both said they would work on it if needed,,but any shop,that can and is actually a repair shop of some sort can[if they want to] work on them,to my understanding,,havn't needed help so far,,,they are very simple basic tractors,,and you can do servicing your self,,,[oils and filters ],,I'm by no means a mechanic so if I can change the oil,[basic service],,you can to.The 20 h.p. might be all you need,,but northern sells them up to 40 h.p.,I think,,,about 2,000 difference between each one[20 h.p,25,etc],,can order as package with hog,,fel,,backhoe,,etc and save even more,,,,well there you go,,,and believe it or not,,,I don't in any way work for northern,,thingy

 

[MMM]

What are your plans for the 4ac? That is the question you should ask yourself. If you just cut the grass I reckon there's a 4'cutter that 11hp will drive. I wouldn't give $3k for it though. I can pick up 2000s for that and have 3 times the hp.

 

[sherpa]

Another option would be to get a small tractor or an older 2 wheel drive tractor to mow with and get out as cheap as you could. That would take care of the mowing and give you time to experience what you may need later. I would then save the rest of my money and add too it as fast as I could and purchase me a 2nd tractor or trade for a tractor with a loader, possibly 4X4 and the other implements you find out you need. You will eventually need a loader unless you have a strong back.
Sherpa

 

[Boyce]

I agree with sherpa. It has taken me a few tractors to determine the optimal size. My "farm" is around 6 acres and I found my needs changed as my farm evolved. My BX2230 has been great but finances force it's sale. I will opt for something less expensive after I sell it.

 

[RICHARDG]

One thing maybe I need to say,,,these nortracs are not big lawnmowers,,they are small tractors,with ag. tires,,not good for mowing your yard with,,,my 254 with 5ft hog on back,,is longer,,taller,,and just as wide as a ford f150 4wd with 8 ft bed,,[know cause I got one,sometimes parked beside tractor],,so that may be a limitation for some people,,,but for "tractor",work,,its not bad,,,,thingy