New buyer, looking for advice

[Gronk]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a new property (offer is in, looks good ) and it is on 5 acres of land. Approx. 2 acres are lawn, pretty nice lawn for Northern Ontario. I am leaving a 1 acre yard that I maintained with a Husqvarna YTH1542 lawn tractor and that is the extent of my experience, save for a dozen or so hours on a friend's Ford 1220 with a FEL and mid mower.

As when I bought my first house six years ago, the deal with this one is that I get a new tractor but I'm having some difficulty in assessing what I need.

Firstly, my 42" cut Husky is a little small for the new place, I am thinking something around 60" would be better but I am not sure. I don't want to spend 4 hours mowing the lawn but I want it to be nice.

Secondly, the remaining three acres are undeveloped with one of those acres still uncleared forest. I would like a tractor with enough power/versatility to tackle that. I think a FEL and a backhoe would be almost a necessity and that I would also need to be able to power a brush hog and perhaps a roto-tiller as well. I have a Kubota dealer nearby and from what I have researched, a BX 23-24 looks to be a reasonable choice. Is something like that overkill for mowing but too small for digging out roots and leveling terrain?

Lastly, what kind of tires should I be looking to use? I have read many posts about roots and such puncturing turf tires but on the other hand, won't the tougher more aggressive tires tear up my lawn?

Thanks for any advice you could share.


Sean

 

[scott_vt]

Good Evenin Sean,
Welcome to the forum !!! Congrats on your potential move to a more rural spot with more property ! Are you sure you dont want to buy a bigger parcel ??? The more you have the more you want !

All kidding aside, I wouldnt think you would want more than an acre or two of lawn and leave the rest field which you would only have to rough cut a couple of times per year.

If your going to stay with the 5 acres I would think that a 20-25 hp cut would be more than do the job ! You could use a finish mower for the lawn and a rotary mower for the rest. Maybe you want to leave some wooded for a wood lot, oil is going up all the time ! Lots of helpful people on here willing to nspend your hard earned money !

 

[Gronk]

Thanks Scott. For sure I would like more land but I'm not a farmer and 5 acres is about as much as I can deal with.

As for the lawn, it wasn't my doing to have 2 acres of it and I really can`t reduce it. The property has 350 feet of frontage and the house is 200 feet into the property. The whole front yard is lawn and it extends behind the house. It would look kinda crappy not having nice lawn there.

The other thing I didn't mention is that I have three boys and we are all into dirtbikes, even the Mrs. They are already asking me if I will build them jumps and stuff so now a TLB is not even something optional! Toss in the fact that the driveway is a few hundred feet long and we get quite a lot of snow up here in Canada so whatever I buy will be used year-round. Maybe I would be better off with a plow truck.

What other machines are comparable to the Kubota BX tractors? We also have a JD and Ford dealer in town and I wouldn't be above purchasing something foreign either as long as it fits my needs.


Sean

 

[GreenWannabe]

Similar sized machines are JD2305, MF GC2310 or MF GC2410. Agco ST-22a, New Holland T1110, and New Holland TZ series are the same size, but do not have a factory backhoe. The Woods BH-6000 backhoe would be an appropriate third-party model,

 

[peterc38]

Not to knock the BX (or any sub-compact equivalent) for that matter cause they are great machines but personally I think when you get in the woods you are going to want more ground clearance and maybe more power. If your thinking Bota (which I am partial to ) I'd start looking at a B series. If it was me for the lawn I'd stick with what you have or try to find a decent used lawn tractor with a slightly larger deck. I mow a similar sized lawn w/ a cheap box store lawn tractor w/ 48" deck and does not take me close to 4 hrs, probably like 1 hr 45 minutes. I'd go with R4 tires since you wouldn't be mowing the lawn with it.

 

[kozak]

Secondly, the remaining three acres are undeveloped with one of those acres still uncleared forest. I would like a tractor with enough power/versatility to tackle that. I think a FEL and a backhoe would be almost a necessity and that I would also need to be able to power a brush hog and perhaps a roto-tiller as well. I have a Kubota dealer nearby and from what I have researched, a BX 23-24 looks to be a reasonable choice. Is something like that overkill for mowing but too small for digging out roots and leveling terrain?

