Re: Re: Re: Re: Advice on first tractor
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Posted by Matt Gessner on July 24, 1998 at 05:05:08:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Advice on first tractor posted by RealFred on July 23, 1998 at 21:21:46:
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: : : : I am looking for advice as to what kind of
: : : : tractor to buy. I need a strong rotary cutter
: : : : for clearing up to 3" thick brush. I want the
: : : : capability of a front loader and a bucket. I am
: : : : new to the whole tractor arena, so I want to know
: : : : what size/make tractor will do what I need. I
: : : : have not decided old or new. There is a romance
: : : : to old tractors (I know you already know that),
: : : : but I don't need another project. ('46 Buick,
: : : : '53 Chevy pickup, '69 Camaro, ... already on the
: : : : project list.) I have no problem with a little
: : : : TLC, but I need a tractor now. Suggestions? : : : : Thanks! : : : Matt: : : : You're on the right track...old tractors are neat, but there's a reason new ones sell...things like full hydraulics, live pto, power steering, operator comfort, etc. I'd look at a used modern tractor, say no more than 10 years old. If you're going to be running a big bush hog, 30-40 hp might be a good idea. I'm running a 5' bush hog with a 20 horse John Deere diesel, and I can cut 3"-4" stuff, but it's hard on the gear. General recommendations: Diesel is the only way to go, don't even consider gas engines. Four wheel drive or front wheel assist is a must where I am (Maine) but may not be if your area is basically flat and mostly dry. Power steering is a blessing. A bucket loader (aka front end loader) is about the most generally useful attachment money can buy. Gear drive with a multi-speed rear end is very versatile. Hydro drive has it's points, but adds quite a bit of expense to the tractor. As far as brands, I'm a big John Deere fan, but Kubota, Ford, and Yanmar, among others, are all good tractors. An important factor to consider is availability of parts and service. On a used unit, look at general condition, including paint and sheet metal as an indicator of how well it was cared for. High hours is not necessarily a drawback if it was well maintained, with fluids and filters changed regularly. Hope this helps, and if you have specific questions, I'd be glad to give you my two cents worth. : :
: : Good, sound advice. I agree, but would not put the 10 yr limitation on a used purchase. My 38 yr.old 861 Ford is used on an almost daily basis; bushogging, mowing, raking, baling hay, cleaning barns, moving manure, topsoil, occasional plowing, tilling, snow removal, etc. It has live pto, hydraulics, 5-speed trans., power-steering, remote outlets, etc. It has been extremely reliable. Around here one in very good cond. will bring $5k to $6k - very inexpensive for a "using tractor". Just be sure that you know what you're looking at or hire a good tractor mechanic to go-over it for you. Good luck. Jogg. :
: I recently took the Kubota route (new) with a front loader and box scraper. Being familiar with the old stuff, I was skeptical of the small Kubota, but the dealer offered an easy return/trade if I was not satisfied. It has four wheel drive and hydrostatic transmission, and will pull a 5' box scraper full of gravel or dirt with no trouble. It has a 5' front bucket, and does a good job of filling that too. I have been very happy with it. This one has 21 horsepower. Thanks to all of you! I really appreciate the sound advice. RealFred, have you run a bushhog on your Kubota? Paul suggested a little stronger machine to run the cutter, and I was wondering if you had any experience in that realm.
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