Newbie here, not afraid to ask for advice and opinions on a new tractor, etc

[concernedcitizen]

Definitely need a utility tractor????

He wants to 1) mow 3 acres. Can do that with a SCUT or Sears riding mower. 2) Mow 20 acres to clear and then mow it occasionally. The initial cutting could be hired out and the occasional mowing done easily over a few days with a six foot mower on any tractor above 35hp. 3) Tilling 2 acres: any tractor above 30hp can run a six foot tiller, 4) plowing: see below 5) PHD: any tractor can run a PHD. 6) FEL: he'd be happy with 2500lbs lift and most 40+hp CUTs can do that.

Plowing is the only task he mentions that really pushes one to consider a utility sized tractor. Question is whether that single task is justification for a going up to utility size and giving up the convenience of a CUT HST as well as considerable extra expense. If sod needs to be broken it might make more sense to subcontract that initial task. Certainly a 40+hp CUT can handle occasional plowing.

We don't know from the OP's initial post whether this is a commercial venture or a hobby farm. I suspect hobby farm as it is pretty unlikely someone contemplating a commercial farm would need to ask newbie questions about tractors. I applaud the OP's initial post as being very detailed and clear on most topics but what is lacking is any experience to judge whether some of those tasks would simply be better done by hiring out rather than oversizing his own equipment.

I would not go so far to to say he definitely does not need a utility size tractor but it's pretty clear that the vast majority of his listed regular uses could easily be handled by a 40-60hp CUT with HST and cab with a savings of tens of thousands over similarly equipped utility tractor

I don't know what in the future I will want or need to do with the tractor. Since the original posting have been leaning towards at some point in time doing hay for the livestock that we would be keeping and also with the just before this posting I made, might find it fun or similar and want to do some winter jobs, like snow blowing. (the drive way is lengthy at close to 1/3 of a mile).

That is why I'm leaning towards the larger 65HP or thereabouts range. I'm also a newbie, so I'm guessing that the larger tractors are more strongly built and a bit more forgiving for mistakes that newbies might make that are not tractor destroying events, but correct me if I'm wrong, I would rather be told now than regret being a fool later.

 

[concernedcitizen]

You have told us you only have three tractor dealers reasonably close. You can do research on the individual brand web sites. Spreadsheet the specs.

I will definitely need to be hitting the three manufacturers sites and comparing the specs, but I will first need to research what the specs mean and what the requirements are for the specific jobs i'm needing to be done require

 

[concernedcitizen]

I agree and have the JD110 with a Laurin cab and it is handy and versatile. I would also suggest that the larger Deere 210 L construction landscape loader tractor with factory cab and 5,400 lb. lift is worth a look. The new replacement for the Kubota M59 tlb is the M62 available early next year and is supposed to be available with a cab.

Buying new with cab I would have to give both of these machines a hard look, Kubota M62 62hp hydrostatic transmission will handle 3000+ lb pallets. and the Deere210L 93hp, powershift transmission will handle 4,500 lb. pallets.


To the OP,
I would not nail down to a specific model of ag tractor or tractor/loader/backhoe, compact tractor just yet. I would try to get a better idea of the needs first then look at all of the suggestions before deciding which is best for you.

I am a general contractor and it is my experience that suggest a Kubota M62 with cab should be a well rounded machine for 90% of your uses. This will be available with or without the backhoe, but I find a backhoe is always needed on construction sites. The Deere 210 L while larger and higher lift capacity is great for grading is not available with a backhoe and is not a hydrostatic transmission. It has a powershift transmission which works very well for grading work.

For mowing I have the x749 which is about the same as the x739 but is diesel, very satisfied with it after 5 years of use. I also have an x758 diesel without the 4 wheel steer it is also good but lacks the maneuverability I am used to.

About pricing I found that all of the Deere equipment I have bought new was purchased from 15% off msrp for the small mowers to 20% off msrp for the loaded 110 tlb. I would expect some where around 15 to 18% off on a new tractor purchase. Don't have a clue where the other brands discounts are structured.

Thank you for the great information. I will be heeding your advice and locking in as many possible specific jobs that I want the tractor to be capable of doing, as the list just seems to grow as I learn more and become interested in attempting such. I do realize that I will have to establish a cut off point that is reasonable and not again be swept into the newbie syndrome where I want to basically be able to run a commercial farm, lol

 

[IslandTractor]

I don't know what in the future I will want or need to do with the tractor. Since the original posting have been leaning towards at some point in time doing hay for the livestock that we would be keeping and also with the just before this posting I made, might find it fun or similar and want to do some winter jobs, like snow blowing. (the drive way is lengthy at close to 1/3 of a mile). That is why I'm leaning towards the larger 65HP or thereabouts range. I'm also a newbie, so I'm guessing that the larger tractors are more strongly built and a bit more forgiving for mistakes that newbies might make that are not tractor destroying events, but correct me if I'm wrong, I would rather be told now than regret being a fool later.

