Newbie looking for advice

[Pops15]

Glad I found this site. It looks like there are a lot of knowledgeable and passionate tractor owners on here! I'm a residential remodeling/home improvement contractor (solo show) in northern IL. My wife and I own 21 partially wooded rolling acres in southern IL. We hope to relocate there in the next 5 years or so. I anticipate buying a tractor next spring to use primarily on the acreage, but I may use it some in my business. Cost and financing options will play a role in whether I buy a new or used tractor and attachments. Before we get started on construction down there I figure I'll go there on weekends to clear some trees, put in a drive, mow the weeds and brush. I'll also use the tractor to drill post holes for decks and material handling in my business.
Here's what I have in mind. Please let me know if I'm on the right track or if I need to look at something else.
I'm thinking I'll need a tractor in the 45-50 HP range, 4WD, mid and rear PTO, loaded tires.
I have no idea what type of trans I should get.
Quick attach front end loader, with QA 4 in 1 bucket.
QA pallet forks.
Box scraper w/scarafier teeth.
Post hole digger. Minimum 12" diameter X 42" deep capacity.
3pt brush cutter.
Belly mower.
Those are the "gotta haves".
Now a few luxuries:
A grapple might be useful (even with a 4 in 1 loader).
Pulverizer.
Chipper.
I'm leaning towards a NH TC series tractor. I saw pics of the NH 8N and thought they looked great but figured they were just a gimmicky collector tractor. After looking at the specs it looks like what I think I'll need. Whats the price difference between a 3045 and an 8N?
Should I be looking at different size, series, or brand of tractors?
All of the attachments in my "gotta have" list will see substantial use. What brands, sizes, models do you suggest?
What can I expect to pay for each of the attachments? I don't want to spend more than I need to, but I don't want to have to repair or replace the tractor and/or attachments because I didn't get the right thing the first time.
Before anyone suggests a backhoe attachment I plan on buying a used TLB in addition to a compact utility tractor.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!
Pops

 

[Egon]

Think about: Hst transmission, 4x4, reconsider the belly mower, consider a backhoe.

No comment on brand but sit on a lot and do lots of shopping. Keep repairs and availability of parts in mind.

Trailer and towing vehicle?

The shopping is fun.

 

[Ken45101]

If you are going to go with a belly mower, make sure it goes on and off real easy! (Try taking it off and putting it on yourself, before you buy). A lot of the tasks you forsee will probably be over too rough of ground to leave it on. Also make sure that the 3 pt can be used with the belly mower in place (my B2710 has brackets to lock it up, but that's not high enough for even slightly rough ground.)

I haven't checked, but I don't think mid pto is a common item on 45-50 hp tractors. I could be wrong.

I'm don't know what you have that you want to chip, but with that much acreage, I'd just find a place to pile the brush and/or burn it rather than chipping it up. I think most tractor powered chippers would take an enormous amount of time to chip up a lot of brush, trees, etc.

As for brands, most of us here feel that local dealer support is important in determining the brand you buy. You don't want to have to haul the tractor 50 miles for repairs or parts, or deal with a moron dealer.

Good luck,

Ken

 

[Robert_in_NY]

We use both our 30 hp and 50 hp tractors on our job sites depending on what we need to do. if you are going to handle materials what type are you thinking? If you plan on lifting pallets of shingles or unloading a lift of plywood you will definitely want a 50hp utility tractor.

 

[Pops15]

Think about: Hst transmission, 4x4, reconsider the belly mower, consider a backhoe.

No comment on brand but sit on a lot and do lots of shopping. Keep repairs and availability of parts in mind.

Trailer and towing vehicle?

The shopping is fun.

I'll get a TLB so I won't need a BH for the compact. Already know what I need as far as the TLB goes.
I'm open to a 3pt finish mower but whats the reasoning against a belly mower?
2 NH dealers near where I live and one fairly close to the southern property. Good reviews and access to dealers are the reasons I'm leaning towards NH. Theres also a Mahindra dealer down there. I haven't heard much about that brand other than my neighbor has one.
I have a 3 axle flatbed (over axle), 20' X 8 1/2' bed,with and electric winch that I use for hauling my mobile platform. The mobile platform is a nifty piece of equipment with a 9 X 7 work platform that will go 30' high. Anyway, I'll use my existing FB trailer to haul the tractor.
I also have a Behnke (B & B) 14' dump trailer that I use for hauling construction material and debris. I've always got at least one F250 or F350 for a tow vehicle.
Thanks for the input!
Anyone else?

