Your Recommendations, Please - Novice Tractor Buyer

[Andrewsalas]

Suggestions, please, to help me buy a "best-value" farm tractor in the 75 to 105 HP range for work on about 35 acres, disking, tilling, moving some dirt, possible backhoe digging if attachment is available. Price range for tractor only about $45 - 50 K (with cab). I am overwhelmed at all the possible options - your sage advice would be VERY MUCH appreciated!

 

[jeff9366]

What is your altitude in New Mexico?

 

[Andrewsalas]

Mile High, roughly 5200 Feet.

 

[gghb]

check what local farmers have. the best tractor deal comes from the best dealer. not brand or price but how well the dealer will support you.

greg

 

[Andrewsalas]

Thanks Greg, based on that metric its John Deere.

 

[oosik]

Definitely - What Greg said. I've purchased both my tractors from the same dealership because - they listen, they offer experienced advice, they provide excellent service, they are concerned that I am satisfied and that my tractor/implements are operating properly.

 

[bdog]

I would look into an older full size farm tractor. I have a 1980 4440 and love it. It has cab, AC, stereo, etc. I traded a 2006 Case JX-95 with cab for it and like the 4440 so much more even though it is older.

If you are doing farming such as plowing, etc you will want larger implements unless you have a ton of free time on your hands. Sure you could work 35 acres with a small tractor but it would take time and pushing a tractor to its maximum capacity all the time is hard on it. 75-105 hp should be plenty but you could probably get more HP in an older tractor in your price range.

Take a look at some of the Deere tractors here http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?pcid=2992323 &etid=1&dlr=1&catid=1100&bcatid=464

They have several listed that would be ideal for you.

 

[bdog]

I would look into an older full size farm tractor. I have a 1980 4440 and love it. It has cab, AC, stereo, etc. I traded a 2006 Case JX-95 with cab for it and like the 4440 so much more even though it is older.

If you are doing farming such as plowing, etc you will want larger implements unless you have a ton of free time on your hands. Sure you could work 35 acres with a small tractor but it would take time and pushing a tractor to its maximum capacity all the time is hard on it. 75-105 hp should be plenty but you could probably get more HP in an older tractor in your price range.

Take a look at some of the Deere tractors here http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?pcid=2992323 &etid=1&dlr=1&catid=1100&bcatid=464

They have several listed that would be ideal for you.

 

[jeff9366]

Here is a LINK to tractor auctions on eBay:

Industrial Tractor | eBay

There is an open station 75-hp New Holland for $19,000.

Also a 95-hp Kubota M9540 with cab for $34,500.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Suggestions, please, to help me buy a "best-value" farm tractor in the 75 to 105 HP range for work on about 35 acres, disking, tilling, moving some dirt, possible backhoe digging if attachment is available. Price range for tractor only about $45 - 50 K (with cab). I am overwhelmed at all the possible options - your sage advice would be VERY MUCH appreciated!

If one has many times more money that he can ever spin then one can go with anything.

If the tractor takes money that may be needed for quality of life later then one has to put more thought into it.

I have yet to see a $10K option do the same work of a new $50K option. Your list of tasks indicates to me you do not plan to spend a lot of time on the tractor in the rain and cold.

In my case the $10K tractor that will bring $10K in 10 years all things being equal is working out just fine six years later.