Comparison New guy looking for advice

[Tommyl8586]

Hey everyone, I'm new here and looking for advice. I am looking to get a garden tractor to get me started until I figure out what exactly I need and don't need and while I save money. We are buying a home on 18 acres that is a mix of woods and fields right now. We plan to expand the wooded sections by quite a bit. We do want a large garden and plan to start with chickens and work our way up to maybe a goats or cows. Anyways...I would like some opinions. I have found a Case 446 looks in good condition with a 48 in deck and a blower and also a Toro Wheelhorse with a 42 in deck and a blower. Which would be a better choice? I do plan to blow snow with them. Or should I consider something else? Something newer? How effective are the attachments you can use on a garden tractor like the rakes and discs and cultivators? I know not as good as a real tractor but will they get the job done or are they a waste of money? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[boggen]

the 18 acres is going to eat you up with just a garden tractor (larger size riding lawn mower)

i would jump up to a SCUT (sub compact utitlty tractor) that has a FEL (front end loader) on the front and more so a CAT 1 3pt hitch on the rear end. granted SCUTs do not have a lot of power and just a bigger garden tractor. but the FEL and more so the 3pt hitch and the implements that you can toss on the 3pt hitch that will make life easier down the road.

any tractor that is in the riding lawn mower / garden tractor range. generally has manufacture only special setup for attachments for it. which can be rather costly. or you end up buying something that pulls behind like a trailer with its own engine on it.

with above said...

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how many acres are you mowing as finish mower around your home?
how much are you letting grow into taller weeds and only wanting to cut 1 to 4 times a year?
any major hills?
does tractor need to deal with snow?
dirt, rock, paved driveway? and how long?

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post some pictures of property to give them an overview. it can help others help you/advise you better.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm new to T-B-N and seeking advice.

My wife and I are buying a home sited on 18 acres that is a mix of woods and fields. Its Wisconsin, so clearing snow will be an important task. We want a large garden. Commence livestock with chickens, eventually hope to raise goats or cows.

I propose starting with a garden tractor.

How effective are garden tractor attachments such as snow blowers, rakes, discs and cultivators? Will attachments on a garden tractor get the job done or are they a waste of money?

I have found a Case 446 in good condition with a 48 in deck and snow blower and a Toro Wheelhorse with a 42 in deck and snow blower. Which would be the better choice?

Insight appreciated.



ANSWERS: Google MULTIPLE PAGES.

 

[Tommyl8586]

 

[2ndhalf]

Partner the best advice I can give you is don't waste your money on those old small tractors if you can help it. I've tried to go old and small on just 5 acres and Boggen is right that land will eat you alive and get away from you and become a mess and a jungle.

At least try and get an older tractor 30 - 50hp with maybe a rear mount mower. If you stick with a 2wd tractor you can get more HP that will run a larger rear mount mower. You will also probably want at front end loader. Look on Craigs list for an older Massey with a loader.

Sounds like your budget isn't large from the mowers your looking at. Those will not hold up to the amount of work you will have to put them through to maintain that lot property.

 

[Tommyl8586]

I was afraid these would be the answers I'd get. I kinda felt like I would probably need something bigger, but money is tight just buying this place. I will definitely heed your warnings and take your advice and look for bigger. We moved from the city to give this lifestyle a try, so might as well try the right way to start. I have seen a couple of larger size tractors on Craigslist. Bolens, Mitsubishi, and Farmall so far. Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

[2ndhalf]

If it were mine I would hire a local farmer to come in and tear up those areas that are lots of mowing and plant switchgrass on it. That way when you are ready to do something with it it will not be a bunch of scrub brush to deal with. You just burn off the switch grass and you have a nice lot ready to do whatever.. that stuff burns very hot and you want to make sure that you have grass breaks to keep from setting your woods on fire when you do burn it. and don't burn it on a real windy day. I planted the back half of my 5 acres in switch grass for a few years and then when I had the money to buy better equipment I burned it off and started mowing it.

Switch grass is a prairy grass. Deer and other wildlife LOVE it.

Contact your local extention agent and ask them if there are groups like Pheasants foreever who would come and plant it for you to increase the pheasant habitat.

Switchgrass Shelter Seeds, Panicum virgatum - American Meadows

 

[newbury]

Nice piece of property.

While it's still spring you should get out there and plant a lot of conifers, could be a mix of christmas type trees and pines, to suck up most of the land and then just leave a little to mow. You may be able to get them from your state government at a reduced price. And maybe a small apple orchard. You can always clear out the conifers later but it makes it look like you are not mowing ON PURPOSE.
I've got about 70 acres where I'm sitting now and my lawn is less than a 1/4 acre.

If money is tight you should focus on about at least a 25HP tractor with 4WD, FEL that you can attach a blower to later.

For example:
Kubota Compact Tractor 30hp 4x4 - $14500 (Wausau)

 

[WVH1977]

Tommy,

Congrats on your new house and land. You definitely have a lot to think about and do if you have never owned a big piece of property. First thing, don't get intimidated by it. This is a long term investment for you and will take you a very long time to learn the property and how to go about maintaining it.

