Tractor Recommendation

HeadWrecked93

So my other half is expanding his farm and looking to upgrade his tractor from MF135. I'm helping in the search and was looking for some recommendations.

Here's some info to help:
-50 acre sheep farm with 100 ewes expanding to 150 next year and enough stock and income for his dad to go full time on farm in about 2-3years.
- need tractor to fodder. Atm they open a round bale of silage in middle of yard and sprong it to all sheds
- need tractor to go up fields for jobs i.e fix fences, give meal etc.
- budget is 12k
- must have front loader preferable euro hitch.
- have looked at case 895 and John deere so far but open to options.

Thanks for help

mythos110

For your budget would say you are on the right track
Case 885/895
Fiat 80-90; 90-90
Ford 6610/7610

You want something simple but reliable and a decent cab! 4wd if you intend travelling fields in inclement weather. (Assuming that with sheep there is some element of steep ground)

lakill Farm

10k tractor and 2 k quad for sheep work and feeding?

Bullocks

lakill Farm wrote: »

10k tractor and 2 k quad for sheep work and feeding?

Good thinking, also if you have to fork silage from the yard into the sheds maybe a few pound could be directed into a feeding barrier to save forking.
Another point is the income from 150 ewes mightn't be fulltime money

Nekarsulm

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/john-deere-2650-with-loader/14426797

How about this? Ideally get a mechanic versed in JD to check it over, and if OK would be nice outfit. Only one door on these, and barely room for a terrier, let alone a Collie. Probably at the bottom of its depreciation curve, so won't drop any more in value if its minded.

farmerjj

Nekarsulm wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/john-deere-2650-with-loader/14426797

How about this? Ideally get a mechanic versed in JD to check it over, and if OK would be nice outfit. Only one door on these, and barely room for a terrier, let alone a Collie. Probably at the bottom of its depreciation curve, so won't drop any more in value if its minded.

I remember as a child growing up,and our contractor had one of these(late eighties time) always thought they were cool looking, still to this day would love one of them in the yard, maybe someday (sorry OP I know that's zero help)

TGJD

Should be able to get a case 5130 for that money. Great loader tractor. Decent cab, great layout. Shuttle and good gear selection. Plenty of power for most farm jobs and comfortable.

TGJD

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-maxxum-5130/14223907
Near the top of your price range but great example and should be able to get that price down a bit surely and find a loader for it fairly easily. Will be a great tractor for years to come and be able for anything you ask of it.

Bass Reeves

I think a quad for feeding outside is a good option. Depending on land type a 4wd may be required.nThi will bring Tractor budget below 10k. You need to prioritize what you wanting a tractor. If feeding bales is a 4wd and a loader required. Little difference between springing in a shed and springing in a yard. Ideally you need a way of breaking up a bale. Bales are fairly heavy and are very heavy on the front of a tractor and loader. Something like a case 4230 . Some of the later models had a shuttle which is ideal for yard work. Biggest issue with them were lads not maintaining them . Another thing to watch is that the digital display have trouble and may have been replaced so lower hours may be on clock.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-4230/14085653
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-4230-pro-4wd/14263445
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-international-4230-l-cab-with-chiton-loader/14398760

There are two smaller models the 4220 and 4210 these are rarer and nearly as expensive as the bigger models but may have done very limited work.
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-international-4210/14399814

I would be slow getting a very bid tractor as most may have been contracting for years . The biggest thing is to get it well checked out. Also expect to spend 1-2 k getting a few things fixed on it because no matter how good the mechanic is there will be some issue with any second hand tractor

Farmer

You know how it goes...an 895 would be adequate but the gears are terrible, left hand side, a terrible range lever, either too slow in reverse on the non shuttle model or, too fast in reverse and no dual power on the model with shuttle

The 4230's that Bass has posted look nicer, gears in the right place but still the messed up ratios. Some people have had loads of bother with them, others swear by them for up to 20k hours

