Spend my money!

[wvrocks]

Ok all. I've been trying to decide on a new tractor for way too long. I've read everything I can get my hands on. I have 70 acres of land in the mountains of WV. I'm just finishing up my new log home and helping my inlaws build theirs. We recieve around 150 inches of snow a year. My driveway is 3/10 of a mile long and is gravel. Probably will be for a long time. One section gets drifted in up to about 3 feet deep. Of the 70 acres about half is a large rolling field with no trees and a 1/3 acre pond on it. The rest is fairly steep wooded hillside with some old logging roads. My soil doesn't seem to be bothered too much by heavy equipment. Its about 5 inches of topsoil then at about 20 inches down it gets into a broken shale layer. We have use a bobcat there all summer and it didn't damage the grass much at all. Of course that isn't my finished lawn, just an old farm field.

Here's the list of what I'd like to do in no particular order: Maintain the gravel drive and clear snow. Finish mow about 5 acres around the houses and barn. Brush hog around the pond. Brush hog the perimeter of the field once or twice a year along fence. Clear and reopen some of the old logging roads. Spread topsoil, prepare for seeding and landscape around my new house. Maintain 300 yard dirt road to my pond. Possibly tilling a garden in the future. Other work as needed.

I have a friend of the family that puts up the hay every year so that is not a concern. Although it might be nice to be able to help them out by pulling a small rake or tedder.

I would prefer a Hydrostatic transmission. Foldable ROPS is a must. FEL is a must. Within 100 miles of my area I have 2 Kubota dealers, 2 New Holland dealers, 1 Case, 3 Kioti, and 3 John Deere. Money is a bit of an issue. I'd like to spend less than $20k but that is somewhat flexible. Especially if the finiance rates are good. I have occasional use of a bobcat if I need it. I may have use of a ford f250 with a plow if it gets repaired in time for winter. (not looking good at this point).

So far I'm thinking of tractors in the 30 hp range with r-4 tires. I've looked at the Kubota B3030 and B3030 Cab, Kubota L3400, Kioti CK30, New Holland TC-29 and 33, John Deere 3120 and 3320.

I'd like to buy within the next month but just cannot make up my mind on what will fit my needs the best. The closest Kubota dealer is a little high but has a nice business. The best price on Kioti is from Group Farm in Pa. I've never seen their shop. I've only talked to them on the phone. My local Kioti dealer is good but about 1200 higher. New Holland dealer has good rep and nice shop. Cheapest kubota dealer is very good but about 80 miles away.

So how are we going to spend my money?

 

[RedRocker]

I love spending other people's money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
In your shoes I'd put a lot of weight on the dealer, paying a little more for a good rapore with a dealer could be worth it in the long run. If you've had a chance to drive the different models, just go with the one that feels the best and fits you. Combine that with the dealer you feel comfortable with. That's kinda how I did it and I'm very happy with the outcome.

 

[wvrocks]

Thanks. I have driven all of the models that I mentioned except the L3400. They all fit me pretty well as far as ergonmics go. I agree that the dealer make a big difference. In reality any of those tractors will work for us. Some will just be better at it than others. I'm having a hard time deciding which strikes the best balance. I'm concerned that the lightest models won't handle the heavier work like moving snow or working on my driveway. Or that the heavier models will do damage when I'm mowing and generally be cumbersome. I also wonder if I'm not looking at tractors that are too small. I think for our needs we don't need a huge tractor. Lots of people use old 8n's in our area and do just fine.

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. sounds like 30hp range is good.. TC 29 may be a bit small.. how about a 33da?

Soundguy

 

[wvrocks]

I looked at the TC-33da. I liked it a lot but the pricing my dealer is quoting is very close to the max I'd like to spend. Because of that it leaves little for buying implements. Very nice tractor and probably my first choice if money were not an issue.

 

[BamaRob]

The Mahindra 3015HST might be a good fit. Although you didn't mention any Mahindra dealers in your area, so this may not be an option. If it is, you might be able to get the weight and HP you're looking for and have some $$$ left over for implements. It's worth a look if it's available in your area.

BamaRob

 

[CTyler]

A 30hp will work, have an L3130, and pulling 4k is not a big deal. Have about 600' of gravel to clear snow off of.

After reading your post I thought L3830 w/cab right off the bat and a 7' mower.

 

[ptfarmermd]

New Holland also has the TC30, which is their no-frills tractor. It does not have the curved front end like the rest of the Boomer line, and it is normally matched to an older model loader with the dog leg arms. It does have a gross engine horsepower of 30 HP with the PTO power about 25.

I spent close to a year myself trying to decide. I looked at JD, NH and MF. Finally decided on a NH TC35A with 16LA loader. I have not been sorry yet.

Good luck in your search. This was my $0.02 worth.

 

[RedRocker]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I looked at the TC-33da. I liked it a lot but the pricing my dealer is quoting is very close to the max I'd like to spend. Because of that it leaves little for buying implements. Very nice tractor and probably my first choice if money were not an issue. )</font>

That's pretty much the exact situation I was in.

 

[cart99]

Every word of advice I could is in this thread