I have never owned a tractor before and am in the market for one. It seems the options are endless! My primary need is to have a tractor that can accommodate a set of forks (ideally quick release) and can safely lift a pallet of approximately 1,100 lbs to a height of around 5 feet (the back of a truck). Ideally, I would like the smallest tractor that can meet that criteria safely. Other uses that will come in second to my primary need may include plowing or snow blowing a 500 ft. driveway, moving firewood around, light plowing, digging holes for fence posts, brush hogging, etc. I am looking to purchase a used tractor. Can anyone offer some good advice as to the make and model that might best suit my needs and what I might expect to pay for one of this type in good shape ready to use. Thank you in advance for any help you might offer! Bob Manley
Buying Advice What Tractor Do you recommend?
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dbear
Gold Member
It sounds like your tractor size is going to be dictated by your FEL requirement. You'll have to look at that spec first regardless of brand. To comfortably handle the 1100# load, I'm thinking probably a minimum of 35 HP 4wd CUT, but would feel more comfortable with 40-45. Also, for frequent FEL work, I'd recommend either a shuttle synchro shift, or hydro transmission. As to which brand, there are a bunch who'll fit the bill. Take a look around your area. Which brands are people using; are there local dealers for those brands? Visit those dealers and decide which ones give you the best impression - aka "that warm fuzzy". For me, I'd be looking long and hard at MF, JD, NH, Mahindra, Kioti, LS, (all within 1 hour) and maybe TYM (a little further away than the rest by about double). I'd include Kubota if I had a local dealer that wasn't a jerk.
First of all you may want to consider my tractor (link to the page in signature) it's a 3120 and right in the range of what you describe.
The first question I always ask though is budget, are we looking for a 1 year old compact or a 10 just in terms of price. Would you be looking for a cab? They can make plowing a lot more enjoyable but add a lot to cost. From what you describe I'd be looking at 3x20 series John Deere. IMO they have the best tractor and any of the 3x20s would handle your needs perfectly. Don't want to shove it down your throat but my 3120 sounds like what you want.
The first question I always ask though is budget, are we looking for a 1 year old compact or a 10 just in terms of price. Would you be looking for a cab? They can make plowing a lot more enjoyable but add a lot to cost. From what you describe I'd be looking at 3x20 series John Deere. IMO they have the best tractor and any of the 3x20s would handle your needs perfectly. Don't want to shove it down your throat but my 3120 sounds like what you want.
bigbull338
Elite Member
a new or used 50hp tractor will work fine for your needs.but youll have to rear ballast doing all that lifting.
MF 1532
Gold Member
I have a MF1532 , I keep it at my store mainly to load and unload freight trucks . It serves my purpose , lifts what I need , can get around easily in my building , quick tach forks . I would buy again , but I know what you are facing I looked at all the major brands before pulling the trigger . Probably made a mistake bought a heavier set of Horst forks than needed , thus cutting my lifting capacity . But they are good quality and never will have to replace .
Hi Martian TractorMan, I tried to follow the link to see your tractor and was not able to locate it. However, you are over a 1000 miles away, I can't image what it would cost to transport it that far. I am looking to spend between 10,000 and 14,000 depending on age and condition.
Sorry about the link, moderator said I had to take it out of the signature because it was unpaid advertising but heres the link.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/226966-john-deere-3120-only-154-a.html
My local dealer has already offered me $14,500 so it's probably out of your budget.
I would stick with what I said about a Deere 3x20 though, you will want to look for an older model though, like a 4310 model. The link below is all the 4310's on Tractor House. They will suit your needs very well and are more comfortably in your price range. They are 31HP and will do everything you have listed. Just type in your ZIP in like the middle of the page and you'll get the closest to you first so you don't have to worry about travel.
JOHN DEERE 4310, Used JOHN DEERE 4310, JOHN DEERE 4310 For Sale At TractorHouse.com - Page 1
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/private-party-ads/226966-john-deere-3120-only-154-a.html
My local dealer has already offered me $14,500 so it's probably out of your budget.
I would stick with what I said about a Deere 3x20 though, you will want to look for an older model though, like a 4310 model. The link below is all the 4310's on Tractor House. They will suit your needs very well and are more comfortably in your price range. They are 31HP and will do everything you have listed. Just type in your ZIP in like the middle of the page and you'll get the closest to you first so you don't have to worry about travel.
JOHN DEERE 4310, Used JOHN DEERE 4310, JOHN DEERE 4310 For Sale At TractorHouse.com - Page 1
k0ua
Epic Contributor
My tractor will do it. but barely. As others have said, make sure it is ballasted well.. I have 750 lbs. on the 3pt and loaded tires. I have the SSQA and lightweight pallet forks. (so it can lift more load) Also make sure you get Hydrostat..absolutely not substitute when you need to creep up to that truck or when hooking up to a pallet, or hooking on the forks in the first place. My tractor is about the smallest tractor to do what you want to do. I have the Kubota L3400HST
James K0UA
James K0UA