Hi, fellow gear heads. I'm looking to get my very first 4-wheel tractor. I'm 62 years old. Until this point, I've been making do with various mowers, tillers, and a 2-wheel BCS tractor (my
intro).
Before I treat myself, though, I want to be ready. Put it another way, I would love to have your thoughts and opinions as to what constitutes a minimum of tractor readiness. Too little readiness, and I will regret not taking care of certain things earlier. Too much readiness, and I will delay my new way of life unnecessarily.
Specific concerns have to do with travel, storage, and maintenance. I'm looking to get a John Deere 2320 with several attachments. I apologize in advance for the verbosity of this post. Call me a nervous first-timer. Please feel respond to any of the questions, if not all. Thank y'all very much.
Ken
TRANSPORTING
Currently, I have a Toyota 4Runner 4wd V6 that is capable of towing 5000 lbs., and a BigTex 30sv utility trailer, weighing about 900 lbs and capable of hauling about 3000 lbs.
(1) Is this enough rig for hauling, at least, the tractor? I could always haul the attachments separately. I figure I'll need to haul the tractor for some services. I can do minor things like oil changes, but major services will require someone else to do.
(2) Whether the above rig is sufficient for carrying the tractor, or whether a new rig is required, what does one need to tie the tractor down while in motion? I'm sure I wouldn't want the tractor moving around back there.
(3) I could spring for a new trailer, but a new truck is out of the question. So, for me, the key question is how critical or important is the ability to be self-sufficient in terms of transporting one's tractor? If I
don't have the ability to move it, will the experience of depending on others for this service be a constant regret?
STORAGE
(4) I don't have a barn or shelter Actually, I'd like to level a space for a barn with a new tractor, but realistically, it'll will be a while before this is done. I'm not a nut case when it comes to keeping new vehicles pristine, but I don't like to leave new tools to the mercy of the weather, either. Tractors seem more vulnerable to the elements than are cars, because of the exposed components. How important is having a garage to store one's tractor?
MAINTENANCE
(5) Finally, how important is it to have robust electricity wherever the tractor is stored? I presume that I could always run an extension cord for simple power (lights, small tools), but is more robust power needed for routine maintenance?