Rookie tractor buyer neds advice

[CaptPat]

I would echo that the quality of your dealer is at least as important as the brand. There are good/bad/excellent dealers in every brand it pays to shop around and ask other tractor owners in your area. Secondly, I would focus on the "bigger" names, Kubota, Deere, New Holland, and Massey parts will likely be more available as well as aftermarket options. Third, I think a subcompact may be too small, if not initially later on you might regret not starting with a compact (say 40-50 hp range).

 

[Mike1955]

I hate to say it but I have yet to find a fair dealer yet. I’m 69 years old. Maybe it’s my location where agriculture is not big. We call a dealership a stealership down here!

 

[2manyrocks]

Having a good local dealer is extremely important if you run into repair issues.

Huge difference between 25hp class and 40/50 hp class tractors when it comes to how fast you can mow and tractor stability on slopes in my personal experience.

I'd be curious to see a picture of what you describe as 3-4' elevation changes on your property.

 

[paulsharvey]

I think a Kioti CK2620SE Cab would be a great choice for 6 acres. Comes standard with dual rear remotes so you can run an offset flail if you want one. Get the third function on the loader to operate a grapple.

As an owner of the CK2610, I find that I wish I had the cash for the 35/40 hp version. Adding the cab, I dont know that I would go with the CK2620; but the CK3520 or CK4020 version.

Also, those 3 or 4 ft elevation changes that you want to level out (I'm guessing we don't mean level, but smooth, make more rolling than abrupt rises/drops?) when you look at the volume of dirt needing moved, HP and weight will be your friend. If it's sandy or light soil, 100%, something in the MF1825 or CK2620 will do the job, but it will be literal hundreds of hours. If you are dealing with basket ball sized rocks or larger, it's going to be hard to dig into that with the loader.

 

[Torvy]

^DK would be even better if you can swing the price difference.

 

[ChubbyButtNinja]

A little more advise, buy as big as you can afford now, and buy from a local dealer, especially being that this is your first tractor. If you were an experienced tractor operator and could work on your own equipment, I’d say buy from wherever, but you are a noob, so find a good local dealer and buy from them, even if it costs you more.

As far as implements, a decent set of pallet forks will get used all the time.

You mentioned working with Georgia Extension, so not sure where that is heading as for crops, but that could really dictate where you go with attachments. 6 acre wouldn’t be a hay farm, but could be all the ground you need for specialty vegetables or something on those lines. Give some more info and would be glad give some suggestions. Also, how clear is the 6 acres? If you have a lot of trees a grapple will always come in handy. If it is already cleared, you can probably get buy with the pallet forks for all your lifting needs.

Thanks.

The land is basically flat but bouncy if you get my drift. I'm going to have to do some dirt work to level it a bit. My wife loves the idea of hay but it's just not realistic on this much land. I was thinking maybe a mix of some fruit/nut trees and veggies. I saw there's a new variety of pumpkin engineered for the south that looked interesting. I'm going to be swayed by whatever is the most idiot proof. Maybe sweet potatoes?

 

[ChubbyButtNinja]

"Was initially going to get a subcompact and rotary cutter, but have felt like I should try to redeem the land and not just stare at shorter weeds on it." OP

you might be more detailed in what you consider "redeeming" the land, what that redeeming would involve. many have suggested in the forum that if extensive leveling, excavation is to be considered, sometimes it's more cost effective to hire the redemption out, then decide on an appropriate tractor.

if all you're considering is heavy brush hog work, then proceed as you are doing. in terms of rotary cutters, look to mid or heavy duty. certainly not a finish mower. consider 45-50 hp, L or MX series Kubota would be a good start. a 6' hog would be a good match.
regards, & welcome to the forum

Smoothing is a better word than leveling. I had someone who knows a lot more than me tell me I'm probably okay with a box blade. If something is just too big I'll leave it there. Once I have the place cut, I'll know a lot better what is and isn't there. I have the luxury of just giving up if I can't get it smooth enough. It's not a hobby farm - I do hope to make a little money - but it's not my main income source so I don't have to get everything I can out of every square inch. Paying someone to level the land would eat up 20 years of predicted profit.

My understanding is it was cow pasture so while the land may be wavy, I don't expect it to be horrible. I didn't see huge rocks when I walked the property but who knows what's under an inch of dirt. I know everyone loves their Kubota, but I just can't see how they still have that goofy pedal. I've had knee and ankle issues and have read too many accounts of people who just couldn't use it as they aged.

 

[ChubbyButtNinja]

As an owner of the CK2610, I find that I wish I had the cash for the 35/40 hp version. Adding the cab, I dont know that I would go with the CK2620; but the CK3520 or CK4020 version.

Also, those 3 or 4 ft elevation changes that you want to level out (I'm guessing we don't mean level, but smooth, make more rolling than abrupt rises/drops?) when you look at the volume of dirt needing moved, HP and weight will be your friend. If it's sandy or light soil, 100%, something in the MF1825 or CK2620 will do the job, but it will be literal hundreds of hours. If you are dealing with basket ball sized rocks or larger, it's going to be hard to dig into that with the loader.

Smooth is certainly the better word for what I have in mind.

 

[aesanders]

Pumpkins can definatly work well in the south. Knew a guy that ran a pumpkin patch in central florida. Had orange, white, green, and pink pumpkins ( not sure of variety). Had people coming from all over to pick the pumpkins. Had a great little side business going. It was leased ground and the property sold, only reason he stopped. He grew them on plastic like watermelons with micro irrigation. Would plant rye or oats in the winter time.

 

[big bubba]

Smooth is certainly the better word for what I have in mind.

agree, it can be done with box blade & hopefully with adj rippers.
sounds doable. tractor weight is just as important as hp esp in ground engaging applications. a 50 hp estate or utility tractor 4wd w/fel to me would fit the bill nicely. would also look at loaded rear tires
best regards