 

[Pops15]

I guess I should clarify.....I wouldn't use the belly mower until construction is done. Until then I'll just use a brush cutter. If I'm not mistaken NH offers a belly mower that runs off a mid PTO and still allows the rear pto to be used for other equipment. I'll have to check into that. NH offers a mid PTO on the 3045 and as an option on the 8N. Can't get one on the 3050.
Reason I'm thinking about a chipper is my property is within the Shawnee Natl Forest....no open fires allowed. I've already checked on that.
NH dealer closest to home is good. Theres one 40 miles away thats outstanding. Looks like I better definitely check out the dealers in the south before I buy.
Thanks for the input. Keep the ideas coming!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Have you checked on the belly mower for a tractor that big? I have not heard of or seen one for a tractor bigger than around 35HP. As far as the front PTO, that would be for a front mounted snow blower I believe.
Before you make your purchase, look at and sit on as many different tractors as you can. You just never know what's out there until you look.

Have fun looking.

 

[flusher]

Glad I found this site. It looks like there are a lot of knowledgeable and passionate tractor owners on here! I'm a residential remodeling/home improvement contractor (solo show) in northern IL. My wife and I own 21 partially wooded rolling acres in southern IL. We hope to relocate there in the next 5 years or so. I anticipate buying a tractor next spring to use primarily on the acreage, but I may use it some in my business. Cost and financing options will play a role in whether I buy a new or used tractor and attachments. Before we get started on construction down there I figure I'll go there on weekends to clear some trees, put in a drive, mow the weeds and brush. I'll also use the tractor to drill post holes for decks and material handling in my business.
Here's what I have in mind. Please let me know if I'm on the right track or if I need to look at something else.
I'm thinking I'll need a tractor in the 45-50 HP range, 4WD, mid and rear PTO, loaded tires.
I have no idea what type of trans I should get.
Quick attach front end loader, with QA 4 in 1 bucket.
QA pallet forks.
Box scraper w/scarafier teeth.
Post hole digger. Minimum 12" diameter X 42" deep capacity.
3pt brush cutter.
Belly mower.
Those are the "gotta haves".
Now a few luxuries:
A grapple might be useful (even with a 4 in 1 loader).
Pulverizer.
Chipper.
I'm leaning towards a NH TC series tractor. I saw pics of the NH 8N and thought they looked great but figured they were just a gimmicky collector tractor. After looking at the specs it looks like what I think I'll need. Whats the price difference between a 3045 and an 8N?
Should I be looking at different size, series, or brand of tractors?
All of the attachments in my "gotta have" list will see substantial use. What brands, sizes, models do you suggest?
What can I expect to pay for each of the attachments? I don't want to spend more than I need to, but I don't want to have to repair or replace the tractor and/or attachments because I didn't get the right thing the first time.
Before anyone suggests a backhoe attachment I plan on buying a used TLB in addition to a compact utility tractor.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!
Pops

Hmm--a belly mower on a 45-50 hp tractor, which will need a mid-mount pto. The 2005 21 hp (engine) Kubota B7510HST tractor that I once owned one of these ptos. It's a little tractor frequently bought for landscaping work.

Don't know of any tractor in your hp range that has a mid-mount pto. The alternative to the belly mower is a finishing mower driven by the rear pto.

 

[Pops15]

I did a little more checking. NH does in fact make a 7 foot wide, mid mount, mid pto driven mower for tractors in my HP range. Its model 914A. I doubt that its very easy for one person to install and remove .......it weighs 775 pounds!!!!

I was kind of dreading the shopping thing but you guys have me looking forward to it now.
Consensus seems to be a belly mower is a bad idea. Any advice on what brands of brush cutters, box scrapers, etc?
The more info the better!
Thanks!!

