Tractor for 7 acres

In that 35 hp class no one has ever matched the efficiency, reliabliity or durability of that little MF 35 or 135. MF didn't build many good models of tractors, but the one they got right was excellent. The diesel versions will run for ever and ever, and you would have to put in an awfully long day to burn 5 gallons of fuel.

You wont beat a massey 35/135. Best darned small tractors ever built.

I don"t need to mow in the sense of finish mowing. I need something to trim between fruit trees and a two acre pasture of brom grass. I will look around and see what is for sale. I have to admit I don"t know much about tractors so knowing what to look for in used is somewhat hard.

I would go with what IndydirtFarmer said, but I would lean toward an International over the Fords and I don't think you'll find many Deere in that price range.

You want 3-point, live pto, and rear and mid hydraulics in whatever you find. 3-point will allow you to carry and raise and lower rear implements. Live pto should be on about anything that isn't too old and means you can run the bushhog while you are stopped. Some old tractor's PTOs won't spin unless you are moving. Hydraulics will allow you to add lift for a snow blade, a loader, log splitter, etc, in the future.

You can get a rear blade or a front blade and tire chains for the snow. Add a front loader a couple of years down the road if you feel the need . . . they are handy, but not great for snow.

I think you can find a reliable tractor in the 30-60 hp range on that budget.

New: You could look at Kubota and Deere.

Older: I think the Internationals from the 60s and 70s are a good value.

Old: Probably not suited for daily work, but an old hand start Deere is fun to have.

You didn't mention lawn mowing? As long as you're not doing real field work I would lean towards a 25hp compact utility.

It is fun to have something old and interesting, but they tear up the lawn and it's impossible to use them to finish mow.

My opinion.

Will pull 2 furrow plow, possibly three depending on your land, cut grass as long as its not too tall and thick will handle a 7 foot bush hog, maybe 8 foot. Anything else you want to do?

they are very easy to work on and are very reliable - mine is 1964, ive had it for 3 years now, is used eevery day, has NEVER let me down.

When budgeting for the tractor, remember to include all the impliments you want or need. They can add up quick-like.

Look at what dealers are near. You will need parts and/or service at some point, even with new stuff.

Then look at what's available. If you go looking for one particular brand/model/year of tractor, you might end up spending too much for no real reason.

You're going to want 3 point hitch, power steering, live or independant PTO, I personally prefer diesel, but older small gas tractors are still a good buy, Unless you realy know what you're doing, stay away from "orphans". (Tractors made by companies now out of business)

Unless you have something in mind other than the obvious, you won't need over 35 to 45 horsepower. That will handle most any equipment you plan on using. If you want to eventually add a loader, get something with good hydraulics.

Some models (used)I would hunt for are Massey Ferguson 135/150, 230/235/240/245/250/255, Ford 3000, 3600, ect, Deere 1530, 2030, 2040, 2240, 2150, 2350, and a host of other models.

Find a few suitable candidates, then bring your shopping list back here, and we'll be glad to tell you what we know about each individual one.

Good luck! and Happy tractoring! John