What to buy?

[Wesdor]

4WD is a big plus. I'm not sure how much more power % it gives you, but I have a 30+ HP and it can out pull 2 WD of much greater power.

Glad to see you want a FEL - that was something I didn't realize I needed until I tried one. I use it all the time.

Since you have such a long lane, you might also consider either a box blade or a back blade. I have only the box blade and use it to maintain a much shorter (325') drive.

Have you considered a used tractor? Your budget sounds reasonable, but will force you to shop really hard. Be sure to test drive whatever you buy. Not only is that a lot of fun, but you will be amazed at how some setups feel good to you and others are just awkward.

Enjoy the search.

 

[clarkmike]

Now to talk my wife into spending a couple days looking at tractors in KY and find a sitter for the kids! Perhaps I'll tell her the trip is a "romantic getaway" then work the tractor shopping into the conversation once we get there....?

 

[rustyanchor]

My 2 bits:
Find a dealer in your area that you feel comfortable with. Some will hard sell their line as the best in the whole world and have nothing good to say about any other tractor. Others will acknowledge that there are other dealers and lines that want your business as much as he does.
I started with a Ford 3000 that came with the 10 acre place I bought, it is a good heavy solidly tractor but it didn't have a FEL, which I needed to keep the place up.
I ended up trading the Ford on a Farmtrac with a FEL and BH , I have nothing but great things to say about my tractor or the dealer I bought from.

Take your time and shop around and talk to owners in the area about the local dealers. You may walk into a nice used one while you are new shopping.

Mark

 

[Mackinac Joe]

Clarkmike,

Go ahead and take your wife to that tractor show in Kentucky. I grew up on a farm in Southern Illinois. I'm now married 20 years to a city girl. Our second date was to the Farm Progress Show. That's when I started to suspect she was a keeper.

Joe

 

[tractorbig]

Clarkmike
If you go to Louisville show you better keep your eye on your wallet if you take your wife. There is a big country store they build in the south wing c.
Its looks like it about half the size of a walmart. Its plum full of Carhartt clothes and boots and shirts. Two years ago my wife stayed at that store it seemed for two of the three day we were there. I knew I was in trouble when the bed of our truck was full of bags from that store for all of the kids.
No money left for the tractor. All kidding aside if you looking for infomation about any tractor. That show has it all.

 

[clarkmike]

Folks,

The wife is not going for the tractor show! I've tried to spice it up with some "adult time" without the kids, but she's not buying my line!

Can anyone recommend a large dealer near Carlyle IL who is good to work with?

Thanks,
Mike