Author Topic: Need tractor advice  (Read 17893 times)

Offline m_fumich

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Need tractor advice
« on: April 28, 2019, 03:06:23 PM »
I will be in the market for a tractor in the next 6 to 18 months. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos were the YouTuber was giving reasons not to buy Kubota or Mahindra. While I’d love an 8N or 9N Ford, I want a front loader. A 3-point hutch and PTO are ubiquitous. I want to be able to use the 5’ rotary cutter I have and I’d like to get a detachable backhoe setup.

Any recommendations? Cost is a BIG factor.


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Offline coolmercury

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2019, 03:57:47 PM »
There are always people telling you not to buy a certain tractor.  I had a 1985 JD 850 that I sold recently and it never gave me any trouble.  I have a 5410 JD and it has been a lemon from day one.  And I have a 6800 Kubota that has never been down a day.  Of all the tractors I have had the Kubota is first on my list.  I don't know anything about the Mahrindra tractors, but I like their off road utility vehicle.

Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2019, 08:03:44 PM »
Assuming we're talking compact tractors? Kubota's one downfall is their lightness, their often a bit light weight (both physical weight and material wise). If maintained and not abused kubota's are good tractors. I've seen many with high hours still getting the job done.

Ford / New Holland tractors are good and can be gotten for fair prices as well.

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« Last Edit: April 28, 2019, 08:06:05 PM by muddy »

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2019, 08:06:46 PM »
Assuming we're talking vcompact tractors? Kubota's one downfall is their lightness, they aren't as heavy-duty as some others.

Ford / New Holland tractors are good and can be gotten for fair prices.

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I only need one big enough to operate a 5’ bush hog and a backhoe attachment without breaking. If I could find an 8N with a bucket, I’d get that.


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Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2019, 08:37:39 PM »
We almost purchased a Kubota compact as we were getting desperate for a tractor. Then right before we pulled the trigger we found a used Massey Ferguson 40B industrial tractor with a 5300lb capacity bucket and a Gannon box scraper with hydraulic tilt for a fraction of the cost of the new tractor. I have put some $800 into it and am still way ahead. I have been able to do far more with the bigger tractor that I couldn't do with a compact. An example is a new neighbor didn't need the horse corral on his property and we removed posts which were railroad ties cemented in. The large capacity bucket makes moving landscaping rocks and gravel a breeze.
I also felt that a box scraper is more useful to me than a backhoe.

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2019, 08:43:16 PM »
I’ve got a small pond, about 1/6 acre, that’s irregular shaped. I want to excavate it to make it a bit deeper and more regular shaped. Our second pond just needs to be deeper. I’ll chip away at them if need be. While a bigger tractor would be nicer, I doubt I’ll have more than $3500 to spend. I can get an 8N or 9N for $1000. Some of the old Farmall’s are that cheap but I really need something that has a bucket or that I can put a bucket on later.


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Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2019, 09:04:07 PM »
We bought the 40B for $3000. I test drove a 9N a guy wanted $3000 for with a bucket and scraper and sitting inside that pipe loader frame made me uncomfortable.

Offline slip knot

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2019, 10:00:09 PM »
For running the cutter the little N's would work. You could even do some digging with them using a rear mounted scoop. BUT The backhoe/FEL are not so easy to run on the N's and certainly hard to switch back and forth from the cutter to the hoe. My opinion would be to look at the 600/800 series fords and plan on renting a backhoe when needed.

The hundred series fords are much better machines than the old N's. And they're priced about the same around here. They have @ the same sized footprint as the N's.  They have an OHV 4 cylinder with 2x the HP of the N's. They have alive hydraulic system that runs all the time not just when the clutch is engaged like the N's. Also the X60s have a 5 speed trans with a dual stage clutch that works like a live PTO. Its really nice to stop forward movement but have the PTO still running. N's cant do that.

I have N's, 100s and 1000 series Fords setting out back. If I just want to putt around the place, maybe haul some feed the 8N gets the call. I love the sound of the little flat head 4. But if any real work needs to be done I'll get the 860 or the 2000 out.

Offline Midnitemack

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #8 on: April 29, 2019, 03:52:29 AM »
I have an International 454 amongst the bunch I have here , I know they were sold in the US , it’s been a great little tractor and might be ideal for what you want to do..... My Dad had a saying.... a bigger tractor can do the work of a small tractor but a small tractor can’t do the work of a big tractor . My advice is don’t go too small Matt .


