What to buy?

[clarkmike]

Hello,

Our property is about 40 acres in southern IL. It's "hilly" for IL, but nothing like the terrain I grew up on in upstate NY. My sister calls if "flat". About 30 acres remain in production, but will slowly be added to a CRP tree program as that option presents itself. I've got 4 acres in CRP (wetland and waterways) that I need to maintain. When we are done with our property, we'll have most if not all in trees. I need to maintain a 900 foot driveway (move snow and grade as needed). I want to mow the area around my wetland and plan on establishing a trail around the edge of our property for riding go-carts and running. In addition, I need to pull logs out of the treeline as I cull out the dead stuff and make firewood out if it.

I believe I may need about 35 hp, FEL, a bushhog and perhaps a finishing mower. I'm not sure about the requirement for 4WD. I'm open to any brand that has a strong reliability record. Of course I want to keep my cost down. Value/capability, not brand are most important to me (I drive a Korean car).

I look forward to your input.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[john_bud]

You probably are right in the 35 +/- 15 hp range. Depending on how much time you want to spend doing things. Larger is faster, but also more expensive.

If you get an FEL, 4wd is more and more important as the hp range drops. A 50hp 2wd tractor can be weighted and work an FEL well, but a 20 hp tractor not so much. Call the 4wd a 50-60% benefit for a 50 hp tractor, but it is a 95% benefit for a 20 hp tractor.

How much $$$ do you want to drop? What transmission do you want to have? HST, powershift, straight gears? Are you wanting to mow? Rear or belly mower? What tires - turf, R4 or Ag? Cab or open?

There are actually very few "bad" tractors, just some fit your requirements better than others.

jb

 

[candersen10]

I'd say look into a skid steer as well as tractors. A good skid steer is great for doing any sort of grading etc and they are much more stable than tractors on slopes if you find the right ones (deeres and new hollands are the most stable in my experience).

 

[clarkmike]

Thanks for your input.

I'm trying to spend less than $15K.

I'm still learning about tires. Given the situation I describe, what do you recommend?

I grew up shifting gears. In fact, all our family vehicles have manual transmissions. I've read about gear versus hydrostat drive and since I know how to repair clutches, I'm inclined to go with a gear drive.

I plan on using the tractor to operate a bush hog and perhaps a finishing mower.

If I go with a 2WD, I'll get a heavy tractor.

Thoughts?
Mike

 

[TimC]

Definitely look at Kioti Tractors. I think the CK25/30 would suit your needs fine, but don't look to pull more than a 5' wide mower. For the money, Kioti tractors are generally more features, heavier (which is good for digging, etc, not as good for mowing), and have a great warranty. If you have a Kioti Dealer near, check one out. If not, there are several Kioti Dealers on this board that do deliver tractors all over. My CK25/Gear trans/Loader/Toothbar/BoxBlade package cost me $14900, which is pretty decent. If you want a bigger tractor than that and want to stay under $15k, you'll need to look at used. You might also do well with a small AG sized tractor that is older and save some money.

 

[john_bud]

Mike,

It sounds like you are handy with a wrench. If so, you can get a much larger tractor like a Ford 5000 and attachments and stay under or in your price range.

Tractors in the late '80's and early '90's with 40-60 hp, 3000 hours and 2wd are out there and cheap. Often you can up size the machine and the price stays the same.

jb

 

[clarkmike]

I've looked at a new Kioti CK35 Gear with a FEL. I can probably pick this up for about $16K from a dealer about 35 miles from my house. I've heard good and bad about Kioti, but I haven't made any decision.

It sounds like everyone recommends 4WD if I can afford it.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[JoeinTX]

clarkmike, you're thinking soundly.

For the property, you are looking about right........35-50 pto horsepower. I, myself, would go for the bigger, heavier tractor in the lower hp range.

-FWD is nice........but not necessary at all. It will help and if you can get it for the money you want to spend, do so. If not, don't sweat it.

-FEL? To me, that is more important than FWD. It will prove more useful and handy on a weekly basis.

-Brand? What are your nearest dealers? If you've got a line on a Kioti and the dealer is satisfactory.......get it done. If not, is there a Mahindra or Farmtrac dealer around? You can get a 35hp Farmtrac new for around $10k minus loader/FWD with warranty and it's a proven design and tractor.

Don't go and plop down a crazy wad of cash on a green, red, or blue one just because it's trendy. There are a bunch of others out there with something to offer.

In your spot, I would look at a Farmtrac 435/535/545 with FEL from the dealer for <$15K. Or, I'd look at Mahindra's 3525/4500 models for similar prices. Both are gear tranny, 2wd, basic units that can be had with FEL for the money you want to spend and can run the implements you want.

 

[clarkmike]

JoeinTX,

I've got Mahindra and Kioti dealers within 30 minutes of the house. I've never heard of Farmtrac...think I'll check those out.

My wife likes your logic! She says the 3525 Mahindra looks more like a tractor than the newer 4WD 4530s. She grew up in dairy country as a kid and remembers all the tractors having smaller wheels on the front.

Thanks for you help.

Mike

 

[Kahuna]

If your in Southern IL I suggest you attend the National Farm Machinery Show held in Louisville, KY, it would only be a few hours away. It starts around February 12 or 13. I am going the 14th which I believe is a Friday. I think it goes from Tuesday or Wednesday through Saturday. It is the largest machinery show in the US under roof. I have been there several times and they will have every compact tractor sold in the US. It is a good time to look over all brands and models with a factory rep to tell you about the features. It also will have about every UTV available if anyone is interested in those. It will take a full day to go through the whole show (and that is only possible if you keep moving).