Thread: Thinking of getting a tractor

Ferguson TEA20 (or TED20 if you want a diesel), they are remarkable and suit that application well. Also light enough to go on a car trailer.

I wouldn't have anything else for a tractor in that size.

Cheers
Will

And yes I have driven one and we've got one in the family so I'm not talking out my arse

I'd probably go a little more upgrade than a TEA20 - maybe a 135 Fergy. I had mine for 20 years and not a cent spent, never let me down, nice Perkins diesel, simple controls, a bit more comfortable, bulletproof. but depends on whether you need front wheel assist - a whole different ball game then. You should be able to get a good 135 for anything from $2,500 to $5 grand I reckon..... but I have been out of the market for a while!!

If you are using it with a large slasher on it, then I would suggest the MF 35X - it is diesel and more importantly has a 2 stage clutch, which the greys don't have. Much easier to use a slasher behind these. Also, a 6 foot slasher would be a bit too much behind the grey. My FIL has a 4 foot behind his petrol TEA and it struggles in longer stuff. I used to slash 30 acres with a 35X and a 6 foot ground mower on it, and it worked well, but was on its limit in think or wet grass.

As Marty just said, if you want to go a bit bigger, the 135 is the go. DON'T get the crappy French version of the 135 that was imported here to keep up with demand when these were released - they are crap. Good 135's are holding there value, but you should be able to score one for under $5K

Cheers - Gav

I would suggest you look at a MF65 as they can handle a 6ft Sunshine Slasher with any problems,the main farm has been using that combo for about 25 years now.

When I saw the title and poster I thought you were getting a Td5 Dan

If you are slashing an old 5 grand tractor is fine. If you are wanting a bucket or 4 in 1 then a 4wd tractor will give more control as a 2wd loses it's steering. You are unlikely to find anything reasonable in this price range. There have been some tiny tractors though the weight available to be lifted is minimal. If you need to remove stumps you may be better to burn them out and not damage the tractor.
Years ago I bought a TEA20 Ferguson for similar type of work. I am so glad that I went the tractor option instead of a ride on mower. We only maintain about 5 acres. Neighbours have constant trouble with ride ons snapping belts when hitting sticks and losing traction on uneven ground.
I have recently upgraded to a new tractor. Alternately if you are set on a bucket. some of the smaller Kobota's and Iseki's might be woth a look. They might need some work at that price range.

Well..... Where to start.... Petrol vs diesel... Petrol are cheaper, but are now old.. The most common is the Fergy TE 20.. Not huge on power, minimal hydraulics and a clutch operated PTO.. They're cheep enough but no good for fitting a loader, don't have power steering, and will slash a block ok. Diesel.. If you want a usable tractor and not a show pony, then diesel is the way to go. Dependant on how big your block is is dependant on what you need. You'll be pushed to find a Fergy 135 in your price range as they are sought after. They come with hydraulics, diesel, 2 stage clutch (PTO keeps going when you depress the clutch to the first stage to change gear). They are much more user friendly, and parts are still readily available. They come in at work from time to time but don't stay in the yard long. Other tractors in that size are Ford 3000, David Brown 850/880, International B414 etc. The basics you should know... Here it start from cold (without the aid of ether), check coolant colour, engine oil colour, and trans oil colour. Any white oil means it has water in it. Once running look at the smoke.. Lots of it, walk away, smoke on start up is to be expected. Light blue when idling is acceptable, but should clean up once working. See it work, for a good half hour to know it has no cooling issues. All of the above are 2 wheel drive only. All but the TE20 will handle a small loader but they are not ideal. Option 2 (the better option IMO) is the more compact four wheel drive tractor, with mower deck and loader. They still have 20/40 hp, but are only 1.1m to 1.5m wide. They will still lift and drive a 4' slasher, have better turning circle, and are on the whole a lot more user friendly. Look at Kubots's, Case 234's (Mitsubishi painted red), Shibaura, Mitsubishi, Branson, Iseki etc.. WARNING... Stay away from the Chinese tractors.. They are cheep for a reason!! I work for a Tractor dealer so get to see and deal with what comes and goes.. I paid $5000 for mine (same as one pictured) but have since made and fitted a loader to it, re sprayed it and put new tyres on it. It is fantastic, and looks after my 4 acre block and half the neighbours!!! We just sold a 15 yr old Kubota with mower, catcher,4x4, loader and hydro drive for $12000. Anything of this size that's clean, running well and has a mower/slasher is a good buy for $5000. 500hrs is low, 2000hrs is average, 3000+hrs is high for a tractor of this size, tho mine has 5600hrs on it, but... I am able to fix it! Shout if you need any more info!!

Just dropped onto Gumtree in your area, and there are a few reasonable Kubota's for sensible money. Here's one that I've found. To get a loader, you will have to spend more tho...