Hi everyone. New user here looking for advice on a compact tractor to fit my needs. All I have now is a Ford 1000 with only a backblade which I snow plow my driveway (150 ft) and push manure from two horses into growing piles. I also have about 5 acres of rolling hills to mow which takes quite awhile on a 50" ride on mower. I'm looking for a tractor with a FEL to move the manure/dirt piles with a 72"RFM since all the brush is cleared already. I've looked at quite a few brands and the JD3320 hydro seems to be very nice. I first considered the Kubota B7800 then the L3400 for more muscle and PTO power but. MF 1531/1533 seems to have a nice operator platform. I don't want to go any smaller then by Ford 1000. Opinions?
New tractor advice
- Thread starter JerseyRay
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Hi everyone. New user here looking for advice on a compact tractor to fit my needs. All I have now is a Ford 1000 with only a backblade which I snow plow my driveway (150 ft) and push manure from two horses into growing piles. I also have about 5 acres of rolling hills to mow which takes quite awhile on a 50" ride on mower. I'm looking for a tractor with a FEL to move the manure/dirt piles with a 72"RFM since all the brush is cleared already. I've looked at quite a few brands and the JD3320 hydro seems to be very nice. I first considered the Kubota B7800 then the L3400 for more muscle and PTO power but. MF 1531/1533 seems to have a nice operator platform. I don't want to go any smaller then by Ford 1000. Opinions?
coasterez
Banned
If available, I suggest also considering a Kioti CK30 or DK45, or a TYM, or a Mahindra. You'll get plenty of tractor, and probably save some cash over some of the other brands. You'll need a good bit of pto hp to run a 6' RFM. 30 hp is probably the mininum. A loader is probably in order for the horse manure. Here the TYM loaders have a very good rep.
coasterez
Banned
If available, I suggest also considering a Kioti CK30 or DK45, or a TYM, or a Mahindra. You'll get plenty of tractor, and probably save some cash over some of the other brands. You'll need a good bit of pto hp to run a 6' RFM. 30 hp is probably the mininum. A loader is probably in order for the horse manure. Here the TYM loaders have a very good rep.
jbrumberg
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JerseyRay:
Welcome to TBN! You can't get much smaller than a Ford 1000 (I had a 1100 FWD. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I agree with your focus on tractors in the upper 20's to low 30's HP ranges and that you are looking at tractor ergonomics. I agree that tractor "feel" is important; but it is also important to factor in the "feel" of the dealership you with whom you will be ultimately dealing. I would look at your current needs and anticipated future use. If you have been getting by with a Ford 1000 (~13/11PTO HP) and a 50" riding mower what do you want your next tractor to do? It's obvious that you need a FEL with relatively high lift capacity to move your manure, but do you need to have your 5 A's "lawn cut perfect" especially if you have horses (I don't have horses and do not want any- they apparently eat tractors from what I have read in recent threads on TBN /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)? 5 A's have a natural tendency to quickly go back to nature unless you stay on top with constant mowing. I would consider a rotary cutter (simple construction, more robust) for "field work" instead of a RFM and use my riding mower for the "lawn". Having had a geared tractor for many years I truly appreciate my HST (3 ranges) especially with FEL work. As your needs change so will your attachments. Do you want a garden and/or flower beds (tiller/disc harrow)? Do you anticipate the need to dig holes or move dirt around your property (BH/BB/RB)? Do you anticipate the need to build fences (PHD)? Bigger tractors require bigger attachments which means bigger $ allocations /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I would try to get some seat time in as many brands of tractors and talk to as many dealerships as possible within my locality. There is no perfect tractor out there, but it is my belief that ultimately one will do the best they can with what they have. With a smaller tractor you will get the job done, but you will have to be little more creative and go a little slower. Give us your current profile and anticipated plans and we at TBN will be more than happy to share our collective experiences as well as help you spend your money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay
Welcome to TBN! You can't get much smaller than a Ford 1000 (I had a 1100 FWD. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I agree with your focus on tractors in the upper 20's to low 30's HP ranges and that you are looking at tractor ergonomics. I agree that tractor "feel" is important; but it is also important to factor in the "feel" of the dealership you with whom you will be ultimately dealing. I would look at your current needs and anticipated future use. If you have been getting by with a Ford 1000 (~13/11PTO HP) and a 50" riding mower what do you want your next tractor to do? It's obvious that you need a FEL with relatively high lift capacity to move your manure, but do you need to have your 5 A's "lawn cut perfect" especially if you have horses (I don't have horses and do not want any- they apparently eat tractors from what I have read in recent threads on TBN /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)? 5 A's have a natural tendency to quickly go back to nature unless you stay on top with constant mowing. I would consider a rotary cutter (simple construction, more robust) for "field work" instead of a RFM and use my riding mower for the "lawn". Having had a geared tractor for many years I truly appreciate my HST (3 ranges) especially with FEL work. As your needs change so will your attachments. Do you want a garden and/or flower beds (tiller/disc harrow)? Do you anticipate the need to dig holes or move dirt around your property (BH/BB/RB)? Do you anticipate the need to build fences (PHD)? Bigger tractors require bigger attachments which means bigger $ allocations /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I would try to get some seat time in as many brands of tractors and talk to as many dealerships as possible within my locality. There is no perfect tractor out there, but it is my belief that ultimately one will do the best they can with what they have. With a smaller tractor you will get the job done, but you will have to be little more creative and go a little slower. Give us your current profile and anticipated plans and we at TBN will be more than happy to share our collective experiences as well as help you spend your money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay
