new tractor buyer

[Matt Shumlas]

I have 50 acres that I need a tractor for. 48 acres is woods and 2 acres is grass/pasture. I have been looking at Ford 8N and Massey Ferguson 135 tractors. I primarily will bush hog, chisel plow the pasture, disc the pasture, haul downed trees out of the woods and grade the gravel road. It is hilly in Kentucky where I am at. Is a 20hp 8n tractor enough muscle or would I be better off with a 35hp MF135? I appreciate any opinions you may have. Thanks,

 

[Jim in NC]

The 135 hands down with your rough terrain. Get a diesel for better fuel economy.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The 135 is so much more tractor than an 8n it isn't even funny... I'm not talking hp here, it's just a lot better stronger built tractor all the way around... Spend the money to find one that isn't beat or used up, and it will last you a long long time.

 

[RodinNS]

135 diesel if those are the only two choices...

Rod

 

[GinNB]

MF135 diesel all the way. You"ll be getting a real farm tractor rather than just a hobby.

It"s a good size for a small farm and I made do with a similar tractor (Ford 3000) for years and years.

 

[Anonymous-0]

If its hilly you should consider a four wheel drive tractor, if your budget can afford it. I agree with the Massey diesel on the two options you listed.

 

[Matt Shumlas]

Is a gas 135 vs. a diesel 135 easier to maintain? I'm moderately handy with motors, can change pumps, belts, filters, oil. Never rebuilt one but can be perform scheduled maintenance myself. I appreciate the info. Thank you all! -Matt

 

[BobinKY]

Hey Matt. Congrats on the new land. I recently got our place in Anderson County, very near the Van Buren boat dock on Taylorsville Lake. I KNOW HILLS!!!!! I first got an Allis Chalmers wide front WD but I could not get around in wet conditions so I broke down and bought a Kubota 3830 4X4 tractor. It is the best investment I have ever made. It has loaded tires, FEL, and an assortment of impliments. It is great for dragging timber because of the four wheel drive. You don"t have to worry about the tractor raring up. If you can afford it, I would strongly encourage you to look at the 4X4 tractors. I have heard that guys are having great luck with the lesser known 4X4 tractors like Branson, etc. Most all of the tractors are made overseas these days, so you can"t go by that anymore. Northern catalog has a number of packages listed that includes the tractor and different impliments. Good luck.

 

[495man]

If those are the choices, 135 all the way, get a diesel, the 8N and 135 aren"t even in the same category.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Get a diesel...it's waaay worth more to have the diesel...

 

[Anonymous-0]

QUOTE: "Northern catalog has a number of packages listed that includes the tractor and different impliments. Good luck."

All of the tractors in the Northern catalog are chinease made, he will NEED "good luck" if he buys one of those!

 

[SuperHank]

I did it with a Super H on 120 acres I rented and bought 168 later. I got real tired of getting on my SuperH and needing to adjust the carb etc. If you have any way go to the Mahindra, MF or other reputable deal and bite the bullet. Finance for 5 years and you will be much better off.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Given that choice, and assuming they areboth in good mechanical shape, the MF135 is a much better machine with live hydraulics and live pto and, more horsepower.

 

[Anonymous-0]

You absolutely cannot compare a Ford n (nor some of the issues after that thru the thousand series) to a MF 35 or 135. Totally different critters and if you get the Perkins diesel in the MF, absolutely no comparison. BTDT.

Mark

 

[crehberg]

135 would be my pick.