General Utility/ Hobby Farm Tractor??? | Wildlife Habitat - Lets talk.....

A few questions so that others can better help.
Will stay at one location or likely trailer to other properties or to help friends?

Size of plots or mowing in approx acres? Hp drives size of implements

Assume loader is yes, so need for heavy load capability for your needs or more general? Think you said handle bales but can do that on 3 pt too

If you really want to use the loader alot, newer tractors with higher pump flows are ahead of the old stuff although the oldsters have more iron i.e. weight to help do work.

55 to 65 hp would be the range I would have liked but have one in low 40s. I trailer too much and back when purchased was not gonna upgrade trailer and truck to haul around and pay for tractor same time.

So like everyone has different brands and sizes of pickups, you are right about individual needs drive choices. Not even counting $$ in the equation yet.

Guys im getting closer and closer to pulling the trigger on a tractor and I have a few questions.

Im looking at a USED 50ish HP 4x4 with FEL and Snowblower. It will mainly be for planting and maintaining plots, trees, brush cutting, snow removal, and other odd jobs around the farm. I do have some smaller but steep hills so I really do want hydro trans. I will have some pull type attachments as well as 3 pt. My neighbor will be passing down to me a big 3 pt 4 row air drill for my corn and beans. Id also like to be able to move round bales.

Ive read through other posts on here but everything seems to be directed towards each persons individual situation. What else should I be considering? What are similar tractors you guys have used and recommend?

Lastly, in 6th grade english, whats the difference between 4x4 vs MFWD in a modern utility tractor? The Ups and downs??

Thanks for the help!

Swiffy

If you like fixing stuff then used could be a big value. Look for local farm papers and ask around for the local auction outfits. Otherwise a common answer on here is to find a convenient dealer to trust. Best is if you can go talk to the service guys about what they see needing service on the tractors they sell. A good tractor mechanic can help steer your decision.

A few questions so that others can better help.
Will stay at one location or likely trailer to other properties or to help friends?

Size of plots or mowing in approx acres? Hp drives size of implements

Assume loader is yes, so need for heavy load capability for your needs or more general? Think you said handle bales but can do that on 3 pt too

If you really want to use the loader alot, newer tractors with higher pump flows are ahead of the old stuff although the oldsters have more iron i.e. weight to help do work.

55 to 65 hp would be the range I would have liked but have one in low 40s. I trailer too much and back when purchased was not gonna upgrade trailer and truck to haul around and pay for tractor same time.

So like everyone has different brands and sizes of pickups, you are right about individual needs drive choices. Not even counting $$ in the equation yet.

Being able to trailer it would be nice but really not a must. I live on my 70 acres and thats where im going to use it and need it most. I plot about 6 acres on my property and could mow as much as 10 acres but mostly trail maintenance and plots.

Yes i want to handle bales but just to move them, i should never really need to lift them with a loader.

Theres a lot I "could" do if I had one so I guess the skys the limit there. Thanks for the replies so far!

MFWD means mechanical front wheel drive, pretty much the only thing you will see on utility tractors. There was a time Deere had hydraulic front drive, but mostly on the big boy tractors. I think everything is pretty much MFWD anymore.

A 50 hp tractor is a nice size. I have a 68hp and love it, 4x4, loader. It's a 90s model Deere with plenty of steel. Bought it used with a lot of hours from a farmer who used it exclusively to haul round bails up and down the road between a couple farms. I've had it since or 13 and haven't done anything but clean it and change the oil.

Only upgrade I would like is a cab, but I get by just fine with what I have.

So look at tractors for sale, they are all advertised as 4x4 OR MFWD. So is there a difference? JD, Kubota, Mahindra, whatever... they are all advertised as one or the other. I dont understand? Not sure if you followed any of my previous posts about tractors. I just went through the shopping process myself. I went to every dealer within 30 min of my farm to see see/operate different tractors and interview the dealerships. Ultimately the closer your dealer the better off you’re going to be if work needs to be done on your tractor....so I would recommend starting with dealerships that are close to you, even if you’re going to buy used from a private party you will still want nearby support should you need it. I own a Kubota and have loved it but will be selling it now that I bought a new Massey (same dealership as the Kubota). I shopped JD, Case, Kubota and Massey, we those are my closest dealers. I think they all make nice tractors that you will be happy with, but your dealership experience can make a big difference.

