Please Recommend a Tractor

[TripleR]

Triple R - can you expand on the specs you listed as far as your reasoning for having those as minimums? I am trying to learn as much as possible before test driving. That way I can know what I am driving.

Celtsrevenge - I live between Montrose and Ridgway, CO.

1. While a 60 HP should do you, I would be looking at something in the 70 HP range.

Nothing worse than spending a boat load of money on a tractor without enough power, sometimes even "just enough" as you have no way of expanding your chores. My father in law bought a 70 HP many years ago and a month later took it back to get an 80 HP. They won't do that free. I have never met someone who said he bought too much HP. Now you can get too big of a tractor, but many models are the same physical size with the only difference being HP.

2. Hydraulic Shuttle Shift.

I have driven tractors for over fifty years operating everything from the old "crash box" non synchro up through HST. We recently traded our Synchro Shuttle Shift Case for a Hydraulic Shuttle Shift Kubota which is the next easiest to use to an HST. It makes a LOT of difference in loader use and mowing.

3. A minimum of 12F/12R.

If you have plenty of HP, gear ratios are not "quite" as important for the chores you mentioned, but in the range we are speaking, it is. More gear ranges allow you to choose the one that gives you just the right amount of ground speed and power. Now you won't use them all, but you have a wider range to choose from.

4. A limited slip differential.

This may be a little arbitrary, but is a must for me with the gullies and hills I come across. Without limited slip, once you get a front wheel in the air or spinning in the mud/snow, you have very little pulling power and we know how bad that could be in really bad weather far from home or really anytime.

5. Of course a cab.

Just can't see operating a tractor in your conditions without a cab, I know I will never buy another though I do have them.

Keep in mind I am not an expert and this is just another opinion.

 

[ITHINKICAN]

M7040 HDC-1 :thumbsup:

 

[ColoradoDan]

Tripel R - thanks for the info. That helps a bunch.

According to the suggestions so far, I have been looking at the following tractors online:

JD 5075M
Kubota 7040 HDC
MF 5445

Any thoughts on these? Pros/Cons?

 

[TripleR]

Tripel R - thanks for the info. That helps a bunch.

According to the suggestions so far, I have been looking at the following tractors online:

JD 5075M
Kubota 7040 HDC
MF 5445

Any thoughts on these? Pros/Cons?

From my research before buying our last tractor, it is pretty much a coin toss as they are all good. Personally, I like levers and mechanical interface over push buttons. A lot of the controls on our Case were push button even the 3-point hitch and we had a lot of problems, so I am sure that is a factor in my likes/dislikes. I am NOT saying one is better than the other, just my view.

The John Deere Cab is larger than the Kubota, but for one person there is plenty of room, my 30 year old son jumped in the cab with me yesterday to ride out a thunder shower and we were comfortable, but of course we were parked. I kind of like to be able to reach the railings to hold onto on really steep slopes, so a bigger cab is a little inconvenient to me that's why you really need to sit in them more than once to find the one that "fits" you the best.

I won't buy another tractor from our local dealer, so I didn't even consider that brand, so know nothing other than they look nice on paper and in driving by them.

 

[ColoradoDan]

Triple R - what about some of the other differences between the Kubota and JD? I notice the Kubota comes with a 4 cylinder engine while the JD comes with a 5 cylinder. The Kubota comes standard with the 8F/8R while the JD comes with the 32F/16R transmission.

Those are two big differences I notice when I compare the two.

Any thoughts on running hay implements from other manufacturers while running the Kubota tractor?

Maybe someone else can chime in regarding the MF's?

Thanks.