jbrumberg
Elite Member
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- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
JerseyRay:
Welcome to TBN! You can't get much smaller than a Ford 1000 (I had a 1100 FWD. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I agree with your focus on tractors in the upper 20's to low 30's HP ranges and that you are looking at tractor ergonomics. I agree that tractor "feel" is important; but it is also important to factor in the "feel" of the dealership you with whom you will be ultimately dealing. I would look at your current needs and anticipated future use. If you have been getting by with a Ford 1000 (~13/11PTO HP) and a 50" riding mower what do you want your next tractor to do? It's obvious that you need a FEL with relatively high lift capacity to move your manure, but do you need to have your 5 A's "lawn cut perfect" especially if you have horses (I don't have horses and do not want any- they apparently eat tractors from what I have read in recent threads on TBN /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)? 5 A's have a natural tendency to quickly go back to nature unless you stay on top with constant mowing. I would consider a rotary cutter (simple construction, more robust) for "field work" instead of a RFM and use my riding mower for the "lawn". Having had a geared tractor for many years I truly appreciate my HST (3 ranges) especially with FEL work. As your needs change so will your attachments. Do you want a garden and/or flower beds (tiller/disc harrow)? Do you anticipate the need to dig holes or move dirt around your property (BH/BB/RB)? Do you anticipate the need to build fences (PHD)? Bigger tractors require bigger attachments which means bigger $ allocations /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I would try to get some seat time in as many brands of tractors and talk to as many dealerships as possible within my locality. There is no perfect tractor out there, but it is my belief that ultimately one will do the best they can with what they have. With a smaller tractor you will get the job done, but you will have to be little more creative and go a little slower. Give us your current profile and anticipated plans and we at TBN will be more than happy to share our collective experiences as well as help you spend your money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay
Welcome to TBN! You can't get much smaller than a Ford 1000 (I had a 1100 FWD. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif). I agree with your focus on tractors in the upper 20's to low 30's HP ranges and that you are looking at tractor ergonomics. I agree that tractor "feel" is important; but it is also important to factor in the "feel" of the dealership you with whom you will be ultimately dealing. I would look at your current needs and anticipated future use. If you have been getting by with a Ford 1000 (~13/11PTO HP) and a 50" riding mower what do you want your next tractor to do? It's obvious that you need a FEL with relatively high lift capacity to move your manure, but do you need to have your 5 A's "lawn cut perfect" especially if you have horses (I don't have horses and do not want any- they apparently eat tractors from what I have read in recent threads on TBN /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif)? 5 A's have a natural tendency to quickly go back to nature unless you stay on top with constant mowing. I would consider a rotary cutter (simple construction, more robust) for "field work" instead of a RFM and use my riding mower for the "lawn". Having had a geared tractor for many years I truly appreciate my HST (3 ranges) especially with FEL work. As your needs change so will your attachments. Do you want a garden and/or flower beds (tiller/disc harrow)? Do you anticipate the need to dig holes or move dirt around your property (BH/BB/RB)? Do you anticipate the need to build fences (PHD)? Bigger tractors require bigger attachments which means bigger $ allocations /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif. I would try to get some seat time in as many brands of tractors and talk to as many dealerships as possible within my locality. There is no perfect tractor out there, but it is my belief that ultimately one will do the best they can with what they have. With a smaller tractor you will get the job done, but you will have to be little more creative and go a little slower. Give us your current profile and anticipated plans and we at TBN will be more than happy to share our collective experiences as well as help you spend your money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Jay
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
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- 2007 Kioti DK40se HST, Woods BH
Given that your major tasks seem to be mowing 5 acres and moving horse manure, I think you don't need a heavy or sophisticated tractor. The Kubota 7800 and JD790 are great bang for the buck machines that could pull a 6 foot RFM. Any loader on the market can handle moving horse poop so you don't need a big heavy expensive tractor for that either. As others pointed out, if you are comfortable going with non Big 3 tractors there are lots of additional good choices. Be aware that tractors in the size range you are looking at are mature products by and large and are also essentially commodity items. Any of the reasonably respected brands will make a 25-30hp tractor that can do the work you are planning. If you don't like to wrench yourself you might focus more on the dealers around you than the brand.
