opinions on future tractor purchase

[thcri]

In that size and weight you may not need 4WD. And with the fact you are going to keep it for life your resale is not a concern. The only reason would be what will you be using your loader for? What type of material, if general landscaping then no. If in a horse barn or muddy area then yes.

murph

 

[wolc123]

For loader work and tillage, a 45 hp 4wd will easily outwork a 60 hp 2wd in most conditions, so factor that into your purchase. Also, you are right in the range where a cab begins to make sense. Tractors under 40 hp really do not have enough spare hp to run an effective A/C system. I still believe that for a tractor in the 45-60 hp size, a canopy is a better option because of much lower initial cost, improved visibility and backhoe compatability.

 

[Adiredneck]

Get the 4WD. You can always add a cab later, but not the other way around.

 

[Mailman17]

Other than loader work, why would I want 4wd versus using that money for a bigger tractor? The money saved to go to a bigger tractor makes more sense to me. The majority of the time I will be using it to pull or using the PTO. Am I right?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Other than loader work, why would I want 4wd versus using that money for a bigger tractor? The money saved to go to a bigger tractor makes more sense to me. The majority of the time I will be using it to pull or using the PTO. Am I right?

For PTO work, nothing substitutes for hp. Not 4wd, not a cab. "Bigger" tractor most likely will have higher hydraulic capacity. That helps with a loader.

 

[thcri]

Other than loader work, why would I want 4wd versus using that money for a bigger tractor? The money saved to go to a bigger tractor makes more sense to me. The majority of the time I will be using it to pull or using the PTO. Am I right?

I would agree with you on your statement. That is why I was asking about your loader usage earlier.

murph

 

[Mailman17]

I will never be using my tractor or loader when it is wet. I will ONLY be using it when it is dry. On that basis, what arguments are there to justify spending $4-5k on 4WD when you can get a full load in your loader with a 2WD? The only things I will be using my loader for is to scoop gravel, dirt and mulch, mostly. The only concern that I really had was getting a full scoop with a 2WD tractor. Thoughts?

 

[machmeter62]

I will never be using my tractor or loader when it is wet. I will ONLY be using it when it is dry. On that basis, what arguments are there to justify spending $4-5k on 4WD when you can get a full load in your loader with a 2WD? The only things I will be using my loader for is to scoop gravel, dirt and mulch, mostly. The only concern that I really had was getting a full scoop with a 2WD tractor. Thoughts?

Whenever I make major purchase, even If I never plan to sell it; resale value is put in my equation. Just test a lot of tractors before your final decision is made on the items of your concern; which will make your decisions easier! You will have to live with the would have--could have--and should have, after the purchase!

 

[RollTideRam]

You don't have to get it, but you will wish you did. 4wd helps a whole lot when scooping up the heavy stuff. JC

 

[WayneB]

Thanks for your opinions so far. I am looking at 45 to 60 HP. I will be mowing, bush hogging and landscaping around my home. I am not a farmer, but whatever tractor I get, I will have for a long time, so I want to make the correct choices.

I guess I just don't understand all of this HP stuff! If you were pulling gang plows, an eight foot bushhog, using a large backhoe or loading a yard or two of stone maybe just maybe a 50 to 60 HP tractor would be the right tractor.

Now, if you are running an 8 foot bushhog over 20 acres in the hot sun the cab would be a great item. But if you are going to be doing 1 or 2 acres I think myself it is nice to enjoy the sun and heat for a bit.

I have owned larger tractors and grew up on a farm that would never have a Kubota tractor on the place (they are consider city toys). We are talking North Country Farmers and there bigger is better!

We grew up with Case, Farmall and John Deer tractors, all over 100 HP. There were no waxing these beast and we never washed them either. Today they are running tractors with dual wheels front and back with 8-wheel drive and over 200 HP. To see them pulling an 8 gangplow in 5th gear is something to see.

I have a small B-7500 and it so far has done everything I ever did with my old Kubota tractor, which was an L-2550. I have 15 Acres here to take care of and use the tractor in the woods from time to time to haul out cordwood. We have a 1000 ft driveway that needs to be taken care of during the winter snow storms and during mud season.

As for resale value, I thought the same as you when I bought my last Kubota, it was an L-2550 1985 and I paid 6000 for it back in 1993. Wife thought I was nuts. Will I sold it last summer for $6,000 and that was exactly what I wanted for it. Goes to show there is a butt for every seat!

Bottom line is buy a tractor that will fit your needs.

Having 4-wheel drive is certainly a plus, both for when you are using it and when you want to sell it. Cabs are great if you have the need for them but it adds more than the cost for 4-wheel drive just for limited comfort. I am absolutely sure if I had a cab I would have replaced several windows by now while backing up in the woods and not seeing a low hanging branch.