For the price of the dearest of them, you're looking at the cheapest of the CX's, with both shuttle AND dual power, loads of the problems of the 42xx supposed to be sorted out I think Case were supposed to have made over 30 mechanical improvements in these over the 42's

Cx80
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-ih/13920960
Cx90
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/case-cx90-loader/14383141
Cx100
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/1999-case-cx100/13667592

...but now you're getting into money - almost enough to start looking at others like
NH 6640
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/new-holland-6640/14396582
NH 6635
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/newholland-6635/14185182

and that's at the lower end of the Fiat/New Hollands - except for maybe a 8894
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/fiat-8894-and-quicke-loader/14106819

Then there's the tyres. If you have soft ground (and it's starting to look like we all will have), then the 540 rear / 440 fronts make a different tractor out of it but your looking at loads of dosh there

That's why I bought an 895. If you have the work, there's so much more tractor in the others, especially when you spread the extra cost over 10+ years. However, one can't justify it if it's parked up most of the time. Overall, the 895 is very neat in a yard, fairly reliable and simple to fix. I try not to change gear too often

I'll leave it to someone else to write the Deere and MF story..

Willfarman

would something like a ford 4600 be a big come up from a 135

Bass Reeves

I agree with farmer if you go into the 15-20 k price bracket you really open up your choice of tractors. You go into shuttle territory, 40k boxes etc. As I posted if you intend in staying down around 10k you have to prioritize what you consider necessary. You posted that you will have 150 ewes. I imagine that you are doing very limited work on a tractor.

Another option is a 2wd tractor with a rear grab. It would allow you to drop the HP of the tractor back down below 70;HP. I am guessing that they are feeding only a bale/ daynand the biggest part of the work is breaking you the bale. A rear grab can be got for 3-400 euro second hand and the same again to refit it to spool valves. Not ideal but would open up the tractor choice.

twin_beacon

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/fiat-70-90/14280626

If it was my money thats what I would get.

farmerjj

twin_beacon wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/fiat-70-90/14280626

If it was my money thats what I would get.

Is that not a bit expensive, the tractors nearly 30years old? Think the OP wants a loader on it so that's another 3/4k.

twin_beacon

It has a loader, its just not on the tractor in the pics.
I wouldn't worry about the year, the tractor seems to be in great condition from the pics. All the panels look ok, all the glass in the cab, no broken lenses on the lights, and the exhaust isnt missing the top half. When a machine is looked after that well, it usually means it was looked after under the bonnet too. Either way, I'd still get a mechanic to give it the once over before I'd buy it.

With a budget of 12k for a 4wd loader tractor, if you want a newer machine, you could look at a zettor or ursus. However, unlike the fiat, they will depreciate a lot more over the years.

PN14

Is it just me or are the tractors discussed above not way over the top for what the OP requires. They are currently managing with a 135 and are feeding a bale a day from my understanding. Surely a 65/70hp tractor is more than sufficient for this type of work. Some suggesting 110 hp machines. A 2WD & loader would suffice even for feeding a small nr of bales out around the yard etc. Old saying around at home if the land/ground is too wet for a 2wd then you shouldn't be out on it in a 4wd either.
Good suggestion from Lakill tractor with quad for feeding outside during winter shoulders of the year.
You'd pick up a nice MF265 seeing as ur familiar with the Massey's and add a loader or rear grab as suggested for less than 10k nice example below
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/tractor/14069129
Pick up a quad for the feeding meal out the fields
You could go for an MF 365 or similar for more comfort but the 300 series MF's are expensive
Nice Ford 4630 here with loader 9k
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/ford-4630/13848515

Jb1989

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/14438832
Ford 4600

2wd old ford. But cheap and cheerful at 3500

twin_beacon

PN14 wrote: »

A 2WD & loader would suffice even for feeding a small nr of bales out around the yard etc.

