Utility tractor advice needed

piller · Dec 27, 2006

Hi,
My wife and I recently purchased a 110 acre farm in East Tennessee with about 50 acres of pasture/fields and the remainder forested. The property has mostly been used in the past for hay/cattle production. We have roads, trails, fields and pasture to work/maintain.

I think we need something like a 70 HP 4wd utility tractor and there are quite a few choices out there to confuse things. So far I've looked at the kubota M series and the new holland TN series. The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

The kubota dealer said it's roughly $25k for the 7040, $27k for the 8540, and $29k for the 9540. So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

The new holland dealer said I could get a 4wd TN70 with fel for $30k. I don't know anything about the john deere tractors yet but plan to visit a dealer soon.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

Doc_Bob · Dec 27, 2006

I have a New Holland TN70A with Power shuttle. My tractor also has the skid plate protection for the fuel tank and a 3rd rear remote. No cab. Get the power Shuttle.

Tractor weighs around 5500 pounds and I have AG tires. I never go near my lawn, as AG tires will destroy my lawn.

When you shop, look at ergonomics. I went with NH becasue of the seat. It fit me better. I am 6'1" and the other tractor could not adjust to fit my frame.

Your mileage may vary.
Bob

scott_vt · Dec 27, 2006

piller said:
Hi,
The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

Good Afternoon Chip,
Welcome to TBN ! There are a bunch of happy NH owners on TBN as well as happy Kubota owners.

Sounds like your NH dealer is a bit pro NH

Be fair to yourself and your pocket book. Research all the major brands of tractors before you plunk down $30,000 of your hard earned money !!!

John Deere, Kubota, Kioti, Massey Ferguson, New Holland etc... compare features and prices etc... Operate all of them and then make your decision!

There are plenty of guys on here that have those brands and can help in your evaluation!

Good Luck !

thcri · Dec 27, 2006

I think I would get better comparisons on each tractor rather than listen to the New Holland dealer. He may be right but you need to check into that yourself some more. I am pro New Holland but that doesn't make it the right tractor for you. Kubota makes a compact tractor so don't throw them out. I would go out and check all of the dealers in your area and get on each of them and see how they fit you. Which one has the controls where you like them etc etc, ergonomics. Try them all out but also try out the dealer also. Dealer is just as important as tractor. You need to figure out which dealer is going to give you the best service after the sale. Take your time, buying is has to be just as fun as owning.

murph

Farmwithjunk · Dec 27, 2006

scott_vt said:
Good Afternoon Chip,
Welcome to TBN ! There are a bunch of happy NH owners on TBN as well as happy Kubota owners.

Sounds like your NH dealer is a bit pro NH

Be fair to yourself and your pocket book. Research all the major brands of tractors before you plunk down $30,000 of your hard earned money !!!

John Deere, Kubota, Kioti, Massey Ferguson, New Holland etc... compare features and prices etc... Operate all of them and then make your decision!

There are plenty of guys on here that have those brands and can help in your evaluation!

Good Luck !

Howdy Chip, Scotty, and all.

Good advice above. EVERY tractor owner, every tractor salesman, in fact, everyone that has an opinion will give you 10 reasons to buy what they did, plus a hundred more why you SHOULDN'T buy something else. Weigh this free advice carefully. Listen to what the dealers have to say. If they can offer GOOD, SOLID reasons why their tractor is BETTER than their competitors, then consider that info too. But when you get that old "the other guy sells junk" speech, let it go in one ear and out the other.

Look at all the available brands, then make a pick. Consider initial cost, dealer "after the sale" follow-up service, each tractors "track record", and how it "fits" when you climb in.

Doc_Bob · Dec 27, 2006

piller said:
Hi,

So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

Chip

Chip, only thing I wish I had was more power! Not that my TN70A does not have enough, I just want more power

I would go with the 9540!

But, (there is always a but), more power means more money for attachments. What will work on a 35hp tractor will not work on a 95 hp tractor.
Bob

dgl24087 · Dec 27, 2006

Doc_Bob said:
Chip, only thing I wish I had was more power! Not that my TN70A does not have enough, I just want more power
I would go with the 9540!

But, (there is always a but), more power means more money for attachments. What will work on a 35hp tractor will not work on a 95 hp tractor.
Bob

Any JD in that size tractor is going to be quite a bit more $$$. (I own a JD, btw). Personally, either the NH or Kubota will be a lot of tractor for the money, you may want to look at a NH TD75D, it's a less frills tractor, but offers quite a bit for the money. Whichever machine feels the best from the seat will be the one to buy. I would likely go Kubota if I were buying new, and you can always add weight. The 8540 weighs 5004 lbs. unballasted according to Kubota's web site, and according to NH's, the TN70A is 5415. Get the R1 ag tires.

flusher · Dec 27, 2006

piller said:
Hi,
My wife and I recently purchased a 110 acre farm in East Tennessee with about 50 acres of pasture/fields and the remainder forested. The property has mostly been used in the past for hay/cattle production. We have roads, trails, fields and pasture to work/maintain.

