Seeking Tractor in Colorado

[CarlaCraig]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 40 acre ranch in Colorado. I am seeking a tractor at a reasonable price. I have bales of hay weighing 1200 lbs. So, I obviously need a tractor that can handle the weight.
In addition, I have 14 horses, 14 head of cattle and live in Colorado.

So, I have been told I need a tractor that is at least 40 hp but probably not larger than 50 hp. I need a loader, forks, a disc, an auger (or two) and probably a blade.

My most immediate needs are the tractor, forks and loader.

I need help here because I am also on a limited budget as I've just gone through a break up...guess what...he got half of all the animals and...the tractor...

Can anyone give me some advice on what to expect price wise, make and models to stay away from, etc...I'll take any advice!!! I don't mind buying one from another state and picking it up. I do have the capability.

Thanks,

Carla

 

[jimmyj]

Welcome to TBN. If I was buying a tractor like what you need today I'd probably buy a Kioti DS series. 45 hp, very heavy duty and a monster of a loader. They have good pricing too but I don't know what dealers you have where you live. BTW, a good dealer is about as important as what tractor you buy, don't overlook that part in your search.

Give them a look if you can. Good luck.

 

[dawoodwa]

On a limited budget I would look at an older 40 or 50 series John Deere. They are abundant and were and still are very durable tractors. They don't have all the fancy electronics that todays tractors have which makes them cheaper to work on, and if you own a tractor you will have to work on it. A 2440, 2640, 2350, or 2550 would be good choices based upon my experience. I sold a 2350 with loader for 10K that was a good tractor but I just wanted something new and with a cab.

 

[TripleR]

I would talk with some of your neighbors to find out some good dealers and to see if any of them know of a good used tractor in your area.

Go to the "good dealers" to see what they have on their lots and get an idea of prevailing prices as well as to get a feel if you want to deal with them.

If you are not knowledgeable about the mechanical aspects, find someone who is and will check a prospective even if you have to pay them. I do the same thing myself.

If you find one check with one of the forums for information. I also did this on my last two tractors and have been very satisfied.

 

[CowwFace]

Hey Carla,

I'm sorry to hear about the reason you need a tractor.. Life is heavy sister... I don't know why but it will make you stronger.

I agree with the Kioti's. I have a DK40SE hst and My thoughts are, it would do everything you need.

I used "Hitching Post trailer" sales in Lake George Hitchin Post Trailer Sales

Vic Keating is the owner and a VERY good Man. He went from Kioti to Bobcat tractors last year, but they (the Bobcat's) are the same tractor's as the Kioti's ... I think the Front End Loaders (FEL) are different though.

As for the Forks I would use a company called "Skid Steer Express"

I think you can get forks there with an optional bale speer as well.

Solider on sister

 

[mostly_gas]

One more thing to think about, if the altitude you live at. As altitude increases the horsepower the tractor makes decreases. Most of the size recommendations on this site will not take that into account.

 

[TripleR]

ColoradoDan just bought a new tractor after doing a lot of research, you might want to contact him.

 

[jenkinsph]

One more thing to think about, if the altitude you live at. As altitude increases the horsepower the tractor makes decreases. Most of the size recommendations on this site will not take that into account.

Well were running MOSTLY DIESEL tractors and I recommend turbo models for the most part.:laughing: I am running mine in the mountains with no problems.