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Offline Rusty

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #9 on: April 29, 2019, 08:23:59 PM »
The 850 was made by Yanmar in Japan. While the 5410 was made in Georgia.
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Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #10 on: April 29, 2019, 08:57:22 PM »
For running the cutter the little N's would work. You could even do some digging with them using a rear mounted scoop. BUT The backhoe/FEL are not so easy to run on the N's and certainly hard to switch back and forth from the cutter to the hoe. My opinion would be to look at the 600/800 series fords and plan on renting a backhoe when needed.

The hundred series fords are much better machines than the old N's. And they're priced about the same around here. They have @ the same sized footprint as the N's.  They have an OHV 4 cylinder with 2x the HP of the N's. They have alive hydraulic system that runs all the time not just when the clutch is engaged like the N's. Also the X60s have a 5 speed trans with a dual stage clutch that works like a live PTO. Its really nice to stop forward movement but have the PTO still running. N's cant do that.

I have N's, 100s and 1000 series Fords setting out back. If I just want to putt around the place, maybe haul some feed the 8N gets the call. I love the sound of the little flat head 4. But if any real work needs to be done I'll get the 860 or the 2000 out.

The digging work I need done will take too long and I’d only be able to work at it a little at a time. Rental would exceed the cost of a used backhoe.

I did not know about the limitations of the PTO on the N’s. That is helpful.


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Offline coolmercury

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #11 on: April 30, 2019, 08:31:55 AM »
Can someone in simple terms tell me what the new requirements for diesel tractors and trucks (additives) mean in terms of cost and upkeep. 

Offline skfarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #12 on: April 30, 2019, 09:49:12 AM »
i would never tell anyone to by an 8n or 9n ford as a utility tractor. they sold piles of them for 2 reasons. they were cheap and  they had a 3 pt. beyond theat, they are too light, have too small of tires,  have no power steering, no live pto and crappy hydraulics if any.

if you need to do any serious work you need live or independant pto, good hydraulics,   power steering  and a good 3 pt. hitch.

if you want to do back hoe work, there is nothing that will fit on an old ford that is worth having. for that matter i doubt that anything you find in your price range  would be sufficient to run a back hoe.  a back hoe needs lots of flow and capacity something few older, smaller tractors have.
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Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #13 on: April 30, 2019, 11:21:53 AM »
i would never tell anyone to by an 8n or 9n ford as a utility tractor. they sold piles of them for 2 reasons. they were cheap and  they had a 3 pt. beyond theat, they are too light, have too small of tires,  have no power steering, no live pto and crappy hydraulics if any.

if you need to do any serious work you need live or independant pto, good hydraulics,   power steering  and a good 3 pt. hitch.

if you want to do back hoe work, there is nothing that will fit on an old ford that is worth having. for that matter i doubt that anything you find in your price range  would be sufficient to run a back hoe.  a back hoe needs lots of flow and capacity something few older, smaller tractors have.
My thoughts exactly. They are just glorified lawn tractors.

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Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #14 on: April 30, 2019, 01:54:51 PM »
So if I want a tractor just for pulling a trailer around when I’m cleaning up the property or using an implement requiring a 3 pt hitch, then a $1000 8N would do the trick? Because my $3000 John Deere X350 can’t pull a trailer big enough to be of much use. I may just have to get 2 tractors.


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Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #15 on: April 30, 2019, 07:53:53 PM »


So if I want a tractor just for pulling a trailer around when I’m cleaning up the property or using an implement requiring a 3 pt hitch, then a $1000 8N would do the trick?

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Yes an 8N would be right at home with a small wagon, brush hog or a 3 point tiller, even a blade (although they tent to be a bit light to really push anything.)

The fords steer fine, however only being power assist steering when you get the weight of a loader out front they are a handful to steer.


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Offline skfarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #16 on: May 01, 2019, 10:50:57 AM »
i agree with muddy but i must add that when using the pto an overrunning clutch in line on the pto is highly recommended.

the pto on those early fords was directly coupled to the transmission "behind" the  clutch.   what does tha mean? that means that when using pto machines with a lot o fast spinning mass such as a mower, the rotating mass can "push" the tractor after the clutch is pushed in or the tractor cannot be shifted to another gear or direction until the pto stopped.  they got lots of new operators in trouble and even got some well seasoned operators in trouble on occasion.
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Offline coolmercury

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #17 on: May 01, 2019, 12:24:35 PM »
Over the years I have seen two 8N tractors on top of people, one of whom died.  They have a tendency to flip over backwards if something they are pulling catches.  No roll over protection, so you take the chance.