I'd be weary of a 2wd with a loader that had been feeding bales for many years. The weight of bales on the front axle cause them to wear a lot quicker than 4wd axles. We had an international 674 with a loader for a good few years, the front axle was in bits when we traded it.
However, the op wont be feeding 3+ bales a day, so buying a 2wd that never had a loader, then adding one later could be a good option.

Farmer

PN14 wrote: »

Is it just me or are the tractors discussed above not way over the top for what the OP requires. .....

OK, we may have got a bit carried away but It's not every day we get free rein of a €12k cheque

TGJD

PN14 wrote: »

Is it just me or are the tractors discussed above not way over the top for what the OP requires. They are currently managing with a 135 and are feeding a bale a day from my understanding. Surely a 65/70hp tractor is more than sufficient for this type of work. Some suggesting 110 hp machines. A 2WD & loader would suffice even for feeding a small nr of bales out around the yard etc. Old saying around at home if the land/ground is too wet for a 2wd then you shouldn't be out on it in a 4wd either.
Good suggestion from Lakill tractor with quad for feeding outside during winter shoulders of the year.
You'd pick up a nice MF265 seeing as ur familiar with the Massey's and add a loader or rear grab as suggested for less than 10k nice example below
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/tractor/14069129
Pick up a quad for the feeding meal out the fields
You could go for an MF 365 or similar for more comfort but the 300 series MF's are expensive
Nice Ford 4630 here with loader 9k
https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/ford-4630/13848515

I see your point but the op has a budget of 12k. That opens up a lot of good tractor options and suggests somewhat of an investment toward the future. A moderately large tractor with more power but still a lot of maneuverability is a lot more versatile. I suggest a case 5130 because i know it to be a great comfortable loader tractor having driven one for years. I also know them to be a great tractor for many other jobs. The op has certain jobs in mind now but their business is expanding. In 5 years time they may need more from their tractor than a small two wheel drive can provide. So if spending 12k I would think its wiser to buy a more versatile machine that can comfortably do what you need it for as well as knowing you have a machine that can handle any farm job if needed in future, from slurry to mowing heavy silage.

Bass Reeves

TGJD wrote: »

I see your point but the op has a budget of 12k. That opens up a lot of good tractor options and suggests somewhat of an investment toward the future. A moderately large tractor with more power but still a lot of maneuverability is a lot more versatile. I suggest a case 5130 because i know it to be a great comfortable loader tractor having driven one for years. I also know them to be a great tractor for many other jobs. The op has certain jobs in mind now but their business is expanding. In 5 years time they may need more from their tractor than a small two wheel drive can provide. So if spending 12k I would think its wiser to buy a more versatile machine that can comfortably do what you need it for as well as knowing you have a machine that can handle any farm job if needed in future, from slurry to mowing heavy silage.

TBH I cannot see the use for a six cylinder tractor as a yard tractor. 5130 has a wheel base of nearly 9 feet 2.6 meters. OP other half and is sheep farming so no slurry and I imagine with sheepmsilage is taken as opportunity arise in late June, July and August. Yes he is expanding but to go beyond his present plans he need to buy or rent land.

Biggest mistake lads on heavy land make is thinking that a 4WD tractor will solve the problem of traffic ability. All it causes is compaction and it runs what ever drainage already existed. For feeding bales it is impossible to beat a 2wd tractor around the yard. At present OP is feeding at most a bale/day this will rise to 1.5 bales/day. The bigger the tractor the more maintenance and !Ore problems as she will be running at very low revs around the yard. TBH I reckon that OP would get away with a 50-70 HP tractor in a 2wd even if he was feeding 300 sheep. His issue is trying to break up a bale and then having a tractor that has the manoeuvrability then to carry that into a shed and to get it into a what ever sheep feeder he has.

