Comparison What Tractor is best for me?

7000 · Jun 1, 2014

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this tractor business. I just bought a 40ac spread in this east SD county hill country. All I know is that I need to clear it out and keep it clean. I've tried to do this by hand with chainsaws, shovels, weedwackers and such. You know the outcome of that scenario. Anyway I have found that it is probably best if I get a tractor backhoe-loader-auger-scraper combination machine. Probably will have to get a PTO wood chipper as well. But, looking at all the various machines available I find it quite confusing. They all are so similar. Of course, depending on who you talk to there is always a preference.

What I need to do is clear out sagebrush, sycamore shrubs, shrub oak, a few small trees, blaze finish a few trails I have already done by hand and make new ones, build a retaining wall, build a pond, build a foundation pad for supply buildings and a garage etc. You get the picture. The terrain is hilly but not too step, mostly. Lots of DG and rocks to contend with as well. Oh, let's not forget all that mustard weed that grows like crazy too.

I have looked at New Holland, Kubota, John Deere and Massey-Ferguson tractors. I've been told by pro's who do this work I want to do that I need a 35-45 HP tractor. But those are too expensive and large for the maneuvering I need to do. Therefore, after talking to different dealers I was told that I could get by with a 25HP or so machine. But, looking at those available has been a difficult choice.

I would welcome some advice from the members here that have more experience in the actual use of these tractors. I'm looking at the Kubota B2320, MF1710, JD2032 and the JD2320. Those are the only dealers within 50 miles of me. I've heard that the Kioti machines are more tractor for the same or less money. I'm now researching the CK30HST and the CK35HST. Especially since the pro I talked to says I need a HST machine and that the Kioti's are a good value machine. Since cost is always an issue they seem attractive to me. I just have to travel 110miles one way to see one.

Any comments? Please respond. Thank You.

jeff9366 · Jun 1, 2014

7000 said:
I have looked at New Holland, Kubota, John Deere and Massey-Ferguson tractors. I've been told by pro's who do this work I want to do that I need a 35-45 HP tractor. But those are too expensive and large for the maneuvering I need to do. Therefore, after talking to different dealers I was told that I could get by with a 25HP or so machine.

It is easy to focus on horsepower, but it is also stance and weight. A heavier, wider stance tractor is much more stable and therefore safe.

You have hills-----HST transmission is the right option.

You have listed some fairly heavy duty work. A light tractor, run hard, will require more maintenance than a heavier one. I agree with your first set of advisors, you need a heavy frame tractor/loader with 35-45 horsepower.

I sold my light-frame Kubota B3300SU tractor/loader and bought a heavy-frame Kubota L3560 tractor loader for all the above reasons.

Tractors require service. If your dealer will pick up and return your tractor for service and repair expect to pay a minimum of $1.25 per mile. So a dealer fifty miles away will charge you a minimum of $250 to transport your tractor on a trailer in and out. That is dealer's cost for a HD truck, trailer, fuel, insurance and driver on two round trips. Plug transport cost into your calculations.

What is DG?

7000 · Jun 1, 2014

Sounds about right to me too but didn't want to spend that much. DG is decomposed granite. How about a New Holland workhorse 35? I don't like the heel toe accelerator on the Kubota. I guess I could get used to it. What do you think of the Kioti ck35 or ck 39?

jimpen · Jun 1, 2014

Have you looked at Mahindra?

jeff9366 · Jun 1, 2014

7000 said:
Sounds about right to me too but didn't want to spend that much. How about a New Holland workhorse 35? I don't like the heel toe accelerator on the Kubota. What do you think of the Kioti ck35 or ck 39?

All good tractors, competitive in the marketplace.

Forty acres is a lot of ground. Buy enough tractor.

Cherokee140 · Jun 2, 2014

SD county.....oh the Peoples Republic of Kalafornia......I think you are going to have to go with one of the battery powered models.

I am kidding....

Really I would shop the dealers....the machines are all very good machines. This could be a case of where the dealer makes the difference. When I bought mine I got the first service tossed in as well....at my house. The little things can make a difference.

Texasmark · Jun 4, 2014

I think the wood chipper or stump grinder would do best as a stand alone machine.

On digging a pond, a $100 per hour experienced dozer operator can run circles around your tractor in building a pool and will know how to figure elevations, drainage, dam slope and all that stuff you need. BTDT

If you don't really need the backhoe, I'd forgo it as it is heavy and can get in the way of other implements you will want to use. For the cost of one you can hire or rent one numerous times on the occasions you would need it, like putting in a drainage or water line.

Front end loader absolutely. Just too handy not to have. I prefer a tractor with a front end that adequately supports one like the next entry.

4wd I did without for 30 years, but after getting my first (Branson) won't buy another without it

25 hp for 40 acres, in today's world is not enough. Yeah I know when motorized farm equipment came into being, after the steamers, the Ford Ns and MF TOs and Farmall As were around that hp and glad to have them. Today that's not the case.

Even if you have to buy a used tractor in good condition, I'd do as others have said and get the size up which gets the hp up which gets the weight up which gets the performance up and etc. Remember sir, once you spend the money it's gone forever. What's left for however long you keep it, is what you bought with that money. Buy the 25 and I guarantee you that you will continuously kick yourself in the pants for not getting a larger machine.

The basic machines like Mahindra are simple and stout. The ones I have seen/shopped have few whistles and bells. My Branson is loaded with them and I use them all. Around here blue, orange, and green dealers are handy. My Branson dealer is 50 miles away but help is a phone call and UPS away.

Good luck,

Mark

whizdbiz2 · Jun 4, 2014

It may be too that you need more than one tractor. Every see many farms with just one? Perhaps a smaller SCUT/CUT size for those tight places and an older bigger one for the big tough jobs. On my place the Mahindra does the FEL work (also it's my diesel powered wheelbarrow!) and small blade stuff, the 8N takes care of pasture field mowing and snow moving with a 7 ft. blade and the 9N stays on the manure spreader for the weekly/twice weekly dumping of it. You might need something bigger than my little Mahindra and the Ns, but you get the concept. Match machines to the jobs needing done.

Gale Hawkins · Jun 4, 2014

JOHN DEERE TRACTOR - Classified Ad
$7600 green option.

4400 FORD TRACTOR SKIP LOADER - Classified Ad
$6000 blue option but double check that it has a PTO that is often missing on this class of machine. I expect your have 33+ options under $10K in your region. For 40 acres I would prefer 45-60 HP.

flusher · Jun 5, 2014

Tractors are sized by the weight, size and pto hp requirements of the implements you need to do you work efficiently and safely. Figure out which implements you'll need in the next 5 years and go from there.

If you plan to do some or most of your work on very hilly ground, then you need to be concerned about tractor stability, ground clearance, wheel track width, center of gravity. Nothing worse than buying a tippy tractor that increases the rollover risk. Tractors can be modified to give more stability on hills. An example is my 1964 MF 135 diesel.