What would YOU get??

[heith]

I would steer you towards a NH TC30 hst.That's a great tractor for the buck.Not to big not to small and plenty of power.

 

[frank_f15]

think u might want to stay in the mid 20 hp range, hst . any color that suits your fancy. can't get more generic than that /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[s1120]

<font color="red">Don't forget the super deals on financing new units right now </font>

That is realy what got me thinking along this line. If it came down to new, with great financing, or a almost new, the new would get the nod.

<font color="red"> But you did ask what WE would get - not what you SHOULD get! That's a horse of a different color!

</font>

You got it. Thats fine. You don't know whats good out there till you open us and listen to other people.

<font color="red">I think the basic numbers still match. Look for a tractor in the 25 to 35HP range with a FEL </font>

That is what I was thinking, but without ever using a compact, I was not sure. As for the FEL? If I spend real money[ie not a low cost vintage tractor] it will have to have one.

 

[jinman]

Paul, you can get a lot done with the "vintage" tractor you have been thinking about. There are many old gasoline Ford tractors around and probably gas and diesel Masseys too which can be purchased for $5000 or less with several implements included. For around $3500 you can get the tractor alone and these will run cutters, rear finish mowers, boxblades, dirt scoops, and small plows. Absolutely stay away from anything with a loader if it isn't 4WD.

Now, what would I suggest as "best" for your small acreage? I'd rent a new fullsize backhoe and get the dirt moved and holes filled quickly (price--about $300 per day). I'd rent a skidsteer to get the finish work done on the 1 acre. I'd buy that vintage tractor and a few implements for my needs. Later, you will easily be able to sell a vintage working tractor if you want to upgrade. After using the "vintie" for awhile, you'll know for sure if it will meet your needs or if you need to upgrade. By that time you will know exactly what you need. I think someone with small acreage can really overdo it and spend far more money than they need and get in a long-term finance contract that has to be paid off... low interest doesn't cancel the payment. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[s1120]

Thats the thinking I have been using jinman. I was thinking I could do alot with a dirt scoop on an old tractor, plus when/if I want to upgrade, I can get what, or more then I payed for it. Plus, I will have gotten some attachments, that would carry over. But I also have to keep an open mind. But I agree, I can not justify a 20grand new tractor.

But, there is also what you WANT. It does not always go along with what you NEED. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[John_Mc]

Paul -

One way to save a few bucks would be to rent a decent sized tractor for the initial clearing, dirt moving and heavy brush cutting... probably in the 30 HP range, with FEL (and hopefully a toothbar on the FEL, though I've not seen one on any of the rentals around here). A backhoe might be nice, depending on how much digging you need to do.

Once the grunt work is done, you can step down to a smaller tractor for the longer-term stuff. If you've got many hills and/or muddy areas, you'll probably want to look at 4WD, but you can get a lot done with a decent sixed vintage 2WD (Ford 8N, for example). If as you say the Kubota BX series is on the small side for you (which I would agree with, given your existing mowers), you could look at something in their B series, like a B7500. In NH line, I'd look at the TC18, TC21 or TC24 (the 24 would let you run a 5 ft bush hog. The 18 is probably better suited to a 4 ft. The 21 might run a 5 footer, if you're not pushing it too hard). JD look at the 4100 or 4110. (4200.4210 if you ever envisionn getting a small backhoe).

In the used market, look for the Ford/New Holland 1710 or 1720. These are very similar to the NH TC30. The engines are just a bit smaller. THey would probably handle your initial clearing/dirt moving needs, as well as your longer term uses. You could also look at the Ford 1510, if you see one around. These are more recent used, as opposed to "vintage" tractors. There are some Kubotas running around of similar age/capability, but I can't remember the model numbers. As an example on price: there is a Ford 1710 (26 HP) for sale here in Vermont with 420 hours ("young" by tractor standards) in "excellent condition" (according to the seller, I've not seen it) for $7900. He's also selling an "almost new" 64" Puma snowblower for $900 or $8500 for both. If you are interested, I can send you the phone number and/or find out more info for you. Let me know. (This is exactly what I was looking for a few years ago, but could not find one, so ended up buying a new TC33D).

John Mc

 

[GaryG]

My opinion (biased) get a BX22. I have 23 hours in two weeks on mine and it has done everything I have asked of it. This morning I cleared a trail across the nastiest brush and rocks you can imagine. It was about 200 yards and I used just the loader to rip them out by the roots. Two trees in the way succombed to the backhoe. All in less than 2 hours. I'll get pictures of the road I cleared and post in Kubota operating.

 

[s1120]

Well, guys. Looks like I may have found my tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Ran into a REAL good deal on an early 8N. A deal to good to pass up. It has a Hi/Lo trans, a snow plow, and a add on hydro system to work the plow. Looks like I can make some kind of a bucket to replace the blade, and just use the frame, and hydro. Just waiting to see if I can find a inexpencive brush cutter now. What size cutter would be good for an old 8N? I am thinking, a 4', or 5' cutter. I am leaning more towards a 4' becouse I have some heavy brush.

 

[jinman]

Paul, I think you'd be happier with a 4-foot rotary cutter. Your 8N is around 20 HP and my 1954 NAA was 31 HP. Sometimes in heavy grass, I'd have to go really slow not to bog down the engine pulling a 5-footer. If you were just doing repetitive mowing of pasture, I'd say you could pull the 5-footer. My neighbor has a 9N and pulls a 5' cutter. I'm glad you found a good deal. There will be many times you yearn for live hydraulics when you have to let out the clutch to lift the 3PH, but 8Ns are still very nice little tractors. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MossRoad]

If you're buying new you already know what I'd recommend /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

But you've got some great tractors already. Why not rent a dozer to do the initial brush clearing and driveway install? Then rent large tractor with a Harley rake and de-rock and level with that? After that, your current tractors should do the job. Maybe get a vintage tractor that can handle a 60 or 72" RFM and you should be fine.

Did you ever consider an FEL for your Ingersoll?