I think we need something like a 70 HP 4wd utility tractor and there are quite a few choices out there to confuse things. So far I've looked at the kubota M series and the new holland TN series. The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

The kubota dealer said it's roughly $25k for the 7040, $27k for the 8540, and $29k for the 9540. So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

The new holland dealer said I could get a 4wd TN70 with fel for $30k. I don't know anything about the john deere tractors yet but plan to visit a dealer soon.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

You should take your time since $30K is a sizeable wad.

In addition to picking though the huge list of new tractors, you need to get a good fix on the implements you're going to need immediately, in a year, in 5 years. You need to match implement size with tractor horsepower. New implements can be pricy, so it's a good idea to check out the used implement market in your area.

My guess is that most people with property your size have more than one tractorl. A smaller utility tractor (30-50 hp) with a matching FEL and a larger tractor (75hp+) to handle the tilling/planting/harvesting chores. You might want the smaller tractor/FEL to be new and get a larger used tractor for your field work.

I only have 10 acres of flat pasture land so my tractors are fairly small. My smaller tractor is a new 21-hp Kubota B7510HST with an LA302 FEL that has a 4-ft wide bucket. I bought that in May05. In July 06 I bought a used 1966 Massey Ferguson MF-135 diesel (45 hp) for my tilling work (I plan to put in about 7 acres of hay). So far I have about $18K invested in tractors and implements.

rback33 · Dec 27, 2006

piller said:
Hi,
My wife and I recently purchased a 110 acre farm in East Tennessee with about 50 acres of pasture/fields and the remainder forested. The property has mostly been used in the past for hay/cattle production. We have roads, trails, fields and pasture to work/maintain.

I think we need something like a 70 HP 4wd utility tractor and there are quite a few choices out there to confuse things. So far I've looked at the kubota M series and the new holland TN series. The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

The kubota dealer said it's roughly $25k for the 7040, $27k for the 8540, and $29k for the 9540. So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

The new holland dealer said I could get a 4wd TN70 with fel for $30k. I don't know anything about the john deere tractors yet but plan to visit a dealer soon.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

Are you thinking Cab or No cab? Cab limits options more. You have mentioned 3 great options for colors. One guy mentioned Kioti which would be a good option as well as Mahindra. Both of these are on the smaller scale of what you are looking for, as they go up to about 65HP. There are rumors of a Kioti DK90 coming, but I have no idea if or when the may happen.

roxynoodle · Dec 27, 2006

If I were you, I would consider Case/IH as well. Two tractors might be a good idea, too. You will probably want a compact for mowing, snow removal, barn chores, landscaping, etc. For your farm use a used tractor may be just the ticket.

BarryinMN · Dec 27, 2006

Welcome to TBN.

Do you have a business plan or budget to work with? Any background with ag? Are your fields wide open & flat or hilly, bottomland (mud) or?

Do you plan on building structures and digging dirt - creating/maintaining ponds, etc?

The reason I ask is because mowing 50 ac's on an open tractor gets old fast as in long days in the seat. New machinery to handle hay can easily consume $100K, used is a fraction of the cost but maintenance & downtime can become a timing issue.

Anyway to answer one of your questions weight is king with Ag right along with PTO HP. Generally more = faster on the tasks.

With tires: R4's get the machine closer to the ground, easier to highcenter on downed logs, rocks, various holes, spin out in mud. Have these on a 60 hp TLB so it usually can free itself. R1's on my 10,000 lb ag tractor definitely imprint the lawn.

Soundguy · Dec 27, 2006

Do compair all of the big '3' brands.. that is.. CNH, JD, KUB.. and of course.. MF.

Don't overlook other 2nd branded tractors in that hp range. At the end of the day when the work is done.. any quality tractor tractor will do.. and the biggest difference is price, once the barn lights go out.. ( unless you plan on reselling it later.. then brand will pay a role.. )

I'm a bit of a ford man.. so I am kinda partial to CNH.. but.. I'm also a tad colorblind when it comes to hp : dollar ratio on pretty even machines...

Do some research.. get some prices.. get a feel for the dealers.. look at warranty details.. factor any freebies in last ( delivery.. services.. etc.. ). Sometimes a dealer that is a few bucks more.. but closer ( service ).. is a better deal..

Pretty much.. none of the major brands will let you down in quality. And if you size your job to the tractor correctly.. and don't abuse it.. the 2nd and economy brands can work out well, as long as you know what you are getting into at the beginning.

Soundguy

piller said:
Hi,
My wife and I recently purchased a 110 acre farm in East Tennessee with about 50 acres of pasture/fields and the remainder forested. The property has mostly been used in the past for hay/cattle production. We have roads, trails, fields and pasture to work/maintain.

I think we need something like a 70 HP 4wd utility tractor and there are quite a few choices out there to confuse things. So far I've looked at the kubota M series and the new holland TN series. The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

The kubota dealer said it's roughly $25k for the 7040, $27k for the 8540, and $29k for the 9540. So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

The new holland dealer said I could get a 4wd TN70 with fel for $30k. I don't know anything about the john deere tractors yet but plan to visit a dealer soon.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

piller · Dec 27, 2006

Thanks for all the responses so far. Tractorbynet is an excellent site/resource.

