Tractor decision

[paulsharvey]

This fallacy of used equipment being better than new is just silly. More likely is that the used equipment has been proven to have a problem and the seller is getting rid of the problem. It could just be that the seller was lax in his maintenance or pushed the unit beyond its capacity. Those problems can be hidden, but may be a ticking time bomb. Caveat Emptor.

There are exceptions, but it really takes a combination of mechanical knowledge to investigate the unit beforehand and personal knowledge of the seller and their integrity.

Is it possible that a used tractor has the 'kinks' worked out? Sure. Is it likely? No.

Like anything else, buying used tractors is primarily a cost play. With diesels, it can be an emissions play, too. (For some people it could also just be a hobby thing...enjoy finding and fixing problems/restoration) Losing most or all of the warranty is hardly a good thing compared to the vain hope that the seller is honest.

I'm going to get blasphemous here.... I think a large number of the small CUTs, with low hours, are from people who bought a tractor, and discovered, they don't really need/want it, vs the payment. I can see a Real argument of, if your only putting 25 hrs per year (and how many of those are puttering around) maybe it's better to sell it, and hire a guy in twice per year, or use a mower/SxS, whatever.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

Doesn't mean his decision will be the best. I have 35 acres woods, 10 acres non wooded.
If I was worried about snow and the cold I probably would have gone with a cab but being in East Texas I elected not to bust glass and weather the heat.

I’m guessing because it’s his money his decision will be the best for him because that’s what he decided to buy?

Obviously, many of us change our decision a couple years later, and buy something different whether it be bigger or smaller or have a cab or not have a cab, I live where it gets 20 to 30 below zero and I don’t have a cab on my tractor

 

[tradosaurus]

If you want to put all your hard earned money you spent on your tractor to the ground, put R-1’s on. If youre on pavement A LOT, don’t get R-1’s.

But you won't look cool with the wider R4's.

 

[Missouri Pioneer]

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

I have a LS U5030C 55 hp cab with which I have been quite pleased. I got the industrial tires and loaded them. This tractor does all that I need it to do on our 100+ acres. I, too, was advised by a dealer friend NOT to get a cab if I planned to use it in the timber, but I ignored that advice ... and I'm glad I did. With a cab, you're always comfortable, whether there be heat, cold, or rain. Another friend with a farm advised me to get more than 50 hp, for what that's worth. I love this tractor.

 

[rwendel]

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

I have a similar property and driveway. I bought a Kubota MS5100 4x4 open cab and it worked for most jobs I had but found myself always needing just a little more tractor. I bought a Case 75c Farmall used and love it, does anything I need it to do. Be sure to get a third function valve and a grapple for the loader

 

[Hermio]

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

That tractor should be ample for your needs. But I would not rule out other brands, such as Mahindra or Kyoti, as long as you have good dealer support.

 

[Hermio]

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

One other thought: get hydrostatic drive. It can save your life when working in the woods.

 

[ssuser]

Having worked in factories all of my life, you couldn’t pay me to own a cabbed tractor, after I retire. I love my outside time, on my open station tractors.

The home-made canopy on the JD is a very nice feature for open field work in the summer or in the rain though:
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You can see that I am not “color blind” because I run the American “big 3”.

You couldn’t pay me to own a tractor without a cab. And I’ve had multiple American brands of each.

 

[Gord Baker]

Hi, I’m new to this forum. I have 50 acres, 15 pasture, 35 wooded. We are starting construction on a new home, 1400 foot driveway. Right now I am focused on LS
MT347 cab hydro with bucket, plow, box blade, brush hog. Am I on the right track? Up until now I have only had garden tractors. Thnx, Barry

Get one size bigger than you think you will need. Consult your neighbours and remember that to have good neighbours you have to be a good neighbour.

 

[Sprinkler Fitter]

You couldn’t pay me to own a tractor without a cab. And I’ve had multiple American brands of each.

So do you think everyone should have a cab then?