Newb Tractor Questions (please be gentle)

Hi Hoarders! So the wife and I have finally decided to get out of this s-hole called California and move to WA (not my first choice but we have family up there). Anywho, along with moving states we've decided to upgrade and get onto some property. I'm hoping to get onto at least 20 acres of mostly pasture with some woods. We plan on having 3 horses along with other livestock. I've never had property this large before so I've never needed a tractor, but I know that I'll "need" a tractor for property maintenance, firewooding and I plan on haying the pastures for the horses at some point. I'm not a huge features guy, I'm more of a minimalist that likes to just get things done.

With that said, right now I'm looking at used New Holland Workmaster 55's with 615TL loader. I think I'm gonna use a drum mower, 2 wheel rake and a small NH 268 square baler. Of course forks, and possibly a 3 point splitter down the road so remotes would be nice. I'd like to keep things under 30k with implements if possible. I think I'll be fine with shuttle shift and like the idea of the reliability of a standard trans vs. a hydro.

Anyways, I just wanted to bounce this off y'all to see what you thought. Am I in the ballpark here as far as setup? Anything I'm missing? Any landmines for newbs like me?

Thanks hoarders for your help!

 

If you’re going to have horses, also get a post hole digger!

 

Yeah that'll probably be another toy, I mean implement. I'm not opposed to training them to hot fence but my wife is the more experienced horse person.

 

Looks like about the same size I have, and I find mine just about right. Definitely get at least one set of rear remotes - if you ever try a rotary rake with hydraulic lift (from rear remote) you will be ruined for using lesser rakes. Consider either a rotary or flail mower, too - other than the front loader, the mowers get the most use here.
I’ve spun a JD 630 disk mower with mine, going slow, about 3mph, when it was the only tractor available that day. I’ve run a 4x4 round baler just fine. However, terrain can become an issue when hauling around large heavy equipment with a “small” ag tractor.
We were on a tight budget so we got the clutch/shuttle with gear transmission. I love it; she has hip issues and would now do better with full hydraulic shuttle (still gears, please).
A three-pt blade is nice. Some like a box scraper but I’ve never had much use for them.
A 55hp engine is a bit excessive for a wood splitter. I’ve used one and found it slow, but nice to set down and roll a big round onto it.
We have a utility trailer. A dump trailer would be sweet. Rear remotes!

 

I had a NH 1920 and just recently upgraded to a Workmaster 50 with the 621TL loader. Mine is shuttle shift, not much of a fan of hydrostatic. I wish I had upgraded years ago. You won’t be disappointed with the Workmaster. In my opinion I’d get it with the 621 loader. It’ll give you quite a bit more lifting capacity. I believe they come standard with one set of rear remotes. I’d also go with ag tires and not R4 industrial tires, also just my opinion.

 

We didn’t get a cab, but did get the canopy. I thought I’d like it for a sunscreen, but it is wonderful for being out in a light drizzle.
Extra work lights are nice.
Mine is 8x8 transmission - probably too fast for a rototiller, but perfectly fine for what I do.

We paid for two different fence posts installations, one drilled and one pounded and I ran the fencing. I’d look into hiring someone to pound the posts, and then string the fence yourself or have them do it.

We hire the haying of a 20ac field out to friends with a fleet of tractors and big equipment. I get to run the mower, rake, and move round bales (I love haying). But my money and equipment storage areas aren’t tied up, and the haying gets done fast.

ditto on the R1 tire recommendation

 

Gentle? Don’t worry these guys always use 85W90 lube.

I have said this before.....after having a used skid steer I saw no reason to buy a tractor. They are incredibly versatile. I do understand with baling and such you would want a tractor but just wanted to give my $.02

No matter what you choose enjoy your new residence and change of scenery.

 

Thank you everyone for your feedback!

 

Nice set up. Where do you have the hoses for the grapple connected? Thanks

 

Thanks, I’ll take a picture when I get home from work.

 

I'm with Dennis big time. Splitters run from tractor hydraulics are a bad idea, never met anyone who was happy they got it. Slow, adds crazy hours diminishing the tractors value but worst of all it's bad (cylinder glazing bad) light load hours !! 55 horse engine doing the job of a small disposable engine is not good. Then there is the can't dangle and nibble away at huge rounds leading to noodling (another thing I laugh at ) scenario.

 

Ditto above why use a 25,000 dollar tool that’s slower than a 1k tool

that grapple

 

Yeah....he said he had a wife...

 

Oh boy.

 

Married to long to walk in quicksand.

 

I just think of you as my virtual wife.....I pick on you and you tolerate it.....

if it gets too much just let me know..