Which tractor for small operator? 5'1" petite farm owner

[LouNY]

These forums are overly fond of John Deere and Kubota.
From what I've read you are looking at the upper end of the compact utility tractor lineup.
If your situation and useage will allow it I would recommend a cab tractor with good AC.
You questioned about draft control, it is for the 3 point linkage when pulling a 3 point implement,
once set it will raise and lower the implement depending on how the tractor is getting pulled down.
It is not really that usable in most applications, position control is much better for most work,
especially blade and back blades.
Three point mounted disk and harrows or mouldboard plows are the primary units that draft control works with.
Many of the larger units will have tilt and telescoping steering wheels, most everything has Power steering these days.
Also hydraulic applied brakes will make a big difference in operator comfort and control.
I am not a fan of hydro's but other then mowing I wouldn't be surprised to see it be more comfortable for you once you got used to it.
I wish that the newer hydro's had the hand lever controls like the older ag hydro's did, I believe that to be a superior control.
A power shuttle or reverser is my transmission of choice for most work.
Good Luck

 

[Blue Mule]

I went through the entire process a few months ago. Started off looking at Deere and Kubota because those are the brands you always hear about.

Deere - Tractors are garbage unless you go with the "R" series, and then you're tacking on $6,000 to $8,000 more than the competitors' tractors. No thanks.

Kubota - Seriously? These look like tractors from a third world country. And that "treadle" pedal is an immediate deal breaker. And the prices are insane.

I looked at and/or test drove several other brands. Ended up with a New Holland.

The New Holland has more loader capacity, more 3-pt capacity, larger tires, mid PTO for a snow blower, standard rear remotes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, quick detach loader, skid steer quick attach bucket, THREE range transmission, and a whole lot more. And it's got the huge New Holland dealer network behind it. I couldn't be happier.

 

[fried1765]

I went through the entire process a few months ago. Started off looking at Deere and Kubota because those are the brands you always hear about.

Deere - Tractors are garbage unless you go with the "R" series, and then you're tacking on $6,000 to $8,000 more than the competitors' tractors. No thanks.

Kubota - Seriously? These look like tractors from a third world country. And that "treadle" pedal is an immediate deal breaker. And the prices are insane.

I looked at and/or test drove several other brands. Ended up with a New Holland.

The New Holland has more loader capacity, more 3-pt capacity, larger tires, mid PTO for a snow blower, standard rear remotes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, quick detach loader, skid steer quick attach bucket, THREE range transmission, and a whole lot more. And it's got the huge New Holland dealer network behind it. I couldn't be happier.

Sometimes the Kubota "treadle pedal" is the ONLY option!
That is what Kubota sells/has sold, on their L39, L45, L48, L47, M59, M62
There is NO competetion in that TLB tractor size market.
It is treadle pedal...or nothing!

To each his own!
My 253 hour, "thirld world" look alike Kubota L48 TLB, with 11' hoe, is a magnificent little 48hp beast!

 

[mvoght]

The more I think about it, I really don't want a cab. I like an open air station! I only have 15 acres, there is nothing that keeps me on my tractor long enough to want to be in stifling AC. I HATE AC.

I was super responsible a couple of years ago and sold my 2009 VW EOS hard top convertible, with a manual transmission, because the maintenance was getting to be more than the car was worth. There is one option for a hard top, manual convertible, RWD BMW 430i. I decided that was just too rich for my blood, and went with a very sensible, 2019 Honda Accord Sport 2.0, with a manual transmission <yawn>...BOOOORRRRING. Yet still impresses all young engineers who I drive to lunch "You drive a manual?!"

I miss my convertible SO much. the windows/sunroof just isn't the same.

It is really hard to be super responsible and not go get a stupidly fun BMW, but look at a fun tractor instead.

I do like my toys.

 

[bearthebruce]

I have 15 acres to mow on 210 acres in Floyd County, VA. We run a 2005 Massey Ferguson 1533 - and it is all the tractor we need. No hydro - all manual. Open station that we made our own roof cover to keep the sun off this old man. The machine is used to help build trails, to mow, to move/remove all the damage from the wiinter ice storm on our mountain, to groom the half mile driveway up the mountain. We still are working on finding more uses and as time goes on, we will keep putting more hours on it per season. Right now, we are doing about 125 hours per year - not huge.

I don't want new... I like old school and simple.

My point? Have you considered a used machine if you can get one?
-----------------

The EOS was cool. The first year it was out, we put one in our trade show stand in Vegas. I must have put that top up and down 1000 times that show. It would stop everyone in their tracks to see what the "farfegnugen" engineers at VAG had done. With that 210hp 2.0L engine, it was a fun car to drive. I picked it up and drover to the show venue. The looks I got on the Vegas strip! Picture an old man top down riding through Vegas.

Alas, VW and their long term reliability issues.. I understand why you had to part with the EOS. The roof gave VW lots of trouble.

 

[fried1765]

The more I think about it, I really don't want a cab. I like an open air station! I only have 15 acres, there is nothing that keeps me on my tractor long enough to want to be in stifling AC. I HATE AC.