I even think if he put a front loader on a tractor a 2wd may be a better option and accept the fact that wil be harder on the front axle and because of that you will have to maintain the front axle. However the manoeuvrability of a small 2wd in tight sheds might reduce the workload on the father if he is doing a lot of the work in 2-3 years time. However that means that power steering is a must and ideally a shuttle as floor changing gears is a disaster at this type of work.

Now most modern 2wd are build on the same chassis from about 60-90 HP most tend to be slightly less than 8' wide. There tends to be a bigger selection in the UK than in Ireland. The case CX seriex, the NH TL series, the MF 42/43 series. They case will be in the 12-15k bracket and the others will be slightly more expensive in the 14+ bracket with no loader. But I would worry about a loader later. Remember the MF 135 is worth a couple of grand as well

Willfarman

Jb1989 wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/14438832
Ford 4600

2wd old ford. But cheap and cheerful at 3500

A sheep farm near here with close on 400 ewes carrying on perfect with one of these.

Username John

Would have to agree with Bass, I think that case 5130 would be too big...

They currently have a 135. They are going to maybe 150 ewes...

Hard to see how a move to such a big tractor could be justified...

Very similar situation to myself to be honest... have a few sheep and a 135...

If I was looking at upgrading I'd be looking at a bigger 2wd, something around the 70hp size... for the tipping around that I do, burning more diesel in anything bigger I would see as a waste...

Best of luck with it anyways OP, whatever you do...

mycro2013

twin_beacon wrote: »

I'd be weary of a 2wd with a loader that had been feeding bales for many years. The weight of bales on the front axle cause them to wear a lot quicker than 4wd axles. We had an international 674 with a loader for a good few years, the front axle was in bits when we traded it.
However, the op wont be feeding 3+ bales a day, so buying a 2wd that never had a loader, then adding one later could be a good option.

I rather a buy a 2wd with loader than a 4wd. The costs associated with repairing a 2wd are a fraction of a 4wd. Usually just a few wheel bearings. The centre pivot will wear on both.

satstheway

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/massey-ferguson-390/14439409

Something like this would be good.
Not too heavy.

We have 398 with over 8000hrs and starts when u turn the key.
Simple no electrics.

Very nimble around yard.

Good lifting power

If you go 4 wheel drive you will never go back.



We had problems with steering and bushings in both our 2 wheel drive tractors. But never in the 4 wheel drive.

handlemaster

Would the poster not be better to go with a 165 / 188 somthing like that , even better if its been recondidioned. 150 ewe s dont warrant spending big.

charolais0153

What about jd 6010...2wd have seen them with loader and are nimble enough around a yard

Farmer

charolais0153 wrote: »

What about jd 6010...2wd have seen them with loader and are nimble enough around a yard

I think the problem is that we'd all like one of these

Bass Reeves

Now here is an interesting tractor it was formally a lawn tractor it is sub 50 HP will struggle to lift a bale but it is 4wd I think. With a small front loader she be a tidy tractor around a yard for feeding sheep. It is priced at 7900 sterling plus vat I presume. I wonder would be swap the lawn tyres for Agg tyres and plug a small tidy second hand loader on it for less than 12k. Main disadvantage would be it would struggle to lift round bales out in the field with the rear lift unless they were well wilted. However with a small loader and grab it would allow you to break up bales (especially if they were chopped) and feed them to sheep in a shed. Would be ideal to clean shed draw home turf. Other main issue is whether gear box is a 12 gear shuttle or hydrostatic 3 gear version. But for sub 12 k would tick a lot of boxes.

https://www.donedeal.ie/tractors-for-sale/john-deere-4320/14103323

twin_beacon

mycro2013 wrote: »

I rather a buy a 2wd with loader than a 4wd. The costs associated with repairing a 2wd are a fraction of a 4wd. Usually just a few wheel bearings. The centre pivot will wear on both.

Cheaper yes, but maintenance was required more often. Also, with a bale on our loader with the 2wd, the steering was under pressure and would be very heavy. id never go back to a 2wd loader tractor.