 

[MtnViewRanch]

A few implement manufacturers that I would look at would be

Land Pride

Woods

Bush Hog

There are many more, but those are a few of the better ones.

 

[Pops15]

A few implement manufacturers that I would look at would be

Land Pride

Woods

Bush Hog

There are many more, but those are a few of the better ones.

I'm familiar with Woods because of their construction implements. I'll check out the others too.
Thanks!
Pops

 

[Ken45101]

A few implement manufacturers that I would look at would be

Land Pride

Woods

Bush Hog

There are many more, but those are a few of the better ones.

Agreed. Those three are probably the main ones with quality implements although there are a few other lesser known brands.

Realize too that each of them makes light, medium, and heavy duty. They also rate their implements for certain tractor hp ranges. You don't want to put an implement rated for 30 hp on a 50 hp tractor. When I started out, I bought a cheap scraper blade (TSC, before they put hp ratings on their stuff). I was a frequent customer at the local weld shop Since I upgraded to a Woods medium duty scraper, nothing has broken in ten years

Ken

 

[Egon]

I'm open to a 3pt finish mower but whats the reasoning against a belly mower?

The belly mower is usually a little handier when mowing lawns and getting close to things except for those cases where a rear mount can be backed in.

Installing/removing would be my main worry although I have never worked with such a large mower so it's smoke I,m blowing there.

Using the tractor for business I would suspect it will get used more than you anticipate requiring frequent removal of the belly mower as they are not compatible with most other jobs.

 

[MarkV]

Pops welcome to the forum. Another issue with belly mower combination you are considering is weight. When you get into the 40-50 hp tractors weight and maneuverability don't lend them selves well to finish mowing. You will also find you can buy a dedicated riding mower for less the the cost of the belly mower.

You may want to take a look at the Kubota tractor/loader/backhoe series. Kubota Tractor Corporation - TLB Series - Loader/Landscaper Tractors Unless your jobs require a full size yellow TLB one of these may be able to meet both of your tractor needs.

Best of luck on your search.

MarkV

 

[jinman]

With your list of attachments, it sounds like you are needing a tractor for serious work. I'm very opinionated about the New Hollands I know something about. My favorites are the 3040 and 3045. If I had lots of money and wanted a tractor to show off, I'd consider the Boomer 8N. There is no way on a good day that I'd consider it as a workhorse tractor. You'll pay $10k more for it and get nothing in return but people telling you how "purdy" it is.

A 3045 would be a good choice for you, but a 3040 may be even better. I think you will come to love the HST transmission and ergonometric features of that tractor. The Boomer 3040 has an MSRP of just $20,395 and is the best dollar-for-dollar. It has the same FEL and 3PH specs as the 3045 but the 3045 will cost you about $1500 more and the only difference is 5 more hp for PTO implements and a little more weight. Both have 4-cyl engines with the 3045 engine having a slightly longer stroke.

I think any of these tractors is probably not a good choice for a belly mower, but you can get the 3040 and 3045 with a mid-PTO if desired. You can also get them with the SuperSteer option that pivots the front axle and gives you an extremely short turning radius and automatic 4wd on demand. For dirt working tasks, having the brake pedals on the left and the HST pedal on the right will allow you to do dirtwork and use differential brakes for steering when the front end gets light. This is not possible on many CUTs. With the money you save not buying the Boomer 8N, you can put a very nice cab on the 3045 and find a use for those extra 5 engine hp beyond the PTO.

I'm not a big fan of 4-in-1 buckets because I think a grapple will do much of what they do and be more flexible for many other jobs you'd have as a contractor. Even a small grapple added to your regular dirt bucket will be a tremendous asset. You must, however, remember that the loader (250 TL) on these tractors will lift only 2000 lb at the arm pins and when you add a bucket, you can expect your lift to be more like 1600 lb or slightly less. You cannot lift a ton or more of materials on pallets off a truck. For that, you'll need the 4050 or 4060 tractor with a larger loader. However, your 3040 or 3045 will handle round bales on a FEL spear with ease. I've offloaded them 2-high off a flatbed trailer with no problem whatsoever.

