Acreage Tractor Recommendation

Hello all,

First post here. We are looking for a tractor for our acreage and could use some help. We are looking for something to primarily brush hog, move snow, move round bales and other miscellaneous tasks. We have been focusing on the 50 to 70 HP range. I've been told that's probably overkill, but my search for a tractor/loader that can lift 1200 pound plus round bales seem to lead me there. Besides, a little too much is better than not enough in my opinion. I have no preference on manufacturer, but I was thinking a lower profile tractor with a wide front axle would be better due to hills and trees in the pasture and loader use. What are your suggestions? Right now I'm looking at a JD 2630 Diesel and a International 574 Gas. Are these a good fit? Major issues or parts supply problems? Other suggestions are welcome.

So far as real-world parts availability and service goes, the brand with a strong dealership in your area will be the best for
you. John Deere is usually tops in parts availability but dealerships haver got bigger and fewer in almost all brands.

I think that you are looking in a good power range. for plowing snow, 4wd makes it a lot easier. depending on the amount of snow to move, consider a blower.
what kind of dealer support do you have in your area? being able to get parts when you need them is something to consider. also looking at what parts are NLA
for a given model is important. good luck

Hello Bliske welcome to YT! One of the first questions
that will be asked is what is your price range.
Apparently since you are looking at some nearly 50
year old models there must be some investment
limitations.

This is yesterdays tractors lol

(quoted from post at 13:24:54 10/21/23) So far as real-world parts availability and service goes, the brand with a strong dealership in your area will be the best for
you. John Deere is usually tops in parts availability but dealerships haver got bigger and fewer in almost all brands.

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CaseIH and JD both have multiple dealerships within 20 minutes. Others I would have to look.

Budget is 8k to 9k max. 7k is better.

We have an IH in a diesel. Maybe for you and your uses the gas would be better for short time use

Welcome and good hunting. I suggest three options if you are north of southern Iowa, you should consider a cab on any tractor.
I think John Deer (where you are looking), and IH 656 or newer, and a strong loader. Massy fergeson are also not bad. Kubota are fine.
Stay clear of branded tractors that have obsolete/no parts. Jim

I have pushed show for many years for both our township road crew, and a contractor cleaning large commercial parking lots. You need to consider the factors in your particular situation; what you need to clear, where can you store the snow you move, how much snow is common in your area, how long does it hang around before it melts, etc. Once you move snow into a pile, it gets like concrete. It is difficult to move again, unless you have a strong machine. After you pile snow along your driveway, will that pile still be there when you have the next big snow? In situations where you get a lot of snow and it hangs around for a long time, a GOOD blower it superior to pushing it around. When you blow it you throw it far enough that it spreads out and does not make a huge pile. You can always throw more snow on top of it.

If you are going to have a loader bucket anyway, obviously you can start with that.

I don't know how either one would handle round bales. You have a better chance of finding a winning lottery ticket than big round bales around here!

I don't see having a dealership close by as a big deal.Parts are as close as your computer and just find an independent mechanic for when you need one.

Whats the acres ?

go here and compare the 2630 is about a 1000 lbs heavier
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How about a 5000 Ford? They have a heavy built front axle, good for a loader. One of the most dependable tractors built. No problem with parts availability. Easy to get on and off. All around a nice, handy and, well built tractor.

About 7-1/2 acres

I did think that the 2630 looks bigger and as you pointed out, weighs more. It's the highest HP utility I've been able to find in my price range. I looked at a diesel MF 285 as well. My father-in-law called it a four wheel tank. I was hoping higher HP and more/lower weight would help with loader capability.

885 international would be a real good choice. Its a low profile 80 hp. Alot of them
have front wheel assist which would be better for loader work and snow removal.
Neighbor has one with a cab,loader,and front wheel assist. He has a snowblower for it
also. This tractor gets used for all kinds of jobs on his farm. 884 is the model
previous to the 885. Good luck in your search.

Ya, if you need a dealer mechanic for a 7-9k tractor, you might as well scrap it and go buy another one. I don't care what's wrong with it, you're not going to get it out of a dealer shop for less than it would cost to replace it.

1200# round bale to me is a 4x6. I have a 65 hp tractor that can handle that but unless you have a load on the 3 PT as a counter
weight, moving it on hilly or rough terrain gets to be iffy. I wouldn't go less than 70. You can always have too much power but never
want too little....bad for you and bad for the equipment.

If the tractor is heavy enough the height from utility to row crop would not be a big factor another words if you used a 2630 or a 4020 the 4020 would be just as good at the bale work and better for some things than the 2630. though the bigger tractors can be bought for about the same money as some of the MFWD models in newer tractors to get the MFWD. Now for the models /brands IH has a slow low volume pump in them with adequate pressure for most things. The Deere will have a bigger pump volume with same or higher pressure system. Most of the tractors in the 2630 era will not necessarily have real robust hydraulic systems due to most were in the 10-15 GPM with from 1500-2500 PSI for loader work your looking for more in the 15+ GPM with the 2000+ PSI. MFWD is desireable though not necessary. So now for models the 30,40,50 series would work well for your endeavor in Deere IH the 84series in the utility on up or in row crops the 56 series up would work for you. Case the 30 series tractors would work well. I always thought the Fords and Feries were a bit light for loader work in the rear end. Needed to add a lot of weight to get them to where the rest of the comparable models were there. There are others with less support than the ones listed.