Tractor basics

[chrisser]

Hi all,

I'm still living in the city, but the wife and I dream of moving to the country in a few years.

I've been thinking about tractors.

I thought I'd post this just to collect some random thoughts from those with more experience than I. We're hoping to move to a piece of land in a rural area with around 10 acres, with a mix of woods and fields in an area with occassional snow.

Plans are to do some firewood harvesting, have an orchard, and a decent sized garden along with plenty of berries.

I had a little experience with a Ford 8n and a slightly larger Kubota a decade or so ago. Mostly operating buckets.

So, what does a relative newbie like me need to know about buying, owning, operating and maintaining a tractor?

I'm trying to keep this somewhat vague as I probably don't know what I don't know.

What sort of things did you wish you knew when you were at my stage?

As an aside, I've a better than average mechanic and an OK machinist, so used equipment and maintenance/repair doesn't scare me.

[WRTN]

For 10 acres and gathering firewood, you will probably want to stick with a smaller or compact tractor. 35 to 55 hp. I strongly recommend a front end loader (FEL). If you get a FEL you definitely should get 4WD. Hydrostatic drive is real nice for FEL work but a manual shift tractor with power reverser is nearly as good and in some cases better. Manual shift with sync. reverser will work OK but is a slow pain in the butt. Diesel only.

The most recent tractors come with more than all the bells and whistles you can think of and then some. I tend to view these as more gadets to break or go wrong. I suggest sticking with a simple basic and VERY reliable tractor purchased from a very simple basic and VERY reliable/trustworthy dealer if purchased new.

What size and hp tractor did you have in mind?

[Deberosa]

I have 4.5 acres and my 28 HP Mahindra has been more than enough. There is quite a price jump right at 35 HP in the compacts so I decided to go with the top of the lower price level when getting my tractor.

I love my tractor! It's amazing the work I was able to get done around here this year with the help of that machine and I hope to do even more next year.

Even I (totally NOT mechanically inclined) was able to operate this tractor with very little learning curve. I went with new and I went with hydrostatic because of my level of expertise and have no regrets at all.

Debbie

[Eastex]

I always tell shoppers to buy more tractor than they think they need. I thought 46 hp was enough, not wish I'd bought at least a 70hp.

As was mentioned by another poster, absolutely buy 4 whl drive.

[flatwater]

Just like a car or truck two things come to mind. don't overwork the tractor so like was said before think what you need then go a size bigger. and change oil frequently. Diesel always with a front loader and 4 wheel drive. Buy from a dealer that also services what they sell. Buy the extended warranty. Don't skip on attachments. Deffinetly get a front blade that will interchange with your bucket for snow and a back blade for moving dirt. Either buy or make a ballest box for the back to counter act your lifting in the front with your bucket and it also adds traction in the snow. And look for a john deer. personal preference.

P.S. Get a back hoe attachment if you can afford it and a grappell for the front bucket.
flatwater

[High_Desert]

By far, the most important *item I have ever bought for my 10 acres is my tractor. *Mine sounds smaller than most of the above posts. Its a 22Hp Kubota diesel. However, it outworks by old 25HP gas tractor by a long shot. its 4WD and has the hydrostatic type transmission. For me , this is the only way to go. Again, comparing that to my old manual tractor.

I use mine to clear land, maintain the driveway, remove snow and most importantly unload heavy items out of my truck. When you live out in the country, you don't have a couple of guys next door to always help like you do when you live in town.

I bought mine on Kubota's 0% interest program they continually advertise. It was great to work off of their nickel!

Regards,
HD

edit:spelling