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  • From: Richard Stewart <rstewart AT zoomtown.com>
  • To: Market Farming <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] tractor ignoramus...
  • Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:15:28 -0500

The two things I will recommend if you plan on doing as much as you say you are is that regardless of what you get it be a 4x4.  4 Wheel drive on a tractor is a must.  Getting one without it is handicapping any mechanical farming you do be it moving stuff with a loader front end or pulling disks through soil.

Do not get stuck on the brand or the age.  Go to the John Deere, sure, but if also check out the other guys to, including some of the European ones.  Many times you will be paying for a brand rather than just quality and right now there are LOTS of deals and like all things manufactured there is a whole lot of cross over stuff where they may have a label on it but it was manufactured elsewhere.  We have a Russian tractor, a couple New Hollands, an International, and old Case.  They ALL fit a role and get the job done.

If you are going to need a tractor to cultivate my suggestion is to look for a second tractor (a much smaller one) and design your rows around this one tractor and leave the bed prepping, mowing, workhorse type stuff to larger tractor (or see if you can coop something with other local farmers).

The modern farmer need to work a lot of property to make close to a decent living so is always buying bigger, for the most part, and small scale stuff SHOULD be a bargain if purchased used.   I would also check to see if you have any Ag expos nearby to attend.  You often get good deals on equipment at shows.  We have one coming up in Louisville next month and have a well researched wish list that we go armed with os if the have an excellent rock bottom show price we jump on it...especially the last day of the show.

OK, so, 4x4 an absolute must, don't be brand loyal, look around for other farmers to lend and borrow with, and take advantage of shows and/or used equipment.

My suggestions.  :)

Richard Stewart
Carriage House Farm
North Bend, Ohio

An Ohio Century Farm Est. 1855

(513) 967-1106

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