Not sure if you followed any of my previous posts about tractors. I just went through the shopping process myself. I went to every dealer within 30 min of my farm to see see/operate different tractors and interview the dealerships. Ultimately the closer your dealer the better off you’re going to be if work needs to be done on your tractor....so I would recommend starting with dealerships that are close to you, even if you’re going to buy used from a private party you will still want nearby support should you need it. I own a Kubota and have loved it but will be selling it now that I bought a new Massey (same dealership as the Kubota). I shopped JD, Case, Kubota and Massey, we those are my closest dealers. I think they all make nice tractors that you will be happy with, but your dealership experience can make a big difference.

I have been following and thank you. I have JD, Kubota, Case, New Holland and a few others very close. Im sure its worth walking through the front door and seeing what they have to say. I wont buy new, I just dont have the money. But im more than happy and confident in a good used tractor.

south central kansasLooking at updating my D 17 allis with a newer tractor, use it mostly for mowing ditchs and water ways. Next tractor will probably have a loader but will mostly be
used for pushing smalll brush piles. Just curious if i would regret not getting hydro and fwa. Not wanting to buy new but used don't seem to be much of a bargain,any recommendations on models, all brands are within 50 mile, just not many used tractors in that size here, thanks.


Chester, GA and Griffith, INYou have to be careful with the newer compact tractors, their HP is measured at the flywheel not at drawbar or PTO.

I've looked at them also and the problem with the newer compact tractors is they were not built for continuous heavy use, they were built to work in a lawn service or golf course.

If you are using a frontend lift a hydro will be far far better than gears, far far better. I prefer gears for field use of small food plot cultivation though, the transmissions tend to hold up better from what I've seen.

As far as models I'm looking for a cheap one myself, strongly considering getting a or a type tractor as our would be more field use.


Also as far as brands, NH makes the smaller farmall tractors. NH makes a good tractor, JD is good but far more expensive than others. I'll hang up and listen as there are others that likely know more about the models than myself.

Edited by cib 3/19/ 12:42
I bought a JD (HST and MWFD ) and 460 loader last year to replace a and 146 loader. I mow with an MX6 cutter. It may be the nicest and handiest little tractor that I have ever owned. I will never get a tractor of that size again without the HST and MWFD.




Ethridge, TNWhat I've got is a Deere Compact, and we about use the thing for something everyday. Has a loader on it with bucket/pallet forks, is the hydro drive, fwd, 3pt blade, and a 7' bush hog. Also use it quite a bit on the 10' pull type box scraper for dressing up drives, alot handier in around buildings, as it'll turn sharper and get into tighter places, vs. the .

I haven't had any power issues on the bush hog, but for the most part, I'm not trying to mow 2-3' tall stuff either. Use it for dressing up around the buildings and such. Have a big bush hog for the major mowing projects.

It's probably really going to depend on what your tasks are. Probably half the weight of your D17. Loader is capable of picking up more than the rear will hold down. Just have to use it on projects within reason of the size your dealing with.I know that I am in the minority, but I hate hydro and would never get anything that wasn't FWA. Hydro just makes the tractor gutless--too many hp going to hydro--and unless you are on perfectly flat dry land ALWAYS, then FWA is just something that I would never give up. I think it all boils down to what jobs you are doing with the small tractors. BTW, I have both JD and NH.

Rebar

southern MNJust personal opinion, but I'm anti-hydro on a tractor as well, I like gears where I know whaqt I'm doing.

4wd is a must on the lightweight compact and small utility size tractors of today.

With a loader, rear fluid and probably other rear weight is also a must, they are built very light in the rear with a short wheelbase, don't bring it home without the rear end weighted down.

--->Paul

south central kansasDidn't know if i would like a hydro for mowing and have never owned a frontend loader so don't know how much I would use it, probably more than a guy would think. If gear drive thought about a or Jd size tractorI have a fair number of trees to mow around and under, this is where I really like the hydro, the drives just like my lawn mower.

Chester, GA and Griffith, INpaul the original - 3/19/ 13:07

Just personal opinion, but I'm anti-hydro on a tractor as well, I like gears where I know whaqt I'm doing.

4wd is a must on the lightweight compact and small utility size tractors of today.

With a loader, rear fluid and probably other rear weight is also a must, they are built very light in the rear with a short wheelbase, don't bring it home without the rear end weighted down.