Sean,

I would have to agree with Peter. The BX series tractors are fine for cutting the lawn but for your other tasks would be way too small. Not too sure what you are planning with that 1 acre of woods. Do you want to clear cut it ? (That would be a shame.) The BX does not have the ground clearance for that kind of work nor will it be robust enough. You would be taking hundreds of life hours off the tractor putting it through something like that not to mention eventually having a major repair.

You really should be looking at something like the B2920 or B3030. Believe me, you will be MUCH happier. You could cut the lawn with these tractors but a zero turn would be much easier on your turf.

Very tough getting a tractor that's small enough to cut your yard & do major work.

R4 tires are the way to go for your tractor.


Good Luck,

Vic

 

[TractorChick]

"Very tough getting a tractor that's small enough to cut your yard & do major work. "

I talk to so many people who want a compact loader backhoe and a finish cut mower. The consensus where I work is that you don't want all the weight of a loader and a backhoe on your lawn. It's a waste of fuel, it compacts the ground too much, takes too long, and the attachments get in the way. Of course you can remove them, but most people don't bother (my guess).

Get a compact loader backhoe with R4 industrial tires, keep using your Husqvarna, and when it poops out, get a Z-turn for the lawn.

 

[Gronk]

Sean,

I would have to agree with Peter. The BX series tractors are fine for cutting the lawn but for your other tasks would be way too small. Not too sure what you are planning with that 1 acre of woods. Do you want to clear cut it ? (That would be a shame.) The BX does not have the ground clearance for that kind of work nor will it be robust enough. You would be taking hundreds of life hours off the tractor putting it through something like that not to mention eventually having a major repair.

You really should be looking at something like the B2920 or B3030. Believe me, you will be MUCH happier. You could cut the lawn with these tractors but a zero turn would be much easier on your turf.

Very tough getting a tractor that's small enough to cut your yard & do major work.

R4 tires are the way to go for your tractor.


Good Luck,

Vic

I think I did not provide enough information regarding the wooded area. No I don't want to clear cut it. I would like to clean it up by removing the brush and small trees, leaving the bigger trees with some room around them. Perhaps then adding some grass to hold the soil and make a park-type area. I wouldn't be pulling out big stumps at all and I figured a smaller sized tractor would be better able to navigate around the big trees.

I understand (after much reading here) the importance of not working equipment beyond it's design limits and I fully intend to keep whatever I buy for a very long time so I would like to get the proper size machine right from the start. I am also on a budget (aren't we all ) so I have to consider that fact as well.


Sean

 

[Gronk]

"Very tough getting a tractor that's small enough to cut your yard & do major work. "

I talk to so many people who want a compact loader backhoe and a finish cut mower. The consensus where I work is that you don't want all the weight of a loader and a backhoe on your lawn. It's a waste of fuel, it compacts the ground too much, takes too long, and the attachments get in the way. Of course you can remove them, but most people don't bother (my guess).

Get a compact loader backhoe with R4 industrial tires, keep using your Husqvarna, and when it poops out, get a Z-turn for the lawn.

Well in my case I think I would have to remove at least the BH occasionally for other attachments so leaving it off for mowing shouldn't be an issue.

I have put 155 hours on my Husky in the six years I have had it so I don't think it will be pooping out anytime soon, if ever in my lifetime. (wait, the boys will start using it and I may be eating that last statement )
It is the only new thing I have ever bought in my life (39 yrs old) and I maintain it very well. Still though, I have looked at those Z-turn mowers, especially in the 72" cut size. Mighty enticing indeed.

So the R4 tires are a good choice for a do-all type machine? I am more than likely buying a used tractor so that is probably going to be an added cost if I can't find a machine with them already. How much would four new R4 tires for a BX23-24 size tractor run me?


Sean

 

[TractorChick]

Just the tires are $500 - $600 in my area, then you've got hauling or travel, mount and dismount, and disposal of (or credit for? Ha!) the old tires.

Buy new! You've got a warranty and financing. Nevermind that you can get exactly what you want, and not have to put up with some nasty old seat some dude sat in for a decade.

 

[GreenWannabe]

Whatever tires you get, you will probably find that chains will really help out with traction in snow and ice. Any tires with chains will have better traction than ag style R1s without. And of course they can be taken off for lawn work.

 

[NuBota]

You may still be fine with a SCUT. Ground clearance is an issue in the woods, but if you're just talking clearing brush and/or making trails, you should be fine. I have similar property, 3+ Acres, 1 of which is lawn, rest is all woods. Oh, and steep slopes.