If I were you, I'd shop around and then bring issues and questions back to these forums for info from the experience of this group.

 

[Ken45101]

And I think a 4-n-1 bucket is significantly heavier than a standard bucket and will further subtract from your lifting ability.

Ken

 

[Pops15]

Thanks for all the great info!
I realize I'll have to compromise in certain areas. The alternative is having separate tractors for different tasks. Now that would be fun if I had the budget for it...but I don't.

My thinking on the belly mower is I could put it on after construction and grading was done. Once that happens I don't anticipate doing much dirt work so I don't think I'd be taking the mower off and putting it back on very often. Part of my property is heavily wooded, and part is partially wooded. I figured a belly mower would be more manuverable than a 3pt finish mower in the sparsely wooded areas.

Where does a flail mower fit into the mower spectrum?

I've seen some awesome zero turn mowers. I'm not against going that route for finish mowing. How are they on rolling terrain?

I hadn't given any thought to a cab. I love being outdoors, but I can see the benefits of having A/C and heat in extreme weather conditions. A cab could cause issues when I go into the woods to drag out timber. I'll take a look at tractors with and w/o cabs.

I especially like the info about the hst and the brakes.

An 8N is $10K more? Thats crazy!!! Especially in this economy.

Also good info on the different duty ratings of attachments. As a contractor I know not to buy light duty tools.

I'll take a look at Kubota and other brands. I've rented Kubota's and NH's for grading work. Both were top notch for the jobs I used them for.
My neighbor has a 45HP Mahindra. Its been a great tractor for his needs but the thing is a monster. His property is flatter and much clearer than mine. The same HP NH looks to be smaller, lighter and more nimble.

I am locked in on the idea of getting a full size TLB so I won't be getting a BH for the compact.

I wasn't aware the lift specs on the loader didn't include the bucket. I know a couple of excavating contractors that have 4 in 1's on their grading tractors and they love them for finish work. Of course they have other machines for heavy duty loading and digging.

Any thoughts on buying used VS new? Looks like there are a lot of tractors for sale with 200-300 hours on them.

Is there a certain time of the year thats better to buy than others? It will be spring before I'm ready to buy.

Thanks for the welcome and all the good input!
Pops

 

[jinman]

I wasn't aware the lift specs on the loader didn't include the bucket. I know a couple of excavating contractors that have 4 in 1's on their grading tractors and they love them for finish work. Of course they have other machines for heavy duty loading and digging.

Any thoughts on buying used VS new? Looks like there are a lot of tractors for sale with 200-300 hours on them.

Well, you've hit on the one superior feature I know about a 4-in-1. You can do limited grading with it as long as you don't require tilt.

I like the idea of buying used. But you have to consider that you won't have the warranty of a new tractor, and the best financing deals (0% and such) are also only on new tractors. A used tractor has to be such a good deal that the warranty and financing don't matter.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Pops, one other thing, and I think that it has already been mentioned.

Typically a belly mower is used for finish mowing on a nice lawn.

Typically a nice lawn does not get mowed with a tractor that weighs as much as the tractors that you are considering.

Now none of this means anything, and you can do what you want to do, but there are reasons why some things usually aren't done a certain way.
And again as someone pointed out, you could most likely get a dedicated mower for what that belly mower [(MMM) Mid Mount Mower] would end up costing you.

As far as a flail mower, you can get ones that are for cutting a lawn and you can get them that will chop up bigger than 2" stuff. They are a lot closer to the back end of the tractor and are easier to maneuver than a Bush Hog type rotary cutter.

Just more stuff to ponder.

 

[Ken45101]

If you can find the right tractor with 2-300 hours on it at the right price, that's good. When I've been looking, I've only found 20+ year old stuff that looks like it's been through a couple of wars. Also consider warranty, 0% financing and/or good rebates that are available on new tractors. Personally, it's worth a thousand or two to me to get something that I know is in good shape and has a warranty.

Probably now is a good time to buy, the economy sucks, inventory is moving slowly and not many people buy this late in the season. Come spring, dealers will be hoping for more buyers and I would think they would not be making as good of deals. Of course, the economy could be worse in spring and there might be better deals, but I suspect not.

Ken