 

[Gary Fowler]

While noting that bigger is most of the time better, I do remember one member of TBN posting a photo just last week of his DK 45 Kioti with a large round bale on the FEL and another on the rear at the same time. So that tells me that a 45 Hp will handle large bales of hay if you just need to haul them. You did just say that you wanted to handle those large bale, no mention of investing $30K more in haying equipment for your 18 acres. Establish your budget and buy what you can afford. Definitely a cab and 4 WD if you plan to use it to clear snow. Remember that not only does the tractor cost go up with HP but also the cost of any implement. From my experience, a 45-50 HP tractor with a cab and 4 WD with a couple of rear remotes and perhaps one midmount (in case you want to add a grapple to your FEL) should do you. It would be your choice as to HST, shuttle shift or powershift or even straight gear drive. HST is going to be the most expensive to maintain where as gear drive will be the least maintenance wise and cost wise. I know MF 1652 has a 3ph lift capacity of 3086 lbs @24" compared to NH 3050 of 2300 either one of which will handle a large round bale with ease. Also according to the MF website, the 48 Hp -60 Hp 1600 series all have approximately the same weight and exact same lift capacities.
My advice would be to go to each dealer, select the size that you want, sit on it, drive it, check out the features, capacities and PRICE and buy the one that suites you needs and your rear end the best. You are going to find that John Deere are extremely proud of their green paint, but all brands mentioned are rated as good tractors. You can find posts here for every brand where someone got a lemon but that is to be expected. Check your dealer services. Will he pick up your tractor for warranty work free of charge (most dealers dont), how busy is his shop-does it look like he is overwhelmed with work- that is not a good sign and you could wait for weeks on service if that is the case.

 

[Carykong]

85" of average snowfall a year obviously requires that your tractor is rigged for that chore. A 35-50 hp tractor is plenty for that function. In regard to your haying requirements,I am not confident that 18 acres of pasture justifies the purchase of a comprehensive array of haying equipment and a big utility tractor. It you want to hay just for the hobby and satisfaction,go for it. ON the other hand, if you are looking for the prudent economic decision, I would consider keeping your pardnership with the fellow that has already hayed your property. For example, you can cut your pasture and rake with a lower HP tractor and leave the actual bailing and storage with your pardner. Share the labor and hay and save big dollars on actual tractor purchase. Good thread ,keep us posted,pictures please once the purchase is concluded.

 

[ColoradoDan]

Gary - Thanks for the insight. Every bit helps.

As far as the weight concern, I know that the Kubota mentioned is much lighter that the JD and MF. How much of a conern is that for me and others?

As far as the hay is concerned. My plan is to buy the tractor this year. However, I'm not sure if and when I will invest in the hay implements. I may borrow or rent the hay implements because the cost of the hay implements doesn't really make me want to buy them anytime soon. The tractor is necessary for my property. I have no immediate plans to buy any other hay equipment. However, I want and need my tractor to be able to handle the hay implements that make since for 18 acres since I plan on handling the hay myself.

Thanks again.

 

[bucktaker]

Did you ever consider two tractors? a smaller more nimble cab tractor >50 hp with 4wd drive FEl and or snowblower which will do all your current tasks.
If you decide to do hay purchase a large used tractor along with hay equpment. I always found use for two tractors when I was making hay. The wife ran the rake and I baled on the other

I would recommend a JD 4720 cab with fel high hp nimble but expensive

 

[TripleR]

Triple R - what about some of the other differences between the Kubota and JD? I notice the Kubota comes with a 4 cylinder engine while the JD comes with a 5 cylinder. The Kubota comes standard with the 8F/8R while the JD comes with the 32F/16R transmission.

Those are two big differences I notice when I compare the two.

Any thoughts on running hay implements from other manufacturers while running the Kubota tractor?

Maybe someone else can chime in regarding the MF's?

Thanks.

I am not a mechanic and even those that are can't seem to come to a consensus on what is the best number of cylinders. As a non mechanic, a four cylinder has fewer parts to break, but I view it as a toss up.

In regards to the difference on transmissions, both come with several variations and I honestly can't see a need for 2 speeds in what you are planning; again more complexity for what in return?

I buck so many bales of hay growing up, the mere mention of HAYmakes me light headed, so someone else will have to address that.