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Feb 12th, 2024
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 ATV or Tractor???
#131799
01/12/07 12:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134
ttuhunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134 |
Our family recently purchased a small place in Brown County. There are a couple of 2-3 acre food plots already in place that I plan to keep planted year round. I am trying to decide if I want to buy a tractor or an ATV type thing (Gator, Mule, etc.). Does anyone have any experience discing and other light farming type duties using an ATV? Seems like it would be really hard on them, but it would sure be more versatile (and fun) than a tractor!?!?!?
By the way! I'm really glad I found this forum. Forgive me if I go a little crazy with posts in the beginning. I could talk about this stuff all day, everyday!
 'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131800
01/12/07 02:03 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346 |
I have both. Sooner or later you will also. Rural properties have an insatiable appetite for cash.
Have you thought about buying the toy and hiring a neighbor to do the food plots? Two 4 wheelers can almost be had, I believe, for the price of the big boys like the mules and gators.
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131801
01/12/07 02:31 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,409
Huntmaster
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,409 |
A 3 acre food plot is big for a ATV. Really there is
no comparison to a tractor. Even a small tractor would
serve you purpose much better than a ATV. Buy both!!
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: Huntmaster]
#131802
01/12/07 02:49 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,797
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,797 |
Tractor, you can buy an older model for a reasonable amount $2/3000 just becareful that you don't get attached to an older model and find yourself restoring it. That can cost you as much as the the place you want to plow.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: dogcatcher]
#131803
01/12/07 03:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134
ttuhunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134 |
I'm leaning toward a tractor because honestly I don't need an ATV (although it would be fun). We only have 87 acres and it's not a big deal to walk anywhere on the place. I can always use the truck for hauling etc. With that said, I'm far from being a farmer and don't know much about tractors. Is a 20 or 30 HP big enough? All I ever plan to do is a little disking and planting. Soil is sandy loam so its not like I'm working with the concrete/clay @&$* that I have at the house.
'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131804
01/12/07 03:40 PM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,409
Huntmaster
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,409 |
Go with the HP--get as much as you can afford.
30 seems good. Plant a 5 acre food plot in wheat
in September and you'll have deer and doves all
over you.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: Huntmaster]
#131805
01/12/07 04:53 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,396
Lone Ranger
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,396 |
It would be great to have both! I have an ATV and use it for some farm work, especially mowing with my Swisher mower. It does a really good job with the mower. I also have a disc, but it is a little slow to use even with my 800cc ATV. I have 3 food plots, but I do hire someone with a "real" tractor to do the discing on them. A tractor does a much better and quicker job than an ATV, but I still love my ATV for everything else!! I would really like to have my own tractor too, but can't afford it at this time.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: Huntmaster]
#131806
01/12/07 05:02 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,780
ralph
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,780 |
One other piece of advice, get a front end loader on that tractor.
You may say you don't have a need for it, but once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one!
IMHO, A tractor with a front end loader is the most useful piece of equipment you can have on any size property.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ralph]
#131807
01/12/07 05:48 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,262
RICK O'SHAY
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,262 |
BUY AN OLD TRACTOR... WE BOUGHT ONE LAST YEAR AND SPEND SO MUCH TIME WORKING ON THE DA&N THAT WE HAVE FORGOTTEN ALL ABOUT A FOOD PLOT! I GUESS THE BEST THING I CAN SAY ABOUT A FORD 8N TRACTOR IS THAT THEY ARE PRETTY EASY TO WORK ON...
DISCLAIMER
ATTENTION: Your decision should NEVER be based SOLELY upon my advice, recomendation, or opinion.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ralph]
#131808
01/12/07 07:51 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,640
SaginawHunter
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,640 |
Quote:
One other piece of advice, get a front end loader on that tractor.
You may say you don't have a need for it, but once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one!
IMHO, A tractor with a front end loader is the most useful piece of equipment you can have on any size property.
I second this piece of advise 
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: SaginawHunter]
#131809
01/13/07 01:15 AM
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 161
droptine43
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 161 |
Ralph & Saginaw are correct, get a tractor with a front end loader. My dad told everyone that when I moved away from home, he got a front end loader to take my place. Well my son is fixing to be gone and my dad just passed away, so I now have my dad's front end loader. As for HP, get as much as you can afford, but in the 20 - 35 HP, get a 4wd. It makes a big difference. The tractor I have is a Kubota 35hp 4wd with a loader. You might check some of the tractor dealers, they should be putting some spring specials on and you can get financing pretty easy if the credit is good.
Watch those specials, sometimes the dealer will be willing to change the equipment that comes in the deal. Most are tractor, box blade and bush hog sometimes a trailer included.
If I can be of help, just give me a shout.
droptine43
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: droptine43]
#131810
01/13/07 11:22 AM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346 |
I finally got a tractor with a loader about 6 years ago. Can't really imagine what I did before I got it. It is a 39 HP JD that I bought new. I decided to go with new because I got tired of having something to work on instead of work with. Of course, I kept the Ford 8N. A guy really needs a chisel, disc and box blade.
