Tractor Sizing Second tractor moving to farm

[borisvonf]

Finally got my wife to move from the city to our mostly wooded 97 acres. Framing starts today on new house.
My latest dilemma is what do I need as a second tractor for mowing, garden and cleanup.
Currently I have a jd 5500 mfwd that I have used for 5 yrs now planting 10 acres sunflower dove field, and several clover food plots for deer.
I have a 2 row planter set on 30 inch centers that I would like to use with second tractor as hst would make start stop row planting easier and would like to be able to use second tractor with my 150 gallon boom sprayer. Need tires center to center at 60 inches.
Also, I have a 6 foot flail mower that I would like to be able to pull with the second tractor for finish mowing.
I plan to eventually plant pasture and get goats and or sheep, chickens and set a large garden.
I'm thinking new tractor would have turf or r4s, be hst (easier for wife and teenage boys), have a loader for mulch, hay, cleanup; run post hole augur for fencing, etc.
The big 5500 will be reserved for heavy ground engaging and rough bush hogging.
The second tractor will be used lots for every day work.
I don't want too much tractor for the second but I don't want too small either.
I am also certain there are lots of questions about the second tractor that I don't even know to ask.
Brain trust please help.

 

[flusher]

Finally got my wife to move from the city to our mostly wooded 97 acres. Framing starts today on new house.
My latest dilemma is what do I need as a second tractor for mowing, garden and cleanup.
Currently I have a jd 5500 mfwd that I have used for 5 yrs now planting 10 acres sunflower dove field, and several clover food plots for deer.
I have a 2 row planter set on 30 inch centers that I would like to use with second tractor as hst would make start stop row planting easier and would like to be able to use second tractor with my 150 gallon boom sprayer. Need tires center to center at 60 inches.
Also, I have a 6 foot flail mower that I would like to be able to pull with the second tractor for finish mowing.
I plan to eventually plant pasture and get goats and or sheep, chickens and set a large garden.
I'm thinking new tractor would have turf or r4s, be hst (easier for wife and teenage boys), have a loader for mulch, hay, cleanup; run post hole augur for fencing, etc.
The big 5500 will be reserved for heavy ground engaging and rough bush hogging.
The second tractor will be used lots for every day work.
I don't want too much tractor for the second but I don't want too small either.
I am also certain there are lots of questions about the second tractor that I don't even know to ask.
Brain trust please help.

Tractor with 40 hp (engine), HST, power steering, 4WD, dual rear hydraulic remotes, single front hydraulic remote.

FEL: 5 or 6-ft wide bucket, skid steer quick attach, chain hooks on bucket

All the tractor manufacturers have one or more models with these specs.

Good luck

 

[motownbrowne]

Flusher has it right in his post.

In the 35-50 HP range, be sure to compare weight specs and loader capacities. For example, Kubota makes a light weight 40 HP tractor with a small loader (L3901) and a heavier 35 HP tractor with a more powerful loader (L3560).

Personally, I'd want an SSQA-equipped loader that'll lift a ton (or close to it) on a set of pallet forks. I use my forks all the time on the farm. I was torn between two Kubota models when I was shopping and eventually decided to go with the bigger one just to get the lift capacity I wanted. I have no regrets. You didn't mention this, but if your big Deere has a nice loader, you could potentially skip this consideration.

Only other thing I'll mention is tires. Hopefully R4s will work for pulling a planter. You said it's a 2 row, so that should be pretty easy, but R4s load up pretty fast in wet soil and then spin. Perhaps you could rent or borrow a tractor with R4s to try some dirt work before deciding. Also, many models of tractor have fewer (or zero) options for adjusting the width of R4 wheels and tires. There are some models that have the option to adjust them. Be sure to note whether you can achieve your desired spacing easily while you're shopping. Wheel spacers are an option, but not cheap.

 

[jeff9366]

Boris: Fill in your TBN Profile so we always know something about your tractor(s), your soil and your weather.

 

[brasco426]

If your plans are just to Mow, Clean Up, Garden, have a loader to move mulch, run a post hole digger. I'd like at a SCUT. Much smaller foot print, and you mentioned you like it to be easier for your wife and teenagers. That size class may be ideal for you, and she may probably like it because it's smaller and less imposing. Most SCUTs will have a HST and be able to do the tasks you mentioned. Just my 2 . Bring her along shopping and get an idea of what her comfort zone is. Good Luck

 

[ovrszd]

We all have opinions don't we. Probably confuse you more than offer a solution.

I'd stay away from a SCUT. Horribly low ground clearance. And it won't handle the attachments you mentioned.

I'll go with Flusher's description. But like him, that's what I'd want for a second tractor. Might not fit your needs. But with more discussion we can narrow it down more. For example, a 40HP CUT isn't going to be ideal for grooming the lawn around your new house. I see a "third" tractor in your future.

 

[brasco426]

I guess I'm not seeing why he needs a large tractor when he already has one. 150 gallon boom sprayer holds approximately 1200 pounds water weight less the sprayer weight. Mine will lift 1400 so I think it'll do it. It should be able to run a post hole digger fine. Just not sure what a 6' flail finish mower needs at the pto. He also mentioned he'd like his wife and teenager to be able to use it, and not knowing what there comfort level is.

 

[motownbrowne]

I guess I'm not seeing why he needs a large tractor when he already has one. 150 gallon boom sprayer holds approximately 1200 pounds water weight less the sprayer weight. Mine will lift 1400 so I think it'll do it. It should be able to run a post hole digger fine. Just not sure what a 6' flail finish mower needs at the pto. He also mentioned he'd like his wife and teenager to be able to use it, and not knowing what there comfort level is.

To pull his planter. Needs to have 60" wheel spacing.

 

[ovrszd]

I guess I'm not seeing why he needs a large tractor when he already has one. 150 gallon boom sprayer holds approximately 1200 pounds water weight less the sprayer weight. Mine will lift 1400 so I think it'll do it. It should be able to run a post hole digger fine. Just not sure what a 6' flail finish mower needs at the pto. He also mentioned he'd like his wife and teenager to be able to use it, and not knowing what there comfort level is.

I'm not familiar with a Mahindra Max 24 so bear with me. Are you saying it will carry a 150 gallon sprayer full of water on the 3pt safely?? Are you tires 60" center to center? My 6ft flail labors my 47HP Ford in heavy cutting, but maybe your tractor could handle it?? Again, I have no personal knowledge of what a Max 24 is?? No flame intended.

 

[brasco426]

To pull his planter. Needs to have 60" wheel spacing.

Sorry green horn mistake