Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss Addicted to My New (old) Tractor and What implements do we need

GW, my thoughts: 14 acres kinda indicates about a 20 to 25 HP tractor and less expense. I have a 39HP 4WD JD, bought new, with hydrostatic and turf tires. While it has done just about everything I have ever wanted to do, I regret the choice of the hydro and turf tires. Once you get the absolutely necessary liquid added to the rear tires, it leaves a footprint just like the farm tires. They just don't give as much traction. They also slip more in mud and, even with 4WD, my son in law got it stuck. The hydro seems to limit torque which shouldn't be much problem on your place. With the hydro and turf tires, I have found farm implements that I couldn't pull when smaller tractors with farm tires and and standard transmissions could. Again, I doubt that you will run into that problem.

I got along for years with an old Ford 8N until I realized that advancing age necessitated a front end loader which necessitates 4WD and power steering and $. I still have both tractors. In 6 years, I still don't have over 250 hours on the JD and it is just about right for what I want to do on 205 acres of heavy brush and planting 25 acres of wheat for deer hunting.

I've seen lots of guys over buy on tractors. As is often said here, define your needs and goals and match the tool(s) to the job. Check on the price and availability of implements for your tractor. It's a lot cheaper to occasionally rent or pay someone to do that job that you're underpowered for. Excess power is good for putting hair on your chest but not much more. Heck, Meadowlark has built nice ponds with a small dozer. It takes more time but he has the time. For big jobs, call in the heavy artillery and keep your money in your pocket.

45HP is still a utility tractor and they cost a lot since there is a good market for them. I doubt that you would lose $ on a resale.