Research time, for first tractor

[Horsesense]

I'm newly moved into my log home, on 6.6 acres some of which is sculpted & some of that is freshly planted in grass which is about 2 in high. I need a tractor--not a wimpy riding mower, but one that will handle brush, push a snow plow or snow blower, carry a bale or two of hay for the horse, pull a harrow or disc or tiller, oh and also cut grass--and maybe dig the occasional hole for landscape additions like trees or steps in a hillside. It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

This will be my first tractor--so advice is sought! I'm pretty handy and fit, but as a 5'7" female I'm not interested in having to use more of my muscle because I have a piece of equipment that can't handle the work, nor do I want to spend time & $$ dealing with reliability issues. I also need to be able to get parts and get it fixed when required, so it can't be too esoteric either. I appreciate all inputs!

 

[TripleR]

All of the main manufacturers, John Deere, Kubota, Kioti/Bobcat, Massey Ferguson etc. make a tractor to fit your needs. One of the Kubota Bxx30 models or its equivalent in JD, MF etc. will work well. You really need to decide what equipment you will be using and general size and go sit on a bunch of different ones to see which one fits you are the controls and operator station will vary. Good luck and welcome to the forum; lots of good information available here.

 

[JDGreenGrass]

I would guess you need a tractor around 30hp to take care of your 6+ acres.

What do you have for tractor dealers in your area.?? Find a dealer that has a good reputation in your area for customer service.

Go to all the websites (Deere, Kubota, Kioti, etc.) and dig around at the specs and use the price configurators to fit your needs and budget.

When you have specific questions report back here with them and you will get sound advice from a lot of owners who have been there and done that.

Go to Deere.com and look at their 2000 series and 3000 series tractors. That's where the dream begins.!!

Enjoy your search, it's a lot of fun.

 

[Johndeere3720]

What price range are you in? I'd say a 2520-3520 Deere would get the job done. These tractors offer twin touch hydrostatic transmissions (ehydro) which are a huge benefit when it comes to mowing grass and doing loader work. Deere has parts readily available and there products are very reliable. The loader joystick it mounted close to your right hand rather than on the loader itself. If you want a cab model, I'd suggest a 3320-3520. these cabs are very conmfortable and will definatly make blowing snow a bit more enjoyable. Loader wise, I'd get a 200cx or 300cx and since they feature a quick attach bucket, you can add other implements to add to your loader's versatility. For the 3 point hitch, definatly get an imatch quick hitch. I now have 3 of them and they all are worth every penny. These make it so you can back up to the implement, lift, and flip down two levers which lock the implement in place. Good luck with your purchase and post pictures when you bring your tractor home!:thumbsup:

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/series/ho_cut_3000_series.html

 

[RoyJackson]

If you're looking new, I'd suggest a Deere 3005...if used, a Deere 790.
These are the same tractor, BTW. Deere just gave an older tractor a new designation (3005).
Very tough and very reliable machines. About 27 Engine and 24 HP at the PTO....plenty for all of your needs.
The only limiting factor might be the light weight pullng a harrow or disc or tiller. The 790/3005 weighs about 2200 lbs (sans loader).
This machine is a gear transmission...and that's not a problem if you're willing to learn how to use gears (it's not like a manual shift in a car or truck).

Had a 790 for about 6 years...loved it. Only reason I traded off was to get a reverser transmission (still a gear transmission). If that hadn't come along at the right price, I'd still have the 790.

As far as the muscle...you might be a lady, but that doesn't mean you're a wimp. Rigging implements to the 3PH takes a bit of muscle. The mower won't be a problem, but those implements that don't have 4 wheels can be a bit of a problem (even for us Manly type men). Leverage is more important then brute strength, so use the muscle between your ears more then in your arms.

BTW, since you're in AK, I suggest you get a block heater with what ever you decide to buy.

Good luck and be safe!!!

 

[Egon]

I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

Take a tour of Fairbanks and see what Tractor dealers are available. Then talk to the fellars/ladies there about what you need to do and go from there. A cab at -40 C would be nice.

 

[rekees4300]

snow plow or snow blower - a blower would be best.
carry a bale or two of hay for the horse - front end loader.
pull a harrow or disc or tiller - at least 30 horsepower.
oh and also cut grass - mid mount mower.
dig the occasional hole - backhoe.
minus 40 degrees - heated cab and engine block heater.
2 ft of snow - 4 wheel drive and tire chains.
get parts and get it fixed when required - use local dealer of major brand.
ease of use - HST (hydrostatic) transmission.

 

[Horsesense]

Very useful, thanks!

 

[jenkinsph]

Lots of good small cab tractors to consider I prefer Deere and suggest you look at their Deere 3520 cab tractor with 300CX front loader (fel for short). Would also reccomend a heated garage or heated shop space for the winter, it would be helpful to keep it above 20 degrees if possible, less problems IMHO. I mention this since it may be something you will want to address this summer.

I would also suggest looking into the IMatch and Auto connect implement attaching systems by Deere, makes changing implements possible without leaving the seat of the tractor. This is particularly nice if you work alone frequently.

 

[montyhp]

The best advice so far is to find out what dealers are near you. My impression is that all the major brands (for instance the brands that have boards on tractorbynet) make decent tractors. I just bought a 33 horse Mahindra that is very easy to drive and works great. I also live about 5 miles from one of the best Mahindra dealers around (In my opinion). The other tractor dealers are either farther away or not very good. I would have been happy with one of the other brands, just not one of the other dealers. Think about how you are going to have your tractor serviced.

One caution, one of the posters mentioned moving hay bales with the FEL. in the 30 HP class, you probably can't move a round bale with the FEL. You probably can with a 3 point bale spear, though.

Good luck

Montyhp