Newbie looking for advice.

[34Ford]

First time user to this great site. Am recently retired, currently have a Ford 8N. Will be buying a new tractor this coming spring and am starting to do research. My needs will include: planting deer food plots, clean out ditches that have become filled with dirt and vegetation, put in new gravel driveway, move snow in winter, probably dig a pond, in general a nice big toy! Would appreciate feedback on two issues I have now. I want to get a tractor with a BH and FEL. What horsepower? I am thinking 35 HP, I know bigger is usually better, but, I have the time to play with this thing and want to get something that will do what I want but not be too large. Transmission? I have a John Deere lawn tractor with a hydro, I know how convenient a hydro is, however I am wondering if a shuttle transmission would be adequate. I have allot of interest in a Branson 3510 which of course does not come with a hydro.
Thanks in advance for any input. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to the forum.
The hydro on the tractor is just as handy as the hydro on your lawn tractor. Keeps your hands free to steer and operate the loader and 3pt controls. Forward and reverse with the foot only.
My 4300 would do what you want to do, but in the Deere line, there will likely be some new models soon that fit your needs with some pretty respectable power plants (lotsa torque) and the abilities to do your jobs very well.
Bottom line, I would look most at the dealer of choice that you have available, and dive in there. Maybe its Deere, maybe not. Good luck deciding.

 

[Golfgar4]

Welcome to another cheesehead! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'm thinking that your idea of a 35 hp is pretty good, although I think you could easily move up to a 40 or even 45.

I'm not going to suggest any specific brand, as they all are pretty equal and good. Your question about getting HST or shuttle transmission has been asked time and time again. Next to the color wars, that topic is probably the hottest, or at least close to it. I would suggest you do a search in the Owning/Operating forums and you'll find more information than you'll be able to absorb.

My suggestion is that you get out there and visit as many different dealers as you can. As Beenthere mentioned, finding a dealer that you're comfortable with and will provide good, reliable service after you buy is one of the most important factors to consider in your purchase. A lot of guys will even pay a little more for their tractor in order to get the dealer they like the best.

Other than that, you need to get out there and sit on them. That's the fun part! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif You need to find the one that you feel most comfortable on. After all, you're the one who's going to be operating it. You don't want to find yourself dreading having to go drive the tractor because it hurts your knees or feet cramp up on you.

Good luck on your search. Keep posting questions, because we're always here to help you spend your money! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mark4510]

Retired? I wish I was but I am sure my time will come....hopefully before I am 90 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Now to the question.

I think that you would be well served to bump yourself up to the 40hp range. Depending on the size of the pond you may need to hire it done or buy bigger. I would think you could find a good deal on one of the larger frame size 4x10's. For driveway work I would sure get a heavy box scraper with TopNTilt.

I have the Hydro on my lawn tractor and like it since I am frequently backing in and out of tight places. However, after trying the shuttle shift on the 4510 I thought it offered better performance for a tractor that size and what I tend to do with it......but thats me......others feel differently. For dragging the road or arena I really like how I can set the throttle and leave it there.

Probably more impotant than the specific tractor(most of them are pretty good) is the dealer. Shop around and see who offers the best support before and after the sale.

I like the Deeres because I can almost always find a dealer or mechanic that can work on one and they can usually get a part very quickly.

Last thing......get a toothbar for your loader if you plan on doing any digging at all. Worth the extra money.

Best of luck in your search.
Mark