Where to Look in CA

Riddler · Jul 20, 2004

Just discovered TBN. From the browsing I've done over the past few months, it seems like the best place around for CUT info.

I'm anxious to purchase a machine to tidy up an old 32 acre ranch in Sonoma County, California. Half the property is wooded and half is plantable (mostly hay currently). Even the terrain is equally mixed (flats, gentle slopes and steep, in equal measure). I've only had several months to get to know the place, but it seems that the priorities include mowing (lots of it), tree/brush removal, 1,000+ feet of new fences and some light road, trench and retaining wall work. I grew up around cars and construction, but I've never owned or operated a tractor. As much as I'd like to work on the place full time, my professional career has me tethered to a desk a good deal of the time.

While I research the usual new model suspects (e.g., NH TC29D or 33D, Kubota B2910 or B7800, JD 4210 or 4310, etc.), several questions keep beckoning. They are:

1. Is the HST a must for me, or will I find I can get by just as well with a standard transmission that sports the appropriate bells and whistles (i.e., shuttle shift, forward synchros, etc.).

2. What is the best mower set up (e.g., mid-mount v. rear, attachment features, etc.) to cut native grasses over variable terrain (gentle slopes, mounds, etc.) and close to fences, improvements, trees and other obstructions.

3. What combination of size, dimension and set up should I shoot for to maximize the tractor'st working range and safety on slopes.

4. Do moderate differences in gpm ratings for CUT's with dual hydraulic pumps translate into noticeable differences in performance? At what point would the hydraulics begin to feel inadequate for the sorts of jobs I will be doing?

5. Am I crazy to contemplate buying well seasoned machine for, say, half the price or less of a new machine, and get some experience before buying new?

6. Where is the best place in Northern California to look for a good used CUT?

Sorry for all of the questions, but I figured that a single thread might be a bit more efficient. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Mark4510 · Jul 20, 2004

Riddler, First of all welcome to TBN. There are a lot of great folks here with a lot of great information. Sounds like you have a great place and plan to work on it pretty consistantly. Assuming that is true, here are my thoughts.
1. I have the standard transmission on my CUT and really like it. I have not had any problems and dont think I would consider anything different.
2. I don't own a mower so I am probably not the best resource here. I do know that most of the folks in my area have the rear mowers for the native grasses.
3. Safety is a big issue and, with hills, one you should take seriously. I always have a Front End Loader (FEL) and something on the back like a drag or box scraper.
When on a hill, keep them both low to the ground and dont go across the hill. If I have to do anything on a side hill I rent a small cat.
4. I am no expert here and will let others jump in.
5. I looked and looked and looked for a good used machine in CA and could not find one. Too much of our ag land now sits under 6,000 sqft houses that are zero lot line on 3 sides. Based on a years worth of research there are deals out there so maybe in the wine country you can find them or in the central valley but not very often. I think the best option is to find a really good dealer and buy a rental return. I recently found a great independant tractor repair place near me so if I were to do it over again I might look in Nevada or Eastern OR. You might also try one that surprised me.....a friend bought a used CUT in the bay area around the first of the year. I think he found his at either SF or SJ international airport. I guess Fed Ex/UPS use them to haul during the busy Christmas season like the harvest guys do. They never have any implements used on them, they are stored indoors and only pull luggage carts. Something to check into.
6. Not sure who is good in your area. You might stop by your neighbors and see who they recomend.

If I were to guess I would think something in the 35-45 HP range, 4WD, FEL with a toothbar, Posthole digger, a box scraper and a rear mower.

Have fun and be safe.
Mark

_RaT_ · Jul 20, 2004

Riddler, I wonder just how many folks here have any idea just how beautiful much of Sonoma County is. You are truly in what I think is some of the finest real estate on earth. I live up near Auburn, CA. Nothing wrong with a used machine. HST is never a must. I find it quite a convinience for my hilly terrain. A finish mower would probably work well for you. I tend to prefer a rear driven for large areas but for smaller areas, you can't go wrong with a MMM. You have many dealers to choose from. Out here in CA., it's not unusual to have dealers 100 miles apart. Back East your already in another state. Look around. I'm sure the local dealers are bit more simply because of the cost of living. Good luck and have fun with your new adventure, Rat....

froggy · Jul 20, 2004

Went on a vacation in Sonoma County a couple of years ago and it is truly a wonderful place. If I win the lotto, Sonoma here I come!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

California · Jul 21, 2004

Welcome neighbor!

