New member, educating self before selecting a tractor

[TimR009]

The 12' long number for the logs has to do with initial approx. sizes cut during clearing of our property. We have about 9 piles of logs currently, mostly oaks. Some of these piles are on the downside of our drive, so will need to lift some out to process for firewood, for example. May look into a small sawmill at some point, as I do like dabbling at woodworking and it's a good way to get cheap lumber.
I'd say majority of it will end up as firewood.
I've looked at the log arches...pretty slick, and easy enough to use side-by-side utv for hauling logs it seems too. Looking at options for it too...Kubota makes fine product, and the same outfit, Nelson, carries both Kubota and JD utvs. Tough choice after seeing new Defender by CanAm.

 

[jeff9366]

I believe Kubota is the only UTV producer with HST transmissions.

If you need primarily a WORK UTV, give that consideration.

 

[Texasmark]

Hi Tim, I'm Mark

I moved from urbania in 1979. I have since been attempting to "educate" myself on farming principles including all the aspects of the subject. Still learning daily.

I learned that no one tractor does all, nor does one implement. Implements are usually a pain to hookup when you farm alone, so seeking the easiest tractor to implement connection is a plus, tractor and implement to the size of the job....however when starting out, money may cause you to skimp. But you can get your feet wet and as time passes, upgrade your equipment and/or diversify to suit tasks required. Having started with gassers....including LP, I got up enough money over the years to migrate to diesels and no way can I compare the two, hands down. Just nothing to say bad about them other than being able to initially afford one. Maintaining and operating have always been much less of a problem and expense.

This could go on and on, but this is a starter.

The weather is always wrong for your "windows" of opportunity to work your farm. If you are a meat producer you always have a problem getting good feed at a reasonable price; if a feed producer, you usually have a problem with customers, either not available as you'd like or real, or finding reasonable commodity prices....seed, chemicals.

Price and condition are usually the drivers....were for me. Never had any money so I shopped for the best price and hoped for the best. Lots of you fix it problems and questions were can you get parts and do you have the tools and expertise to do the job.

Getting starter smartelic neighbors were a PIA. They got their kicks teasing me and pulling tricks that the learned wouldn't cotton to.

 

[airbiscuit]

You will get a nice variety of advice here. Any Compact Utility Tractor (CUT) will put a smile on your face. Your first choice will be how big of a tractor to buy. That has to do with your needs and your budget. Few people have said "I wish I had bought a smaller tractor", but many have said "I wish I had bought a larger tractor". Horsepower is less important than size and weight, and the size (height) of the tires. It makes a huge difference in traction.

A trip to the dealer to test drive different sizes will give you a good feel for things. I would think a 30-35hp CUT would be perfect for your first tractor. If you go to a John Deere Dealer, you can get an idea of the different frame sizes:

1025 = Sub Compact - a lawn & garden tractor on steroids. Won't have close to enough traction for you
2025 = Small Frame CUT - Will do a lot of things for you, but your next tractor will be bigger!
3032e = Mid Frame CUT - might be the sweet spot for you.
4044 = Large Frame CUT - Nice if you can afford it. Power and traction to spare.

I am not pushing for brand here. Deere just makes it easy to illustrate frame size.

Figure tractor size out first, then think about options, then about attachments. Having a rear hydraulic remote or two is always a good idea. Quick attach buckets is another. We would all like to have a grapple, but there are a lot of 3pt "skidding" options available for a lot less money. Forks might also be nice to have. A back blade or box blade or land plane will take care of your driveway.