Tractors and Hobby Farming

Congratulations on your purchase-sounds like part of a long term plan.

I have owned 3 tractors and give a little bit of personal advice based on my usage-which is different from what you may need.

It sounds like you need a 4 wheel drive tractor for the steepness you describe.  There are lots of manufacturers that offer these in the 30-40hp range. Most have dual range transmissions (hi and low) with 3-5 gears in each range.  So, low gearing is almost always available. A tractor this size should do everything you listed. Whether you can find a good used one is always a question.

Some tractors have 2speed PTO’s-engine speed and ground speed. This is desirable over a single speed PTO. Also, being able to reverse the PTO is essential if you use an auger. Otherwise, the auger can only go down and not up.  I once screwed my tractor into the ground with the front wheels about 2’ off the ground. What a fiasco!! Make sure the auger and/or tractor can reverse the action before you start digging holes.

I use a 5’ scraper blade that has multiple adjustments to grade our long gravel drive.  It can slide left to right  about 2’, can be adjusted up or down on each end and can change the vertical angle to scrape or cut.  It is more versatile and lighter than a box blade.

I use a boom pole for moving logs before I cut them to length.  I also have an independent hydraulic log splitter.  I think this is easier to work with than hooking one onto the tractor.  Having it independent allows you to use the tractor, move logs, etc while the splitter is still in the wood lot.  Hooking up the splitter to the tractor requires more time, effort and the tractor must have rear hydraulic connections and a pump.

I don’t know anything about tilling or plowing-good luck with that.

I use a bush hog that is about 1’ wider than the rear tire width. Anything larger gets bulky and cumbersome.

Don’t know anything about front end loaders except they require more hydraulics.  A friend has one and his wife has horses.  He uses the front end loader to move manure and hay bales.

Older tractors are relatively easy for routine maintenance . Newer tractors have a lot of advantages, but are more complex in the wiring and hydraulics and will cost more $$$. I have owned my 1963 Massey Ferguson 35 for over 30 years and it has served me well. I have done all of the maintenance, rebuilt the carb and fuel systems, repainted it and kept it stored in my barn.  These old tractors are pretty much bullet proof if you take care of them and do the maintenance.  However, I also know people with newer Kubota and John Deere’s that love them and depend on them.  Sometimes the decision comes down to what’s locally available at the time.

Good luck with your search and your new adventure

Vann