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FarmerLin

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I am going to be a farmer! I just purchased 10 acres in the beautiful wine country of Sonoma County, CA.
The acreage has not been used in several years, and has natural grass/weeds. I wish to disk it up, and possibly plant permanent pasture before the rains.
What size tractor would you suggest for me, and for ease of hooking and unhooking implements, such as bucket, disk, post hole auger, etc.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Farmer Lin
[email protected]
 
In CA ? you better becareful with that disc there may be an endangered field mouse or spotted owl so you might not be allowed to do want you want ?
 
A garderner can be called a farmer. a farmer is some one that works the soil and sows the seed and reaps the harvest. Be it 1 acre or 1000. A millionaire acre farmer is less of a farmer than a 1 acre farmer. No intention of disrespect to anyone, it's just that running a farm from an office , to me, isnt the same as being out there doing it all, be it 1 or 10,000 acres.
 
Anybody out there going to give this fellow an answer to his question or are you all going to be a bunch of wise asses?
 
Rather than argue over how many acres makes a farmer, my question would be, do you have any experience with farm machinery whatsoever? Your budget, how handy you are at making repairs, etc would all have an affect on what you are in the market for.
 
Congrats, and welcome aboard.

A little more info as far as price range would be great.

If you aren`t familiar with tractors, I`d start by looking at compact utilities. Personally I`d stick with Deere, Kubota, or New Holland depending on what`s popular in your area, and easy to find parts and service for.

Familiarize yourself with the features like live PTO, live hydraulics, 3 pt.

Now if your looking for an older tractor, I would still try to stay with some of the more modern features. Maybe something in the 30-40 hp range. All depends on what is available in your area... BW
 
Just get one of those chink tap wanna be tractors that comes in on ships there keeping one more over that way please. You might need a BIG bud so you can all that land before it rains?
 
Good for you! I'm all for anybody living their dream to own and work the soil.

Ten acres where you bought was anything but cheap, and probably represents a sizable investment on your part.

You don't need a large 80 horse machine, but just remember this: You can do small work with a big tractor, but you can't do big work with a small tractor. Now, that sounds simplistic, but it is so very true.

Buy yourself a fairly late model tractor 10-15 years old that has been well cared for. Beware of a unit that has been used strictly as a loader tractor. That work is very hard on front axles and clutches. I do suggest that you buy a front end loader though....it is the handiest piece of equipment you can own. Maybe, if finances allow, you should consider a new tractor in the 40-50 horsepower range. This is a nice size chore tractor. You are going to find that regardless of make, most of the tractors in that class will be foreign made or have a lot of foreign made components. I don't like it, but that's the way it is. DO NOT buy a Chinese built tractor. Some day they may produce a good machine, but that isn't now. Don't be colorblind as to brand. There is good and bad in all the major makes and most, are quite good.

This is an antique tractor site and I own one and have owned several..but for day to day use, get yourself a modern machine.
 
Depends a lot on how much money you have..not intended as a smart answer..A nice new Kobota with all the attachments would be nice.
Now for common sense, Is there a machenery dealer with used equipment near you? We here like out old tractors but please buy one with 3-point. For 10 acres, gasoline would be OK. Be happy and enjoy.
Kenny
 
Congratulations on your purchase!

To suggest anything, it would be helpful to know what you want to do with the land and how much time you have to do it, or how much time you want to spend doing it.

Are you looking for something modern or vintage equipment.
 
You've got some good answers and some wise donkey comments. Welcome! The first thing you should do is figure out what is practical to do with that land. That would depend on how level it is, what kid of soil you have, and what kind of water resources are available. Your county agricultural extension agency would be a good place to start. Unless you want to have a hobby collection of tractors, the right tractor would depend on what you can or what you wish to do with your land.
 
Just call me a wanna be gardener........ It's always been a dream of mine to own some land and to find 10 acres that is level and that I can do something with it fulfills that dream........
 
You are right..... I did my homework. No red legged frogs or salamanders.... Athough I do have a barn owl that habitats my water tower.
No tractor suggestions?
 
thank you for your reply on my behalf. I had no idea I would raise such a stink about whether or not a farmer is a farmer hahhaa
What is your tractor of choice for a small sized place as mine?
Thanks,
Lin
 
Yes, great suggestions. I had 6 acres up in
Oregon when I was married. We had a Ford 8 or 9 N? We also had the hay equip. I was able to hitch up the brush hog, and do most of the work myself. Now, this is just me...but I am very excited!
My budget for the tractor is $4,000.00 I know the other implements will range in the area of 500-600 if I watch for good deals. I just don't know that much about what kind or size I would need. I have even advertised for someone to come in and plow this year, so at least I can get it planted.
Thanks again for your very good suggestions.
Regards,
Linda
 
you will get a lot of different answers from people here - it's like asking "what is the best truck?". I would suggest finding out if there is a tractor dealership near your land that does repair work and sells used tractors. If your budget allows I'd suggest you look for a late 80's to 90's vintage that has a roll bar (called ROPs)and 45-55 pto-rated hp with a loader, wide front wheels (not a tri). These will be a lot safer if you have hills than the older, smaller sized, dry brake models (e.g., Ford 8N) that did not have ROPs and limited hydraulic capacities. If you are more mechanically inclined but short on cash look for good older 1960's - 70's tractors in the 40-55 pto hp range (e.g., Massey Ferguson, JD, Ford, IH and many others). I'd pick a brand where there is some local dealer support. searching this site will yield a lot of good info., but beware as some folks here are color-blind and only like their brand of tractors. Good Luck
 
