I'm looking into purchasing a tractor to make doing some of the chores around here a little easier, but I'm having issues figuring out what it is I need. Everything I read tends to be conjecture rather than real world experience, and I'm hoping someone here might be able to point me in the right direction.
Now, what I'm dealing with. I'm on 15 acres with a 1/4 mile gravel driveway, pond, trees, and pasture. About half is treed, the other half pasture. I've been using a loaner 8n with a brush hog to knock down the pasture, but that's about all it's good for, and it burns more oil than gas. I've also been using an old riding mower to do the acre closest to the house. I definitely need to be able to maintain the pastures and driveway, but would like to be able to handle pond and yard cleanup as well as the occasional fencing duties.
With those details in mind I think I'm looking for a midsized 4x4 tractor with a front end loader and, of course, a 3 point hookup. It'd be nice if it could work out as a jack of all trades, with a belly mower to replace my tired old rider, but I'm not sure budget will allow for that. I already have a box blade and a good brush hog, so those won't be added costs. Durability and reliability are things I'm looking for, too. I'm a ford man when it comes to my vehicles, but I don't know that it conveys to late model tractors or if they are the best value. Lastly, I'm looking to stay in the $10K range and am willing to go used to stay close.
So, is there anyone out there that can give me recommendations with regard to make, model, hp rating, fuel (gas / diesel), and anything specific I should look at when looking at one I'm considering on purchasing? I'm a city transplant that knows a bit about cars, but not much about tractors, so tips and tricks are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Now, what I'm dealing with. I'm on 15 acres with a 1/4 mile gravel driveway, pond, trees, and pasture. About half is treed, the other half pasture. I've been using a loaner 8n with a brush hog to knock down the pasture, but that's about all it's good for, and it burns more oil than gas. I've also been using an old riding mower to do the acre closest to the house. I definitely need to be able to maintain the pastures and driveway, but would like to be able to handle pond and yard cleanup as well as the occasional fencing duties.
With those details in mind I think I'm looking for a midsized 4x4 tractor with a front end loader and, of course, a 3 point hookup. It'd be nice if it could work out as a jack of all trades, with a belly mower to replace my tired old rider, but I'm not sure budget will allow for that. I already have a box blade and a good brush hog, so those won't be added costs. Durability and reliability are things I'm looking for, too. I'm a ford man when it comes to my vehicles, but I don't know that it conveys to late model tractors or if they are the best value. Lastly, I'm looking to stay in the $10K range and am willing to go used to stay close.
So, is there anyone out there that can give me recommendations with regard to make, model, hp rating, fuel (gas / diesel), and anything specific I should look at when looking at one I'm considering on purchasing? I'm a city transplant that knows a bit about cars, but not much about tractors, so tips and tricks are greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
