New here and maybe off topic.

[sanmigmike]

Just moved to Oregon and we live on 8 acres, mostly wooded and not flat!

Need a tractor to move trees, both ones that have fallen, cleaning them up and ones that we will fall. Size, up to over 36 in dia. Berries, overgrown very badly in some areas. Extend a driveway and maintain the drive and private road.

Brother in law, into trees, Christmas and other... feels we should get a 15 to 25 hp one, FWD, with a loader, brush hog.

On one hand the ones lower in hp seem to be kind of light, and he feels that weight is part of the equation. But price is an issue. Have looked at Deere and Massey and am thinking of looking at Hercules and Jinma and Kioti, no Mahindra dealer within 100 miles. For weight it seems I have to go up to about 30 hp to see a big gain in weight...

So even before I get to brand and model I have to admit that I am pretty clueless. Any thoughts????? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[JDgreen227]

I think you are in the right forum and it surprises me how many new members are posting this time of the year. May I suggest giving us a general idea of whether you prefer gear or hydro drive and about how many hours you will be using your new tractor a year. You may also want to reveal some idea of how long you expect to keep the machine. It can be expensive to buy too large or too small and have to trade after a short time.

If I were to recommend one model with enough power and weight as a starter tractor it would be the JD 790 MFWD. It only comes as a gear model however.

Yes, I am a John Deere fan, and always anxious to recommend my favorite color of tractors to anyone who will listen. Good luck !

 

[PineRidge]

Sanmigmike Welcome to the TBN board.

I had a 25HP 4WD Bison and got by mowing, plowing, disking, taking care of a long gravel drive with a landscape rake, and snow blowing for 5 years with no problems or complaints on the power curve.

However when it came time for me to add pallet forks to unload semi-trailers and a FEL (front end loader) and BH (backhoe) to move some real dirt I then decided it was time to go larger in the HP range and sell the 25HP tractor. While you can do a very good job with a 25HP you can do a much better job and in far less time with a little more punch.

My advice is to test drive more than a few tractors in the different HP ranges and see if you can actually put a couple of them to work at the dealers lot. Some offer work areas where you can test the BH or FEL. And since work is what they were intended for you want to be sure that you don't end up underpowered and sorry later.

I stepped into a 40 HP New Holland and haven't looked back since. There is a BIG difference from 25 to 40 horses and I'm not just talking size of the machine itself.

Good luck and I hope you find the perfect tractor at the price that’s right for you.

 

[Golfgar4]

Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Another good starter machine might be the NH TC30. It's a no frills 30 hp machine, but you can get it with HST or shuttle shift. I'm not sure if you can get it in a gear version. Should be able to I think.

There are a number of guys that have the TC30. Mrwurm is the first one that comes to mind. He'll have good info. on this machine if he chimes in.

You might also take a look at Centuries/Bransons. These seem to be pretty solid machines at slightly lower prices. I've been impressed with what I've learned about them.

Good luck on your search! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Oh yeah - your post was not off topic at all! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Tractors4u]

Gary,

I thought the TC30 was available in HST or straight gear with no shuttle. I'm sure the one I looked at was a straight gear shift tractor. It had the shifter on the dash board like the shuttle shifters do, but this was the regular shifter in an H pattern.

 

[rdam]

Even though I bought a Kubota L3830, The New Holland TC30 is one of my favorites. It comes in Hydro or 9x3 gear. It's probably one of the best values around. It has a little more HP than the JD 790 and I think there are some other features that go above and beyond the 790.

I test drove one during my search and was impressed.

Oh yeah, I guess I should plug Kubota. Check the L2800 and L3400 for the "economy" line. These are super nice tractors comparable to the JD 790 and
NH TC30. However, they have a mechanical shuttle shift lever which will make life easier. The TC30 and 790 don't have it. Or for the ultimate in compact utility tractor comfort and features (based on HP), look at the Kubota L3130. Look at the warranties and you will find some interesting differences.

Man, it's easy to spend your money!

 

[leaddog]

I would sugest that you look at the Century/Bronson tractors. They are very heavily built tractors. They come in two size frames, small and large but the trans,hyd,clutches,fels are all the same. They have several engines from 30 to 48hp. So you can see that they are very ruggedly built to stand up to 48hp. I have the 3045Century, 48hp and It does every thing I ask of it and more. They are loaded with features that are options on most other brands and are priced lower than most other brands. They were the best bang for my buck that I could find and I looked at most before I bought. I grew up on a farm and have been around farming all my life and was a Machine Repairman at gm in my working years so I do have some expertise at looking at quality machines. But do look around at as many makes as you can and don't be pressured into buying. Every tractor fits people different for there purpose. Happy hunting and keep us informed
Leaddog

 

[Golfgar4]

Brent,

You're probably right. I remembered that it came with 2 out of the 3 versions, but wasn't sure which one it didn't come in. I've only driven the HST version, so I took a shot that it came in Shuttle. It actually makes more sense that it comes in gear, though.

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[lamarbur]

welcome to the board, I would suggest a Mahindra, but, you said no delaers within a 100 miles, There is a Branson dealer that posts on here, or at least use to, from somewhere in ORegon. I would suggest looking real strong at a Branson/Century model, particularly if cost is a top priority.

 

[Golfgar4]

Gee, thanks for the welcome Lamarbur! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I haven't received a welcome for.......well let's see........something just over 2,000 posts! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

I know who you were aiming that at! Just felt like being a little froggy today! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif