Rookie needs some advise...

Blakemorar · Jun 11, 2006

I have just contracted on 65 acres in the Florida Panhandle with about 15-20 acres in pasture. I have been considering getting a tractor with a FEL for purposes of mowing, light clearing and maintaining the road entrance to the property. I would like to pull a 6' rotary cutter and I also know that I want 4 wheel drive. What NH tractor model would make the most sense? I have considered the Kubota line as well as MF. What transmission would you also reccommend? I am a rookie here and need some guidance. This is my first tractor and I would like to make a good decision here. Thanks in advance!

Blake

KubotaSteve · Jun 11, 2006

I don't really know that much about the NH lines but it would seem to me that in the Kubota line you would want something around a L3430 or L3830. Of course your budget would depend a lot about the machine. I would think you would want a machine with 35 to 40 hp and maybe even a little more. I prefer hydro, however the shuttles are pretty nice too.
I would definitely say to go to dealers close by and test drive. Go with the attitude that you are shopping and not buying. Pick the dealer's brain about why you should buy their tractor. Stay away from those who down other machines. A good dealer is worth as much as a good tractor.

kozak · Jun 11, 2006

Blakemorar,

For a NH series tractor & that much acreage it would be a toss up between either one of the NH Utility tractors (48 to 55 HP) or the largest BOOMER series tractor at 45 HP. The BOOMER series has the hydrostatic transmission advantage. No need to use a clutch or shift levers to change speeds or direction.....it's all done with two pedals & a RPM lever. RPM lever is normally set & left in position depending upon task & then either pedal (forward & reverse) to engage task at hand. Definitley the cats bottom for ease of work & lets you focus better on what you are doing.

The UTILITY tractors would give you more muscle, probably better ground clearance, a little more weight & lift capacity. All bonuses. Unfortunately does not come with Hydrostat transmission. Not the end of the world.

For me....I would look closely at the UTILITY line-up for that amount of acreage although the 45 HP BOOMER series would be up to the challenge.

Just my Opinion,

Vic

Doc_Bob · Jun 11, 2006

One option for the TC 55 is the EHSS (AKA Powershutle in TN series).
Makes forward reverse very easy. And gives you the manual tranny as well for gear choices and power.
Bob

Zoombah · Jun 12, 2006

Congratulations on your land purchase.

How much is your time worth to you? Smaller tractor with FEL and mower will scoop, lift, and mow but will take longer to do so than a larger tractor. Is the non-pasture part of your land forested? If so then a smaller tractor may be better for getting around in there. TC40 might fit the bill.

And how often do you think you will use a tractor? If you anticipate a lot of use then consider the ease of use convenience things like hydro transmissions and such. EHSS and hydros seem real popular with folks that do a lot of loader work. If use will be infrequent then go with regular gear transmission and use the saved money for more implements. Also, if you don't have much time to spend on your tractor then buy a bigger tractor so you can get things done faster ----- consider TC55.

If possible rent a tractor with a 5 ft mower and see how long it takes to mow that 15-20 acres. Have been there, done that myself with about 25 acres of pasture and a tractor that could barely handle a 5 ft rotary cutter. Was fun the first couple of times (because it was a new experience) but after that I wanted something bigger. For me it comes down to what you want to do with the tractor, how often you plan to do it, and how much time you want to spend doing it. The tractor I have now is quite a bit bigger than my first one; I'm happier now.

Keep those questions coming. The folks on these boards are always willing to provide advice and offer suggestions.

Good luck.

Soundguy · Jun 12, 2006

I usually give tractor rec's based on land size. 65 ac is a good chunk. 15-20 in pasture.

Just depends on how long you want to spend cutting it. if you want to be able to hog it in 8 hrs ( 20 ac ) then the 6' mower is ok. If you want less mowing time.. get a bigger mower.. like a 7' or 8', and size the tractor for that.

Your call there... depends on how often and how long you want to mow.. and maneuverability issues.

4wd is good for loader work. And if you plan on doing extensie loader work.. something other than basic gear tranny may be your ticket.. like a shuttle or hydro tranny.

I'm guessing 35-55+ hp I realize the bigger tractor you get.. the more the attachments add on.. etc..

In general.. people advise on buying as much tractor as you can comfortable afford, without getting it being to big to use.

Soundguy