Greetings from Deer Creek Pastures! Today on the blog, I’m talking about tractors. First, a quick disclaimer: despite all the research I did prior to buying my tractor and the hours I’ve now spent in its seat, I am not a tractor expert. I encourage everyone to do their own extensive research before committing to such a significant purchase. That said, I’d still like to share what I ultimately chose and why, in case it’s helpful for any other beginners out there looking to take the leap into their first heavy equipment investment.

Orange vs. Green (or Any of the Other Brands Out There)

I am officially team orange (Kubota), and I was leaning that way even before diving into the internet rabbit hole. Here in the Deep South, people can get quite passionate about the orange vs. green debate, and in my neck of the woods, there are still plenty of team green (John Deere) loyalists. For me, a few key factors made me choose team orange, and none of those factors involved aesthetics—although I candidly think the classic green and yellow pairing of a John Deere is the prettier choice.

I’ve limited my commentary here to Kubota and John Deere, as they were the two brands I primarily considered, and they are the most common in my region. However, there are many other tractor brands out there like Case IH, Massey Ferguson, and Ford, which might be more popular in your area and worth considering.

Right to Repair

One reason I chose team orange is the “right to repair” issue. While farmers have successfully regained the ability to purchase parts and repair John Deere equipment themselves (thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the American Farm Bureau and John Deere), there was a time when John Deere restricted these rights, requiring farmers to use only authorized parts and service facilities. While I don’t have any training as a diesel mechanic and will likely rely on my local Kubota service facility for repairs, I appreciate that Kubota hasn’t threatened this choice. Regardless of which brand you choose, it’s beneficial to establish a relationship with a local dealer for service needs. I purchased my tractor from James Short Tractors, and they’ve even come out to the farm the same day I called to help troubleshoot a problem with my 3-point hitch.

Size and Value

When figuring out the right size and horsepower, I consulted internet forums, local farmers, the dealer, and even my brother—I wanted all the opinions. Some encouraged me to get the highest horsepower I could afford, while others suggested that 30+ horsepower would be the sweet spot for my acreage. There’s also a group that strongly advocates for staying under 25 horsepower to avoid dealing with emissions controls (particulate filters) that may require a regeneration “regen” cycle.

I ended up choosing the Kubota L3902, which is rated at 37.5 horsepower. I opted for this model because it was compact, offered decent horsepower, and fit within my budget. Given how thick some of my summer weeds got and the times my rotary cutter got stuck, I’m glad I didn’t go any lower in horsepower. By consistently running at over 2,000 RPMs, I haven’t encountered a regen cycle, so I’m grateful I wasn’t swayed by the concerns about emissions controls.

Attachments

With roughly 20 acres of pasture, a rotary cutter—colloquially known as a “bush hog” (which is actually a brand)—was my top priority. I chose a mid-range Land Pride model and have been pleased with it so far. I also have a front-end loader with a bucket and pallet forks. The bucket is great for moving dirt, turning compost, and carrying rocks I accidentally run over while mowing. The pallet forks have been helpful for moving IBC tanks and logs.

The attachment I’m most grateful for is the quick hitch (QH16). While the 3-point arms on the Kubota are adjustable, they can be a bit tricky and require some muscle, so the quick hitch makes it much easier to attach and detach the rotary cutter. I started with the essentials, but there are many other attachments I’m interested in. Kubota offers discounts when buying multiple attachments at once. Next on my list is a no-till compact seed drill for cover cropping next year.

Maintenance

It’s important to budget time and money for maintenance. Tractors, and some attachments, have many grease points, so keep your grease gun handy. Regular oil changes, filter changes, and fluid checks are essential. My rotary cutter also has a gearbox, and I check the oil after every use. Routine maintenance is crucial not just for your warranty but also to keep your machine in good working order.

I opted for a hydrostatic transmission (HST), which functions like an automatic transmission. While it costs a bit more upfront, manual transmissions require clutch replacements eventually, so I considered it a wash. If you’re cutting grass often, remember to clean out the filter regularly to prevent engine overheating. In addition to the manual, YouTube tutorials have been invaluable for troubleshooting and learning how to manage routine maintenance.

New vs. Used

Your budget will likely drive your decision to buy new or used, but there are risks associated with buying used that led me to purchase a new tractor. While the number of hours on a tractor can provide insight into its use, it’s hard to know how well it was maintained. Was it used for personal tasks or commercial jobs? Was it a barn princess or exposed to the elements year-round? Additionally, finding a good deal on a used tractor can be challenging; many are listed at prices not much lower than new models, which come with the benefit of a warranty. For me, given the timeframe and the peace of mind I wanted, buying new was the right choice.

Learning Curve

Even after all the research, there’s still a learning curve once your tractor arrives on the farm. While the basic operations are straightforward, tractor safety is paramount—there’s a lot that can go wrong. I watched numerous YouTube videos highlighting all the potential dangers, which, while morbid, gave me a healthy respect for tractor safety. When my roll bar is up, I always wear my seatbelt, so if the tractor were ever to flip, I’d roll with it rather than be crushed. My fields are hilly, and the tractor sits much higher than my car, so I’ve gained confidence in navigating slopes with each mowing session.

Closing Thoughts

Purchasing my first tractor was both exciting and intimidating. I spent more on it than I did on my car (an early 2000s Toyota), so it was crucial to make a sensible decision and invest in a machine that suits my current needs and will continue to be useful as I scale. My confidence in operating it has grown, and I genuinely enjoy my tractor time. I tend to put on my favorite tunes while I’m out bush hogging, and it’s become one of my favorite farm tasks.