Tractor Sizing What size and brand for my needs?

tpr · May 3, 2006

I live in western KY. I have 43 acres. 38 of that is row crop. The rest is waterways and filterstrips. My main need is a tractor with a FEL and brush hog. My plan for the future is to build a barn and move my 4 horses to the farm and use about ten acres for pasture. Some of the terrain is gently rolling but that is used for row crop. I use my father-in-law's larger equipment for the row crop. But I would not mind it if I didn't have to borrow anymore. But that also means having to buy disk,planter, etc. So I am not sure about going that route.
Any comments would be appreciated.

coasterez · May 3, 2006

Well, it seems your needs are vastly different depending on if you really want a machine to handle the 38 acres of row crops. If you intend to do this, you'll want a fairly capable farm tractor, 40 hp or more - something comparable to what you are used to using.

However, if you continue to use your relatives' tools, then you probably only need a CUT for general purpose use - something between 25 and 40 hp should do fine. I would go as big as your budget will allow (PTO hp is probably important to you). In the CUT category there are many quality tractors to choose from. Some will be better loaders, others better diggers, still others better mowers. It's hard to go wrong. However, It is also easy not to make the "best" choice, with all that's out there. So, Weigh the tasks that you are going do and let them help reduce the list. Then test drive all candidates on your short list, evaluate their dealers, research the on line communities for the good and bad, and choose one.

With the horses, I suspect there will be a good bit of manure to deal with involving a lot of back and forth FEL work. Here, a hydrostatic transmission will be a big asset to you, and it's also handy when mowing in tight spaces, but probably not as good with the row crops.

Tom

Egon · May 3, 2006

Take into consideration what may happen in the future. Horses always seems to equate to bales and then to doing your own baling. Consider a size that would be capable of handling a baler and bales.

Will you be looking at new/used or both?

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

N80 · May 3, 2006

It seems like you are caught between big enough for row crops but small and maneuverable enough for equine operations.

I have no idea what is required for row crop operations but I'd take a look at the JD 790 or Kubota L4400. The 4wd models might be just enough for the row crops and would be perfect for small farm/horse stuff. Both are very basic and probably appeal to those with a tighter budget.

The coolest thing I've seen lately is the Kubota M5030...or was it 5040, not sure, but very big and nice looking.

3RRL · May 3, 2006

If it were me, I'd opt for 50+hp in case you can't borrow the FIL's anymore (for whatever reason) Then just deal with the horse chores later using the larger tractor if that's not happening right away anyway. You can do the smaller chores with a more powerful tractor no problem.

If you're not big 3 brand specific, there are lots of choices in that range to meet your pocket book along with several implements. Don't overlook the grey market tractors and Chinese tractors. Seems like a good amount of your time will be spent on the 38 acres of row crop, so going for a gear tranny instead of a hydro will save even more in my opinion. When you start build and moving dirt, the extra hp will come in handy.

PacersDad · May 3, 2006

You may consider an entry-level utility so you can borrow an implement at a time versus an entire rig. If your machine can handle your in-laws implements, your basically spared out. Of course, then the borrowing goes both ways if your-in-laws break something.
Your weight and HP for the buck maybe better on the utility vs. the CUT. What size machine do your in-laws use? John Deere has a 5103 option with powertech plant. MF has a 451 option with Perkins. Kioti has a DK65 with Perkins power. Farmtrac has a perkins powered machine. HTH.

flusher · May 3, 2006

So, if I understand correctly, you're looking for something to use on 5 acres. If so, and if you're looking for a new tractor, there are lotsa 25-35hp CUTs out there (Kubota, John Deere, New Holland, Mahindra, Montana, Kioti, etc.) not to mention the Chinese tractors like Jinma. These are a nice size for 5 acres.

Need to know your budget limit to get more specific.

In my case I have 10 acres of flat grazing land and use a 21hp Kubota B7510 with the LA302 FEL (4-ft bucket). Cost last May was $12,600 plus tax.

I mow my weeds with a 4-ft King Kutter brush hog ($675 at Tractor Supply Company).

I have a 4-ft KK box blade ($375 at TSC) and a middle buster plow/sub-soiler combo ($135 at TSC).

The FEL has a detachable toothbar ($175 plus shipping from Markham Welding).

Don't forget to get chain hooks welded onto your FEL bucket. Use the TBN search function to see what other people have done in this regard.

tpr · May 3, 2006

pacersdad,

We have a large farm operation. Plant with JD 7800 12 row kinze for corn, 15 ft JD bean drill. 20ft case disk 15 ft turbo till. So I would have to get at least a 90HP tractor to use them.

Soundguy · May 3, 2006

Are yuo looking for old or new.

If you like the 90 hp range.. look at the late model Nh 7610s .. I have one.. think it is an awesome tractor. Again.. you may also want to think about an older ag tractor.. like a ford 8000, case 1xxx or MF 1xxx all in the 100+ hp range.. and cheap.. pennies ont he dollar.. many of those big guys go for 3000-6000 here.. then also get a good compact tractor in the 30hp range for the chores that don't require a dual rear tire 110 hp cabbed tractor.. etc..

Soundguy