Hey, thank you for your great suggestions! I have about $5,000. ear marked for this purchase. I found a John Deere 1976 40? 2 wd for 2800.00 I think that is just for the tractor.. You are also right..... I need to go to the local farm machinery dealer and learn about PTO 3 pt and the lingo to make sense of what I need to know.
Thanks again
Linda
 
Mark-
Your idea about what size is very helpful. I will also use your advice about the front end loader.... is there a way to tell b looking at the tractor if it has been used to that purpose, of should I just look at the surroundings of where the equipment has been used? I found a nice John Deere 40 2 wd up in Mendicino..... that picture taker got some of the barns in the background. I was instantly impressed with how clean and well cared for the barns were that I thought this one may be a good investment, in that the owner has taken care of his tractor like he does his barns, it would be a good purchase.
thanks again, and sorry about getting onto an antique tractor site. I never meant to waste anyone's time.
Linda
 
I used my father's 2N Ford for my 15 when I bought it. DO buy a tractor with 3 point hitch, your range of implements triples. Gas is fine, but everyday use , diesel might be cheaper. but You should do some research on different models and makes, but unless you plan on plowing all of it every year, you could be safe with a 25 to 40hp model. Whatever price range you limit yourself to will a determining factor, that may be why no one has put foreword a specific tractor. A lot depends on how mechanically adept you are, if you like old or new equipment, or what you'll do with your 10 acre spread! Give us more info and you'll see more answers!
 
Kenny-
Great suggestion about the 3 pt...... I will learn what that is. Also, gasoline versus diesel.
Thanks very much
Linda
 
My idea is to get it plowed so that I can spread seed ( pasture mix) before the rains. I am in the flood area, so will hope that I don't loose my shirt! then, in the spring, I hope to plant pumpkins, so that the local high school kids, or kids at risk could reap the rewards and have a chance to be around working the soil, and have a few horses, and raise a few feeder calves. so, I need to have pasture for the stock ( I have irrigation) and then I am open for ideas.... I am just so excited that I have land.in an area that many could never afford to have much more than a quarter area lot!
I have fences to build, and trees to plant.... and lots and lots of work to make this place beautiful!
Best regards,
Linda
 
Yes, I have done that. I have loam soil. But, you are right. I need to ask the ag extension office to have someone come out and advise me.
It is fairly level. there are a few spots that need to be leveled out. I have reclaimed water in the spring and summer. I have the line running through the property. I will need to learn about the risers, and how that all works.... the land hasn't been taken care of for a long time. It has sat and weeds and natural grasses have taken over. I did have a biologist come and walk the land with me. We were looking for vernal pools and red legged salamanders and frogs. No endangered plants were found.thank goodness! I do have a barn owl that lives in my water tower. I have a creek that runs along the north and east sides of my property. I have a valley oak that sits near the house. It is lovely and will a great gathering spot for people ;-)
I had a dris removal company remove 11 loads of debris left by the former owners...... even had an old car taken off, so now I have a clean pallet, and would like to make this place as beautiful as I can. Thanks for your input ;-)
Linda
 
Thank you for your very smart ideas. I appreciate your suggestions and have written them down, and that will help me in my search.
Best wishes-
Linda
 
I had no idea when i posted myquestion that so many would respond. I have appreciated all the answers, as many were right on with questions that I need to ask myself..... how much do I wish to spend, am I mechanicaly inclind, how much work will I do, what kind of use........ and you are aright. I may not be plowing the field but once...... and need to level it and get it planted. Then, again, I may be planting crops.... I think it would be smart for me to buy a used good working tractor that I will be able to have it serviced by a local dealer... I am doing this by myself, so there may be some things I physically will not be able to do. Having a tractor is going to take a lot of thought.
Thank you again for your thoughts-
Linda
 
A Massey Ferguson 35 or 135, or Ford 3000 are reasonable options based on your budget. Both are decent machines, and parts/service should be readily available.

If you think you might only plow the ground once, you're much better off to have someone else do that for you.

If you do that, you also do not need to hurry and purchase any of the equipment (including tractor). That gives you time to find the best deal.
 
I think if I had 10 acres that only had to have a pasture tended and light to sometimes moderate work, I'd fulfill dream #2 with one of these....

a121604.jpg


Good Luck and have fun.


Dave
 
what ever you decide to buy doesn't really matter. just be careful.
also please get an operaters manual, lots of safety instructions in them.
 
