That Tractor is a bit too small for your tasks. I think you need a bigger machine - so 50hp+. What you have is a handy little utility tractor but not heavy enough for medium field work. An older 30 year old tractor you can easily maintain (less electrics). Older field tractors way past their prime would happily sort your land out. I had a NH T4.65 - it was good but too much electrics and issues. I bought an Agrotron-85 from 1999 for my 18acres. It does great - modern tractors are too difficult to repair due to BCM/EBUS etc - buy older stuff 25-35year old and do your research on which are solid and you can still gets part for. I love my Agrotron so much I bought a 2nd and use it as a donor machine. Modern dealerships are terrible and support is bad, parts are unavailable or software locked.
Man, you're reading my mind. The Mahindra dealer I took mine to has a 47hp that he took in on trade and is asking about $5500. We went through basically the exact conversation you just stated - I need sub-surface implements and 50hp is ideal for those. I've also been looking for older machines (like the Ford 8n and such), but a huge problem is that there doesn't seem to be anyone around my area to work on those. So in the event of a breakdown I'd either be stuck trying to repair it myself (which I don't have the time for), or I'd have to bring it quite a way to someone who does repair them. I'm trying to find a happy balance between old enough to be reasonable, yet not so old that breakdowns are commonplace. Likewise, a well-enough supported brand for the shop(s) right around me. When I found my little tractor I thought it was perfect for the limited amount of stuff I needed to do, and I certainly didn't want to get into a situation like I did with the bulldozer last year (buying something WAYYY too big).... but I agree, I think I undersized it this time. Well, it is all a learning experience!! :-)
Wade, we don't have one of those nearby - that's my issue. I did call one and they said that since they would have to build one with new universals, they would need the tractor as well.... and it was a few hours away. That's not a desirable option - I'm hoping someone has a web link or something for some generic part that just happens to fit this tractor. Hahahaha.
Mike, sadly the old one isn't weldable - it's a modular design with like 40 pieces to it. If it was the new generation model with the universal joints, that could certainly be repaired versus replaced. I would need to have something custom fabricated from the ground-up, and without having the tractor at a shop that does driveline fabrication (of which there aren't any in my area), there's no real way to just eyeball it. Likewise, I have been told the universal joints on the new model are similar in size and shape to lightweight steering joints - but steering joints cannot be used for this application since they are not heavy-duty components. There isn't even a real good option for custom fabrication - at least not around me. :-(
I've been looking around, Lonnie - while there are some tractor rentals on Facebook Marketplace, they aren't close to me and they aren't cheap!! I asked the repair shop if they rent any and they said no. The hunt continues. I haven't given up yet, but the hope is quickly draining away.............................
@@BuyingTheFarm talk to them about doing a trade. Who knows that might not be as bad as it sounds. You've still got 2 legs and 2 arms. Heck the least they'd ask for is a arm and a leg. But if they ask for your left nut I'd probably turn them down. 🤔🫣🙄. Good luck on whatever route you go on this.
Hahahaha - funny you should mention that. We talked about that when I brought the tractor for repair. I was astounded to find out that some of those entry-level tractors are as much as a NEW CAR (and I'm sure you know the price of new cars.... $30k and up). It's just INSANITY.
Get this fixed? If so, what was the solution?
That Tractor is a bit too small for your tasks. I think you need a bigger machine - so 50hp+. What you have is a handy little utility tractor but not heavy enough for medium field work. An older 30 year old tractor you can easily maintain (less electrics). Older field tractors way past their prime would happily sort your land out. I had a NH T4.65 - it was good but too much electrics and issues. I bought an Agrotron-85 from 1999 for my 18acres. It does great - modern tractors are too difficult to repair due to BCM/EBUS etc - buy older stuff 25-35year old and do your research on which are solid and you can still gets part for. I love my Agrotron so much I bought a 2nd and use it as a donor machine. Modern dealerships are terrible and support is bad, parts are unavailable or software locked.
Man, you're reading my mind. The Mahindra dealer I took mine to has a 47hp that he took in on trade and is asking about $5500. We went through basically the exact conversation you just stated - I need sub-surface implements and 50hp is ideal for those. I've also been looking for older machines (like the Ford 8n and such), but a huge problem is that there doesn't seem to be anyone around my area to work on those. So in the event of a breakdown I'd either be stuck trying to repair it myself (which I don't have the time for), or I'd have to bring it quite a way to someone who does repair them. I'm trying to find a happy balance between old enough to be reasonable, yet not so old that breakdowns are commonplace. Likewise, a well-enough supported brand for the shop(s) right around me. When I found my little tractor I thought it was perfect for the limited amount of stuff I needed to do, and I certainly didn't want to get into a situation like I did with the bulldozer last year (buying something WAYYY too big).... but I agree, I think I undersized it this time. Well, it is all a learning experience!! :-)
take the old one to a driveline shop , they can build a new one , or retube the old one
Wade, we don't have one of those nearby - that's my issue. I did call one and they said that since they would have to build one with new universals, they would need the tractor as well.... and it was a few hours away. That's not a desirable option - I'm hoping someone has a web link or something for some generic part that just happens to fit this tractor. Hahahaha.
Take the broken one to a good weld shop and get it repaired
Mike, sadly the old one isn't weldable - it's a modular design with like 40 pieces to it. If it was the new generation model with the universal joints, that could certainly be repaired versus replaced. I would need to have something custom fabricated from the ground-up, and without having the tractor at a shop that does driveline fabrication (of which there aren't any in my area), there's no real way to just eyeball it. Likewise, I have been told the universal joints on the new model are similar in size and shape to lightweight steering joints - but steering joints cannot be used for this application since they are not heavy-duty components. There isn't even a real good option for custom fabrication - at least not around me. :-(
See if you can rent a heavier tractor for a couple months.
You'd at least be able to get the ground worked.
I've been looking around, Lonnie - while there are some tractor rentals on Facebook Marketplace, they aren't close to me and they aren't cheap!! I asked the repair shop if they rent any and they said no. The hunt continues. I haven't given up yet, but the hope is quickly draining away.............................
@@BuyingTheFarm talk to them about doing a trade. Who knows that might not be as bad as it sounds. You've still got 2 legs and 2 arms. Heck the least they'd ask for is a arm and a leg. But if they ask for your left nut I'd probably turn them down. 🤔🫣🙄. Good luck on whatever route you go on this.
Hahahaha - funny you should mention that. We talked about that when I brought the tractor for repair. I was astounded to find out that some of those entry-level tractors are as much as a NEW CAR (and I'm sure you know the price of new cars.... $30k and up). It's just INSANITY.
@@BuyingTheFarm you're not ready to retire any time soon are ya? 🫣 LOL
Nope! Thank goodness. LOL