I was super responsible a couple of years ago and sold my 2009 VW EOS hard top convertible, with a manual transmission, because the maintenance was getting to be more than the car was worth. There is one option for a hard top, manual convertible, RWD BMW 430i. I decided that was just too rich for my blood, and went with a very sensible, 2019 Honda Accord Sport 2.0, with a manual transmission <yawn>...BOOOORRRRING. Yet still impresses all young engineers who I drive to lunch "You drive a manual?!"

I miss my convertible SO much. the windows/sunroof just isn't the same.

It is really hard to be super responsible and not go get a stupidly fun BMW, but look at a fun tractor instead.

I do like my toys.

I'm 80, and suppose I can afford most any toy within reason.
So what do I have?....not that much!
4 cars, the newest of which is a low mileage 2014 MB E350, a
Pristine (5 spd.) '87 Jeep, Pristine '97 K2500 4x4 Suburban, nice simple little 2010 Corolla.
My prize toy is my 253 hour Kubota L48 TLB (two smaller, older Ford tractors also).

I had a Triumph TR-3 way back when I was a newly minted studly young Naval Aviator.
Later, I briefly had my own light twin airplane.
I have flown the 747-400 to cities throughout the world.
I don't need (or want) no stinkin sports car!

Lately I have been thinkin more than a bit though, about a nicely restored 1931 Model A Ford roadster (convertible), with rumble seat.

 

[Williy]

I had a chance at a Ford Model "A" 1967 for $400 but I was leaving
to go to Italy, just got married and we already had 2 cars when we
sold our 2 cars someone else got the PRIZE!

What a GEM: 1931 Model A Ford roadster (convertible), with rumble seat. Would love to have one!

back in the 70's a milk delivery driver complained that every time he
went to this one farm their dog was always pissing on his tires so
he got an old model T coil and attached it and the dog never came
near his truck again

willy

 

[rngrrymd]

Based on the finish mower pto power requirements and loader lift capability you seem to want/need I recommend you stay out of the compact tractor range and move up to the Utility tractor range. My Case Farmall 75C was less than a Kubota Grand L60 and has way more 3 point lifting capacity and loader capacity. A power shuttle model like mine would make life easier for you with forward/reverse without clutching and I like to control my speed with my throttle lever (it's just below the loader joystick) rather than the foot pedal most of the time. I believe my Case is 76" wide at the rear tires. Here are some models that u should try to get some seat time on:

1. Case Farmall 75A/New Holland Workmaster 75 (0% for 60 mo thru June 30)
2. Case Farmall 75C/New Holland Powerstar 75 (0% for 60 mo thru June 30)
3. Kubota M7060 (0% for 60 mo thru June 30)
4. Kioti RX7320 (0% for 72 mo thru May 31)
5. Massey MF4707 (up to 0% for 84 mo thru April 30)
6. Deere 5075E (0% for 60 mo, .9% for 72 mo thru May 3rd)
7. Deere 5075M (couldn't find promo for financing if you planned on going that way)

Unfortunately, I think most salespersons out there nowadays don't seem to really try to understand your needs or desires as a tractor buyer. It seems to be that way in many product categories. It's up to you to try them out and figure out what you like more and what has all the features you need. When I was shopping for tractors I visited a well know Kubota dealer asking about Grand L models and also tried a New Holland T4.75 they had parked with the compacts by the front entrance. The salesman never mentioned M7060 Kubota models to me when I showed interest in the T4. I originally focused on compact models and didn't realize Kubota had a Utility range tractor until shortly before I bought my Case Farmall so that dealer and salesman lost a potential sale because the guy didn't get it. He was counting down the hours until they closed that Saturday I guess.

 

[ultrarunner]

Lately I have been thinkin more than a bit though, about a nicely restored 1931 Model A Ford roadster (convertible), with rumble seat.

I drive a 2011 Corolla S all the time and suits me just fine... Range Rover and Corvette sit in the garage

Mention a 1931 Model A Deluxe Roadster and now you are talking... my first car and will always have one...

Nice thing is they keep well...

As for tractors... a lot to be said keeping a tried and trusty one going... Sounds like for less than sales tax you got new life in yours.

 

[mvoght]

Sent my tractor off for service/repairs/new muffler...

Dealership picked it up. Had it there for 4 weeks, still had not started work, I was rather annoyed. I had them bring it back, and they will come get it when they can actually do the work. Apparently they have another IH in the shop, all broken down and can't find parts...that parts thing, that is one reason to keep a new(er) tractor in mind.

Meanwhile, my finish mower deck (an Italian brand Del Morino) has significant rust damage and the wheels fell off...literally.

Half of the wheels that is, so I need to use my FEL to get the mower onto a trailer and will have some basic repairs done, but the amount of rust means it would be a complete rebuild, and I'm not sure it is the best value. So, for now, I'm going to hope for another 2 seasons out of it by getting the wheels back on, and I will start looking for a new mower. I'm torn, the mower deck was pretty reliable, but when I compare the rust on that to the rust on the JD ZTM (almost none vs rusted through), I bought both within a year of each other.

Meanwhile, I'm having to pay to have my front field mown by my local "custom farmer". A bit expensive, but given the lack of working equipment, that's just the way my year seems to be going.

I definitely want to go look at the MF and the NH. I need to start using my leave to take days and go do tractor testing. I'm going to wait for COVID caused supply chain issues to be over, find a dealer who I like working with and go from there.

This may be the longest period of time for a tractor research before purchase for this forum. But at least I'm keeping it in one thread!