Only my front yard is flat so I stalked the wooded areas to find a relatively level area for a barn site. I also don't like all the brush visible along the edge where the yard meets the woods. Have cleared over half an acre of brush, cut a 200 foot "driveway" to the barn site, moved 60 ton of fill (so far, just had two more loads delivered yesterday) to level the site, ripped up countless 2-3" saplings, etc.

It IS slow going but I'm in no hurry - makes for plenty of seat time. And thanks to the great advice here, I'm very careful about the clearance issue. As I move through the woods, I just lead with the bucket teeth scraping the ground - clears a path and provides forewarning of any solid obstacles.

If you need to drive through the woods without clearing a path first, I would agree the clearance would be an issue. But the SCUTs are just a great all-around compromise.

I don't have great pics, but these will give you an idea of the terrain as of last winter. Looks much different down there now...

 

[Runner]

Gronk,

Welcome to the site!

I recently made about the same move as you (suburban lawn to 6 acres). I have 2 acres of lawn and 4 acres of pasture with a little woods sprinkled in the pasture.

My choice was a CUT (JD 2520) so I could run bigger mowers, a 72 inch rfm and a 60 inch rotary cutter.

Not sure what your property is like, but I have a number of steep/tight areas on the property that I cannot reach with the CUT (and don't think I could have with an SCUT either). Therefore, I am glad I kept my old lawn tractor for trimming. I also use it all the time for minor tasks like hauling a small garden cart, 15 gallon tow-behind sprayer and a tow-behind spreader. So whatever you get, I recommend also keeping your lawn tractor.

Best of luck on your decision. The fun is just beginning...

 

[txkevin]

I understand (after much reading here) the importance of not working equipment beyond it's design limits and I fully intend to keep whatever I buy for a very long time so I would like to get the proper size machine right from the start. I am also on a budget (aren't we all ) so I have to consider that fact as well.

Sean

All machines have their limits. Most will always recommend more HP and size because its more applicable to more situations. Larger can often do more.

Regarding the BX series, you may want to check out several threads related to its abilities such as this one....

The "What can a BX do thread...."

I think you will find that they can accomplish quite a bit but of course, they have limits. So far, it has done everything I wanted it to, saved money over larger tractors and can store it in my garage. Just what I needed.

 

[Gronk]

Gronk,

Welcome to the site!

I recently made about the same move as you (suburban lawn to 6 acres). I have 2 acres of lawn and 4 acres of pasture with a little woods sprinkled in the pasture.

My choice was a CUT (JD 2520) so I could run bigger mowers, a 72 inch rfm and a 60 inch rotary cutter.

Not sure what your property is like, but I have a number of steep/tight areas on the property that I cannot reach with the CUT (and don't think I could have with an SCUT either). Therefore, I am glad I kept my old lawn tractor for trimming. I also use it all the time for minor tasks like hauling a small garden cart, 15 gallon tow-behind sprayer and a tow-behind spreader. So whatever you get, I recommend also keeping your lawn tractor.

Best of luck on your decision. The fun is just beginning...

Thanks Runner. (is that Runner as in Toyota 4Runner?)

The new property is completely flat (for now ) and there are a number of trees which line the edge facing the road. For this very reason I am keeping the Husky as it has a pretty good turning radius and a hydrostatic transmission so forward-reverse changes are instant. And it`s never a bad idea to have a backup mower when you have so much lawn right?

BTW, our offer was accepted yesterday so pending the sale of my current house, it looks like I'm getting a bigger tractor.


Sean

 

[Gronk]

All machines have their limits. Most will always recommend more HP and size because its more applicable to more situations. Larger can often do more.

Regarding the BX series, you may want to check out several threads related to its abilities such as this one....

The "What can a BX do thread...."

I think you will find that they can accomplish quite a bit but of course, they have limits. So far, it has done everything I wanted it to, saved money over larger tractors and can store it in my garage. Just what I needed.

I was at a Fair yesterday and the local Kubota dealer was there with all their tractors on display. I was a little taken back at how small the BX really was, especially so with a B26 sitting right beside it. Nevertheless, I got to speak to the salesman right after he sold the BX on the spot. (reg. $20 000, sale price $18 500!) Anyway, after noting that there is no tractor in between the BX25 and B26, I expressed my concerns about having a BX and the work I would have for it. He basically told me that most any tractor will do any job, it's just that bigger tractors do them faster. He went on to tell me a story about a BX customer who removed a huge Willow stump with his. He took his time digging around and sawing off the bigger roots and finally was able to roll it out of the hole. The stump was much bigger than the bucket and was heavier than the bucket's weight capacity so he chained it and rotated the stump onto the bucket and basically dragged it away without lifting it. The whole process took several hours. He said the B26 would have taken less than half the time to do the same job.

