Buying Advice To buy a tractor or not?

[PSUTundra]

As a long time lurker and knowing the knowledge here I am finally ready to start posting.

History:
We moved to our current property in Bucks County PA (southeastern PA) in November of 2011.
10 acres - roughly 7 wooded and 3 grass, house, driveway, etc.
Hustler ZTR mower for the lawn mowing
Craftsman 24hp 42" lawn tractor that works like a subcompact!
1/2 ton pickup for movement off property (would need an equipment or landscape trailer but also would be useful for materials and taking the mower in for service)

Tractor uses:
- Woods have not been maintained (probably since the property was originally a farm 40 years ago) and there is major invasive species of vines threatening the trees plus a large number of trees down and natural debris accumulating
- Standard property material movement: garden mulch, topsoil, wood chips, gravel, compost, etc.
- Rough mowing and maintenance of open areas around the woods that are not truly lawn quality
- Tree maintenance (80+ trees on the grass areas alone) and assistance in firewood processing
- Fence maintenance (material movement as well as possible post hole digging)
- Upgrade some poorly graded areas around the roads (box blade type work, very minor changes but more than can be done with a shovel)
- Create and maintain a small set of trails through the woods
- Assistance in future hardscape area installation
- Small vegetable garden creation and maintenance
- Assistance in snow removal (paved driveway and have a walk behind 2-stage snowblower)

This is all personal use on our property but want to get an idea from the experts on size of a tractor to use. Currently thinking about a used Kubota B3030 with loader and backhoe that is at the local dealer and what prompted my formal signup. Also want to get an idea on price for this unit in my area to see where I should negotiate to with the dealer, besides the above the unit has 500 hours, R4 in reasonable wear, HST, standard scratches and dents, and no other accessories. I have also been considering a new Mahindra Max 28XL as I feel this machine is well suited to the size and tasks. Want something to make life easier and upgrade and maintain our land and the Craftsman worked well on our previous property of less than an acre but is definitely not the right machine for where we are now. I am not tied to any brands but my closest dealer is Kubota, Deere and Mahindra are also close enough and I am sure I am missing another color dealer that I just have not looked hard enough for. I will work on some pictures in the daylight to add to the description of the property.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jerrybob]

Welcome to TBN......what price range are you looking at? That would help determine new/used.....attachments....etc.....

 

[PSUTundra]

I have not defined a price range, yet.

I have been called cheap but also like to spend money to make sure I get good quality that will last and perform the job.

If you forced me to give you one now I would guess $20K or less, with optimal price in the $15K area. I was not expecting to get a new machine with a backhoe for that price, but seeing the used unit at my local dealer got me thinking...and posting.

 

[tractchores]

I maintain some similar terrain, a mix of forrest, lawn and clear area that isn't quite lawn. I use a B2920 with a BH. The fel and bh get a surprising amount done, I've graded big areas using the FEL, though if its compacted a box blade might be better. I use a chipper for woods maintenance (wallenstein bx42) which has been a huge help. A carry all will help with material moving especially for bulky things like firewood that don't fit in the bucket. I also use a rear blade for the snow and light grading duty. The b3030 is nice too, though I prefer the slightly smaller size of the b2920, going through the woods there are a lot of tight fits where I barely make it. Also make sure to get a folding ROPS and avoid a sunshade or a cab if you'll be doing a lot of woods work unless you'll always be on good trails.

When i looked I also looked at the JD's, I found kubota to be the best mix of value and liked the layout. The best thing you can do is try a few and see what you like better.

 

[whistlepig]

The size is pretty much up to you. The newer compacts will do all the tasks that you describe. I take care of twenty acres with hundreds of trees with a tractor smaller than a B3030. But I work on these tasks a little at time as time permits and my tractor is sized right for this. Could I get twice more done with a tractor twice the size as the one I own now? Sure I could. Do I need to get twice as much done? Not in my situation.

 

[sea2summit]

You can pick up a BX25d with a backhoe for under $20k but it's going to take you a while to do the work you're talking about.

 

[Leejohn]

I have a bx2660 and I don't like it in the woods, it's to low to the ground. I use my b7800 most of the time in the woods and if I need to clear some trees out of the way I use the L4240. But I like the B7800 best for just pushing stuff out of the way, no matter what you get have some weight on the back or loaded tires.

 

[Don87]

If given the choice between the 3030 and the max 28.............I would choose the 3030 hands down after reading the specs on Tractordata.com .

 

[TripleR]

My personal preference in that general size group would also be the 3030, I seriously looked at a B2920nand like them, but can't live with another non position control 3PH and like a little more size and weight as on the 2630/3030. If Iran into a place in our woods you can't get a 3030 or bigger through, it is time to do some thinning.

I also agree having used and still using a SCUT in the woods, it is far from ideal.

 

[dave1949]

Root compaction in the woods is something to consider. A heavy tractor will get more done, but it will also do more damage. On the other side of the coin, trees are just as heavy, and stumps are just as tough, whether they are growing on 2 or 200 acres.