Appreciate the added info in your earlier post. I would still advocate for a larger CUT rather than utility tractor. You have no tractor experience and a CUT with HST is easier to learn with. CUTs are tough, don't think they are dainty or delicate machines. You have probably never operated as tough a vehicle as a CUT.

Haying is a whole big deal to get involved with and is almost certainly not something a novice should jump into. Makes a whole lot more sense to have someone experienced who has the right equipment come on to your property to hay for you so you can watch and learn and accurately determine what equipment you need.

You say you are leaning towards the larger 65+ hp tractors but from what I can learn from your various statements the basis for your choice seems based on reading websites and manufacturers brochures. I suspect there is a fair degree of "boys and toys" element to your decision making at this point too as you are unconstrained by finances which brings most of us back to our senses when gear acquisition syndrome rears its head. If money is truly no object then start smaller, learn and upgrade as needed. Believe me, the work you need to do on a non commercial hobby farm can be done with less than commercial equipment.

 

[DK35vince]

I don't know what in the future I will want or need to do with the tractor. Since the original posting have been leaning towards at some point in time doing hay for the livestock that we would be keeping and also with the just before this posting I made, might find it fun or similar and want to do some winter jobs, like snow blowing. (the drive way is lengthy at close to 1/3 of a mile).

That is why I'm leaning towards the larger 65HP or thereabouts range. I'm also a newbie, so I'm guessing that the larger tractors are more strongly built and a bit more forgiving for mistakes that newbies might make that are not tractor destroying events, but correct me if I'm wrong, I would rather be told now than regret being a fool later.

My opinion is you are on the right track.
With the acreage and possibly expanding into haying Etc. in the future the larger tractor with cab would be the way to go.
With a zero turn mower for the 3 acres of lawn.

 

[jeff9366]

I'm in the bio-medical field, so farming is new concept for me. Owning my own company allows me to move the company to anywhere I want to, which is in the plans to do in a few years after things are constructed and in place.

Bill Gates founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He found it impossible to recruit engineers to Albuquerque. Gates was forced to relocate Microsoft. Gates chose Seattle.

I traveled in eighty countries during my working years. I found it essential to reside near a major airport, located where snow would never preclude travel, somewhere, in winter. I chose Tampa. Gates chose Seattle. No snow at either airport. No state income tax in Florida nor Washington.

Eastern Montana used to be viable farmland. Now land is so degraded hardly any crops are planted.

Young people depart Montana after High School. Resident population in steady decline, dying off. Shrinking state tax base.

 

[concernedcitizen]

Bill Gates founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He found it impossible to recruit computer engineers to Albuquerque. He was forced to relocate Microsoft. He chose Seattle.

I traveled in eighty countries during my working years. I found it essential to reside near a major airport, located where snow would never preclude travel in winter. I chose Tampa. Gates chose Seattle. No snow at either airport. No state income tax in Florida nor Washington.

Young people depart Montana after High School.

Indeed a relocation is always a difficulty, but not something that cannot be overcome with proper planning and execution.

I have talked with them about this relocation, we would lose a minimal amount but both the critical and important people are on board with the move. The remaining people needed, secretaries, receptionist, etc can be found without severe difficulty (I say this based on viewing job seeking sites and seeing many candidates that are in the region and would be willing to relocate). The companies pay scale is in the medium end of what large metro cities companies offer, so it would be on the very high or non-existent end for the new location.
Many are scientists, seclusion is one of the things they like. Many of them prefer to be away from "normal" people, preferring to be locked (by choice) in the lab to work.

A relocation for us only means that we would need a larger facility to accommodate the additional months of supply stock.

 

[concernedcitizen]

I only remember a few things from the elective business courses I took at George Washington University.

One is: RELOCATING A BUSINESS IS EQUIVALENT TO GOING THROUGH A MAJOR FIRE.

Good luck to you.

Appreciate that, thank you

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I've found people can be negative on here sometimes or maybe it's just the format (no subtext or non-verbal communication). Sounds like an awesome adventure to me.

 

[TSO]

Lots of good advice here so far.

My thoughts: get a cab! Don't listen to the people talking about all the extra time it will take getting on and off with a cab. It's a silly argument. I put more than 500+ hours per year on my tractor, and in that 500 hours, I'd be surprised if all the extra "alleged time" that is added with a cab added up to one hour. the benefits far outweigh the negatives.

Even though you are a new user, and HST would be much easier to learn on and has many added benefits depending on the task, I think you need a larger tractor than HST can offer. I would suggest something in the 55 and up range. If you have in LS dealer near you, an excellent choice could be and XU5065 with power shuttle. You can probably get into one for around $50-60 K, with a cab end loaded up with options. That tractor would be small enough to be agile and move around your property, but big enough to handle most of the tasks you have mentioned.

Additionally, like others have already mentioned, you will be hard-pressed to find a tractor that will easily handle 4000 or more pounds on a pallet, yet still be a practical size to move around easily . I would recommend finding a nice used skid steer to have your heavy lifting chores. You can probably find one in the $25,000 range.Together, those two machines would a great combo, and more than adequate to handleanything you would run into on your farm.