I don't have any trees bigger than a foot in diameter (none that I want to remove anyway so I think I will be well off with a BX. I'm still scouring the classifieds in case I find a REALLY good deal on a B tractor with a loader and backhoe but I honestly think it will be overkill. In any case, I have 30 days to sell my house and another 30 before we close on the new place so I have time to shop.


Sean

 

[Runner]

Gronk,

"Thanks Runner. (is that Runner as in Toyota 4Runner?)"

No, that's runner as in: Dummy who goes out and runs 10 miles in 106 degree heat index....

"BTW, our offer was accepted yesterday so pending the sale of my current house, it looks like I'm getting a bigger tractor. "

Yee, Haw! Good for you.

I think the advice that "you can do just about anything with any tractor, but smaller may take a little longer" is probably right. One thing I would consider is, once you have a tractor, you'll start seeing more and more things you can do with one, so it would be good to try and think of the power/controls you might want/need. For instance, position control on the three-point is not essential, but sure can be nice sometimes.

Also, power makes the difference in handling PTO attachments. With trees to take care of, you may decide you could use a chipper someday and there might be a minimum power requirement for that, etc.

Have fun and upload pics when you get it.

 

[Gronk]

...you may decide you could use a chipper someday...

LOL. I said chipper out loud when I read your post. My wife just shook her head.


Sean

 

[Charlton John]

I recently owned a New Holland Tz 25 which is the equivilant to the BX (size horsepower etc) I agree with what the others have said about you can get a lot done w/ them (it just takes longer) I did recently upgrade to a Kubota B2620 as I wanted a little more of a tractor (ground clearence for me was a big thing in my woods) Also I really liked the 3 speeds offered on the bigger tractor. I only have 12 hrs. on the new bota (some box blading, raking and moving some boulders) but let me tell you what a machine. For your size property (very similiar to mine) I recomend the Kubota B series. Good Luck!!!!

 

[kozak]

Gronk,

Congratulations on getting the new property. Must be on cloud 9.

I'm still concerned about you spending your hard earned dollars & getting that Bx. Granted, these very small tractors have incredible power for their size. Case in point is my 14 HP riding lawn mower. The thing just doesn't stop (except if it gets stuck of course & it did do that all the time in snow.) I could pull a 6 ft wide steel lawn roller full of water over the lawn. Did that for about two years until I cracked the frame. Had to have the Dealer weld on some additional steel on both sides of the tractor. I also had a snow blower on the front & it also worked great for about 5 years until I got tired of always getting stuck in 4 inches of snow. I did have extra weight & chains which helped alot but the tractor just did not have the ground clearance.

Now the Bx is certainly a step up from my 14 HP riding lawn mower but it's just that. A larger heavier riding lawn mower. Look at the size of the wheels. What do you think is going to happen when you try to clear a foot of snow. You can try to clear it in front of you but as soon as you have to back-up & those tiny wheels start going into the deeper snow because you did not back-up perfectly over the cleared path you just made.....your toast. Believe me, I did it for 5 years & it was frustrating.

I have also always wanted a back-hoe. Life would be grand but like you I don't have the bucks. So, my first priority was to get the right size of tractor & then possibly down the road get a used back-hoe. I have been doing all my tasks so far on my 2.3 acres just with the FEL & just recently purchased forks. (Landscaping, moving BIG rocks, moving horse manure, clearing snow, etc.) Why not wait & get the frame-mounted back-hoe later. Look for a used B2620 with FEL & buy the brush-hog new if you need to. That way, 80% of your tasks will be covered. If you absolutely need some digging work done, get somebody in to do it.

The B26 is far from over-kill. It is still considered a small tractor. What I have seen on this forum over & over again is original tractor owners trading up especially if they originally had a SCUT. IMHO, if you do buy that BX tractor you will be trading up within 5 years. Just what the Dealer wants you to do.


BTW, if you do not get the R4's with the tractor & want to change out to R4's, you will also need to get new / used wheels as the R4's are different width than either R1's or turf tires.


Good Luck with whatever you decide,


Vic