Posted by gander on May 15, 2015 at 13:45:13 from (216.114.60.194):
Hi all. I have 20 acres south of DFW and have been looking at tractors. Primary use will be brush hog, but would very much like to have the ability to cultivate/bale sudan or something should time permit and potentially some digging/moving (small pond).
My father has had an 8N forever that he's used as a general utility tractor, but never for cultivation or even tending acreage. It's a reliable machine, very affordable and, of course, familiar to me. Not a fan of transmission PTO, brakes, and lower-end HP.
I've been mostly looking at Fords, anything from 8/9n, 850, 2000, 3000, 4000. The reason is that I understand that parts for the ford tend to be more available, they are standard 3 point, etc. I'm capping my cost at around $5,000. I know that I can do what I have to with an 8n, but would very much like to have the HP and flexibility to grow beyond current needs. I'm leaning towards the 4000 (not SU) with the heavier front-end and extra horses.
That's where I'm at right now, what advice recommendations would anybody have on my current thinking? There's also a few more things to consider: It's a small town, lots of farming, and we have a JD dealer in town, but that's it. I am near enough to Dallas (under an hour) that I'm not terribly worried about that. I'm looking on craigslist and see MF, JD, IH tractors that interest me, but I'm not as familiar with the quality and maintainability compared to the Fords. Is this thinking valid or should I just look for the most and best tractor for the money as long as it's one of the common brands?
Finally, probably bears mentioning that I am mechanically inclined though mostly ignorant. That to say that I don't know much up front but usually get myself out of any binds (and big bills) without being too creative. Not at all too proud to use repair manuals as guides.
Any information and opinion is appreciated. I've read a lot here but as soon as I get settled I read something else that leads me astray.
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