Tractor Sizing Tractor for 20-50 acres

[flusher]

Hilly, mostly wooded. Little to no snow. Plans for animals, such as chickens and goats potentially. Also I anticipate the need to "reshape" the land and would like to be able move semi-large quantities of dirt and to move large trees that have fallen down.

50-70 hp (engine) tractor with FEL (6-ft wide bucket, chain hooks welded to top of bucket), shuttle shift transmisson, power steering, two pairs of rear hydraulic remotes, cab.

 

[newbury]

Tractors are like chainsaws, one size don't fit all for widely mixed tasks.

I've a Kubota B7610 23HP and a Sato 30HP. Both are small and getr into small places.

I know I'm going to need a bigger 50 to 75 hp for eventual use in my projects but having the small one is REALLY useful.

I just finished cleaning up an area that without the small one I would have had to haul about a ton of stuff up a hill by hand. The Satoh drove down the walk and carried pallet loads up. AA larger tractor would not fit. I've trail thru woods that I want to keep narrow so 4 wheelers can't go down. Big tractor to big.

Right now I have to cut my logs up into "chunks" I can haul. I can drag a 10' oak log and lift it w/ 3 pt my pallet forks but it's got to be small, about < 20".

I want to go bigger.

 

[NeedMoreTractor]

Would you guys recommend buying used or new?

 

[gwdixon]

I would have to agree with the 40 - 70 HP range. BUT.....

In one of the rare cases that I agree with John Thomas, you might consider buying a used tractor to find out what you really need. It would be a "test" tractor of sorts with the full intention of selling it later and buying what you have experienced as far as necessary features and working ability.

Tractors hold their value very well so most, or even more, of your original investment will be returned when you decide on the "ideal" tractor.

Of course, I did that and ended up with three tractors. John Thomas went through 13. Just be forewarned. :laughing:

 

[TripleR]

Would you guys recommend buying used or new?

I have bought about half and half. I will buy a good used tractor in good condition or have gone in with my brother who is an excellent mechanic on one in need of work. There are a lot of things to consider in deciding which works best for each of us.

Like John and GW as well as many others, I have found the ideal solution is multiple tractors.

 

[crazyangel]

You need multiple tractors to do all you want. I have 40 acres and started with a 37 HP L3710. It was not capable of doing all the things I wanted so I upgraded to a 57 HP L5740. It's much more capable but there are things I could do with my L3710 that are more difficult with the L5740.

Can you give an example of where you miss your L3710 when working with your L5740? I am looking at a L5740 now and would love your perspective on it. From the outside looking in, it seems like there wouldn't be too many spots because the frame sizes are not worlds apart. Maybe I am way off base though. Thanks!

 

[newbury]

<snip>
Tractors hold their value very well so most, or even more, of your original investment will be returned when you decide on the "ideal" tractor.
<snip>:

This point is VERY true. One can generally buy a used tractor, with diligent searching and patience get a good deal, then several years later sell it for about what you paid for it.

 

[gwdixon]

Can you give an example of where you miss your L3710 when working with your L5740? I am looking at a L5740 now and would love your perspective on it. From the outside looking in, it seems like there wouldn't be too many spots because the frame sizes are not worlds apart. Maybe I am way off base though. Thanks!

This is a bit off topic but....if you are looking at a L5740 also give a look at the L5240. They are the same tractor. The only difference is the L5740 has its HP rated at a higher RPM. Look at all of their specs on the Kubota website side-by-side to verify.

The L4740 has the same engine, is not turbocharged, and has a smaller frame/tires. It appears to be worth looking at, also.

I've been helping a friend buy one of the more powerful Grand L40s and came across this interesting information. He settled on the L5240. It may save you a few thousand bucks.

 

[NeedMoreTractor]

Is the m9540 open cab with loader oversized for my situation?

 

[NeedMoreTractor]

Is the M9540 open cab with loader oversized for the situation?