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QUESTION:My husband and I are researching tractors for a purchase this spring.
We have a small horse farm (4 horses) with only about 3 acres which we
use just for the farm (total 5 acres). We have done a lot of
researching and talking to people already but I'm looking for even
more opinions and experiences at this time.
Originally we were interested in purchasing a very small tractor (20
hp) for the jobs of moving manure, and raking our paddocks and
pastures with a york rake. After learning a lot more, we have
upgraded our ideas to the biggest tractor we can afford, which is in
the 25-30 hp range. This size tractor sounds perfect for what we will
need not only now, but beyond 5 years. I cannot plan beyond that. On
an ongoing basis, we will be puttering around with our manure pile,
raking, and are considering buying a blade for pushing snow. We may
move rocks occasionally but nothing huge.
I realize that people's opinions on brands are similar to people's
opinions on trucks. IOW, everyone has something different to say! So
far we have gotten a wide range of opinions but most of them have
steered us toward the Kubota tractors. Around here, John Deeres are
expensive (so it seems) and while they are a great tractor, I
understand that both Kubota and New Holland are also quality tractors.
We know many people who have owned Kubota tractors for 20+ years and
absolutely love them. I have spoken to a few dealers, one in
particular who sells both New Holland and Kubota. They had good
things to say about both brands, obviously, but for our particular
needs they steered us toward the Kubota.
Our neighbor recently bought a 33hp New Holland Boomer and is
recommending that to us, but it is (we think) a bit more than we need
(we don't plan to use any attachments requiring more PTO power any
time soon). I have heard mixed reviews about Ford tractors which I
know is basically the same or similar to New Holland. New Holland
tractors are heavier and more rugged (some people say-- some have
disagreed) and are priced higher. All arrows seem to point toward
Kubota in the long run. I guess I'm looking for experiences and
feedback on these brands in general.
In addition, I am looking for tire recommendations. A neighbor who
has helped us on occasion with his tractor (he has ag tires)
recommended turf tires to us. We don't think we want turf tires,
however, because we do get some mud here from time to time and they
just don't sound like good wet earth traction. But we're not sure
about the Ag tires either since we might be on the lawn occasionally
(not typically) and that could be a problem. A good friend of ours
just bought a 56hp John Deere and got Industrial tires which he
recommended to us for both traction and wear. They are a harder tire.
However, and this is very interesting, a dealer who went into tire
details with us said the industrial tire was the *worst* on traction
(both snow and mud) and said Ag tires or possibly even turf (he said
the turf were the *best* in the snow?). This is very conflicting and
I'm looking for more concrete opinions on the tires.
ANSWER: Kubota. John Deere is expensive for what you get. FWIW, I have several
pals that do construction and use Kubota equipment. It is reliable and
handles the stress of daily work fine from tractors for moving dirt to a
Kubota backhoe. They say they are the best value for the money. New Holland for the BIG gear, Kubota for the HP range you are looking at,
perhaps up to 40 HP. Kubota. You won't run out of power for quite some time, given the size of
property and intended use you are mentioning. Turf tires preserve the land you are running on - grass, etc. If you get
that muddy .. well ... get a front loader attachment and learn how to push
yourself backwards out of the mud. Been there, done that.
Fill the turf tires with water as well as air - ask your tractor guy about
it and how much, etc. for what you end up getting. Same for the ag tires.
We do it for counter-balance for the front end attachments as well as
traction.
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