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: Dave Davidson]
#131811
01/13/07 02:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,265
HOF
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,265 |
Hands down, TRACTOR  
Searching the world over for the perfect Chile Relleno.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: HOF]
#131812
01/13/07 03:44 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19,100
dgilbert
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 19,100 |
Anything over a ac. get a tractor. Not worth tearing up your ATV.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: HOF]
#131813
01/14/07 01:49 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 589
Grinder
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 589 |
Quote:
Hands down, TRACTOR
I second that. And get a front end loader too. Mininmum 50 HP. Long Agripower makes a reasonably priced tractor. Even with 87 acres your going to want to do some brush hoggin, discing, tree removal, road grading, hole fillin etc... Rural property is a sink hole for cash and the work is never done. That being said. Are you going to lease to someone for grazing? To avoid some of the hassles it might make sense to pay someone else to do the planting etc...
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131814
01/14/07 08:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134
ttuhunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134 |
Actually we're going to switch to a wildlife exemption. I would rather not have cattle on the place. Just don't want to fool with my own cattle and don't really want other folks out there when I'm not around. I've actually got a couple of friends of friends that are pretty close that have tractors. Maybe I can cut a deal until I can swing my own. Thanks to everyone for the input. Sounds like an ATV will not hold up for the kind of work I need to do!
'The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' -G. K. Chesterton
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ralph]
#131815
01/15/07 09:28 AM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,568
fourtrax
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,568 |
Quote:
One other piece of advice, get a front end loader on that tractor.
You may say you don't have a need for it, but once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one!
IMHO, A tractor with a front end loader is the most useful piece of equipment you can have on any size property.
Amen on that!!!!
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: fourtrax]
#131816
01/16/07 08:44 PM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 221
forever_frost
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 221 |
I only have 10 acres but I picked up a 40HP Massey for 4K. Those tractors are pretty much indestructable. You may also check Craigslist.com for one cheap. it's where I found mine. Just trying to help out
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: forever_frost]
#131817
02/02/07 05:03 AM
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 269
jp
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 269 |
I would think the atv stuff you would have to live up north. Dont know about you but most of texas is hard as a rock most of the time. Even the sandy soils seam to be to hard for a atv. i just dont see enough wait to break much ground I could be wrong my tractor was in the 120 horse range so we cut through what we wanted to
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: jp]
#131818
02/03/07 01:21 AM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,177
forthebirds
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,177 |
Quote:
tractor was in the 120 horse range so we cut through what we wanted to
Was it gas? Most of the guys here that are talking 30 and 40 horse size are talking diesel and with tractor gearing that can be alot, lots more hind end for pulling and breaking ground vs a gas. Seems like everybody here has had thier share of 8 and 9n fords, they just never die 
The purpose of a warrior is not to reason with the enemy but to kill him.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131819
02/05/07 11:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 482
snaken
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 482 |
Get a good used tractor. Older models you can work on yourself. All the attachments to buy later may help you out as well. Another plus is that if you live just down the old FM road to town, you can take that tractor in for supplies and the locals will look the other way. I know, against the law and all, but can be a fun trip for the kids. 
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: snaken]
#131820
02/06/07 08:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134
ttuhunter
OP
Woodsman
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OP
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 134 |
Thanks to everyone for the input! Does anyone have any experience with any of the Asian built tractors i.e. Yanmar, etc.? There is a guy out of Belton that sells remanufactured Japanese and Chinese tractors pretty resonably. Appears to be a pretty quality outfit and his tractors look good but was wondering if anyone had used them. http://tractorcountry.com/
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: ttuhunter]
#131821
02/06/07 11:01 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346
Dave Davidson
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,346 |
I've seen good and bad Asians but I've never seen a good Eastern European. Of course, I haven't seen them all. Go to TractorByNet and check.
PERSONALLY, I wouldn't do it. Check around for an older model Ford 8 or 9N. It will do just about what you want to get done. Of course, over time, you will find more things to do and someday you will wind up dropping some serious cash on a good tractor.
Without a sense of urgency, nothing ever happens.
Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley, Rancher Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: Dave Davidson]
#131822
02/11/07 04:53 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 507
TWarren
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 507 |
Quote:
I've seen good and bad Asians but I've never seen a good Eastern European. Of course, I haven't seen them all. Go to TractorByNet and check.
We bought a Zetor tractor, which is made in the Czech Republic, had it now for 5 years and never had any trouble with it. It's in the 60 hp range and has plenty for everything we've done. Just wish it was a 4wd.
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Re: ATV or Tractor???
[Re: TWarren]
#131823
02/25/07 05:32 AM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,986
DTCOOPER
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,986 |
I personally own a 35hp Case Diesel, 4wd. It does all we need. We are on 30 acres. Brush hog, 6' drag disc, 5' box blade.. Plenty of power for all we need.
I would personally stay away from the older Asian tractors. Many friends have bought them and they wind up sitting unused while they wait for replacement parts, service, etc..
jmo
Daniel
Just Because... That's why.
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