What tractor is best?

[starjj]

I am looking to get a tractor with a front loader to scoop out a large horse stall and move some dirt for erosin control. I am female so nothing that is going to take too much physical strength. I would like to get one around 25-40 horsepower. Can anyone recommend a good tractor. I looked at Kubuto but dang they are EXPENSIVE. A used one would be fine but I am trying to narrow my search down to one or two companies that would fit the bill. Thanks

[Yvonne's hubby]

Originally Posted by starjj

I am looking to get a tractor with a front loader to scoop out a large horse stall and move some dirt for erosin control. I am female so nothing that is going to take too much physical strength. I would like to get one around 25-40 horsepower. Can anyone recommend a good tractor. I looked at Kubuto but dang they are EXPENSIVE. A used one would be fine but I am trying to narrow my search down to one or two companies that would fit the bill. Thanks

My preference is the Massey-Fergusons, they are relatively cheap, easy to find parts for when and if they are ever needed. I have been using a Ferguson 35 with a front loader for several years now that I picked up used for 3K. It came with the front loader, a bushhog, plow, and grader blade. So far all I have had to do to it is tuneup and oil change.

[michiganfarmer]

Originally Posted by starjj

I looked at Kubuto but dang they are EXPENSIVE.

There ya go! The mini tractors cost at least twice the money that they are worth.

John deere 70, 720, 730, 60, 620, 630. All those 2 cylinders were very dependable.

Ford, farmall, and international made some good tractors.

Any of these can be bought for less than $5000.

Make sure whatever you buy has a 3 point hitch, a PTO, a strong front end, and hydrolic hookups for a front loader.
http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E
I like to brows this site to look a thier tractors.

[Wisconsin Ann]

Only thing I can offer here is when you go looking...check on the height vs the width of the axle on the rear tires. I mean...if the tractor is narrow, it tips more easily. (We have one that is pretty unstable on a sidehill that we can do just fine with our other tractor. I've had it ALMOST tip a couple times now. )

And try to buy 4wheel drive if you have a choice in the matter. specially if you have lots of mud or snow.

[michiganfarmer]

ok. so they are a ittle more than $5000
Heres a nice ford http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

Heres a nice list of fords http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

Here is a ist of john deers http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

here is a couple lists of internationals http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

[michiganfarmer]

here is a case http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

Here is my 720. Its been in our family since the early 70's

I spent thousands of hours on that 720 as a teenager

[michiganfarmer]

Here are some alice chalmers. http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

they are good runing tractors, but their 3 point hitch doesnt work well with modern 3 point equipment

[michiganfarmer]

here are some massy furusons

http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

Here's an oliver http://www.tractorhouse.com/listings...84F3C7F986574E

[fantasymaker]

Ive found IH 340's to be about right for what you want .A good deal will be in the $1500 to $3500 range for a good one.
Inexpencive ,mainline tractors that are solid.
Be sure to get a rear dirt blade to move soil with tractor buckets are not ment to move solid dirt.
You might want to think about an older backhoe
You can often find older ones for under $5000 they are a bit more complicated but much better for earth work.
A lot of farm chores and a little dirt work = tractor
A lot of dirt work and a few chores = backhoe

[UncleD]

I'm going to suggest that you first find out what dealers you have in your area. Service and parts availability are key on equipment if you are not familiar with doing your own maintenance.

Small compact tractors with loaders are very popular, and therefore on the expensive side.

What price range do you have in mind?

[starjj]

Originally Posted by UncleD

I'm going to suggest that you first find out what dealers you have in your area. Service and parts availability are key on equipment if you are not familiar with doing your own maintenance.

Small compact tractors with loaders are very popular, and therefore on the expensive side.

What price range do you have in mind?

I was definately looking at under $5,000.00

[Katey]

I think you're looking at way too big a tractor for your needs. I'd look at 15-25 HP. It will take longer to move the dirt, but because it's smaller it will be way more maneuverable around the stall.

[ninny]

Check craigslist for tractors in your area. They're generally a pretty good source for used tractors.


.

[Rocky Fields]

Hey.

A Farmall H in good running condition with a drop loader can be found for about $1600-$1800 in WI. It had a large production run, so there are many good used parts around to help keep the cost of repairs down.

RF

[bergere]

I know what I would like... there is a New Holland that even I could use. But would need to win the lottery......if I ever played.

We have a 1978 very used Allis Chamlers 4 wheel drive 50/20 tractor, given to us after his father passed away a few years ago.

Very easy to fix when 30 year old parts break but it is a manual, which makes it impossible for me to drive.
In fact DH has written some good short stories about this old tractor.

So what would I recommnd..

One that has
hydraulic assist steering
4- wheel drive
Wide base
Roll bar... is one thing this old tractor doesn't have
Easy hitch PTO
Check to make sure the fuel and Hydrulic lines aren't rotting.
There is no rust on the engine mounts...and such like that.

It is wonderful to have any kind of tractor around on a farm. Makes work a whole lot more easy!

Have fun tractor shopping.

[UncleD]

Not knowing your experience with tractors, I am going to suggest sticking with a compact or utility model. They are easier to get on and off of, and are more stable on uneven ground.

I would also recommend at the very least live hydraulics, and strongly advise independent or live PTO.

Doing a quick search on tractorhouse using these and your perameters doesn't turn up much. But there are some out there in the 15-25 HP range as Katey suggested.

How many acres do you have? That makes a big difference on the size of tractor required.

[LisaInN.Idaho]

I think John Deere is best because the green goes well with my red hair. A Kubota would clash terribly. What color hair do you have?

[bergere]

Lisa... you'r too much. LOL

[starjj]

Originally Posted by LisaInN.Idaho

I think John Deere is best because the green goes well with my red hair. A Kubota would clash terribly. What color hair do you have?

Reddish Blonde here Maybe something in blue to match my eyes?

[UncleD]

There just isn't anything much sexier than a woman driving a tractor!

I keep telling my wife that. So far, she isn't buying in to it :/