Tractor Sizing Now I stepped in it, I need everything

[Tractorable]

Another option could be to buy an old school big 2wd tractor like a Ford 4610 on the cheap as a dedicated mowing machine and get a smaller 4wd compact tractor for property maintenance.

Best of both worlds.

Pardon Our Interruption

 

[bridge4]

Re-stating.


You haven't said if you're going to build new or if there is already a house you'll be working on, but either way, you'll have more work than you think for quite some time. Let somebody else do the mowing and maybe even make a few bucks in the process by selling the hay.
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Hopefully, you can find a good neighbor to help you learn some of the things you'll need to know to make a more informed buying decision. Asking here is one thing, but it's no substitute for on site learning and experience.

Finding a neighbor is a VERY GOOD piece of advice. My neighbor has taught me a ton, and helped me get my first few pieces of equipment set up, and helps me if I have any issues. He is an older, reliable gentlemen who knows just about everything I'd ever want to know about a tractor.

Fine one, be nice, respectful and form a friendship. He may let you test out his tractors if you prove "trustworthy" and offer you some very real first hand advice and practical applications. Your area probably has some unique things to consider, and your neighbor has dealt with them for 30 years or more. Could be local politics, could be local regulations, could be a swampy spot on your property you better get to before august and its too wet for the rest of the year...

As far as size, I'd get what fits the most spots you want to go on your property. This might lead you to a smaller tractor than some recommend. All that means is you take more time enjoying your beautiful property while you do some of the larger jobs. You're in the country now, ENJOY IT!

 

[KennyG]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

 

[Steppenwolfe]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

I can vouch for this... I've got ants in my pants to get back out there right now... but given the amount of rain we had this winter... I'm gonna wait.

 

[JethroB]

If you have wet areas, the most important thing is to stay off them until the dry up. You can always cut it down eventually, but if you let temptation get to you and start creating ruts, you will regret it for years. (Voice of experience.)

Might as well add a good chain or tow strap to your shopping list. Sooner probably than later you're going to need it. You're gonna get stuck.

 

[Number15]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

 

[buck12]

I can vouch for this... I've got ants in my pants to get back out there right now... but given the amount of rain we had this winter... I'm gonna wait.

Plus one.

 

[ericm979]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

I think you would be better served with a 20 series Branson than the smaller 15 series. The greater weight and size will handle a large mower and heavy grapple loads better. The tractor will feel smaller after you've operated it for a while.

 

[Diggin It]

Went to a Branson dealer today. They recommended a 4815ch or a 5520ch They were super nice and helpful, spent 2+ hours discussing different things with me , talking about what the property was like and what I thought I was going to plan in the future. The only thing beside the rotary they suggested was I might want a grapple but told me to hold off and see how things went.

The 5520 was bigger than I expected but I felt comfortable in the cab. I like that the Branson has no ECU, and is not common rail. I learned that here and so I specifically seeked out Branson first. I will be going to JD, Kubota and Kioti in the next week or so. I'm at this point just seeing how the dealers treat me and how good they are at explaining things. I know I will have lots of after sale questions and want to make sure I don't get abandoned.

You sounded committed to orange at first, but if you're willing to look at other colors, you have two LS dealers within 50 miles or so. One down around Rome and another northeast of you. Not sure if they stock the bigger machines though. This is the XR series:

https://lstractorusa.com/products/compact/xr-series/

 

[HawkinsHollow]

It has a cleveland address in Bradley county.

Previous owner mowed with a 15 foot mower is what I think he said. He owns over a thousand acres in the area and has lots of equipment. If we get the deal worked out he said he would spend some time with me to get familiar with the property.. said he had no prob mowing a couple of times until I get going.
He also said he might be able to get me one of his tractors on the cheap, I guess he owns an equipment or construction company.

I have budgeted a huge amount for the equipment but I am loathe to rush in and buy a bunch of shiny stuff without having a grasp of what I need. I know this is where mistakes can be made if I am not careful.

I'll tell you locally everyone seems to be pushing kubota. HawkinsHollow or anyone else have opinions on the Chattanooga kubota dealer? I am going to pay a visit soon

I have never been to the Kubota dealership, but it is huge with a brand new location. They have a little bit of everything.

There is lots of beautiful land up there. Looks like you found a slice. Congrats!