Proud owner of 60 acres. Now need a tractor.

[torchrider]

Hey Y'all, Thanks for all the great replies. As I am still paying on the land, I probably wont be able to afford my ideal tractor for another 5 years or so. In the meantime I am setting my budget at a max. of $15k and would like to get closer to $10k. I know this limits me severely, but I am not the type of guy that likes to get into debt over my head.

If I had to limit the work for this first tractor it would be primarily for:

Shredding/brush hogging the pasture.
Plowing small game feed plots
Grading
The FEL would be ideal for many activities, but maybe this is out of reach for me at this budget?

I hope this helps with some recommendations.

 

[econometrics]

Hey Y'all, Thanks for all the great replies. As I am still paying on the land, I probably wont be able to afford my ideal tractor for another 5 years or so. In the meantime I am setting my budget at a max. of $15k and would like to get closer to $10k. I know this limits me severely, but I am not the type of guy that likes to get into debt over my head.

If I had to limit the work for this first tractor it would be primarily for:

Shredding/brush hogging the pasture.
Plowing small game feed plots
Grading
The FEL would be ideal for many activities, but maybe this is out of reach for me at this budget?

I hope this helps with some recommendations.

Nice! That helps a lot, actually! You should be able to find something good with orange, blue or green paint in the 40-50hp range used with an FEL for that price. Look around on Craigslist in the Texas / OK area.

 

[TomSeller]

Nice! That helps a lot, actually! You should be able to find something good with orange, blue or green paint in the 40-50hp range used with an FEL for that price. Look around on Craigslist in the Texas / OK area.

I agree. $10 to $15k is plenty of money to get a good used tractor for what you need. You need to do your homework is all.

 

[cbarlandandcattleco]

Got 50 acres. Bought a 1970 Ford 3000 Diesel per my suggestion from my tractor Mechanic cousin. Paid $3,000. No front end loader. Suggest if you buy a used tractor for a fel, make sure it has power steering. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[jenkinsph]

With your budget (maximum of $15k) I would find a tractor without a fel in the 8k range and then look for good used attachments. Fels are great but you can do without them and get a much better tractor for the next five years. A good used 2wd diesel tractor should serve your needs very well.

Torchrider,
I thought you were in Kansas (my mistake) and looked on Tractorhouse in the 7,000 to 9,000 dollar range and found this example of a 60 pto hp tractor that appears to be in good shape. I don't know about this specific tractor, would have to see it and look it over but it is an example of a good size for your needs. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=8079023

Lots of good older tractors out there just do some looking around.

 

[OldMcDonald]

jenkinsph, That is the first time I have read anyone from the US say that you can do without FEL.

 

[High Brook Hills]

You can do without the FEL, life is just better with one

I would look at old Masseys, Fords, Cases, IH, Kubota, etc. Try to find 50 - 70 HP. I would stay away from the chinese and Russian tractors! Green paint costs extra....

For less than $10K you should be able to find a nice, albeit older, unit. Try dealers and keep an eye on Craigslist. Look at auctions in your area. I have seen some VERY nice units go for a song in Indiana at auctions. Take someone who is familiar in general with tractors and do not be afraid to test drive and work the unit some! Be sure to ENSURE the PTO disengages and engages. Check the brakes, look for leaks. Raise and lower the 3pt and any other hydraulics. Do they actually lift? Will they hold pressure?

Look for signs of a recent complete repaint. I would MUCH rather have an honest old tractor with some rust and dings showing than one with a recent repaint that hides leaks, old parts, rust issues, etc.

Surface rust is no big deal. In your area there will be a patina on the older units but rust through is not the issue it would be in, say, Michigan or Florida.

You might have to drive some. Figure out your maximum distance. Be aware of the tractor specs and I would suggest reviewing TractorData.com - information on all makes and models of tractors . This site will give you an overview, engine and transmission options, dimensions (good for knowing if your truck and trailer can move it), some photos, testing results, at possible attachments.

Best to you!