From looking at the arial picture you posted, the property does not look to be overgrown (that is a plus for you). If you came from the city I am assuming you did not have much of a yard if a yard at all to maintain. Just cutting the grass right now every week is going to keep you busy. Depending on how tight your money situation is a tractor might be too much money right now. I think you are going to need a lawnmower, weed eater and chainsaw in that order right off the bat at a minimum. You can make/buy a lawn trailer to pull behind the lawnmower to collect branches and brush around the property.

I also agree with 2ndhalf about getting to know some local farmers and seeing if they might have a use for some of that pasture. If you have neighbors around you that farm or have acreage like you, go introduce yourself to them and tell them about your situation. This is the most important advice I can give to you. Most country folks will be more than happy to help you out and give you advice on maintaining that property. They can be an invaluable asset in your life. They can also help you in tractor purchasing and might have or know someone that has a little tractor you can buy.

When I bought my place I went over to my neighbors house and introduced myself. We have become very good friends and they are farmers. They have helped me fix my tiller, work on my tractor, fed my dogs while I was out of town for work, and anything else I have ever needed assistance with. I can't begin to tell you the knowledge I have acquired from them. (TRULY INVALUABLE). In return me and my wife have them over for dinner and make them a lot of baked goods all the time. We look out for each other. They have also given me some of the best advice about tractors that I have ever needed. I honestly would consider them to be family. My daughter goes over there and sees "Nanny" all the time and gets treats. This will become your BEST support at your new place if you go about it the right way. I really can't stress this enough, make friends with your neighbors and local community. You will be surprised what positive outcomes can originate from doing this.

I know I have not really given you any tractor buying advice. However, from reading your post and the info you provided this is what I would recommend for you to do to get a positive start. You will get overwhelmed at times but hang in there and work hard. You will learn things you thought you would never be able to do. Good luck with your new property.

 

[Tommyl8586]

Tommy,

Congrats on your new house and land. You definitely have a lot to think about and do if you have never owned a big piece of property. First thing, don't get intimidated by it. This is a long term investment for you and will take you a very long time to learn the property and how to go about maintaining it.

From looking at the arial picture you posted, the property does not look to be overgrown (that is a plus for you). If you came from the city I am assuming you did not have much of a yard if a yard at all to maintain. Just cutting the grass right now every week is going to keep you busy. Depending on how tight your money situation is a tractor might be too much money right now. I think you are going to need a lawnmower, weed eater and chainsaw in that order right off the bat at a minimum. You can make/buy a lawn trailer to pull behind the lawnmower to collect branches and brush around the property.

I also agree with 2ndhalf about getting to know some local farmers and seeing if they might have a use for some of that pasture. If you have neighbors around you that farm or have acreage like you, go introduce yourself to them and tell them about your situation. This is the most important advice I can give to you. Most country folks will be more than happy to help you out and give you advice on maintaining that property. They can be an invaluable asset in your life. They can also help you in tractor purchasing and might have or know someone that has a little tractor you can buy.

When I bought my place I went over to my neighbors house and introduced myself. We have become very good friends and they are farmers. They have helped me fix my tiller, work on my tractor, fed my dogs while I was out of town for work, and anything else I have ever needed assistance with. I can't begin to tell you the knowledge I have acquired from them. (TRULY INVALUABLE). In return me and my wife have them over for dinner and make them a lot of baked goods all the time. We look out for each other. They have also given me some of the best advice about tractors that I have ever needed. I honestly would consider them to be family. My daughter goes over there and sees "Nanny" all the time and gets treats. This will become your BEST support at your new place if you go about it the right way. I really can't stress this enough, make friends with your neighbors and local community. You will be surprised what positive outcomes can originate from doing this.

I know I have not really given you any tractor buying advice. However, from reading your post and the info you provided this is what I would recommend for you to do to get a positive start. You will get overwhelmed at times but hang in there and work hard. You will learn things you thought you would never be able to do. Good luck with your new property.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely try and get to know some neighbors and learn from them. I will see about finding someone interested in growing in that open field for a while as I figure out what I want to do with it.

I appreciate and all advice about tractors or this new lifestyle in general.

 

[boggen]

riding lawn mowers even garden tractors and even the more expensive riding lawn mowers that are a bit bigger. they will beat you to death. (no suspension, dust clouds, slow MPH mowing, and then upkeep of repairs on them). you need something to mow with. but you need something big enough to get it done. if not you can kiss 6 to 8 hours a week goodbye just mowing. its all fine and dandy, but it eats up money for a larger tractor, that gets it done quicker, and hopefully less maintance due to not needing to drive it a full day each week in spring/summer/fall.

