Advice on a newer tractor for utility

[docmirror]

So, I keep messing with my old Ford 960, and the AC D17, and my three AC model D graders. Now, I need a more modern utility tractor that I can get jobs done quicker.

My tasks: Mostly front loader moving sand and dirt, and smoothing. A decent size FEL is a requirement. Some boring, grading, blading, large raking, brush hog. No farm use, like row-crop stuff. I do not want a Chinese tractor, I might consider one from India.

Budget is around $18k and older is better for me. I refuse to get anything that needs DEF, completely off the list. Hydro would be nice, and shuttle(for loader work) would be handy to have. When I say $18k budget, that doesn't mean $27k, or $34K, it means "$18k". Lemee know what I'm getting.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

So, I keep messing with my old Ford 960, and the AC D17, and my three AC model D graders. Now, I need a more modern utility tractor that I can get jobs done quicker.

My tasks: Mostly front loader moving sand and dirt, and smoothing. A decent size FEL is a requirement. Some boring, grading, blading, large raking, brush hog. No farm use, like row-crop stuff. I do not want a Chinese tractor, I might consider one from India.

Budget is around $18k and older is better for me. I refuse to get anything that needs DEF, completely off the list. Hydro would be nice, and shuttle(for loader work) would be handy to have. When I say $18k budget, that doesn't mean $27k, or $34K, it means "$18k". Lemee know what I'm getting.

Inflation is so crazy I don't know what's possible now. Several years ago I was looking for a utility tractor. I found a NH TT60A with a few hundred hours on it, basically like new, for $10,000. Very basic, simple tractor, I think made in India! I liked it well enough I looked for another. In the summer of 2023 I found a TN55 a few states away with about 1600 hours for the same money. I bought it sight unseen. This one needed some fixing. I believe it was made in Italy. Tractors look nearly identical, but have many differences. The TN55 has a mechanical shuttle shift, and all four gears are synchronized. Hi/lo to give you 8 speeds is mechanical. Both have dual hydraulic pumps, but on the TT60A one is dedicated to the power steering, with its own reservoir. This makes no sense to me when the other makes both pumps available for work, and no separate reservoir. The TN55 is just all around a more premium version, with the same engine. The three point is much more robust, and so on.
The D17 is a great tractor. I think it would be cool to have a D grader, but I don't know why! They're antiques now. I'm enough of an antique I need something newer to work with!
Best of luck in your search.

 

[Big massey]

You might want to think about a skid loader. Way handier than a loader tractor for what you describe.

 

[fusion1]

Look at a L series Kubota

 

[Koolaid]

New Holland TC33 / TC40 / TC45. Case IH DX of same size. New Holland Boomer. LS R 4020 type. Older John Deere 4000 series. Kubota L series.

Really you should be able to find something pretty clean and pre-def in the 40hp range for $18k from what I've seen lately on marketplace. Not falling off trees, but they are around. Just be patient and get something that hasn't been beat to death.

 

[Richard G.]

So, I keep messing with my old Ford 960, and the AC D17, and my three AC model D graders. Now, I need a more modern utility tractor that I can get jobs done quicker.

My tasks: Mostly front loader moving sand and dirt, and smoothing. A decent size FEL is a requirement. Some boring, grading, blading, large raking, brush hog. No farm use, like row-crop stuff. I do not want a Chinese tractor, I might consider one from India.

Budget is around $18k and older is better for me. I refuse to get anything that needs DEF, completely off the list. Hydro would be nice, and shuttle(for loader work) would be handy to have. When I say $18k budget, that doesn't mean $27k, or $34K, it means "$18k". Lemee know what I'm getting.

I am very happy with my Kubota L 5030 with loader.
It has about 3500 hours on it.
I got it from a friend for $4500.
Bargain fer sho.

 

[RCP]

I have a Massey 1660 built by Iseki, it is a 2010 model FEL 4x4 mechanical tranny, has 1200 hrs. I paid $12,000 for it 2 years ago. The Massey tractors seem to have more features than some of the other brands. Engine is rated at 60 hp, but it is 45 hp PTO. So far, the tractor has been trouble-free and runs my 7' finish mower and 7' brush hog with ease.
I had been using an Oliver 550 and it would run the mowers ok, pushed snow ok, etc., but the Massey is so much more, I have not regretted the change at all.

 

[PSI28]

Good news is pretty much anything under 75hp dont need DEF, and if you go older like pre 2013 you mostly dodge the DPF too. A hydro covers the shuttle need for loader work anyway. Kubota Grand L HST fits $18k, or a Mahindra 4035 if a shuttle is ok. Be patiant, theyll show up.

 

[Steve in IL]

I'll just add that for a FEL on a utility tractor, if you intend to use the FEL for anything serious, you will want FWA (or 4wd, call it what you want). A utility tractor can get really light in the back end when the FEL bucket is loaded. Without FWA, you'll struggle to get any traction. Sure, you can weight down the back with all kinds of options, but my experience is FWA is by far the best option.

 

[rrlund]

.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

2350-2755 John Deere and all the tractors in that range I believe there are 6 options. Some have optional left hand reverser and cab.

They will go down rows but wouldn’t need to and would fit your price point

 

[docmirror]

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at some of the offerings and go do some shopping.