Just about to pull the trigger, have a few questions though????

[H5Farm]

I currently own an 80 acre farm that I primarily use for deer and turkey hunting and other family activities. We have no live stock of any kind on our farm which is located in the river bottom of the Osage Fork River in Sunny view, Missouri. Its located in Central Missouri. I need a tractor to maintain trails, cutting brush and other work on food plots. Cutting around the cabin and fishing ponds for kids. I will use the loader a lot to move rock and logs. I will also be needing to maintain my 1/2 mile gravel drive.

THE MOST I CAN AFFORD IS AN L3800. I want to get the package deal with trailer with HST, AG tires, Fluid in tires. The next step up in brush hog and cruise control. I will also pick the loader, and a rear blade of some kind. and a beefed up brush hog.

Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

 

[78-79fordman]

Well if its all you can afford it will have to work . Don't get me wrong I love the L3800hst we bought new a month ago . But for a one tractor I would want a hair bigger for 80 acres . I would shoot for a deal on a mx5100 if I could find one . I wouldn't do a deal with a trailer since they can be bought cheaper used . But if all u can afford is the L3800 then go for it . I wouldn't let it leave the dealer with out the cruse control they should come standard on every HST model. It's only $200 I would work it in the deal some way .


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 2

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Look a flail mower instead of a brush hog, they are a lot tougher and can take down weeds, grass, brush and small trees, and hitting rocks will don't do serious damage to it either .

 

[78-79fordman]

And get it with Quick attach loader .

 

[TripleR]

No great departure from the others though I'm not sure you need a bigger tractor, I think we have a member with a similar size tractor on 300 acres. I look more at tasks to be performed than total acreage.

I would want the SSQA loader along with pallet forks in addition to the cruise control and other implements. If you can swing it get at least one set of rear remotes and a hydraulic top link. I got a top link very reasonably priced from MtnViewRanch at Fit Rite.

I didn't bother getting a trailer as I seldom transport mine and can pay to have it hauled or rent a trailer cheaper than pay for a trailer and have it take up space.

Good luck with your new tractor.

 

[gpreuss]

I agree with TripleR on this. From the sounds of it, you need nimble more than brute force. The nature of the trails and terrain limit your speed and size requirements.
If you plan on transporting the tractor back and forth frequently, the 3800 is a good size for it - bigger is heavier, and may require a bigger trailer. I built a trailer 30 years ago for about $1500 in running gear and steel, and have used it to transport the tractor about 5 times! Mostly it is off-the-ground storage for stuff. I'd have been far ahead renting, especially when you factor in 30 years of registration fees at about $30/year.
You will need something heavy on the back for serious loader work. Around 1000 lbs would work well. I usually have about 600 lbs plus filled rears, plus 140 lbs/tire wheel weights, but frankly would like a bit more. Just rear wheel ballast is not nearly enough.