2 wheel rear drive tractor. used, can be had for fairly cheap. yes they are heavier, and they are bigger. and you will need to wait a little bit more before you get them out on the grass to mow without leaving ruts. but they get the job done, so you can enjoy it vs a struggle just barely maintaining it with a riding lawn mower.

there use to be a tag team of 2 riding lawn mowers for this farm when i was young. this farm, plus uncle, plus grandpa home all together. to mow it all. and it would beat everyone up.
old allis chalmers B,or C, or CA with a belly or rear mower can make for a nice old tractor, takes some learning dealing with there quirks, and making sure you keep them oiled, greased, and taken care of. but much easier to use.

25 to 35 HP most likely what you will want, 40HP most likely pushing you over the top and 40HP being a bit to big for using as a regular lawn mower for around the home itself.
25 to 35 gets you in the CAT 1 3pt hitch, allowing you to get that rotatory cutter, which you can find used on craiglist and tractor house and local newspapers. does not matter if they are old are not, most of them should still be kicking with life in them. see about making sure tractor comes with either a belly mower or a 3pt hitch finishing mower, these can be a bit expensive even used.

what ever tractor you get, buy the service/shop manual for it. so you have a descent manual to trouble shoot from. and not spending away cash trying to figure out whats wrong with it.

 

[Tommyl8586]

riding lawn mowers even garden tractors and even the more expensive riding lawn mowers that are a bit bigger. they will beat you to death. (no suspension, dust clouds, slow MPH mowing, and then upkeep of repairs on them). you need something to mow with. but you need something big enough to get it done. if not you can kiss 6 to 8 hours a week goodbye just mowing. its all fine and dandy, but it eats up money for a larger tractor, that gets it done quicker, and hopefully less maintance due to not needing to drive it a full day each week in spring/summer/fall.

2 wheel rear drive tractor. used, can be had for fairly cheap. yes they are heavier, and they are bigger. and you will need to wait a little bit more before you get them out on the grass to mow without leaving ruts. but they get the job done, so you can enjoy it vs a struggle just barely maintaining it with a riding lawn mower.

there use to be a tag team of 2 riding lawn mowers for this farm when i was young. this farm, plus uncle, plus grandpa home all together. to mow it all. and it would beat everyone up.
old allis chalmers B,or C, or CA with a belly or rear mower can make for a nice old tractor, takes some learning dealing with there quirks, and making sure you keep them oiled, greased, and taken care of. but much easier to use.

25 to 35 HP most likely what you will want, 40HP most likely pushing you over the top and 40HP being a bit to big for using as a regular lawn mower for around the home itself.
25 to 35 gets you in the CAT 1 3pt hitch, allowing you to get that rotatory cutter, which you can find used on craiglist and tractor house and local newspapers. does not matter if they are old are not, most of them should still be kicking with life in them. see about making sure tractor comes with either a belly mower or a 3pt hitch finishing mower, these can be a bit expensive even used.

what ever tractor you get, buy the service/shop manual for it. so you have a descent manual to trouble shoot from. and not spending away cash trying to figure out whats wrong with it.

Thank you for the honest advice. I will be looking for something a bit bigger than my original plan. We do have other aspirations besides cutting grass all weekend so I will have to go bigger.

Are there brands of the older models I should avoid?

Thanks again!

 

[WVH1977]

How much money do you plan on spending on a tractor? This can help folks on here give you an idea of what kind of tractors are out there that fit your price range.

 

[Tommyl8586]

Mitsubishi MT 372 Diesel Compact Tractor what about something like that? Is Mitsubishi any good? My max right for the tractor and a mower whether it be bush hog or finish mower is 3500. I know it'll be old but I do like tinkering and figuring stuff out.

 

[boggen]

1952 Allis Chalmers B Tractor w/mower deck around me these old allis chalmers go around 2000 to 3000 with belly mower
Ford 9n Tractor 1941 ford 9n old tractor
1954 Farmall Tractor with woods deck
1974 574 international tractor most likely a bit to much for just mowing as in being able to easily pull off FEL

narrow front tires (tri cycle in thought) can be nice more so with split rear brakes (brake peddle for left rear tire, and brake peddle for right rear tire), lets you turn quicker and tighter to point of spinning on a dime. allis chalmers CA 1954 tractor, is what i have, no power steering, but it gets in and around trees to reduce trimming amount, much like a zero turn mower.

a lot of old tractors in your area. typing in $300 min, $5000 max there is nothing to stay away from for "brands/make/model" when buying used. it is... is the machine in good mechanical condition, it may look like a rust bucket, but start up and run like new. with old tractors you need to get out and test drive each one. and test drive a few of them. no if's and's or but's. this will give you experience to see different types of tractors, power each one has, how they turn, how they operate, and give you some idea of run away from as fast as possible due to engine issues, to many leaks, mechanical issues, etc....

have had to step into deep end and learn how to work on old tractors. not fun at times. but do what you gotta do.

 

[Tommyl8586]

Thanks! I will take a look at those and get an idea what I should be looking at.

 

[2ndhalf]

Thanks! I will take a look at those and get an idea what I should be looking at.

Look at an M Farmall or a Ford 8N both great tractors lots of them out there and for not too much money