IslandTractor
Super Star Member
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Given that your major tasks seem to be mowing 5 acres and moving horse manure, I think you don't need a heavy or sophisticated tractor. The Kubota 7800 and JD790 are great bang for the buck machines that could pull a 6 foot RFM. Any loader on the market can handle moving horse poop so you don't need a big heavy expensive tractor for that either. As others pointed out, if you are comfortable going with non Big 3 tractors there are lots of additional good choices. Be aware that tractors in the size range you are looking at are mature products by and large and are also essentially commodity items. Any of the reasonably respected brands will make a 25-30hp tractor that can do the work you are planning. If you don't like to wrench yourself you might focus more on the dealers around you than the brand.
Soundguy
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If your ford 1000 has been serving you ok.. have you considered a NH product? There are a variety of mid 20 hp units that can have hydro and a loader.. Perhaps a 29d for the mower and loader. etc?
As others mentioned there are many other 2nd brands besides the "Big 3" and many 3rd brands as well. Just depends on if you want something you may have to lay a wrench on every now and then... etc.
Manu used units out there too.. your choice. give us your thoughts on these ideas.
Soundguy
As others mentioned there are many other 2nd brands besides the "Big 3" and many 3rd brands as well. Just depends on if you want something you may have to lay a wrench on every now and then... etc.
Manu used units out there too.. your choice. give us your thoughts on these ideas.
Soundguy
Soundguy
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- Central florida
- Tractor
- RK 55HC,ym1700, NH7610S, Ford 8N, 2N, NAA, 660, 850 x2, 541, 950, 941D, 951, 2000, 3000, 4000, 4600, 5000, 740, IH 'C' 'H', CUB, John Deere 'B', allis 'G', case VAC
If your ford 1000 has been serving you ok.. have you considered a NH product? There are a variety of mid 20 hp units that can have hydro and a loader.. Perhaps a 29d for the mower and loader. etc?
As others mentioned there are many other 2nd brands besides the "Big 3" and many 3rd brands as well. Just depends on if you want something you may have to lay a wrench on every now and then... etc.
Manu used units out there too.. your choice. give us your thoughts on these ideas.
Soundguy
As others mentioned there are many other 2nd brands besides the "Big 3" and many 3rd brands as well. Just depends on if you want something you may have to lay a wrench on every now and then... etc.
Manu used units out there too.. your choice. give us your thoughts on these ideas.
Soundguy
Big_Cajun
Silver Member
If I were looking for a tractor at that HP with those features, I'd definitely look at the MF lineup. I love Kubota, but when I'm trying to decide, it's always between MF and Kubota. All the tractors you named are nice. Just give them a test drive and see which is the most comfortable/best bang for the buck.
BC
BC
Big_Cajun
Silver Member
If I were looking for a tractor at that HP with those features, I'd definitely look at the MF lineup. I love Kubota, but when I'm trying to decide, it's always between MF and Kubota. All the tractors you named are nice. Just give them a test drive and see which is the most comfortable/best bang for the buck.
