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Tractor for 80 ac

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peter_vii
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 13 Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
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2008-07-17          155383


Hi there,

I'm looking for a new tractor for my 80ac property.
I have about 30 ac that were used for hay and
wheat, oats, 1 ac garden, 15 ac hard bush, the rest
is never plowed land (lots of stones!).

I'm looking for something that would let me do the following:

- hay/cash crops the 30 ac.
- 1-2 food plots
- snow removal of ~1000 ft driveway
- backhoe work for small ponds and fruit trees
- develop the remaining (40-50 ac) for hay lots
- I might need to build a few small driveways through
wet spots on the property

What size/brand of tractor would you recommend?

I'm thinking 50-60 HP, something along the lines of
M6040 or JD5225

What is the smallest HP required for hay balling or
plowing never plowed land (with lots of stones)?

Would I be underpowered with JD5225 or M6040?




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Tractor for 80 ac

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earthwrks
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3853 Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
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2008-07-18          155400


I'd say 35hp is the lowest you'd want to go. As far as plowing, my 33hp New Holland hydrostat can pull a two-bottom plow in solid clay with no problems. I would think you'd want to go with 3, 4 or more bottoms, right? I know nothing about haying. ....


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Tractor for 80 ac

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hardwood
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 3583 iowa
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2008-07-19          155402


Peter; I'd find the nearest Kubota or Deere deareship that you are comfortable with. They will know the local conditions and can better advise you on what size you need based on what type of haying an tillage work you waht to do. With all the buyouts, takeovers, and whatever else may be happening in the world of big business lets hope that Kubota and Deere will be around for the long haul to provide the service and repaire we will need. I would be real cautious about buying an import of some kind who's dealers may be here today and gone tomorrow leaving you with a parts orphan not to mention the resale value, both Kubota and Deere will hold the value real well. You mentioned wanting to get a backhoe for your tractor, both Kubota and Deere build a backhoe attachment for their tractors that has a good solid mount system that is quick and easy to mount and dismount. Enjoy your new tractor. Frank. ....


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Tractor for 80 ac

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kwschumm
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5764 NW Oregon
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2008-07-19          155407


I know almost nothing about haying, but from listening to guys that do I'd guess that 45-50hp would be about the minimum. Someone probably makes small haying equipment suitable for smaller machines but with the size of your property it would probably take forever to get the job done. ....


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Tractor for 80 ac

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Art White
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 6898 Waterville New York
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2008-07-19          155408



I know what we've been seeing in this area and a 6040 would do what you need.
I often recommend picking or removing stones by one method or another.

They can ruin haying equipment!

Thinking of the hay for a cash crop, it will be years to pay for the equipment and at that acreage it can actually turn into a frustration. ....


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Tractor for 80 ac

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candoarms
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1932 North Dakota
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2008-07-19          155410


Peter_vii,

In this area of North Dakota, haying is now a BIG operation. Bales weighing more than a ton each is a very common thing. It takes big equipment to handle and move those bales, which most people simply don't have.

The hobby farmers and the suburban horse owners don't have the equipment to move those huge bales around. Therefore, the smaller square bales of yesteryear are in now in high demand.

Those who make the smaller rectangle straw and hay bales are getting a premium price for their hay, as those small bales are all but impossible to find these days.

With 30 acres of hay, it's possible that you might be sitting on a gold mine. However, the farming and ranching techniques may be different in your area, making square bales a much more common commodity.

If you're willing to put some time and effort into fixing up and restoring an old baler, it could pay off for you, with little upfront cost. Those old square balers go a dime a dozen around here at auction, but they all need work.

Joel ....


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Tractor for 80 ac

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auerbach
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2168 West of Toronto
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2008-07-20          155440


Your proposed HP range sounds right. Smaller can do everything bigger can, but slower, so the value of your time is also a factor. You'll need traction, so in this size range you'll want ag-tread tires and 4WD capability.

A FEL is worth the cost, and needed if you get a rear hoe. All the work is done by attachments, they can add up to as much as the tractor, and choosing and installing the FEL is not a DIY project for most owners, so get a package deal. Haying has local customs, so get the advice of farming neighbors and dealers. Before plowing you might want to use a rock-remover. ....


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