Hey folks!
I've been trying to do my research but the sheer amount of different opinions and information out there is overwhelming.
I grew up on 26 acres in southern middle TN and after my father's passing last year, maintaining everything has fallen on my shoulders. Most of my life we used an older International 574 to keep everything bush hogged, move round bales, etc that my dad had purchased back in the 70's. The tractor had gotten to needing a little more work than it was worth and with my dad's failing health at the time, he decided to sell it and purchase a 2WD John Deere 2650 cab tractor so that he could at least bush hog in A/C. That tractor has proven to be a bit less than ideal for our use. The tractor is a bit top heavy feeling, and I've had more than enough butt puckering moments trying to mow the side of our hill. We've set the tires out, played with ballast, and it is still less than confidence inspiring in use.
So all that being said, we are looking to get rid of this tractor and move on to something else but we are not sure which direction to go. I've got a 10' pull behind bush hog that this tractor will need to be able to pull and I've been spoilt with the front end loader so that's a must have.
I've considered trying to find something along the lines of the old 574, maybe a 674 or 685, in good shape. I know that tractor can handle our equipment and work decently well enough to do what we need to do. The upside would be lower initial cost and a little bit of familiarity. The downside would be finding a tractor of that age in good shape first off, and what the remaining life expectancy could be.
The other side of the spectrum is finding a relatively low hour 5065E or 5075E. Newer equipment does scare me a bit, I am worried that the newer tractors are just not built for long term durability like the old iron. Upside would be the idea of hopefully not needing any major repairs for a few years at least. Downside would be cost of course, but possible the newer complicated electronics, emissions, etc.
I am 100% open to any and all suggestions and advice. I am not stuck on any particular model. Wishlist would be something 4wd but not a 100% must have, but I do think it'd make life easier. Not looking to spend more than $25-30k absolutely tops. I do not want a cab, just more stuff to tear up in the long run.
Thanks!
I've been trying to do my research but the sheer amount of different opinions and information out there is overwhelming.
I grew up on 26 acres in southern middle TN and after my father's passing last year, maintaining everything has fallen on my shoulders. Most of my life we used an older International 574 to keep everything bush hogged, move round bales, etc that my dad had purchased back in the 70's. The tractor had gotten to needing a little more work than it was worth and with my dad's failing health at the time, he decided to sell it and purchase a 2WD John Deere 2650 cab tractor so that he could at least bush hog in A/C. That tractor has proven to be a bit less than ideal for our use. The tractor is a bit top heavy feeling, and I've had more than enough butt puckering moments trying to mow the side of our hill. We've set the tires out, played with ballast, and it is still less than confidence inspiring in use.
So all that being said, we are looking to get rid of this tractor and move on to something else but we are not sure which direction to go. I've got a 10' pull behind bush hog that this tractor will need to be able to pull and I've been spoilt with the front end loader so that's a must have.
I've considered trying to find something along the lines of the old 574, maybe a 674 or 685, in good shape. I know that tractor can handle our equipment and work decently well enough to do what we need to do. The upside would be lower initial cost and a little bit of familiarity. The downside would be finding a tractor of that age in good shape first off, and what the remaining life expectancy could be.
The other side of the spectrum is finding a relatively low hour 5065E or 5075E. Newer equipment does scare me a bit, I am worried that the newer tractors are just not built for long term durability like the old iron. Upside would be the idea of hopefully not needing any major repairs for a few years at least. Downside would be cost of course, but possible the newer complicated electronics, emissions, etc.
I am 100% open to any and all suggestions and advice. I am not stuck on any particular model. Wishlist would be something 4wd but not a 100% must have, but I do think it'd make life easier. Not looking to spend more than $25-30k absolutely tops. I do not want a cab, just more stuff to tear up in the long run.
Thanks!