Offline skfarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #18 on: May 01, 2019, 02:55:08 PM »
Over the years I have seen two 8N tractors on top of people, one of whom died.  They have a tendency to flip over backwards if something they are pulling catches.  No roll over protection, so you take the chance.

I had forgotten that lovely feature and agree totally. While no older tractors have rops and most have not flipped or tipped.......many have. I  helped pull a dead man out from under 2-85 white tractor. His head was smashed like a pumpkin.
« Last Edit: May 01, 2019, 03:25:39 PM by skfarmer »
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Offline highland512

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #19 on: May 02, 2019, 07:45:53 AM »
I you need to reshape your pond I would would just watch the weather and go rent a back hoe or mini excavator for a weekend. I have never seen a backhoe attachment worth having and they have hardly any reach. A mini hoe would out work one 3 fold. If you need a tractor for 3 point and pto work thats cheep, try to find a grey market tractor. There is nothing illegal about them, they are just little tractors (kabota, mitsubishi, yammar) that where sold new over seas then imported for resale here.


Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #20 on: May 02, 2019, 07:52:44 AM »
I you need to reshape your pond I would would just watch the weather and go rent a back hoe or mini excavator for a weekend.

That would be too expensive in the long run. Not only do I need to reshape and deepen one pond, I need to deepen a second pond and put in about 500’ of French drain. I only have a couple hours each day I could work on a project like that. If I have to, I’ll spend the money on a tractor with a proper backhoe then sell it when I’m done.


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Offline highland512

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #21 on: May 02, 2019, 08:12:19 AM »
I you need to reshape your pond I would would just watch the weather and go rent a back hoe or mini excavator for a weekend.

That would be too expensive in the long run. Not only do I need to reshape and deepen one pond, I need to deepen a second pond and put in about 500’ of French drain. I only have a couple hours each day I could work on a project like that. If I have to, I’ll spend the money on a tractor with a proper backhoe then sell it when I’m done.


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I think you would be MUCH better off to do that. An excavator would be your best bet but most likely out of budget, from my experience a backhoe could get hung up in a asphalt parking lot.

Offline skfarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #22 on: May 02, 2019, 09:31:52 AM »
you contradict yourself all over. the ball keeps moving. you need a back hoe, you don't, you need a tractor with a back hoe and then you just need one to pull a trailer. you don't want to spend more than 1000 dollars but you will spend enough to get a "proper" back hoe.

since you are all over the board and don't know what you want i will give an honest reality check. you made a mistake when you bought your lawn mower. it is too small and incapable of anything but cutting grass. you really need a utility tractor with features like live pto, 3pt. hydraulics and a loader yet can accept a belly or finish mower.  digging and cleaning  2 ponds  and 500 feet of drain is probably too much for  smaller tractor and hoe anyway, so find a guy who knows how to run a proper excavator on tracks. he can probably do the major digging and trenching in a day or two and use  your tractor to level and finish the project when done.

some projects are best done and cheapest when done by a pro who has the knowledge, the ability and most of all pays for the repairs on his own equipment.
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Offline RustFarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #23 on: May 02, 2019, 10:47:44 AM »
What are the ballpark costs for the following used equipment?  Lets limit it to equipment that has parts support and both supply and demand in the used market.  Not interested in buying a $10,000 orphan that no one else wants and has to be sold for scrap.

mid size rubber tire dedicated loader backhoe

utility tractor with loader and 3 point (use w/ 6 ft rotary brush cutter and post hole digger)

Skid steer (basic one, but still usable and in demand on used market)


Offline skfarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #24 on: May 02, 2019, 11:28:50 AM »
i think an issue here is people do not understand the difference between a backhoe and excavator.

a hoe has the operator sitting stationary with a range limit  of  something less than 180 degrees, more like 150.  the boom generally does not have a lot of reach. the operator  has poor vision as the bucket is rarely in front of him. it is digging on one side and dumping on the other, it is ok for  digging shallow ditches or trenches and small holes. any hoe that fits on a compact or mid size  tractor is severely limited because they simply do not have enough reach to dig very far away, very deep and don't have the swing to get the dirt far enough away from the  project. these limitations are why a backhoe is constantly repositioning, the operator cannot see, cannot reach the job and when he can reach it he can't get the material far enough away.

an excavator, can rotate 360 degrees, digging and dumping at any place in the rotation. it will have a longer reach and most of all the operator always has the boom in front of him to see what he is doing without turning his head or body. it has better visibility, more reach and more swing.

