Newbie looking to buy first CUT

[OCD]

I have been getting info from this site and "researching" tractors off and on for over a year. Obviously I am a bit indecisive and really do not "need" one, but have learned it is not really all about "needs", but it would be really useful where I moved to a year ago. It seems the more I read and research the more questions that come up and more decisions to make. Most recently was reading about the mechanics of the different transmission types and PTO types (good posts in here on that). Now I need to read up on the difference between wet and dry clutches.

To try and sum up my situation.
1. I live on 5 flat acres, 4 acres yard/field with a treeline between them, 1 ac heavy brush/woods. Plan to use the tractor initially for loading/hauling, keeping the treeline cleared, maybe some garden tilling, if I can justify the cost of a rotatiller.
2. I have been looking at 25-35 HP (PTO HP 23-30) CUT and plan to get a FEL and BB initially. Been looking mainly at later model used units in the $12-18k range.
3. Torn between HST vs reverser/shuttle
4. I do not have a "color" preference, but convienence to dealer is important to me and that limits me to mainly JD, NH, Kubota, Mahindra that are local, other dealers are 50+ miles away. I have learned that I need to pay attention to dealer service as much as dealer sales/prices. When limiting myself to brands I am thinking more ease for service down the road not just the ease of shopping.
5. Minimal tractor experience, used a ford 2000 many years ago

I recently started to talk more numbers with some dealers. I am really turned off by one multi-location dealer whose reps did not tell me the truth about the machines I was asking about, 2 different machines, 2 different dealer locations, 2 different reps. They were used machines and I was a little familiar with the machines history from seeing them on the internet some prior to talking to the dealer about them. One of those reps did not seem interested in selling what I wanted from one of their other lots, but was trying to sell me what I did not want on his lot. I am not posting to vent about that, but it definately has made me skeptical in dealing with that dealer, but I really like their products and they own the 3 closest dealerships to me for that manufactuer.

The models that I am most interested in are the 3000 series JD and 16 series mahindra. Have considered the 2000 series JD, the smaller frame would be useful, but less "room to grow". I am looking at larger machines than I see myself not needing initially, but would have more potential down the road.

Any wisdom or advice on brand, HP, features would be greatly appreciated.

 

[flusher]

I have been getting info from this site and "researching" tractors off and on for over a year. Obviously I am a bit indecisive and really do not "need" one, but have learned it is not really all about "needs", but it would be really useful where I moved to a year ago. It seems the more I read and research the more questions that come up and more decisions to make. Most recently was reading about the mechanics of the different transmission types and PTO types (good posts in here on that). Now I need to read up on the difference between wet and dry clutches.

To try and sum up my situation.
1. I live on 5 flat acres, 4 acres yard/field with a treeline between them, 1 ac heavy brush/woods. Plan to use the tractor initially for loading/hauling, keeping the treeline cleared, maybe some garden tilling, if I can justify the cost of a rotatiller.
2. I have been looking at 25-35 HP (PTO HP 23-30) CUT and plan to get a FEL and BB initially. Been looking mainly at later model used units in the $12-18k range.
3. Torn between HST vs reverser/shuttle
4. I do not have a "color" preference, but convienence to dealer is important to me and that limits me to mainly JD, NH, Kubota, Mahindra that are local, other dealers are 50+ miles away. I have learned that I need to pay attention to dealer service as much as dealer sales/prices. When limiting myself to brands I am thinking more ease for service down the road not just the ease of shopping.
5. Minimal tractor experience, used a ford 2000 many years ago

I recently started to talk more numbers with some dealers. I am really turned off by one multi-location dealer whose reps did not tell me the truth about the machines I was asking about, 2 different machines, 2 different dealer locations, 2 different reps. They were used machines and I was a little familiar with the machines history from seeing them on the internet some prior to talking to the dealer about them. One of those reps did not seem interested in selling what I wanted from one of their other lots, but was trying to sell me what I did not want on his lot. I am not posting to vent about that, but it definately has made me skeptical in dealing with that dealer, but I really like their products and they own the 3 closest dealerships to me for that manufactuer.

The models that I am most interested in are the 3000 series JD and 16 series mahindra. Have considered the 2000 series JD, the smaller frame would be useful, but less "room to grow". I am looking at larger machines than I see myself not needing initially, but would have more potential down the road.

Any wisdom or advice on brand, HP, features would be greatly appreciated.

