What would yall recommend to be a good tractor for small farm chores? I need it to be able to lift heavy round bales, as well as the other typical stuff, like bushhog, boxblade and front end load. Will anything under 50hp lift those big bales?

I'm in market for same.

40-50hp, 4wd with loader

Currently looking at all brands

Ha! now that's a deal!

For someone that knows essentially nothing about tractors what would something like JBC described go for? $35K?

Ive got a '14 JD 4105. Great tractor for the size. Was 28k ($330/month) but it included a front loader, bushhog and box blade... its handy on 20 acres and i mow a few neighbors properties for hunting permission

My tractor is 4x4 with the hydrostatic trans.. got 130 hours on it and its been trouble free

Ah hell naw!!! That size tractor Kubota or John Deere while also considering a Mahindra. With a FEL 4x4 a must. You're not trying to make a living with it a Kubota M series or John Deere E series. These base tractors probably gone run around $13,000 to $14,000. Add about $4500-$5000 for FEL and about $4500-5000 for MFWD. Cab about another $6000. Then other accessories like more hydraulics will vary.

Also, they measure HP different. A Kubota 50 HP and a Deere 50 HP is not the same.

Wow significantly less than I thought.

buddy just bought a new kubota yesterday ... MX4800 gear tractor, 4x4 with FEL, QT bucket.. $26,900 or $440 a month with their insurance.

Deere told him they would be $3k less for the same size and HP tractor but he wanted orange.

we looked at both brands and settled on JD because they gave a better deal

Another thing to consider when looking at small tractors is some have aluminum castings vs iron. Aluminum is cheaper, but it weighs less and usually means the tractor will not pull as good and it could be argued that it isn't as strong.

Yes, there is a big weight difference within each make of tractors. For example a john Deere E series weighs a lot less than the John Deere M series in the same size tractor. Reflects in price also. If someone will be hauling the tractor on a trailer that is something to consider. I have been watching the lighter E series for durability issues but seems to be performing well. Thinking of buying one myself.

May have to fill your rear tires for better traction and counter weight

I've got JD e series 4310 and have had some issues. Motor has been great, but other issues (4x4 issues, rear wheel seal hydraulic leaks,electrical, etc..) My next one will probably be about a 50 horse Kubota. I've seen several lightly used M series 4x4 Kubotas with FEL in the mid twenty range.

Irby Tractors seem to keep a decent supply of used ones for a fair price.

We've got the Kubota M7040 in 4wd and it pulls an 8 foot bushhog. It's a beast.

Cant to wrong with a 5000 series deere

I sold my 07, Kubota m7040 4wd with loader with 1200 hrs a couple years ago for 22,500. I bought it new for $31k. That included a set of forks and a canopy. Great tractor, just a little light for heavy work. Word of advice, Get the biggest one you think you'll need and can still trailer it.

What is FEL?