Grandpa bought our place in western Sonoma County in 1950 for his final retirement home. He was from the Bay Area and had worked all over the West, and said this was his favorite location in all the world. Then Dad inherited the place and retired here, and now me. Redwood trees I planted as a child visiting my grandparents, are now giants. I love this place. Its 11 acres; 8 in old traditional apple orchard contracted to the neighbor to operate with his larger one, and the rest (aside from the house and barn) is in a beautiful, steep ravine choked with blackberries, willow, oaks, and eucalyptus. Many surrounding farms are being converted to vinyards leaving these old orchards as a remnant of Sonoma County's history. Your place sounds equally fascinating.

( Am I crazy to contemplate buying well seasoned machine for, say, half the price or less of a new machine, and get some experience before buying new?)

Not necessarily crazy. I did that, bought a top quality ancient unit and put about 30 hours into catching up the 'deferred maintenance'. Filters, hoses, fluids, etc. Freeing a stuck but unharmed brake was the most unfamiliar task and that turned out to be only an hour project. The old tractors were designed to be owner maintained. This was a great opportunity to learn hands-on while saving $10,000 compared to buying new, but of course it was a bit of a gamble, too.

Safety on slopes: ROPS is essential. Don't consider a narrow tractor.

You didn't mention 4 wheel drive but here's my experience: Even with a loader, 2 wd works fine in the dry season. (Note to non-Californians - we don't see any rain after Easter then only a little in September and October). When the ground is wet then the front tires sink and I wish I had 4x4, but really I don't have any need to be out when the ground is saturated.

( best place in Northern California to look for a good used CUT?)

I never found a good place. Forget Sonoma/Napa/Mendocino counties, you are bidding against other urban refugees, many quite wealthy. I think the Central Valley has far more used tractors. I found my tractor in West Sacramento through newspaper classifieds.

I've seen tractors offered direct by the owner in the classified column of Farm Bureau's publication (Ag Alert) that seemed to be reasonably priced. You might have to go as far as Fresno to look at one. Dave of Dave's Tractor in Red Bluff is a frequent participant here with an excellent reputation. There are probably good dealers closer, but I don't have any experience with them. Beware the 'reconditioned' tractor, some are assembled from several junk tractors then nicely painted.

I'm sure you will get some excellent advice on what to buy here. One caution, we all love to spend other's money so you will probably see some expensive alternatives proposed!

DFW · Jul 21, 2004

Welcome to TBN and I'll second that on Dave's Tractor here in Red Bluff. Great dealer and will ship anywhere...

Riddler · Jul 21, 2004

Thanks to all for the very helpful input.

Cal, sounds like your place and mine may be close, both in west Sonoma county. Yes, I pinch myself when I'm there. Can't believe how pretty it is.

I was beginning to believe that I would need to go way outside the area to find the right machine. Sounds like I'm not the first to reach that conclusion.

Mark, thanks for your note about standard transmissions. Until just recently, I only had standard transmissions in my cars, so I had a hunch I might not mind one when working. If a shuttle shift is nearly as convenient with loader work as an HST, then I won't rule out gear models in my search.

All your thoughts are much appreciated.

chrisjbell · Jul 21, 2004

Ah, a spot in Sonoma. Beautiful - we visit as often as we can. I'm just east of the Sac Valley and have done quite a bit of shopping for tractors and implements (not that I have bought all that much, just like to go lookin').

There are plenty of good dealers. I would suggest that you hit a few in the Valley - Stockton, Sacramento, Woodland all have dealers worth looking at. There are two of them (Kubota and NH) in Newcastle, which is just east of Sac, and they are right across the freeway from each other. Might be a good place to try a bidding war /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

As far as used goes, it is worth a try. Tractors last forever, as long as they are well maintained. Unfortunately, that also means they hold value well, so it can be difficult to find a good used one at the right price, especially considering the financing deals available. I looked and looked at used and just couldn't justify paying what I could find compared to the "new deal".

Feature wise, it sounds like you're on the right track. I really like HST but have very hilly terrain and the level of control it gives me in sticky spots is a requirement for me, but my neighbor uses a geared tractor just fine (he is much braver than I - as well as a better operator).

As far as 4WD - I need it year round. During the winter the hills get soaked and I need the traction for the wet and mud. During the summer the grass and dirt dries out enough that my tires can't dig in. They are R4s (ag tires) but when it is dry the tire spades slip on the dry grass and can't dig into the ground.

ROPs is a *requirement* on hills, unless you are strong enough to lift a tractor off of you while upside down /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif.

Good luck and post some pictures of your place!

KiotiJohn · Jul 21, 2004

( They are R4s (ag tires) but when it is dry the tire spades slip on the dry grass and can't dig into the ground.
)
Ag tires are R1s. R4s are industrial, which did you mean? John