[spandit]

It's a Foal Shire - seems to be assembled in UK from Chinese parts. Any horror stories/things to look out for? Think it comes with a topper and a roller

[spandit]

Had a brief drive of it this morning before rain stopped play. It's going to make a mess of the ground but without ag tyres it wouldn't get up the slope anyway. Very tempted but not sure if 20hp is enough for a flail

[sabrina]

sounds as if its not right for you.

[spandit]

sounds as if its not right for you.

Why do you say that?

[sabrina]

I was always told if you have any doubts about buying something then take a step back and have a good look,  is it going to do the job you need it for.

[spandit]

I was always told if you have any doubts about buying something then take a step back and have a good look,  is it going to do the job you need it for.

I wrote a very lengthy post on things earlier but didn't activate it as I'd answered my own question. I don't think it is what we need, you are right. I think our money would be better spent on a UTV and someone to mow the fields for us...

[hughesy]

We were tempted by compact tractors before we bough ours. So glad we went for a full size one in the end as I'm sure now a compact would have been no use. I would try and find an older proper tractor from one of the well known makers. You'll have no problem finding implements to use with it and you won't have to phone China when you need a part for it.

[shygirl]

i wish we had bought a tractor when we first got here and had the cash to get one. instead we paid contractors but their work hasnt lasted whether fencing/drainage and we have spent thousands over the years with nothing to show for it. even the strainers we had put in have fallen down with rot in 6 yrs or so, when they should have lasted alot longer - i mean we have strainers still there from 50 yrs ago that i cant shift but the new ones are useless.
in hindsight i would get a tractor and do it all myself.

[UPoneacre]

My vote is for the older British built small tractor. One of our first purchases when we moved here was a grey Fergie , sixty plus years old, solid, reliable and straightforward but capable of doing everything needed on a small farm or holding - far more than any ride on or compact tractor. In truth it's probably more than  we need -at least at present - but the fact that we can do the basic day to day maintenance on it ourselves, plus ready availability of parts, cheap insurance, and £0 road tax has a lot going for it. Add to that a gradually increasing resale value as a 'collectable' and they make sense. The purchase price was a good deal less than a second hand ride on mower, but before looking for one it's worth doing your homework to gain a good understanding of what they are about and what to look for.

[sabrina]

We have a Fregie, 1954 if I mind right. she is a god send and we could not manage without her. OH has fixed her a few times and rebuilt parts.

[spandit]

Still not convinced we need one but there's a big Case 4WD for sale not too far away...

[UPoneacre]

Bit of a step up from a Foal Shire

[spandit]

Bit of a step up from a Foal Shire

It's a whole flight up, imagine how many people I could hold up with that!

[MikeM]

the other option could be to hire a tractor and whatever you need. Certainly there's a place near us that do that, hire out tractor and attachments, plus they deliver and collect. Might be an idea if you don't want the expense of buying outright.
 
course, if you buy an old tractor you can always go on vintage rallies. I believe some beer may get consumed on such occasions.