Research time, for first tractor

[flusher]

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!

Operating a tractor is pretty easy----no heavy lifting, just sitting and steering. The physical effort comes in attaching implements to your tractor's 3-point hitch. There are a number of quick attach devices that make this job easier. Some of these are advertised on TBN. I suggest you get familiar with the implements you think you'll need and then get someone to show you how to attach them to a tractor.

The best way to zero in on a tractor is to start from your list of tasks then figure out which implements you'll need to do these tasks and then select tractors that will handle these implements.

 

[mjncad]

Even if you're used to Fairbanks winters; I wouldn't be without a cab, and that should be your starting point. I assume that summertime has you inundated with flies and mosquitoes, and a cab will be a blessing at keeping the bugs away. 4WD is a necessity, and a HST (HydroStatic Transmission) makes loader work a breeze.

I have a Land-Pride quick-hitch comparable to the Deere i-Match, and I chose it over the Deere since the top hook is adjustable.

R1 (Ag) tires would probably be the way to go for traction. I have R4 (skidsteer type), and they aren't too great in the snow.

I doubt you have many choices of dealers near you, and what there are will hopefully be the major brands. Find something you like, test drive them, get a feel for the dealer (are they good, or a bunch of jerks).

Keep us informed of how the search goes, and you're getting good advice.

 

[bp fick]

Good advice here. My only $.02 would be to question the compatibility of the OP's "to do" list of mowing with "moving a bale or two of hay".

Hmmmmm. Since you mentioned the new grass, a tractor used for fine, close in mowing usually is too small for moving a "bale or two of hay". A tractor that can handle the hay is often too large, especially on softer soil, for fine lawn mowing. Here in this neck of the woods, very few of us have "lawns". Yards? Yeah, we have yards.:laughing:

 

[JDGreenGrass]

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!

She says she has the need to "carry a bale or 2 of hay for the horse."

In this case a FEL will fit the bill. I don't think she will be dealing with large round bales.

 

[bp fick]

Sorry, my mind went immediately to the round bales, don't know why.

OK, yes. You are looking for a "do it all" subcut type tractor. Perhaps, a small cut. You'll find thousands of folks here doing just what you wish to do with subcuts. A CUT will give you more lifting strength, if that is needed. Certainly higher ground clearance in deep snow would be a plus!!!

Your tasks are typical to what the majority of folks here do, in one way or another. A JD 2305 or 2320. The BX series or B2320 from Kubota. Massey, New Holland, Mahindra, LS, Kioti all make similar machines.

I might start with my local dealers and spend some time kicking the tires and see if you get a good "vibe" from the dealership. Yup, believe I'd start there.

 

[FxdGrMind]

Ok my $0.02.

Get 2 tractors =):thumbsup:

Ok now before you moyder me, let me explain.

You mention that you need to move hay bales... I'm assuming by your monicker that you have horses, field, barn, muck pile, etc etc. You want to move snow... Plow, blow etc in -40 deg wx.... &*$#!@!@#! BRRRRR
I see this as a chore for a CUT. There are many, and as you mention service and support, I second the Drive to all your local dealers and bat beautiful eye's at them and find out what they are made of. Now cast off the ones that are :drool:ing and in a lather, and put them out to pasture. The ones that shoot straight and don't look down your dress or up your skirt, but give the straight story on their product and support. Keeper!

So that has your Hevy work ironed out... now about that 2" grass/lawn.

I'll say this from the PNW... I know rain and rain soaked land. Similar to your Permafrost.... when it's wet and thawed.... it is SLOPPY! So for your "Lawn" you need something with a big foot print and low weight, say a 1500-2K riding mower 24-26hp and 48-52" cut.
Reason I say this is that a CUT of any real potential capability, has weight. It will seriously damage your lawn and make rutts. It will also be less manuverable arround shrubs/trees etc etc. and if you have a Cab (yes you will need one both summer and winter) you don't want a limb poping through your Cab's new window....

Happy searching and let them look but keep the bonnet and undercarage secure while they :drool:. =)

Cheers

 

[TGF]

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.

All good advice, because of cost and the fact that temps here only go maybe -40 Wind Chill and -10 Temp on a bad day I went with a no cab model. I went with a ZTR (only about 2k more than a finish deck) rather than a finish mower on my tractor and put an RC on my tractor for the bush hogging. The ZTR cuts faster than your tractor can, delivers a better job and is more maneuverable. It also allows you not to have to change implements as often having a separate mower.

You might want to check out the 3032e or 3038e from JD I ended up going with a 3038e. It is alot of tractor for the money.

 

[Allan_Cen_Ont]

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!

First off welcome to TBN. For what you are wanting to do and with the cold temps you get you will appreciate a cab and will want a block heater as well as a tranny heater if you happen to get a HST tranny as it will make starting and moving your tractor easier at the start of the day or when you need it. For the amount of snow you get in AK a snow blower would be better as you won't have to deal with trying to find a place to pile snow all the time and also won't have to deal with snow banks to create a problem with drifting snow. This is coming from someone who knows all about -40 temps and lots of snow in the snowbelt of Ontario Canada .

 

[crbr]

It needs to handle 2 ft of snow and minus 40 degrees, since I'm in Fairbanks, AK.

I'm pretty.....and fit, ....a 5'7" female

A block heater and chains.

Doesn't snow in TN...


I could not deal with snow and temps like that.... best to you...