Charleyfarmall and TripleR made some really good points in their last posts, and I agree.
My wife and I have a 35 hp Kubota, which fits us both (she's 5'9" and I'm 6'), so we're not as far apart size-wise as you and your husband. All it really means is that we're not always moving the seat to suit. Most modern tractors are adjustable enough to fit you both, but be sure before you buy that all the controls fall within easy reach with the seat set for you.
Ergonomics is important, so is size and weight. In the Kubota lineup, which is what I know, a Bx or B series is most likely going to be too small for what you need, an L may be big enough, and an MX is almost a sure bet, maybe a bit of overkill. Like the guys said, a little bigger won't hurt anything. Those size tractors (L and MX) make very poor lawn mowers, so be aware of that.
With the size you're looking for, handling small round bales won't be a problem if you do have to in future. Ours is about as small as I'd want to go for that chore. Also if you ever do want to make hay, 35-40 HP will do the trick for small square balers, rakes, etc.
For field mowing, I'd recommend the rotary cutter over the finish mower for durability concerns. I've hit a few good sized rocks that weren't supposed to be there. If you want manicured fields, the finish mower is better, but pasture is fine with the rotaries. I can mow roughly 2 acres per hour with a 5 foot cutter.
Long driveway + drifting = snowblower. My driveway is no problem with a rear blade and FEL bucket, but a friend's which we keep clear is a handful (600 feet plus) once there's any buildup at all. With a blade you need to have somewhere to put the snow, the blower will throw it wherever you want it. Keep in mind that most drifty driveways limit you to one side only for snow placement, otherwise you're only going to build a snow fence in the wrong place, which means more drifting. Our friend is selling next year, but if she wasn't, I'd be looking for a blower. Moving the plowed edge with a loader every week with a bucket gets old in a hurry. The 3400 will push it over to one side for a while, then it just crabs sideways.
The gear vs. HST debate is cloudy. I have gear because I don't like revving an engine that's not working, and I like the simplicity (and price) of a gear tranny. My left knee doesn't always agree with me, though. Waiting for someone to hook up a chain, or move something with the clutch pushed in isn't much fun.
Before you buy a gear tractor, push the clutch in and hold it for at least a minute, see how it feels. Try that a few times, and see if it's going to be something you can live with.
The QA bucket is a good idea no question. Mine isn't (price again) and I wish it was. Better resale value as well.
Tires? Probably loaded R1's depending on your uses and soil conditions, and you'll likely need ice chains for winter. Tires and rims are expensive, get them right the first time around. Block heater is a must too if you're storing with no heat.
Look for something that already has rear remote hydraulics plumbed in. If you want to add anything that requires rear hydraulics, like a blower with chute and deflector control, it's already there.
A good dealer locally makes a difference too like Jaylyn said, it's made her life easier already.
Your price range is going to be a problem I think, in finding something fairly new in good shape with low hours. I looked for a couple years and finally gave up and bought new. Still paying for it, though at 0 % it's not too painful.
As far as material handling goes, I think you have to look at the long term use and buy for that. Mine won't be much help building my barn this summer, other than leveling ground and moving soil. I've seen posts with folks wanting to buy a tractor to remove stumps and rocks in the first year, then spend the next 20 years mowing the new pastures. Two words come to mind for them, one is bulldozer, the other is excavator. Both hired or rented.
My 2 cents, maybe three.
Sean
