How to Choose Best mountain tractor?

Since you are on the John Deere forum, I am assuming John Deere is one brand which you are considering. My inlaws have some property in Nelson Co. VA, so I am familiar with the terrain in and around Roanoke. I will say there likely is some property you have that no tractor could operate safely, but in the JD line, the 4000 series is going to be your best option. I am familiar with other brands, but not to the degree as JD. I know Kubota has some low COG machines that in are that HP range as does New Holland. My feeling is in the JD line, you may wish to consider looking for a used 4010 series (the prior series to the current 20 series) to stay in your price range. They are rare, and have Yanmar powerplants which are well-proven. They also are often leased by hospitals, etc., and may be available that way. I do not know about the dealers in your area except to say that there is a James River dealer in Stuarts Draft just off 81N (I do not know them) that is a larger dealer. They may have some insight into the current availability of a 4010 machine in your desired HP range. Though I think it could do your work, the 3000 series (mid-frame) compacts from JD at least are not as stable on hills as the 4000 series (or old 4010 machines) due to their shorter wheelbase and higher COG. Trust me, having had both and living where it is hilly, I know this. You could surf MachineFinder as well to look/compare these machines and prices or you could take a chance with Craigslist, etc. For less than $20K, you likely are not going to find a tractor in this size range that is new, so lightly used may be your option, at least in John Deere.

John M

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I have an 886 I love as a chore and hay tractor. It might be bigger than you want but you mentioned the 86 series. It has a dry clutch that is assisted. You can push it in or have it hold when the time is off, it's just harder. It does have wet brakes and full hydrostatic steering. Those go away with no engine, but a diesel isn't likely to stall for the reason you had with yours. They usually run badly before a filter is plugged enough to shut her down. I use an old Farmall M for grinding feed. It has mechanical brakes. I wouldn't want to trust them on hilly anything with something behind me. I've never seen mechanical brakes that were as good as hydraulic. They may be out there, but they aren't on this farm.

I just mowed, raked, and baled a new property - one time thing for surveyers. It was white knuckle steep. The kind where you have to brace yourself in the cab to stay in the seat. I have the tires on the 886 set wide and filled. Even with the cab on it the center of gravity vertically is 40 inches so it is below me a ways. Check with the Nebraska tests to find out the center of gravity on one you are considering.

I'm a red guy at heart but run green for tillage. I like both. Just find one that makes you comfortable, set it wide and weight it down so you don't lose traction.

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