Looking at a Ford 3910, need some advice please…

[DavyH]

My advice is be very very careful on hills especially if you don't have any tractor experience. The number of experienced people that have rolled tractors on hills is not funny.

4wd is very useful. Coming down hills the front wheels will be able to help provide traction. Also going up if it's slippery. If you use a front end loader it helps a lot with loading. I wouldn't be without it.
ROPS - what ever tractor you choose make sure it has roll over protection. Also I suggest getting a seat belt otherwise the ROPS won't really help you if you get flung out.
Duals are brilliant if you are wanting to go sideways on hills. Can be a little challenging going through gateways etc if they are narrow so something to be aware of.
Tractor Size for 45 aces maybe the 3910 is on the smaller size? It depends on what implements you want to run and how much time you have. Bigger tractor = bigger mower = faster mowing. At least where I live bigger tractors are often cheaper than the smaller tractors as they are less sort after..
Front end loader = I wouldn't be without my front end loader. It's amazing how much stuff you need to lift or pull out etc all the time.
Brand = The tidiest tractor in your area for your budget I've got a ford but that's just because that was what was available at the time. I was also keen on a FIAT.

my 2c

 

[a49deere]

think about operating a post hole digger on a steep hill.

hope it is used in the right direction! And at the bottom of the steep portion!!

 

[a49deere]

I have never backed up a hill.

If you did you probably didnt get far!

 

[sotxbill]

Fellas i really appreciate all your help and good info. Just so i understand this concept, please correct me if im wrong. With a 2wd tractor, if a hill is too steep to drive across sideways, and I have to go straight down it:

-Obviously check first for holes or rocks or anything else that would be a tip over or roll over hazard
-Stay in a high gear like 1st or 2nd, and stay in high range for better traction

Do i have the range and gearing correct?

When you break loose traction,, it does not make a difference if its 2wd or 4wd,,, a sliding tractor is a problem. TO state a 4wd would be safer would be a mistake. ESPECIALLY since most 4wd tractor have taller tires on the front end with a higher CG than a 2wd with 16 inch rims on the front. SO sliding and then suddenly digging in, sideways on any tractor, on a slope it a danger. And taller tractors(higher CG) more so. And yes too steep to drive sideways, you can go up and down. You will probably use 2nd or 3rd gear for most cutting. A 3910 is/was a very good tractor if not worn out.. very good. So again, condition is everyrthing.

 

[sotxbill]

"So is backing down hill ever a good idea?" I'd think not. Would be for me for sure....looking over my shoulder from a tractor seat is getting painful and I can only see part of the rear view unless I turn around and then the steering and gearing get in the way of my legs.

Backing UP a hill is considered safest on super steep, but difficult/impossible with a ground mounted shredder..... BUT never back down a hill, as if you hit the brakes too quickly on too steep, the tractor could "rear" up in the front. Having a ROPS system and seat belts are a must.

 

[showcrop]

One i always used has 2 wooden handles. Or you can drive steel post in. High power electric fence would not need many post, even for goats.

You probably mean Hi Tensile. We strung a lot of that here in 1989.