Agent, thanks for reminding me that I forgot my manners. Welcome CMF.

The guys on Tractorbynet are farm equipment junkies just like we are pond junkies. They know more than I will ever even guess.

MY experience. I started off with a vintage 8N and still have it. It's handier than a pocket on a shirt. However, it is very limited. In one of my ever recurring stupid phases, I also bought an old Case that is about 80 HP. I used it twice and now it is rusting in peace with rotten tires. I just have no use for a thousand acre tractor and equipment is really expensive.

Then, I got too old to do it all myself and bought a brand new, just out of the box, 39 HP, 4wd John Deere sporting a front end loader that I can't imagine doing without. The loader is a back saver and makes all things possible. Five years ago, about $25K.

Equipment? Depends on what you will be doing. With 38 acres, you're not going to be a big time farmer. I'm not either. However, some things are really handy to have. Box blade, disk, and bush hog immediately come to mind. You can add other things as the need/desire arises. I doubt that I will ever buy new equipment. Good, solid stuff from a farm auction is usually the best bet. You might be able to trade off and borrow/lend equipment from a neighbor but better keep a welder handy.

You're going to need a 16 ft. tandem axle trailer (I have one) but it probably makes sense to rent or borrow one for the infrequent times that you need it. If you use it to move onto the place, it might make sense to go ahead and buy one.

As far as tractor model, JD, Kubota, New Holland, and Case all seem to be OK. Having a dealership close is a pretty smart idea when you need parts or service. The nearest JD dealer to me is 50 miles. That's dumb of me.

New or used is your choice and depends on personal choices, finances, mechanical ability, etc. I bought the new John Deere because I'm a rural weekender and wanted something to work with instead of work on. I also wanted a tractor that would outlive me and most will.

If you buy a smaller utility tractor with a front end loader, make sure it has 4WD. They're pretty useless without it. Also make sure the dealer installs the antifreeze in the rear tires and green slime in the front tires. You want the rear tires filled so you won't turn the darn thing over and wind up all wadded up under it. The green slime cuts flats almost to zero.

BTW, buy a really good chain saw. I've had a lot of them and only Echo and Stihl have held up.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa