2 tractors or 1?

Negligence · Mar 19, 2009

I'm in the market for a second tractor in the 130HP range (4wd, duals). I've currently got a Kubota M7040 (70hp) but need to get into ploughing and seeding my fields in rotation this year.

My budget is around $40-60K. Every machine I look at typically has 3500-6000 hours on it. Now I'm not sure if I should buy a 'newer' tractor for $60K with those hours, or two $30K 'older' tractors with the same hours.

On one hand I'm thinking that buying two 30K tractors will give me a backup in case the other breaks down when I really need it. But the 60K machine might be more reliable than two cheaper one's combined.

What do you think? Perhaps all I need is a single 30K machine?

Mike (WA) · Mar 19, 2009

I remember combining for a friend about a dozen years ago- they were still using 4 old Harris combines, that they had been babying along for many years. One of the 4 always seemed to be down (the reason I was driving one was so the patriarch of the family could spend full time in the shop, fixing the dead soldiers as they came in). I remember a neighbor's almost new Gleaner sitting in the same spot in his field for several days. My friend said, "It may take all 4 of ours to match his production, but we're kinda pullin' away from him right now."

That being said, we had so much trouble with those old Harris's that summer that they wound up trading them all off, and got a big International.

So I guess there's something to be said for either scenario.

cornfarmer · Mar 19, 2009

How about 4, $15,000 tractors. Or better yet, 8, $7500 tractors. Don't waste a tractor budget on one tractor. There are a lot of neat 130 hp+/- tractors for 15 large or less. IH 5088 down thru 1086 to 1206. You can have your choice of Case 4wd tractors from 2670 down, and several 2wd models as well. Lots of big older Allis and Massey tractors. Better yet, one of each. Stay away from green paint ($$$$$) and possibilities are many.

Ken Macfarlane · Mar 19, 2009

The 130 hp machine will sit parked most of the year? Buy an
oldie like a 1086 or buy a matching pair to share parts.

How big is your operation, what will it cost if your machine is
down?

The new ones seem to take just as long to get parts and there
are more things you can't jury rig to get you through.

I would have to be putting a pile of money into the ground to
need 60,000$ parked in the yard most of the year.

rrlund · Mar 19, 2009

There's something to be said for both I guess. I broke a shift rod in the transmission of a 55 horse tractor yesterday. Took the loader off and put it on another one just like it that sat here in the barn,right back to work. Went to get the 135 horse tractor out of the shed today to haul manure,had an 18.4R38 tire blown all to h*ll. Split out along the bead. Only backup is a 'slow on the road' 90 horse. Never hurts to have a spare.

I need a handle · Mar 19, 2009

Just buy one 7110 Case IH or similar and be done with it. The dealers are all just a phone call away. No sense in having way more money tied up in it than you need to.

Traditional Farmer · Mar 19, 2009

You should be able to find something for a lot less than that.I saw a good running Allis 7080 4WD around 180HP sell for $10,100 a few weeks ago

kyhayman · Mar 19, 2009

Take 10,000 and get a good 2390/2490 Case, spend the rest on something else. 3000-4000 hours should be just getting broke in good on most of these if they have been serviced regularly.

KYfarm · Mar 19, 2009

forget the 4WD, get a Massey 1135 (it'll run duals if you want ), have the hydraulics and engine overhauled by somebody good, get a 2 post canopy on it and get it painted and then leave your other $40,000 in the bank.

paul · Mar 19, 2009

I'm not sure of the need for 4wd (you mean front wheel assist, or a full articulated one?) on that size tractor, can easily get 130hp to the ground with duals on a single axle. Got my tractor of 130 hp for $10,600 at auction 5-6 years ago, other then letting the hyd fluid spew out & locking up the $4000 repairs on the hi/lo, hasn't neede much.

Myself, I'd get something in the mid-price range, $10,000-25,000, and them fix up the weak point on it, and have a good machine.

--->Paul

Negligence · Mar 20, 2009

Well I'd be using the tractor in summer to help doing hay, and the spring/fall for ploughing. It will sit all winter. And by 4wd I meant front-wheel assist. My first tractor was 2wd, I won't make that mistake again.

I'm on 170 acres (this is large for my area) and downtime is not a major concern since the hay season is the only time-sensitive work it will be doing.

I was under the impression that 4000 hours was fairly high, especially for a machine that has been ploughing and doing heavy work most of its life, and I could only realistically expect another 1500-2000 hours more if it was maintained well (but this is hard to determine). I have limited experience so I do not know what is high and what is average for a machine.

You guys have definietely got me convinced my budget should be a lot lower, the wife will be happy about that LOL.

2 tractors or 1?

Negligence

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Mike (WA)

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cornfarmer

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Ken Macfarlane

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rrlund

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I need a handle

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Traditional Farmer

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kyhayman

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KYfarm

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paul

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Negligence

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