--->Paul

I agree FWA is almost required on the newer compact tractors, they are so light weight. That's one of the reasons why I worry about how they'll hold up on a farm.

south central kansasWell it looks like a split on the hydro or gear choice and that fwa is a must. Have a magnum fwa and would not go back to straight two wheel drive but have never had an issue with my allis not having traction and didn't know if I would be giving up turning radius with fwa. I know comparing the allis to anything more modern is unfair


Jackson County, ALIf you do get the gear, make sure it at least has the power reverser.I have a NH 35 hp ,brother has Case 40 & 45 hp all hydro's 4x4 , our opinion , not good for much more than lawn work.
probably my biggest complaint with the hydro is to get much push/pull power you need to be in 1st wich is SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW , drive a stake , slow , 3rd it will hardly pull its self.
Other than that , my NH has super steer , it's amasing how sharp that thing will turn.
I prefer the heel/toe foot pedal on the NH as well.
lifting capacity is very good,3pt & loader ,
does good on fuel as well

ETA ; it is my wifes lawn mower , that I borrow from time to time

Edited by tooth and nail 3/19/ 19:19


Pilot Mound, MBI own a with FWA , hydro, and loader. Bought it 6 years ago and wished we could of been able to afford it years soooner. Except for the reach I swear that I could move as much dirt or gravel that a could do. As far as price I think that deere is very competitive.

Ontario CanadaRebar - 3/19/ 13:56

I know that I am in the minority, but I hate hydro and would never get anything that wasn't FWA. Hydro just makes the tractor gutless--too many hp going to hydro--and unless you are on perfectly flat dry land ALWAYS, then FWA is just something that I would never give up. I think it all boils down to what jobs you are doing with the small tractors. BTW, I have both JD and NH.

Rebar
I agree with you. Have an MF 12X12 Powershuttle. Traded a smaller hydro tractor for it, and don't miss it. Tractor is all cast iron too, compared to aluminum that we traded. Love it, and will have another.

New Brunswick, CanadaWe've got a 50 hp Kubota with cab loader and hydro. If you get a loader, get the mfwd. Its handier than all get out. With the loader on short trips, it will move more material than our 100 hp MF with reverser even though the bucket is 2/5 the size. You also don't tear stuff up working next to it as you have such fine control.

Biggest drawbacks I find are the small front tires that have to be run at high pressure with the loader. Makes driving in a field fast a bucking bronco ride. In the summer for 7 years we took the loader off and ran the JD336 square baler, tedder and rake with it. It runs the baler perfect at 4-5 mph up and down our hills. I pulled a rack behind on flat ground but its too much on our hills, not heavy enough once you get past 200 bales or so. It baled about - bales a year, worked great, prefer it to our MF in almost all fields, the MF has a hi-lo but never enough gears after getting used to the hydro.

We chase 4x4 round bales with it too when we do rounds but like I said, very bumpy at high speed, prefer the neighbours Case JX-80 for that when we can borrow it. Great for stuffing them into low sheds and feeding them out though.

All this said, I've finished building my shop, not running the sawmill now (used it to load logs ), its only getting 300 hours a year on it now, half of that running a 7 ft Normand snowblower in the winter that the big tractor can do. I'm thinking of selling it and using the money for an open 2wd and an accumulator/grapple for the baler.

BTW I don't mow my lawn with it, we use the discbine for that.


Long Island NYI have 2 small Kubota tractors both are gear drive and 4wd they pull like a bear. Four wheel drive is well worth the money. I also have the same size Mitsubshi tractors 2wd and they just dig to china. We rototill with these tractors about 150 hr a year I think the gear drive is better for what we are doing. I just bought a Deere 2wd tractor to transplant and pull a small seeder. So far I love it it's short a nimble but very powerful and cheap it was about and new unlike a or .REDMAN
Posted 3/19/ 22:15 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 50hp utility tractor hydro or gear

north,alai run a dx55 with power reverser, largest of a compact series mine will out weigh a deere by lbs. have hrs not a minutes problem. dont get a hydro unless your mowing only.930CK
Posted 3/20/ 09:39 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 50hp utility tractor hydro or gear

south central kansasThanks for all the comments between hydro and gear drive, some of the models mentioned were ones I had looked at on tractorhouse, looks like I would regret not getting fwa if I decide to get a loader
Rawleigh
Posted 3/21/ 13:10 (# - in reply to #)
Subject: Re: 50hp utility tractor hydro or gear