don't get me wrong, a back hoe is a fine machine but they are far better suited for small, quick jobs.digging a shallow trench, cleaning around a culvert, installing a water hydrant and then quickly filling  the dirt back in  with the same machine. they are not the machine for digging long ditches or cleaning ponds.
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Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #25 on: May 02, 2019, 11:34:03 AM »
you contradict yourself all over. the ball keeps moving. you need a back hoe, you don't, you need a tractor with a back hoe and then you just need one to pull a trailer. you don't want to spend more than 1000 dollars but you will spend enough to get a "proper" back hoe.

since you are all over the board and don't know what you want i will give an honest reality check. you made a mistake when you bought your lawn mower. it is too small and incapable of anything but cutting grass. you really need a utility tractor with features like live pto, 3pt. hydraulics and a loader yet can accept a belly or finish mower.  digging and cleaning  2 ponds  and 500 feet of drain is probably too much for  smaller tractor and hoe anyway, so find a guy who knows how to run a proper excavator on tracks. he can probably do the major digging and trenching in a day or two and use  your tractor to level and finish the project when done.

some projects are best done and cheapest when done by a pro who has the knowledge, the ability and most of all pays for the repairs on his own equipment.

I’m not contradicting myself. There’s just a lot of flexibility in what I can do financially.

First, I had ZERO input on the lawn tractor I have now. It’s a great mower but there are mowers 1/3 the price that could do the same job and I would have been just as happy with a used mower with a 48” deck and I’d definitely have been happier if I had gotten a good used one for $500.

Having a good strong riding mower eliminated the need for a bush hog but since the previous owner left behind a JD 503, I might make use of it if I had a tractor that could handle it. There are two groves on my property that I will be cleaning up and the two ponds that need improvement so there will be many trees of various sizes coming down. There will be small logs to haul out and lots of fodder for a bonfire. Being able to pull the logs and to pull a trailer is my greatest need. When I go to deepen the ponds, I may be able to get that accomplished with a tiller attachment and a bucket. If there is an attachment that can cut a 2’ wide trench that’s 2’ deep then I’d have no need for a backhoe at all.


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Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #26 on: May 02, 2019, 11:39:30 AM »
My biggest problem is that when it comes to picking the right equipment for the job, I have no f-ing clue what the right equipment is, what the cost will be, or what problems I might be facing with one choice over another.


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Offline highland512

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #27 on: May 02, 2019, 12:51:48 PM »
It sounds like you dont want to spend the $$ (trust me I know the feeling) but like SK said you will be better off in the long run to hire out the pond digging and the drainage. You have to have the right tools and skills for drainage to be installed correctly, not just the right machine. You want a french drain, not a french influent.

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #28 on: May 02, 2019, 07:12:22 PM »
You’re right about the money. I’d rather spend money on equipment than to pay someone to do the work. I can sell the equipment to recuperate my money if I have no further use for the equipment.

After reading SKFarmers explanation of backhoe vs excavator, I know a backhoe is not what I need. But I may not need and excavator for the pond work. I think a tiller attachment on a tractor would loosen the soil and I could remove it with the bucket. All things I would have future need of.

Of the two French drains, one would be across and down a slope so no chance of water flowing the wrong way. If I had to hire someone to do the other drain, that would just be one job I had to pay someone else to do. But the first drain would still require an implement that would let me dig a 2’ wide trench at a consistent depth.


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Offline coolmercury

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #29 on: May 02, 2019, 07:16:45 PM »
Even used a shovel? :))

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #30 on: May 02, 2019, 07:23:31 PM »
Even used a shovel? :))

Isn’t it obvious I’m too lazy for that? I’ll mow 3 acres on a riding mower but I have no motivation to do the mowing that requires a push mower.


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Offline gtermini

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #31 on: May 02, 2019, 08:36:58 PM »
All I'll say is cheap equipment usually = big repair jobs/bills. There is NOTHING cheap about equipment larger than lawn tractors. Auction prices will tempt you, but remember it's rare for somebody to send a perfectly good machine away to sale for no reason.

The other thing to watch out for is parts availability. There are numerous older tractors, both domestic and foreign, out there that are now comprised of unobtanium. With a PhD in cross referencing and fabrication, you can keep them going, but it won't be a task for the faint of heart.

