Hi Friends,
I have worked on farms for decades, but always with horsepower of the four footed kind, and am very unfamiliar with tractors. I am in need of advice on which tractor models I should consider as possible options to fit our needs. I would love to get your opinion. Thanks!
I expect to use a tractor for the following:
- Moving/ piling/spreading wood chips and compost
- Pulling a trailer carrying 3000-4000 lb weight on highways and off road for 15-20 mile round trips (transporting honeybees)
- Load and unload honeybee hives on trailer
- Planting and frost seeding 60-80 acres annually
- Brush hogging/mowing 60-80 acres once or twice a year
- Possibly, in the future, make hay in between wide orchard rows with small hay equipment. Will need to fit in 10-12 foot row spacing if possible.
- In the future, possibly spraying orchard/tree crops and hauling out harvest
I dont anticipate using this tractor for tillage or soil preparation work.
Considering that I am moving a trailer or wagon off road with honeybees, it seems to me I will likely want 4 wheel drive.
I will want a loader, ideally one with a larger bucket option for lightweight materials, and forks for loading and unloading.
Given that this tractor will possibly be using for tree crops and orchard in the future, I prefer a lighter weight tractor to minimize compaction from repeat traffic on paths. However, need enough weight to manage trailer on roads, etc.
I have a preference for a tractor that is reliably built, and is relatively easy to work on, with minimal/no electronics, although I am open to a newer model tractor if needed/better.
I have good local mechanics able to repair and service most brands. I have access to dealerships for parts of most tractor brands within 30-60 miles. The closest one is a Kubota dealership, with a reputation of being difficult to deal with. I prefer to avoid them, I think.
I am budget conscious , but I am not sure what to consider reasonably priced.
With this context, what tractor models would you advise us to consider? Do any of our objectives seem out of alignment or in possible conflict? What is a reasonable budget for the tractor model you would suggest?
Thank you!
I have worked on farms for decades, but always with horsepower of the four footed kind, and am very unfamiliar with tractors. I am in need of advice on which tractor models I should consider as possible options to fit our needs. I would love to get your opinion. Thanks!
I expect to use a tractor for the following:
- Moving/ piling/spreading wood chips and compost
- Pulling a trailer carrying 3000-4000 lb weight on highways and off road for 15-20 mile round trips (transporting honeybees)
- Load and unload honeybee hives on trailer
- Planting and frost seeding 60-80 acres annually
- Brush hogging/mowing 60-80 acres once or twice a year
- Possibly, in the future, make hay in between wide orchard rows with small hay equipment. Will need to fit in 10-12 foot row spacing if possible.
- In the future, possibly spraying orchard/tree crops and hauling out harvest
I dont anticipate using this tractor for tillage or soil preparation work.
Considering that I am moving a trailer or wagon off road with honeybees, it seems to me I will likely want 4 wheel drive.
I will want a loader, ideally one with a larger bucket option for lightweight materials, and forks for loading and unloading.
Given that this tractor will possibly be using for tree crops and orchard in the future, I prefer a lighter weight tractor to minimize compaction from repeat traffic on paths. However, need enough weight to manage trailer on roads, etc.
I have a preference for a tractor that is reliably built, and is relatively easy to work on, with minimal/no electronics, although I am open to a newer model tractor if needed/better.
I have good local mechanics able to repair and service most brands. I have access to dealerships for parts of most tractor brands within 30-60 miles. The closest one is a Kubota dealership, with a reputation of being difficult to deal with. I prefer to avoid them, I think.
I am budget conscious , but I am not sure what to consider reasonably priced.
With this context, what tractor models would you advise us to consider? Do any of our objectives seem out of alignment or in possible conflict? What is a reasonable budget for the tractor model you would suggest?
Thank you!