Sizing a new tractor

[PRF]

Hi guys, been lurking here for a while and decided to join, looks like a great forum !!

I'm looking at buying a new Kubota before years end.. Present uses for the old International tractor that we have are loading sand/salt for the driveway, bush hogging and general moving of some material from time to time..

We own about 4 acres, but here's the kicker.. My folks own about one hundred acres adjacent to me, 15-20 of it open hay field, and they have a guy come in and take the hay off to keep it open..

I'm thinking of getting some implements and doing the hay myself at some point down the road and want to buy a big enough tractor to do so. Already have a barn that we're in the process of restoring so would probably go with square bales like we had when I was a kid..

I've read enough here to know that few complain of getting TOO much power, so I'm thinking of an L5740 tractor/loader.. A backhoe would be nice, but not totally necessary and may drive the price out of my comfort zone.. I'm thinking of going with the HST 3 transmission and R4 tires, since I will be running across some turf I'd rather not totally destroy.. Land is fairly flat with a gentle slope to the rear...

Open to any and all comments, suggestions, ideas, etc....

Thanks

 

[Kingcreek]

You're on the right track. R4s hold up well with loader work and have more puncture resistance. Youll want some rear hydro remotes. The HST would be my choice if I had it to do again but the GST ain't bad. I often wish for a few more horses and a cab with heat and air but that will be my next tractor, right after my unicorn breeding program takes off.
Welcome to the forum!

 

[TripleR]

I bucked a gazillion bales of hay growing up but know little about haying equipment so I can't help you there. We do really like out L5740 HSTC -3 with Top and Tilt. It is being replaced this year, so if you want one you will need to find one on the lot already.

The new model from what I have heard has a little larger cab, left foot brakes and Tier IV engine; maybe a couple of things I have missed, but the price will be substantially higher according to dealers.

 

[PRF]

I bucked a gazillion bales of hay growing up but know little about haying equipment so I can't help you there. We do really like out L5740 HSTC -3 with Top and Tilt. It is being replaced this year, so if you want one you will need to find one on the lot already.

The new model from what I have heard has a little larger cab, left foot brakes and Tier IV engine; maybe a couple of things I have missed, but the price will be substantially higher according to dealers.

Thanks, I'm hearing the same thing about the price increase... A lot has to do with the new emissions standards for the 2013 models.. I'm still on the fence with cab or no cab..

 

[Lucky]

You will want a cab if you're planning on pulling a discbine. Plus you need about 100hp to really do it right.

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk

 

[PRF]

You're on the right track. R4s hold up well with loader work and have more puncture resistance. Youll want some rear hydro remotes. The HST would be my choice if I had it to do again but the GST ain't bad. I often wish for a few more horses and a cab with heat and air but that will be my next tractor, right after my unicorn breeding program takes off.
Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the welcome !!

You will want a cab if you're planning on pulling a discbine. Plus you need about 100hp to really do it right.

Sent from my cm_tenderloin using Tapatalk

Thanks, but for the amount of hay and years left in me, I'd probably buy a used rotary or sickle cutter.. The cab option is sounding better and better..

 

[TripleR]

We have several older model open station tractors, but with age and allergies, the last three tractors I bought have been cabbed models. Certainly nothing wrong with open station, I can just no longer handle long hours on one; tractors are long term investments and what seems OK now may not in a few more years.

 

[PRF]

We have several older model open station tractors, but with age and allergies, the last three tractors I bought have been cabbed models. Certainly nothing wrong with open station, I can just no longer handle long hours on one; tractors are long term investments and what seems OK now may not in a few more years.

That's a great point... This will be a pretty big, long term investment for me, so I really want to get it right.. Thanks

 

[PRF]

Re: Sizing a new tractor ..*update

Well I signed the papers for a new 2012 L5740 with cab and loader... Tractor will have a 3rd function remote added at the dealer... Can't wait til it gets in, and will post pictures...

Thanks for a great forum fellas, I've learned quite a bit reading here, and look forward to being part of the orange community !!! Woot

 

[TripleR]

Congratulations on your new tractor, we really like ours after using it for a few months.

Which bucket are you getting and don't forget to get the hooks welded on. We got the heavy duty with bolt on cutting edge and five hooks.

 

[PRF]

Congratulations on your new tractor, we really like ours after using it for a few months.

Which bucket are you getting and don't forget to get the hooks welded on. We got the heavy duty with bolt on cutting edge and five hooks.

Thank you !! I got the same bucket with the bolt on edge.. Curious, why 5 hooks?