Best bang for your buck in the heavy equipment world will be an old track loader. I'd only buy a CAT strictly because of the extensive parts support. A 955H or K can move some serious dirt for relatively small capital outlay. A smaller 933 would be good machine as well.  A direct drive machine can most likely be had in operating condition for nearly scrap price vs more for a powershift due to ease of operation. There is more than a couple sentences to be said about evaluating the condition of one prior to purchase. If you base a purchase decision on grouser height alone, you're most likely going to be in for an expensive time doing repair work.

A skip loader like DN has is also a good choice for moving material, but it will most likely lack a PTO and standard 3pt.

To do any serious work in a pond, you either need a dragline/long stick excavator or to dewater and dry the bottom enough to get across it. A soft pond floor will swallow a piece of equipment in a matter of seconds. If the area is anything but bone dry, it's not wise to run anything on it unless you have a bigger piece of equipment on standby to pull the first piece out.


Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #32 on: May 02, 2019, 09:32:41 PM »
Anything with tracks would be strictly for moving dirt and that’s the thing I have the least need for although it’s still a need. A 955H would be overkill for widening my pond out to 50’ for its entire 150’ length. My biggest disadvantage is that I don’t know jack squat about tractors and other heavy equipment so I wouldn’t know the difference between a good tractor and a problem on 4 wheels.

30 years ago I worked at a place that had a tractor we used on a daily basis. As I recall, it was a Ford 4000. However, looking at the info on those models makes me wonder. While I don’t recall the tractor being that old, it was that size and the headlights were in the hood instead of side mounted. It had a bucket they had built an extension on and they had a concrete counter weight on the 3 pt hitch. I think that’s the size tractor I need for my most frequent needs.


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Offline DeadNutz

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #33 on: May 02, 2019, 10:48:07 PM »
I do have a PTO and standard 3 point on it Greyson. It is not strictly a loader as I use the Gannon box scraper with hydraulics on the ripper teeth and tilt on the box. Works great for cutting drainage ditches.

Offline gtermini

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #34 on: May 02, 2019, 11:18:06 PM »
I do have a PTO and standard 3 point on it Greyson. It is not strictly a loader as I use the Gannon box scraper with hydraulics on the ripper teeth and tilt on the box. Works great for cutting drainage ditches.

That's a nice setup. I was thinking more about the newer Case/Deere machines. A skip loader really is as handy as a shirt pocket.

Greyson

Offline coolmercury

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #35 on: May 03, 2019, 07:47:03 AM »
No one has mentioned soil/dirt/rock type in relation to size of equipment.  Here in the Ozarks of Missouri the soil is clay and rock.  Anything less than 50 hp is worthless for any serious work.  Where I lived in Florida for many years my 23 hp JD 4 wheel drive with bucket would do about anything.  But, that was in sand.

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #36 on: May 03, 2019, 08:10:06 AM »
No one has mentioned soil/dirt/rock type in relation to size of equipment.  Here in the Ozarks of Missouri the soil is clay and rock.  Anything less than 50 hp is worthless for any serious work.  Where I lived in Florida for many years my 23 hp JD 4 wheel drive with bucket would do about anything.  But, that was in sand.

In the Memphis area, rocks are imported. We have great soil for farming. It’s easy to dig in. Just the right mix of sand, clay, and silt. Bedrock is 400-900’ down and the water table is quite high. Most private wells are 150’ or so and we have some of the best tap water. We don’t have to use filters or add water softeners or anything like that.


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Offline highland512

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #37 on: May 03, 2019, 09:06:00 AM »
I really think in the long run your going to be better off hiring this out, you stated yourself you dont know jack about equipment and its not hard to dig yourself into a corner (or a very deep and wet hole). Lots of guys who operate for a living own a machine or two and do work on the side, if your not pressed for time and give them the option to perform the work on evenings and weekends you can get work done for a much cheaper price. 

Offline J.A.F.E.

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #38 on: May 03, 2019, 06:22:47 PM »
Normally I stay out of your threads for many reasons one being I think you are either a troll or, well, worse. But enough is enough. You ask silly endless questions and then either argue with the responses or shift the conditions or intended use. For instance you made 10 posts taking the tractor choices one way and then in post #32 - the 11th post you made in the thread finally get around to mentioning the Ford 4000 was on your mind. Something which was completely out of left field and something completely different than how you opened and responded in the thread. Not to mention how what you wanted it to do kept changing.

It is obvious what you say you want to do is completely over your head but it doesn't matter because I believe you will no more get a tractor and actually do anything with it than you do any of the other projects you post about. I can not recall a single project from the old site or here you ever posted a finished project but I recall some, like the freeze plugs in the PT Cruiser and the brakes on your sons car where you started but could not finish.

