Re: city boy looking for tractor advice

Posted by Rick in Michigan on September 13, 2004 at 12:53:47 from (12.31.57.124):

In Reply to: city boy looking for tractor advice posted by City Boy on September 13, 2004 at 12:10:21:

It all depends on what YOU want to do with the 10 acres. If you want to make money, lease it out to a farmer who already has the equipment paid for. You will never pay for (not even well used!) equipment on 10 acres. If you don't mind throwing fist-fuls of money at it, then you will be fine.

My background - I bought 80 acres and a tractor (JD 4020 95 h.p. $7000), baler (JD 14T $750), Wheel Rake ($750), 7' sickle bar ($350), and wagon w/hayrack ($500). A lot of money for the equipment, but it was all in excellent shape (and you will either pay it up front or pay for it in time and parts).
This year I bought a 12' haybine($2500), a 5X5 round baler ($3500), and the next size larger square baler with a kicker (JD 24T $1250). I also leased 300 acres of good quality grass hay and barns to store the hay in.
Considering that my time is worth something and the fuel and maintenace that goes into it, it will take me ~ 4 years to pay for it with the farm income...if nothing major breaks and the weather co-operates.

If you want to run a haybine and a round baler I'd say your dealer is right on the money.

If you want to use a sickle bar mower (instead of a haybine, a rake, and a small square baler you can get by with something smaller...around 30-40 h.p.

8N/9N ? Consider something else for haying. Not enough power and not enough weight. I've had both (or should I say had it with both). Buy a tractor with enough power, and power steering. Generally, used tractors in good condition get cheaper the closer you get to 100 h.p., but don't plan to mow your lawn with it.

Just my 2 cents from my (learning) experience.

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