I would recommend checking out what is on Craigs list for Sacramento, Stockton and the San Francisco Bay areas. Just search tractors for sale. They seem to be less expensive around here than the rest of the country. Something interesting is always comming up. Everyone made tractors suitable to what you need, finding a good one is the trick. You will never regret getting something with a front end loader. The first implement should probably be a disc, 3 Pt or trailer dosen't matter. I prefer the trailer because they hook up easier and any tractor can pull them. Not only are they good for farming they are a godsend during our fire season. Ever thought about raising lambs for the ethnic markets ?
 
Linda, you can still do quite a lot with 10 acres so don't feel like you can't experience the dream. I've been working part time on a sustainable farm that has maybe about 30 acres under cultivation. It provides jobs for about 3 dozen people and all the crop is either sold or used at a restaurant the owners run. With good planning you can grow an amazing amount of food in that space. We are still sending a full truck in every morning and you would have an even longer season than us.

You definately need a tractor with a 3 point hitch. I would make sure it has power steering. The suggestions to look at something modern are certainly well founded but as you can see from this board there are quite a few machines still running that are 50 years old or older. I'm partial to Red Tractors myself but whatever you decide I'm sure you'll be able to ask all the question you need right here.


(quoted from post at 18:03:13 10/29/08) I had no idea when i posted myquestion that so many would respond. I have appreciated all the answers, as many were right on with questions that I need to ask myself..... how much do I wish to spend, am I mechanicaly inclind, how much work will I do, what kind of use........ and you are aright. I may not be plowing the field but once...... and need to level it and get it planted. Then, again, I may be planting crops.... I think it would be smart for me to buy a used good working tractor that I will be able to have it serviced by a local dealer... I am doing this by myself, so there may be some things I physically will not be able to do. Having a tractor is going to take a lot of thought.
Thank you again for your thoughts-
Linda
Click to expand...
 
Wait a minute, this is sounding better all the time!

You"re single and looking to buy a tractor? Yee-ha!

Maybe I need to come help you make that selection! You might wind up not needing to buy a tractor after all....I could just bring mine:).

On a more serious note, when it comes to buying any used machine, just remember: Caveat Emptor...let the buyer beware. You asked above about telling how a tractor had been used for front end loader work. Obviously, if it had a loader attached is the first indication. If it is 4 wheel drive, the front tires will be heavily worn unless they have been replaced...that is a dead give away. Nothing wrong with used tractors, just as long as they are not used up!
 
You want a 3 pt. hitch with a live PTO! You can mount a bush hog, disc, rototiller, post hole auger, cultivator and 100's of other attachments on it. A diesel would be much more economical than a gas. A tractor in the 40 to 60 H.P class would be ideal. Power steering is nice but if you don't have a loader, manual is perfectly fine. A Massey Ferguson 135, 150, 165 would be an excellent choice. Earlier 35 and 65 models are also good as are later models like a 230, 245 or 255. They are really straight forward and reliable tractors with excellent fuel economy. It would be good to have a mechanic or tractor expert check over anything you're considering buying though. If you find something, lets us know on here and we can tell you if it's a good choice or not and if the price is reasonable. Dave
 
Find out more about that John Deere you mentioned like a model number and get some pictures and post them. That price sounds cheap for a JD ?
 
Scott-
You have some great suggestions. I have learned quite a bit about tractors in the past few weeks. I agree with you on the front end loader bucket. I found a nice Kubota, 1993 70 HP, but with no bucket..... almost defeats my use of having tractor. I am wondering if this would be a good buy, and then find a loader???
I also found one vry close, in Sebastopol with bucket, and small ripper- scraper... but, only 35 HP.
If I go too far out, I will need to rent a trailer to bring it home. Lots to think about.
Thanks for your help
Linda
 
Dave-
So far, I haven't found any Massey F's on Craigslist. I am looking at two Kubota's Tell me what you think-

1) 1993 35 HP 4WD... 1027 hours, 3 pt, with bucket, and a ripper/scraper for $12,000 local tractor.

2) 1993 M 6950 4WD ROPS ( power steering)???
70 HP plus 10 weight for 10,500.
No bucket!!!! also about 25 miles away.
What do you think?
Thanks
Linda
 
Keep in mind the 1st thing a proud new owner of rural land does. They bush hog the entire thing into a 10 acre lawn. Then they wonder where the wildlife is disappearing into. They usually start blaming farming practices and hunters. The new owner themselves just destroyed the habitate.
If the animal lovers really cared and had a clue. They would be protesting spring/summer bush hogging in particular. Anybody every figure the amount of nesting birds, small animals, wild turkeys, fawns etc get chopped to bits?
If it doesn't have PS, decent brakes, real hydraulics, remote hydraulics, three point hitch, live pto. an easy starting engine, factory rops low hours & 12V electrics. You will hate the thing for being dangerous to operate. And wasting time + $$$ to fix.
Just a suggestion but the econo box Deere 2305 4X4 is cheap, takes a factory loader and will drag a Ford 8N,9N around in most field conditions.
 
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