Tractors for 16 acres of pasture

[canoetrpr]

Hi there:

I am a city boy moving to the country. We've just purchased house with 16 acres of pasture. The current owner has horses - we do not. I'm guessing this helps him keep the land open.

We'd like to keep the pasture open and maybe mow a 3 to 4 acre field on a regular basis. Thats about it.

I'd like your opinion on what kind of a tractor I ought to look for. Any suggestions on min hp requirement, mid mower vs. rear, make ? Do I need a finishing mower attachment or something else? I plan to look for used ones.

The couple of friends I have in the country have had Kubota's and swear by them. I'd like any general opinions on Kubota vs, New Holland vs, John Deere you might have - particularly on the subject of price and value for my money. I'm not a tractor guy - I'm looking to keep the expenditure down to a minimum but I want something that will last me 5 to 10 years.


Thanks,
Canoetrpr

 

[Egon]

The tractor options are many and varied. The ones you mentioned are all good tractors.

I'd sugest a FEL and a rear finish mower. I like the MM finish mower but they cost more and may not be interchangeable with different tractors. I also prefere Hst but that is a personel choice.

If looking for used the size may be dictated by availability. Chances are something around 25 horsepower would be a nice size.

I have a 16 HP kubota on 68 acres that works for me. But sure would like a B7800 which poverty precludes.

Happy shoppin. Do lots of looking before you make a choice.

Egon

 

[RoyJackson]

I'd go for one of the following:

Deere 790 or 990: Both gear tractors, but for open field cutting, that'll work fine. If you're just going to cut the 3-4 acres regularly, I'd lean toward the 790 with a 60" rotary cutter. You can get a 790, loader and 60" cutter for less then $16K. Another Deere to look at is the 4310...you might get a good deal on a leftover since the 4xxx series are being superseded.

Kubota B7800, B2910 or L2800: The only one here that has a gear tranny is the L2800.

NH TC-30 or TC33: About the same as the others. I looked very seriously at the TC 30 before I bought my 790.

Obviously, I'm a Deere guy, but any of those tractors listed will do the job. Any would be good for the 3-4 acres of regular mowing, but a bit small for the 16 acres if you wanted to cut that regularly. If that's to be an annual job only, you might want to hire a local farmer to cut that area. You could do it with a 60" cutter and one of those tractors listed, but it would probably take two weekends. You have to determine if that suits your needs.
You wanted to get into tractor ownership with a minimum expenditure of funds...so you'd probably settle for a simple machine. I would expect any of those tractors listed above to last well beyond ten years...rather you'll want to keep it that long is another story. Unless I win the lottery, I expect my 790 to outlast me (I'm 55). Personally, I prefer a simple machine...I save the bell's n' whistles for my vehicles.

Now, those lesser known brands (Kioti, Mahindra, Farm Trac, etc.) may get you in a t lower initial cost...or they may not. However, if you go for one of those machines, it's probably going to mean doing at least some of your own maintenance. Nothing wrong with that...I do most of the maintenance (the little that there has been) on my 790. You've just got to assess your mechanical skills.

Of course, there is always the option of a used tractor. Financing wouldn't be as good as a new machine, but there are quite a few solid tractors out there. If you're OK with late 80's or early 90's machines, there are many robust older Deere's (770, 870 and 970 models, to name a few).

 

[Cowboyjg]

Hi and welcome to TBN.

You will get what at times seems like more information than you know what to do with... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Talk to alot of people gather all the info you can. Most importantly travel your area and see what brands are offered. Visit the dealerships and let them impart thier wisdom on you regarding thier take on your needs. Sit in the seat and test drive the machine. While you go thru the process of finding a tractor that feels right you'll also learn about what kind of support you can expect from the dealer. That is as important as the tractor you decide on.

Pricing quite often is regionally based so if you complete your profile it will be easier to give you accurate feedback.

Many of those who post here have stories of countless hrs of research before making thier choice. For many of us it is a sizable investment and so we'd like to do it right the first time, or at least get close.. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

There are alot of good machines out there, but support, and the proximity there of, for alot of folks will be a major influence in thier choice.

Size of property is only one factor. Proposed chores and projects another.

Get comfortable, grab the beverage of your choice, Read thru the many threads and forums and be prepared to be enlightened...if you're familiar with an E Ticket /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif....this is pretty close.

Good luck on your journey!

 

[aloha]

The 3 brands you mention are all good contenders, and you would probably be happy with any of those colors. Finding the right dealer is probably more important than picking a particular brand, you want someone who is going to treat you well for many years. When you find the right dealer, then it is time to focus on specific models.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I want something that will last me 5 to 10 years.)</font>
Expect that the tractor you buy will not last 5 to 10 years, but rather 10 to 20 if new, or near new.

It sounds like the mower you want would be a brush hog rather than finish mower. They not only cost much less than a finish mower, but also will stand up better to the conditions of a pasture. They would not give the results you want for your lawn, but I believe a dedicated lawn mower is preferable to a tractor with a finish mower. Others will disagree with me.

You probably will find that you are happier with an HST rather than one of the other transmissions. With the hydrstatic, control is easier.

You want a front end loader. With a toothbar for digging. And chain hooks for lifting.

And consider a box scraper, a.k.a. box blade. With these, weight is important, so avoid any lightweights.

When you have a better feel for what implements you want, don't hesitate to ask for comments on specific brands.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm not a tractor guy )</font>
You will be.

 

[johan3400]

Roy has given you some great guidance. I think it would help if you filled out your profile a bit. What area do you live in, what is the slope of your property.
I would add to the choice of tractors suggesting only that you make sure you have live power for your attachments. This could be by purchasing an Hst or a tractor with live power. I would find the dealer you get along with the best and make a good deal. You can not loose with the choice of many brands of tractor. I personally prefer Kubota, but enjoy the Deere tractors I have run and the NH. I have run a Case IH and like that. We even have a Mitsubishi MT 180 HD which is a work horse. Look carefully and choose the one you like. Maybe see if you can get just a bit of seat time on the tractor you like the most. Have fun.