A JD 5205 or similar in a used machine would be good. They're pre Def, pre computer machines. I have a 03, 5205, 4x4 with loader, it's a great utility tractor.

Hydro is probably nice for dirt work, but the power loss to the PTO is really significant. Shuttle to me seems like a better compromise. I have always had manual trans and trust the reliability more than the others.

What kind of dirt work are we talking about here are we trying to dig holes with the bucket or are we grading a driveway here?

To me, dirt work means digging and/or pushing trees. Hydro is magnificent for that.

Only PTO work I currently do is with the tiller or an auger.

If I was only grading a driveway, or planting row crops, then manual or shuttle might be fine.

I think power loss is more a perception or a holdover from older units. My MX6000 has 59.5 HP net, and 51.7 PTO. That's 7.8 HP loss, 13.1%.

Closest shuttle is the M6060, with 63.5 HP net, and 56 PTO. That's 7.5 HP loss, 11.8%.

0.3 HP / 1.3% PTO difference ain't much, and I doubt that you could ever realize it at the implement. Most stuff in that size is rated for 40-60 HP anyway, and if it's spinning 540 RPM, then it will do what it's supposed to do.

I am aware of the noise/whine of the hydro pump, but it doesn't bother me.

Dirt work:
Mostly landscape build up, grading, terrace removal, and water control measures.

How’s the reliability and maintenance on the Hydro???
The lawnmowers I’ve had with hydro static trans have been servo hogs, especially if you don’t keep those filters changed regularly. Seems like they are very heat sensitive.

We have a 23 hp Kubota Hydro that has been in service since 2012. Zero maintenance issues, just fluid and filter changes, and it has been worked hard. Not abused, but definitely used. I have also had numerous Kubota and other maker tractor techs tell me the hydros are very reliable.

I think every skid steer and mini ex that Kubota makes is hydro. Not sure about other brands, but Kubota seems to have it figured out. I rented a KX040 mini ex memorial day weekend. 1500 rental hours, and it ran like a dream.

Go bigger than u think u wont be disappointed

I have a little JD tractor that is hydro and for loader work it really doesn't get any better. On the dirt moving... If I were going to be doing a lot of landscaping type work or loader work that's what I would want. That's pretty much what I use mine for and I've got 5 machines right now with 4 different shifting configurations and other loader tractors.

If I were going to spend more time mowing roads and that type work I would want something else. Hydro ain't great for distances it's better suited to chore type work. If you think about it that's the reason why bigger machines don't come with hyrdro drive. I've owned 2 and both were completely reliable in my opinion. But these are not what y'all would consider "New" tractors.

No way in cornbread hell I'd buy a NEW anything. I'd start looking about 2012 and back in year model and focus on engine hours more than anything. Just try to get a good clean low hour machine. They are out there.

Thanks guys...sounds like sage advice from all.

Personal choice, but it doesn't seem like anyone ever sells a tractor that they are happy with. Buying used always seems like a gamble to me, unless you are buying from a trusted friend.

I bought new for that exact reason. Nothing I hate more than working on a tool when I need to be using said tool. Doesn't matter if it's a weedeater, chainsaw, or tractor.

Finance rates are much better on new also. I got to leave my money where it's making money and use someone else's money for the purchase.

I don't understand why everyone thinks they will be working on a tractor instead of using it.... if they buy a used machine.

What are y'all talking about? Seriously. I've never experienced that and I have owned myself probably 25-30 different tractors in my lifetime of all vintages and makes and models and horsepower.

If you want to blame it on the machine you bought/inherited a true POS from somewhere... and should be able to recognize what you are dealing with. If you have owned an older tractor that wasn't reliable that's on you. That's not the machine's fault. Don't buy something that's was wore out before it was used in a hay operation.

Plenty of good low hour nice equipment out there and prices are rising and they are selling at a premium for good reason.

Could be true, but I know several people who have waited days to weeks for a part for an older tractor. Then they get the part, and it's not the right part, because it got substituted 25 years ago when there was a shortage. One friend finally got the correct part for his Massey on the 4th try.

Starters, water pumps, injector pumps just don't last forever. Not terribly expensive to fix, just frustrating for me personally to have to wait or work on something that I want to be using.

I have an 02 Kubota with a hydrostatic transmission and it’s been flawless, but they are slower if you travel much, and the high gear bogs down on any grade much. I’m not afraid of them at all, and hands down the best for loader work. You can keep one hand on the wheel and one hand on the loader.

I'll hang on to my Old dependable Pre Emission Tractor... Better believe all that fancy new Regin/DEF garbage can be a nightmare as well....

Parts for older machines are easily attainable off the internet they have come a long way in that regard you can look things up by make and year model on about all the parts warehouse sites , but look... I get it... things break. The difference is an old tractor will still run when about everything on it is broke while a new one will be stranded with 1 loose wire. And that's reality. They key to buying older machines is to know which ones to buy. They didn't necessarily change much about them over several decades. For example a blue Ford smurf tractor is essentially the same machine from the 1960's through the early 1990's when they had New Holland written on the side of them and Napa carries lots of parts for those but you can get anything off the internet for the most part. My experience is that you can get about anything for an older Deere it costs $$ but you won't need to repair it twice what broke likely came on it new.

ID recommend a deere 4960. My all time favorite tractor ever made

Dayummmm what a machine…

I grew up on one from 14-17 yrs old. Lots of hours. Pulling chisel plow. Do all. Disk. Field cultivator. Planter. Power shift was a flawless transmission. Rode great. Even raked hay a few times with it

Go ahead & get a good R model mack with that 4960 purchase. He'll need it for the HC trips. Never the less- a dang fine tractor.
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I prefer an RD Mack if going that route