Which Tractor Revised Edition

clayrogers · Feb 24, 2016

I was originally looking for a tractor for around $5000. That left my options mainly as old ag tractors. Didn't seem like a good fit for my needs.

I have 20 acres and I am looking for something to do brush hogging with and a front end loader sure seems like it would come in handy. We will have a small orchard, garden, and chickens to start with.

So, what would you guys recommend for around $10,000?

Here are a few I've found just to get the ball rolling:

John Deere 3203
NICE 2008 John Deer compact Tractor

Kioti DK45
45 HP Diesel 4 WD Tractor with Loader

Massey Ferguson 210
MASSEY FERGUSON 210 AWD WITH LOADER

LS XJ2025
XJ2025 LS Tractor & Loader 25-hp Hydro-New

Ford 1520
Ford 1520 compact tractor with loader for sale

International 464
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/grd/5401615366.html

Thanks for the input and being willing to help a newb.

murphy1244 · Feb 24, 2016

Get your butt in some seats so you know what fits you . The Kioti is a 45 HP machine and the rest of them are quite a bit less. What is your take? HST or gear? Removable loader? quick change bucket? You need to take note what is important to you and take your time.

Tompet · Feb 24, 2016

Welcome to the forum. From what you described it sounds like you want a tractor for general chores and nothing real demanding. You are right a loader will be very handy. Get a tractor with a loader. With 20 acres, I also think you want something mid 20's pto hp to start.

The Kioti has some nice deluxe features, though a little oil seepage in description would need a further look. The LS is new, smaller and more money, but would serve your needs for general chores as would the JD.

Is this your first tractor? What about wrenching on older tractors if needed? You will find the newer tractors a little more user friendly (quick attach loader, etc.) than the other older ones you listed. All of them would perform the chores and you can always trade, sell or in other words move on to a different tractor in the future.

I've been thinking about getting another tractor and I can see finding something used with features and price point I want will either take time or diligence and luck.

If you are paying cash or financing with the good terms available, new is a consideration. Lot of brands out there, Good luck in your search.

clayrogers · Feb 25, 2016

Yes, this would be my first tractor.

I thought about a new Kubota L2501HST and just taking the 0% financing. However, I have a hard time justifying $20,000 on a tractor right now. I'm still considering just finding an older ag tractor for around $5000 and using it for a while and then deciding what I would want different next time. I just know an older ag tractor will be overkill most likely and I'm a little worried about maintaining it.

I do like the idea of being able to quickly remove the bucket so that I can see/move better when mowing in the orchard etc. I guess I'm figuring I will have to compromise on this tractor and just plan on getting something that will last and is reliable. Then, as I use it I can figure out what I would do different in my next tractor.

Tompet · Feb 25, 2016

If the only thing you want to use the tractor for is to pull a brush hog then an old ag tractor would work. They are designed to pull. Pull a plow, rear blade, pull a log etc. and you are good to go. What is lacking is more modern hydraulics. You might find one with a rear remote, though that won't add much versatility for you at the moment.

But judging by your first post to recent response, I would now suggest from the tractors listed make an offer on the John Deere. The specs are good and I think you will get more use from that size/setup than certain limitations of an old ag tractor. But it depends what tasks you envision accomplishing with the tractor.

Just my opinion, but an FEL is something more than "seems....come in handy" you wrote, it adds to the abilities of a tractor to accomplish various tasks. You just aren't aware of how much time and effort (your back) it will save.

jibe717 · Feb 25, 2016

I like the Kioti or the Deere. I think check them both out and see which one would meet your needs best. Check over that oil leak on the Kioti closely as has been mentioned. I would actually favor it over the Deer because when hogging and doing loader work that extra power will be wonderful. Try to find out the hours and maintainece history if possible.

The LS is a lot of extra money. The MF might not be so fun to get on and off of, though I like MF's.

I sell cold hardy fruit plants perfect for our area if you are interested. I mail right to WI. Search for www.honeyberryusa

bspeedy · Feb 25, 2016

I was one of the people to advised 'None of the above' during your search for a 5K tractor.

I doubt the JD is still available. That machine would be gone the same day it was posted around here. I like Kioti, but that particular one makes me nervous. Oil seepage, broken dash and steering wheel - seems like it's had a rough time of it. MF is too old. Ford has turf tires - not good for general utility work. Int'l is a 2wd. LS is new and reliable. Probably not the best value. Buy the JD if it checks out and is still available.

Looks like you have many good choices in your price range. Take your time and you can find a great machine for $10k. Happy hunting.

clayrogers · Feb 26, 2016

I don't know, does not feel like there are that many choices. It seems like if I find something that is 4WD that it's above $10,000. Then, I see these options that look better at more like $12k or $13k. Then, it seems like I'm not that far from a Yanmar EX3200 at $17k. At that point then I wonder about just buying a new Kubota for $21,000 and just financing it.

That's why going the older ag tractor route for $5,000 for now still crosses my mind. My problem is being so new to tractors I would have a hard time figuring out what to look for when I go look at one.

MF283 · Feb 28, 2016

Clay

What is your land like, flat, hilly, mountains? For 30+ years i've been running 2WD tractors on my 35 acres, it's flat land, done some serious loader work & never needed 4WD(something else to repair), just wondering.

Ronnie

clayrogers · Feb 28, 2016

My land has a fairly gentle slope to most of it.

My two main thoughts against and older ag tractor were that I'm not an experienced mechanic, and most of them are bigger/more than what I would need.

Here is one that is pretty close to my location. No known hours is the downside right off the bat though.
IH 574 tractor with loader & blade

This one is a 2011 MF 1532 for $14,500. It seems like if I could find one a little older it would fit the bill but be closer to $10k.
2011 Masey Ferguson