What size to buy?

[LD1]

Do you use the loader? Scraper? Snow blower?

We would like to keep the costs below $7000. We would like to do some general land maintenance - clearing, scraping, handling debris, etc. though our properties are small, a little over an acre each.

Well that pretty much narrows it to used:laughing:

And if you want a front end loader to boot....you are going to have a hard time finding anything decient. For a 7k budget, expect to have to be wrenching on it about as soon as you get it, if not then, in the near future. Unless you settle for a pretty small SCUT, that budget is going to be tough to meet.

 

[RoyJackson]

Do you use the loader? Scraper? Snow blower?

We would like to keep the costs below $7000. We would like to do some general land maintenance - clearing, scraping, handling debris, etc. though our properties are small, a little over an acre each.

I have used both the loader and a rear blade for snow removal.

$7 grand isn't a heck of alot of money for a tractor...especially for 4WD and a loader. However, you can find late 80's to mid-90's tractors for that money.
A 790 would be beyond your budget, but a 670 would be within. Others to consider would be (Deere) 755, 855 (if your lucky) or 770 (probably too expensive too); (Kubota) B7500 (nice machine...first machine I looked at 10 years ago), BX2200 and other older Kubotas (not familar with most of them though).
I'm not familar enough with the old Fords and New Holland CUTs.

I do not suggest any of the lesser known brands (sold in the 80'sand 90's) or grey market tractors. Some folks swear by 'em...but they have little parts and service support.

Start watching Craigslist and watch out for the scams (if they need to ship it, it's a scam). You know the drill...if it seems to good to be true, etc., etc.

Good luck!

 

[devildog1]

Do you use the loader? Scraper? Snow blower?

We would like to keep the costs below $7000. We would like to do some general land maintenance - clearing, scraping, handling debris, etc. though our properties are small, a little over an acre each.

WoW,
$7000. for a large tractor with four wheel drive with front loader and or rear blade, front snow blower or rear snow blower! You need to get real, not going to happen.
Devildog

 

[RidgeHiker]

I actually was looking at grey market Yanmars. But then I may not know what I am doing.....

 

[RoyJackson]

I actually was looking at grey market Yanmars. But then I may not know what I am doing.....

As I'd written, some folks love those grey market machines. Just figure you'll do any service required. There are Yanmar and grey market forums on TBN, so check them out....at least you can make a more informed decision.

Not to disagree with Devildog, but you do not need a large tractor. And, I think $7K is reasonable for an older machine...but it won't be a jewel.

 

[devildog1]

As I'd written, some folks love those grey market machines. Just figure you'll do any service required. There are Yanmar and grey market forums on TBN, so check them out....at least you can make a more informed decision.

Not to disagree with Devildog, but you do not need a large tractor. And, I think $7K is reasonable for an older machine...but it won't be a jewel.

Roy you are correct, they could find a tractor for $7000. Maybe like you said a grey type tractor but it probably need lots of TLC. and I hope you are mechanically inclined to do the repairs. I mean I would like to hit the lottery too but-----------.
DevilDog