New tractor advice

[madpuma13]

I've looked into tractors quite extensively in preparation for the purchase of my first tractor.

I'm a newbie, recently purchased 45+ acres half as used for crops the other half is semi wooded.

I do not plan on doing crops and have already been approved for a wildlife management plan for tax purposes.

My father in law has 70 heavily wooded acres and about 10 fully cleared that he lives on. He has a small 24 hp Kubota that seems to get the chores done every time I drive it I always think he needs something bigger but what do I know.

Using my FIL as a starting point, I'm not sure I need a whole lot but I don't like being in the situation where I bought something too small and am stuck with it. So I have planned to go bigger. But am I going overboard? There will be plenty of mowing that will need to be done. Occasional tree/brush clearing with a grapple. And whatever odd ball jobs. (Tree planting with a stump bucket, fence post placement with an auger, etc)

The specific tractor I have been looking at is the Branson 4720h. Quoted around 24k before taxes and fees.

First, is this too much tractor? I've read frequently here that there is no such thing but I want to hear from those of you more experienced in these things.

Second, are there any other comparable tractor models in weight, capability and price? I live in Texas and have pretty much access to most brands within 50 miles. Kubota, JD, new Holland, ls, Branson are the major ones I can think of. The naming scheme is so different for every manufacturer and then the different lines of tractor it makes it difficult to compare when you aren't familiar with the brands.

Any help appreciated!

 

[cat fever]

I've never read where a TBN member was complaining about having too much tractor. Take that for what's it's worth.
When I was looking, I was checking out 45hp. I ended up with 66hp and sometimes wish I had gone with the 73hp.
Give Kioti a look, I have not had any issues to date. (2.5 years)

 

[Kentuckyfarmer]

It's what I have and have 22 acres of cleared ground. Not to big, not to small, just right for my needs. I went with Branson because of the weight, lifting capacity and the price. Also because it's not electronically controlled. It is tier 4 but if have troubles with the def filter plugging up remove it, replace with muffler or straight pipe and remove data logger. Really simple and no more problems. No computers, limp mode or the problems others have. Was on the fence about Kubota which dealership is only 2 miles from me but they wanted more money for a 37 horse tractor with cab and loader than the Branson. A Kubota close to 47 horse was way out of the picture. Plus all the electronics I didn't want to deal with. I myself like the Branson and think they are well worth what I paid for and the 4720 is a good size for the property I have. I sometimes wish I had a 300 horse tractor with a 40 foot batwing bush hog when clipping the pastures but I answer to no one anymore and have all day to do what I need to. Some day I hope to get a bw12 bushhog and that will speed up clipping the pastures verses a 7 footer I have.

 

[ericm979]

How big a brush cutter will you be using? Will you be mowing all the area that was in crops? A tractor that size but less hp, like a 3520, will have about the same loader capacity. More HP doesn't change that. But it does affect the PTO driven implements. General rule of thumb for rotary cutters is 5 pto hp per foot. For box blade work you need weight for traction and also power to pull it, but usually you're limited by traction not power.

Having more HP than you need doesn't make it more fun like it does in a car. It just burns more fuel.

I think the 4720 is a little wider in front (longer axle extensions) and has a slightly larger turning circle than the 3520 and 3725. It also comes with the larger tires. I had the small IND-10 wheels and tires put on my 3725 to make it lower for stability on hills as I live on the side of a mountain.

 

[johncanfield]

I bought a used Deere 4720 cab tractor (66hp, ~60@pto) and love it. This size is called a large frame compact and is perfect for our small ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Even with about 60 hp at the pto, the engine groans starting the 8' MX8 mower. If you can afford it, look at used cab tractors - having a cab when mowing is priceless (especially in the middle of summer! )

Also, I think JD and Kubota tractors retain more value than others.

 

[Danger18]

Nice machines. My LS xr4046hc will be delivered before lunch tomorrow. I've been waiting patiently for ten days. Like madpuma13, I did a lot of comparative research. All I know for sure is that I'm happy with my purchase. The 46 hp and 35.4 at PTO will handle my 6' implements with ease. The sweet cab, mid pto and extra hyd outlets make it a long term investment with untapped potential to upgrade to do other work. I was out the door at $21,900 with a pristine"like new" tractor with 188 hours. Add $500 for delivery 540 miles one way.