BC
BC
Jay,
Thank you and the rest of the folks for the advice. I had considered in getting a FEL for the Ford 1000 (owner's manual says it's a 25hp/23pto) but to find a loader with pump and installation would be expensive, probably over double what the tractor's worth. I've been saving up and I rather get a new one especially now with the low financing rates available. Along with the horse poop I have some low spots on the property I want to fill in with some free dirt/fill I got from the highway department, appx 100 tons. Far as mowing it takes me or my wife about 5-6 hours mow the property so I figured to get something with a wider cut to supplement my ride on mower. As far as a BH I thought I would save some $ and rent one when I need one. Put the bucks toward a better tractor. Also it would be one less piece of equiptment to store under a tarp somewhere. I've put up all the fence I need for a while. Dug most of the postholes by hand "whew!" I read repeatedly on TBN a good dealer relationship is even more important than the brand of tractor. Maybe I can get some tips on what makes a "good" dealer. By the way I've been to 3 NH, 2 JD, 3 Kubota, 1 Cub Cadet and one MF dealer. I have a stack of papers with specs from all. I been researching so much I wore down my wife she'll let me get anything at this point.
Thank you and the rest of the folks for the advice. I had considered in getting a FEL for the Ford 1000 (owner's manual says it's a 25hp/23pto) but to find a loader with pump and installation would be expensive, probably over double what the tractor's worth. I've been saving up and I rather get a new one especially now with the low financing rates available. Along with the horse poop I have some low spots on the property I want to fill in with some free dirt/fill I got from the highway department, appx 100 tons. Far as mowing it takes me or my wife about 5-6 hours mow the property so I figured to get something with a wider cut to supplement my ride on mower. As far as a BH I thought I would save some $ and rent one when I need one. Put the bucks toward a better tractor. Also it would be one less piece of equiptment to store under a tarp somewhere. I've put up all the fence I need for a while. Dug most of the postholes by hand "whew!" I read repeatedly on TBN a good dealer relationship is even more important than the brand of tractor. Maybe I can get some tips on what makes a "good" dealer. By the way I've been to 3 NH, 2 JD, 3 Kubota, 1 Cub Cadet and one MF dealer. I have a stack of papers with specs from all. I been researching so much I wore down my wife she'll let me get anything at this point.
Jay,
Thank you and the rest of the folks for the advice. I had considered in getting a FEL for the Ford 1000 (owner's manual says it's a 25hp/23pto) but to find a loader with pump and installation would be expensive, probably over double what the tractor's worth. I've been saving up and I rather get a new one especially now with the low financing rates available. Along with the horse poop I have some low spots on the property I want to fill in with some free dirt/fill I got from the highway department, appx 100 tons. Far as mowing it takes me or my wife about 5-6 hours mow the property so I figured to get something with a wider cut to supplement my ride on mower. As far as a BH I thought I would save some $ and rent one when I need one. Put the bucks toward a better tractor. Also it would be one less piece of equiptment to store under a tarp somewhere. I've put up all the fence I need for a while. Dug most of the postholes by hand "whew!" I read repeatedly on TBN a good dealer relationship is even more important than the brand of tractor. Maybe I can get some tips on what makes a "good" dealer. By the way I've been to 3 NH, 2 JD, 3 Kubota, 1 Cub Cadet and one MF dealer. I have a stack of papers with specs from all. I been researching so much I wore down my wife she'll let me get anything at this point.
Thank you and the rest of the folks for the advice. I had considered in getting a FEL for the Ford 1000 (owner's manual says it's a 25hp/23pto) but to find a loader with pump and installation would be expensive, probably over double what the tractor's worth. I've been saving up and I rather get a new one especially now with the low financing rates available. Along with the horse poop I have some low spots on the property I want to fill in with some free dirt/fill I got from the highway department, appx 100 tons. Far as mowing it takes me or my wife about 5-6 hours mow the property so I figured to get something with a wider cut to supplement my ride on mower. As far as a BH I thought I would save some $ and rent one when I need one. Put the bucks toward a better tractor. Also it would be one less piece of equiptment to store under a tarp somewhere. I've put up all the fence I need for a while. Dug most of the postholes by hand "whew!" I read repeatedly on TBN a good dealer relationship is even more important than the brand of tractor. Maybe I can get some tips on what makes a "good" dealer. By the way I've been to 3 NH, 2 JD, 3 Kubota, 1 Cub Cadet and one MF dealer. I have a stack of papers with specs from all. I been researching so much I wore down my wife she'll let me get anything at this point.