For 5 flat acres, the pre-owned 25-35hp (engine) tractors you're eyeballing are appropriate. My first tractor was a new 2005 Kubota B7510HST with the LA302 FEL (4-ft wide bucket) that cost me $12,600 plus tax. I used that tractor for 3 years on my 10-acres of flat pasture during and after my new house was built. I mowed the weeds with a $600 King Kutter brush hog (4-ft cut), installed the lawn and tilled the veg garden with a $300 used Yanmar 1200 rototiller (4-ft wide), and moved earth with a $400 King Kutter box blade (4-ft wide).

Get chain hooks welded onto your FEL bucket, get two pairs of remote hydraulic fittings on the rear of your tractor, get a toothbar for your FEL, and, if you can afford it, get a skid steer type quick attach for your FEL. That should get you in good shape for most jobs.

 

[whistlepig]

Determine what HP that will be needed to run your PTO powered equipment first. That will determine the HP that you will need. I would stay with New Holland, John Deere, or Kubota. These are proven brand names. If you know of someone that owns a Mahindra or one of the other newer brand names and they can speak well of this brand that would be the way to save some money. A good dealer is important. But a good tractor is more so. If one buys a good tractor he won't need to visit his dealer that often.

 

[OCD]

Really no immediate plans for PTO use. But, later can see a 4-5' bush hog, possibly a 48-60" tiller, possibly a 60" RFM. Looking at bigger machines mainly for the potential uses down the road. This machine will not likely be used more than 150 hrs/year.
Kubota just does not seem as heavy duty at the JD 3x20 and 2x20 or mahindra. I should say I am basing that comment mianly on 3 PH lift capacity and machine weight, and I may be entirely wrong with that comment, I am new to all this. I do not think I would ever need that much lift, BUT you never know I it would be nice to know it is there if I did need it. I do not want to start a paint war, though. My only "knowledge" is what I have read on spec sheets and seen standing still.

 

[whistlepig]

Kubota is the smallest and lightest by design. That's what Kubota does best. They will do much more than many larger tractors. That's why we buy 'em.

 

[OCD]

I have been looking at used equiptment tractorhouse and machinefinder. See some decent possibilities on machines a few years old with less than 500 hrs.

Anybody with experience/advice on buying used from a distance and having it shipped? I obviously have reservations buying something of this size without seeing it, but not much used within 200 miles of me and can save $1000s over new. I would do all I could to check the machine and dealer out before any decision, and would hope a reputable dealer would not ship a lemon. Or I could have patience and wait for something more local to pop up.

 

[LBrown59]

*Anybody with experience/advice on buying used from a distance and having it shipped? I obviously have reservations buying something of this size without seeing it.
not much used within 200 miles of me and can save $1000s over new. I would do all I could to check the machine and dealer out before any decision, and would hope a reputable dealer would not ship a lemon. Or I could have patience and wait for something more local to pop up.

*
I Got these 2 and the attachments shown from Brady Barlow at Barlow Equipment in KY.
in Oct. of 2007.

Great place to deal with.
Bought them sight unseen.
Not a problem buying like that there.
Do a search on TBN and give them a call .

 

[IslandTractor]

Kubota is the smallest and lightest by design. That's what Kubota does best. They will do much more than many larger tractors. That's why we buy 'em.

Can you give examples of what a smaller and lighter Kubota can do that larger tractors cannot? I can think of things that a larger tractor can do the a smaller one cannot but other than mowing lawns and getting into tight spaces I am unable to think of how a small Kubota does things better than a larger tractor.

I'm not knocking Kubotas, everyone understands they are excellent tractors but they don't transcend the rules of physics.

By the way, I did work on 5 acres very happily with a heavy 20hp tractor and a strong loader. I'd suggest shifting the HP range being considered to 20-30hp for a 5 acre parcel. I cannot imagine really needing 35 hp for land maintenance like that.

 

[newbury]

Can you give examples of what a smaller and lighter Kubota can do that larger tractors cannot?

Get thru my gate.

 

[bp fick]

Can you give examples of what a smaller and lighter Kubota can do that larger tractors cannot? I can think of things that a larger tractor can do the a smaller one cannot but other than mowing lawns and getting into tight spaces I am unable to think of how a small Kubota does things better than a larger tractor.

Yup, good one, Island. And I own a Kubota