I have also never seen you actually thank anyone for the advise they give or to graciously accept it usually the response is why it won't work and mostly come across like you are angry you didn't get the response you wanted.
People who confuse etymology and entomology bug me in ways I can’t put into words.

Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #39 on: May 03, 2019, 06:36:52 PM »
I really miss the popcorn smiley
« Last Edit: May 03, 2019, 06:38:30 PM by muddy »

Offline hofferwood

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #40 on: May 03, 2019, 06:49:32 PM »
Here ya go Tim
If it aint broke----fix it till it is-----there's nothing more permanent than a temporary fix.

Offline RustFarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #41 on: May 05, 2019, 09:18:51 AM »
JAFE, Matt clearly approaches analyzing and solving problems in a different way than you do.  The world would be a boring place if everyone was an engineer.

Let's help Matt figure out what a decent used mid size utility tractor to run his existing 5 foot brush cutter will cost.  A good TLB is outside of his budget.

Other people look to these threads for advice as well.  Their budgets may be higher.  I found SK's explanation of Excavator vs Backhoe to be very helpful.  I plan to purchase a utility tractor this summer for some of the same chores that Matt is facing.

The Ford 8n does not have enough horsepower to run a 5 foot brush cutter through heavy brush or tall grass.  It's OK for cutting a lawn as long as it doesn't get too long.  But that defeats the whole purpose of a brush cutter.  If you are just cutting lawns, there are better solutions than a Ford 8n.


Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #42 on: May 05, 2019, 10:05:39 AM »
After SK’s explanation about backhoes vs excavators, I’m certain I don’t need a backhoe and I’m sure excavators are out of my price range. So what I need is what I think you guys are calling a skid loader; tractor with a bucket, PTO, and 3 pt hitch.


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Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #43 on: May 05, 2019, 10:17:22 AM »
This is a skid steer or skid loader. They are alot heavier then they look an will get buried in a pond bed in no time.v

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Offline RustFarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #44 on: May 05, 2019, 10:20:48 AM »
Skip = Dumpster
Skid = Pallet

Offline muddy

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #45 on: May 05, 2019, 10:23:49 AM »
Skip = Dumpster
Skid = Pallet
Skid as in its tires skid across the ground when you steer.

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Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #46 on: May 05, 2019, 10:25:44 AM »
I’ll just stick to the terms I know. I need a tractor with a bucket. And when I say tractor, the 3 pt hitch and PTO are ubiquitous.


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Offline RustFarmer

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #47 on: May 05, 2019, 10:48:56 AM »
Sorry, I fat fingered that last post, and it submitted before I had a chance to complete the explanation.


Skip = Dumpster in British English
Skid = Pallet
Skid Steer = Type of steering on Bulldozers and Bobcats (Muddy's pic)

Skip Loaders are large industrial tractors that may not have a 3 point. (Dynahoe without the hoe)

Utility Tractor - lower version of Farm tractor. 

McCormick-Deering W-4 or International I-4 = Utility tractor, lower to ground.
Farmall H = Same tractor, but higher. Row Crop Tractor. more ground clearance but more prone to tip over.
Neither of these have 3 point hitch.  Just mentioning to illustrate the height difference between a utility tractor and a farm/row crop tractor.

Offline slip knot

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #48 on: May 05, 2019, 10:49:41 AM »
You mentioned soil dynamics. are these pond man made and how long ago were they dug? Around here some ponds need to be sealed with clay or bentonite to hold water. the soil is too porous otherwise. be a shame to dig around on your ponds and ruin them.

Offline m_fumich

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Re: Need tractor advice
« Reply #49 on: May 05, 2019, 12:10:02 PM »
You mentioned soil dynamics. are these pond man made and how long ago were they dug? Around here some ponds need to be sealed with clay or bentonite to hold water. the soil is too porous otherwise. be a shame to dig around on your ponds and ruin them.


Both are man made.
Age unknown.
I do not think they were sealed.

The purpose of one of the French drains is strictly to direct runoff to the lower pond to help maintain the water lever. The other French drain will discharge into the upper pond but it will also drain water from an area where I get standing water after a good rain.

I plan to dig a shallow well to help maintain the water levels in the ponds. I’d like an overflow pipe running from the upper pond to the lower pond. The well will discharge into the upper pond and any surplus will make its way to the lower pond by way of the overflow pipe.


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