Tractor Selection

madmac · May 24, 2005

New user and would appreciate some opinions on CUT's. Tractor needs= 20ac to bush hog, 6+ ac to finish mow. 1200ft gravel drive plus wood and woven fencing to install. I have been using a Case 530 but it is time to retire. When the budget allows I would like to add a FEL. Looking at the JD990,
NH TC40A, MF1540, and Mahindra 4530. All with the industrial tires. Any thought,FYI's would be great. By the way my place is in middle Tenn- Limestone capital of the world.

Prepare your fields first then build your house. Proverbs

Soundguy · May 24, 2005

I'd say anywhere in the 30-40 hp range is great.. you are looking in the right places and at good machines.

Soundguy

rockyridgefarm · May 24, 2005

Don't be afraid to get bids from area dealers on setups you like. I just did that agin and was amazed at the spread on one exact setup from 5 dealers - about $4000. I always pick out about what I think will work and send out bid requests (by email) when I get it back I see who is the winner. Then work out the exact details with them. This could easily be the difference between say a Deere 990 and 4120 or buy lotsa toys. Of course you want to get agood dealer, but there are lotsa dealers out there who want your business and market share...

frank_f15 · May 24, 2005

WELCOME TO THE FORUM /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I would say you are looking at the right size tractors about 40hp, you mention 1200 ft drivway, but what do you need to do with that drive? snow a problem?

thcri · May 24, 2005

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 6+ ac to finish mow.

Prepare your fields first then build your house. Proverbs )</font>

With 6 Acres plus to finish mow you might be hitting a tad bit high for weight and finish mowing. I mow with a TC29D and I do have to be careful when wet. In fact just a few days ago I was forced to mow when I didn't want to. But we had rain every day for over 14 days straight and I had a graduation party coming up in two days. Well I mowed, twice in fact as the grass was too long. But now I have some pretty big ruts that will take a good sized roller to get out. For everything else your picking the right tractors. In your comparisons I would watch the weights on each tractor and point yourself to the lighter one.

murph

CajunRider · May 24, 2005

I like the Mahindra 4530. Almost bought it myself until I ran into a good deal with a used Kioti DK45.

gippolit · May 25, 2005

I would recommend a CK30HST if you need more then 30 HP I would recommend the DK45S it's an animal.

Regards
Glen

madmac · May 25, 2005

What a delight to find this site- wish it was 3 months ago. Thanks for the input. The 1200 ft. driveway is gravel and the heavier rain will wash ruts,etc. I am trying to keep the weight of the tractor B/T 3100-3400 lbs.