Size of tractor and attachments

4 posts
Tue, 10/25/2011 - 22:17 #1

Member for

13 years 1 month
Mansfield
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 10/08/2011 - 20:56

Size of tractor and attachments

Hi, I have a 100 acre farm in Mansfield , Victoria which we manage on a part time basis. We have 24 Black Angus steers and 4 Angus cows. Other than than the boundary fence the property has no internal fences, nor does it have a dwelling. Over time we intend to establish seperate paddocks, build another dam, a driveway and eventually a small house. I am toying with the idea of purchasing a tractor, however I'm not sure what size would be suitable and what attachments I would need. Some people tell me not to purchase such machinery, prefering to get contractors in to do the work instead of the large capital outlay. Any ideas or thoughts?

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Fri, 11/04/2011 - 19:04 #2
goodimangrove
Last seen: 10/27/2011 - 10:28
Joined: 09/23/2011 - 16:27

I have a refurbed Kubota 35hp with all sorts of attachments. The property is 275 acres, but only about half of that is arable, the other half is lovely native bush.  We are part time as well.  It would probably be more economic to get a contractor in, but I enjoy my time on the tractor, so you have to factor that value in.  As for implements, the bucket gets a workout, the slasher definitely, and a box scraper for keeping the driveway tidy - and I did cut a small dam with it as well.  Probably more important is the quality of the slasher.  I would certainly spend the extra on a heavy duty model when this one finally gives up the ghost.

Second hand ones are going pretty cheap at the moment, and they are fun... and it lets you try things out, clear fallen trees, carry firewood... all sorts of odds and sods that a contractor just doesn't do!

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Sat, 10/29/2011 - 18:52 #3
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

It is a common mistake for small farmers (also large farmers) to feel the need to own every piece of equipment that they are going to use on the farm. In short, the more you are going to use a piece of farm equipment the more you can justify its purchase.

Before you purchase a small tractor consider its price, warranty period, maintenance costs (particularly if buying second hand), insurance, registration and depreciation. To weigh this up against using a contractor, average out your costs of owning over a set period and compare this to the number of contract hours that you could purchase with the same amount of money. Also investigate the availability of local contractors in your area, rates and operator experience.

For some farm operations like dam and road building, I would use a contractor. These are specialised jobs with the contractor being able to complete a quality job and in less time. If you use a contractor for these jobs you will require a much smaller tractor for general farming activities.

As for the tractor size that you require, I would look at the implements and their size (8ft slasher) and work backwards from there. Don't feel that you need to purchase all of the implements straight away, I started off with a bucket and over the years have added a blade, forks and rock bucket to my implement range. 

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Sun, 01/15/2012 - 21:25 #4
princemyheart
Last seen: 03/08/2018 - 21:05
Joined: 12/06/2011 - 16:08

Years ago I bought a 'grey' import tractor. Kubota L 2201. It has a front end loader and along with slasher, blade, hay spike, it is indispensable. I have 240 acres with mixed stock and plantations.

If the Kubota dies.... I'll go straight out and get another!

Having said that, I still get contractors in to do the bigger things like turn over a paddock, cut hay, dig a dam etc.

Cheers Royce

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