New to the world of Tractors

[Morid]

Hello all,

I am new to the world of tractors and needing one. I have recently purchased 6.5 acres that has one tree on it. I need to find a tractor with a mower and that is able to use other attachments ie, FEL, Post hole digger. I am building a house on the land and need a decent starter tractor. Any and all input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[KiotiJohn]

Welcome to TBN. First things first. Click on my home at the top, and go to the personal settings and fill out your profile so that folks near your area can give better advice. Those who live around you know the terrain better. Also, tell us what all you want to do with your tractor beyond using a mower (brush or finish?) and post hole digger (PHD).
Almost any tractor at this point would do because we don't know what you really need to do. Many will be happy to spend your money for you when we know more. John

 

[Morid]

Sorry about that. I am in Fredericksburg Va. I need a finish mower. I would like something that I could use for basic landscaping and yard work. I dont have a lot of expendable cash at this point but would love a tractor that could plow a 75' driveway, Cut the yard 6.5 acres, Dig holes and have room to expand on with attachments. I was planning on getting a tow behind mower for my 4wheeler or a zero turn but decided that would be my last resort. I have been looking at different auction sites to include this one and I just dont know what I am looking for/need. I have spent the last couple hours reading other post and I am sorry for yet another "what do I need?" post. I should have read the forum first. Thanks again for any info you all can give me.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have spent the last couple hours reading other post and I am sorry for yet another "what do I need?" post. I should have read the forum first. Thanks again for any info you all can give me. )</font>
Please don't apologize for asking for help in deciding what you need/want. That's what this forum does best, spend your money!
Since you don't have a lot of green to spend, you're probably going to need to try to find a good used tractor. With this you can have a 3pt hitch to attach mowers, tillers, boom poles etc. Eventually you could add a front end loader, which is probably one of the most used attachments I know of.
Finding a good used tractor can take some time, and you need to have a knowledgeable person to help you find a good one. But you can always ask us particulars if you find one.
Other than that, you may want to check out some of the less expensive Chinese tractors such as Jinma, made under many brand names. They sometimes require some tweaking when you first start using them, like replacing some of the gauges, or electronics with US made ones, but if you're mechanically handy, these can save you a lot of money.
You could then buy used implements in good shape and save money that way also.
If you could get the financing, you may be able to get some really good rates on a new one right now. Most of the brands are offering good 0% or low rates.
I would suggest that you're going to need at least 25 HP, and probably more for 6 acres or you'll be cutting grass all day long.
Read some more, and keep us abreast of your progress in deciphering what your needs may be.
John

 

[Morid]

Can I ask your opinion on this?? I was looking at ebay and came across this auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4372023360&category=50377

Could you put a front loader on this? or any other attachments for that matter?

 

[KiotiJohn]

I see the auction has ended. Guess it will be relisted.
Looks like it would be a good buy. The Woods mower is excellent.
The only problem is that I wouldn't put a loader on that 2WD tractor because it is low HP. With a loader on, the front wheels would bog down in softer soil, and you probably would have to dump a lot of your load to get it to move. On much larger tractors, 2WD wouldn't be a problem.
Now, you could cut your 6 acres with a 21HP mower, lets say a little over an acre an hour with a 5 foot finish mower. I think that HP would handle that okay.
But, in the lower HP tractors, I think you need the switchable 2/4 WD if you want to put a loader on.
Some will argue that they use a loader on a 2WD, but most of the smaller ones were just not built for all that extra weight. John

 

[Av8r3400]

I agree, John. 4wd is a must if you are using (or planning on) a FEL. It will also be needed if you are going to move any snow with it. (VA does get snow on occasion, right?) /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Soundguy]

I'd say.. 30hp and down.. if you went, for instance with NH.. that would be anything from a tc18-tc30 slightly used to new.

A 24 or 29 might hit the spot just right.
I only spoke about NH.. cause that's what I'm most familiar with. every color has a comparitive size and model.. your choice of flavors.. etc. Do a lot of test driving..

Soundguy

 

[bczoom]

Morid,

Welcome to TBN.

John (and others) have given you some great advise.

A couple questions/thoughts.

Can you give us a ballpark idea on how much you were thinking of spending? It may help us expand or narrow down some selections.

What dealers (by brand) do you have nearby?

I would propose that you get the FEL when purchasing the tractor. It's probably going to be the most useful attachment from day 1. Since you're going to be mowing as well, read through some of the threads about pros/cons of a rear (3ph) vs. a MMM (mid-mount). Tire selection will also be important.

Brian

 

[Morid]

Thank you all for the responses.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Can you give us a ballpark idea on how much you were thinking of spending? )</font>

I am trying to stay under 7000 if at all possible.

As for what dealers are near me... I dont know, I do know there are alot of different equipment sales shops in the area. The only one I know for sure is the Kubota dealer.