Someone suggested the power shuttle, the kubota dealer also mentioned that the highway mowing crews were switching from mechanical to power shuttles and that they did not have any problems in 3 years with the hydraulic units where before they needed to replace clutches every few months with the mechanical shuttles.

Kubota catalog lists the M8540 4wd weight at 5401 lbs and M9540 4wd at 5512 lbs.

Multiple tractors would be ideal, perhaps in the future.

I was planning to get a ROPS model tractor, not a cab model.

Our fields are gently sloping, no muddy bottomland, one road does go through a creek though.

As for business plans, I met with the county extension agent and did an "enterprise analysis". Not much money in farming, I don't plan to quit my day job anytime soon!

Any big dozer/excavator type jobs that might come up will get hired out.

Doc_Bob · Dec 28, 2006

piller said:
Any big dozer/excavator type jobs that might come up will get hired out.

You are a wise man!
Bob

Agro-oti · Dec 28, 2006

Look around for Deutz-Fahr AgroLux or AgroPlus,or the 700 series made by SAME,sold by Farmtrac. The CIH JX series is another choice. For your needs I'd definately look at Ag-tires no questions asked.

davemhughes · Dec 28, 2006

I know where a m6800 66hp diesel Kubota 4x4 is with a FEL on 120 hrs and a year warranty for $24,800 in missouri plus he will deliver it. I almost bought it......don't think anyone would say Kubota is not a good tractor.....well made and the diesel engines are bullet proof. Look at the engine/trans/hydraulic specs of all the tractors you might be interested in. Most to the American tractors in the hp range you are looking at are largely foriegn made, US assembled, or re-badged imports. I did not buy it because I really did not need one that big so I bought a 41hp SAME 4x4 diesel. Let me know and I will give you the guys number. I get absolutely nothing out of it if you do end up buying from him other than knowing its a good tractor and he's a good guy.

mike tritt · Dec 29, 2006

piller said:
Hi,
My wife and I recently purchased a 110 acre farm in East Tennessee with about 50 acres of pasture/fields and the remainder forested. The property has mostly been used in the past for hay/cattle production. We have roads, trails, fields and pasture to work/maintain.

I think we need something like a 70 HP 4wd utility tractor and there are quite a few choices out there to confuse things. So far I've looked at the kubota M series and the new holland TN series. The new holland dealer suggested that I only consider the "big two" tractor companies which are new holland and john deere according to him.

The kubota dealer said it's roughly $25k for the 7040, $27k for the 8540, and $29k for the 9540. So, with only a $2k difference between models is there any reason not to jump up to the 8540 or 9540 models?

The new holland dealer said I could get a 4wd TN70 with fel for $30k. I don't know anything about the john deere tractors yet but plan to visit a dealer soon.

How important is tractor weight (the new holland dealer said the kubota was light)?

Are R4 tires OK for all around use instead of R1?

Any other tractors that should be on my "short list"?

Thanks,
Chip

Chip, We're in Oneida!! Before you buy call Steve Barlow farm equip. in Somerset KY we just saved over $2K below quoted price in Knoxville and $3k below quote price in KIngsport

MarkV · Dec 29, 2006

Hey Chip, welcome to the forum and congratulations on the new land.

I am still unclear as to what you plan to do yourself with your open land. Do you plan to hay it yourself, mow it a few times a year or lease the haying to a local? I ask because for me the tractor requirements and implement requirements would be much different if I wanted to hay, mow or just maintain the roads and trails. If I were mowing and maintaining then something in the 50hp range would be enough for me and still be small enough to get into the woods and around the farm building. Now if I were haying then the more hp and weight I could afford would be important. The thing about haying is the related equipment cost is just too much to pay for itself in a timely way with only 50 acres of hay. If I were feeding critters and buying hay the pay back might be worth it.

All the tractor brands mentioned offer good equipment. Local support of your chosen brand is almost more important than the brand to me. I don’t like dealers that start bad mouthing the competition personally. And also keep in mind that not every brand advertises weight based on the same criteria. Some list field ready weight and others list the shipping weight of the tractor.

Good luck and have fun.

MarkV

HEC · Dec 29, 2006

I have 110 plus acres also.half woods half fields and own the kubota 5700 4wd. which is about 55 eng. hp and is plenty big enough for my needs,mowing fields,hauling out wood ,plowing with a 3 bottom plow ,cultivator work,and taking care of snow in the winter.I have owned a few tractors over the years and always had ag tires but went with r'4s this time and like them alot.I was afraid I wouldn't get the traction I needed but they work just fine for my needs.The reason I went with them is we have small trees up here with briars about 2 or 3inches long and they will go right through the softer ag tire and will not penetrate the harder r'4s. I have also cut the ag tires a few times while working the tractor.If I were going to be in a muddy area alot I would go with the ag tires as they do have have better traction for sure.As mentioned above go with the power shuttle it is just great,this is the first tractor I have had with it and is a very nice feature.My wife loves it also,all she has to do is get on the tractor and work the lever and never use the clutch as I put it in the right gear for her at the start.It is also a wet clutch system which will probably last you a whole lot longer.