jbrumberg
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2006
- Messages
- 4,903
- Location
- Cummington, MA
- Tractor
- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
JerseyRay:
Good work on the research and wearing down the wife! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Researching out and deciding on "the best fit" tractors and "necessary" attachments is relatively easy compared to getting "She Who Must Be Obeyed's/Comptroller's" approval. I need to submit a needs assessment and 3 bids to get anything (I am kind of kidding.) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I used my Ford 1100 for 20+ years- it was under-powered and over-used but I was able to get the job done. It was a major step up when I purchased my NH TC29DA, and I have no complaints (although the Ford with its set up could handle slopes better). If I was you I would do something nice for the wife - dinner out, flowers, first new tractor project is for her, etc. before you run out of money buying attachments. We at TBN can help you with that. Jay /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Good work on the research and wearing down the wife! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Researching out and deciding on "the best fit" tractors and "necessary" attachments is relatively easy compared to getting "She Who Must Be Obeyed's/Comptroller's" approval. I need to submit a needs assessment and 3 bids to get anything (I am kind of kidding.) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I used my Ford 1100 for 20+ years- it was under-powered and over-used but I was able to get the job done. It was a major step up when I purchased my NH TC29DA, and I have no complaints (although the Ford with its set up could handle slopes better). If I was you I would do something nice for the wife - dinner out, flowers, first new tractor project is for her, etc. before you run out of money buying attachments. We at TBN can help you with that. Jay /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jerseyray,
No matter what you buy it will cut faster than what you are cutting with now. I have a 72 in RFM. I cut 5 acres in about three hours. It use to take 4 when I had the 24 hp JD 770. Now with the 44 hp HST 3720 it cut the cut time one hour. Plus with the HST it has cut my time to zero. (I now sit next to the pool and drink a beer and watch the 13 y/o cut on the weekends /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif) I do not know how I lived so long without HST so look into that when you decide.
No matter what you buy it will cut faster than what you are cutting with now. I have a 72 in RFM. I cut 5 acres in about three hours. It use to take 4 when I had the 24 hp JD 770. Now with the 44 hp HST 3720 it cut the cut time one hour. Plus with the HST it has cut my time to zero. (I now sit next to the pool and drink a beer and watch the 13 y/o cut on the weekends /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif) I do not know how I lived so long without HST so look into that when you decide.
RickO
Silver Member
</font><font color="blueclass=small">( I read repeatedly on TBN a good dealer relationship is even more important than the brand of tractor. )</font>
I read it all the time too and I don't always agree. I do think you need a dealer within an hour but I don't see the need to have one close. Ask the guys who have some of the newer tractors how much time their tractor has been in the shop in the past couple years. Choose the right brand and your chances of needing the dealer close by are decreased. All the major brands and even some of the less well known brands (i.e. Mahindra, Kioti) would be good choices. I would drive an hour to buy a tractor without thinking twice. Don't buy something you don't like because a dealer is close. I agree with the HST being a must. It is worth every penny extra.
I personally never liked mowing with a RFM. I had one for a year on a B7800. I downsized to a Ford 1210 HST with a 5' MMM and I like mowing with it. I'll tell you something else, my B7800 Kubota would run a 6' RFM but if you get into some heavy grass with it your slowing way down. The Ford goes through heavy grass no problem. If you are going to be doing a lot of mowing and you think you can move your manure with a MMM still on, I would get a MMM.
I read it all the time too and I don't always agree. I do think you need a dealer within an hour but I don't see the need to have one close. Ask the guys who have some of the newer tractors how much time their tractor has been in the shop in the past couple years. Choose the right brand and your chances of needing the dealer close by are decreased. All the major brands and even some of the less well known brands (i.e. Mahindra, Kioti) would be good choices. I would drive an hour to buy a tractor without thinking twice. Don't buy something you don't like because a dealer is close. I agree with the HST being a must. It is worth every penny extra.
I personally never liked mowing with a RFM. I had one for a year on a B7800. I downsized to a Ford 1210 HST with a 5' MMM and I like mowing with it. I'll tell you something else, my B7800 Kubota would run a 6' RFM but if you get into some heavy grass with it your slowing way down. The Ford goes through heavy grass no problem. If you are going to be doing a lot of mowing and you think you can move your manure with a MMM still on, I would get a MMM.