The vines are not a good tractor or chipper task. :laughing: Probably the best and cheapest (rare combination) thing you could do is wander around with a pair of loppers and pruning shears cutting the vines off near the ground. That will stop the choking up in the trees. After they dry a bit, some can be pulled down if it is a plant like virginia creeper. You could paint the fresh cut stem with roundup if you feel you have to.

A chipper really helps when cleaning up after cutting a tree or pruning in a lawn area. It saves dragging brush to piles, etc. The chips can be used for mulch or composting. In the wooded part, the healthiest thing you can do, and the easiest (another rare combination) is to just leave the limbs and branches lay on the ground if you cut a tree. Loose brush is excellent cover for regeneration seedlings and wildlife. If it is a trail, just toss it off to one side or the other.

I don't have either, but I think I would prefer a dedicated self-powered log splitter over the 3pt tractor pto-powered type. You can split wood and toss the pieces in the FEL bucket parked in a nearby handy location, then move it to wherever you are stacking wood.

Good luck in your search.

 

[IXLR8]

I don't have as much acreage as you, but I have similar needs. I went with a Kioti CK30, glad I didn't go with anything smaller, occasionally I wish I had gone bigger. I was also considering the 3030, but I didn't like the ergonomics or the dealer. Make sure can spend a little time on the machine to see how it fits YOU, as you will be spending a bunch of time with it. I think if the 3030 had been more ergonomically correct for me... I would have gotten it instead. There was no way I was paying the premium for green paint. I also understand that since I bought my tractor, the 3030 has had some of its layout changed and it would be more appealing to me now. There was a serious premium to get a BackHoe... but now that I have it, I wouldn't buy another tractor without it. You also need to check to see how easy the BH comes off to use 3pt implements. I believe the Mahindra is a heavier tractor than the Kubota, so you might give it some serious thought if you will be doing lots of ground engaging work rather than mowing/over the lawn work.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

A compromise between weight and maneuverability, on 10 acres, are factors to consider. I have operated a small JD SCUT and will say that the maneuverability in and around trees and rocks was great-but the number of times I had wheels off the ground was just too much. Have also used a number of rented Kubotas with the same results. Bought a JD 4*20 series, and it has been just right for me.

JDs are pricey, but I was influenced by a Buy American sentiment. I wouldn't say that JD is that much better than Mahindra or Kubota, but in Eastern Oklahoma, dealer availability was also a factor.

Since I have no experience with the other brands, don't take my post as a negative statement regarding those.

 

[scaredychicken]

As a long time lurker and knowing the knowledge here I am finally ready to start posting.

History:
We moved to our current property in Bucks County PA (southeastern PA) in November of 2011.
10 acres - roughly 7 wooded and 3 grass, house, driveway, etc.
Hustler ZTR mower for the lawn mowing
Craftsman 24hp 42" lawn tractor that works like a subcompact!
1/2 ton pickup for movement off property (would need an equipment or landscape trailer but also would be useful for materials and taking the mower in for service)

Tractor uses:
- Woods have not been maintained (probably since the property was originally a farm 40 years ago) and there is major invasive species of vines threatening the trees plus a large number of trees down and natural debris accumulating
- Standard property material movement: garden mulch, topsoil, wood chips, gravel, compost, etc.
- Rough mowing and maintenance of open areas around the woods that are not truly lawn quality
- Tree maintenance (80+ trees on the grass areas alone) and assistance in firewood processing
- Fence maintenance (material movement as well as possible post hole digging)
- Upgrade some poorly graded areas around the roads (box blade type work, very minor changes but more than can be done with a shovel)
- Create and maintain a small set of trails through the woods
- Assistance in future hardscape area installation
- Small vegetable garden creation and maintenance
- Assistance in snow removal (paved driveway and have a walk behind 2-stage snowblower)

This is all personal use on our property but want to get an idea from the experts on size of a tractor to use. Currently thinking about a used Kubota B3030 with loader and backhoe that is at the local dealer and what prompted my formal signup. Also want to get an idea on price for this unit in my area to see where I should negotiate to with the dealer, besides the above the unit has 500 hours, R4 in reasonable wear, HST, standard scratches and dents, and no other accessories. I have also been considering a new Mahindra Max 28XL as I feel this machine is well suited to the size and tasks. Want something to make life easier and upgrade and maintain our land and the Craftsman worked well on our previous property of less than an acre but is definitely not the right machine for where we are now. I am not tied to any brands but my closest dealer is Kubota, Deere and Mahindra are also close enough and I am sure I am missing another color dealer that I just have not looked hard enough for. I will work on some pictures in the daylight to add to the description of the property.

Thanks in advance!

PSU Tundra - Quoting the entire post, because this is almost identical to my circumstances, thought process, and decisions. The B3030 was also my conclusion last fall. Purchase is still pending. I think it would be a wise purchase. I also concluded that anything HP smaller and you may find that it is pushed to the brink too often. Happy tractor hunting.

 

[MtHam]

I bought my Kubota B3030 (used) 3 years ago, with 80 hours and all the listed attachments ($24K) except the chipper/shredder or the logging winch which were acquired later. See the list in my signature. I use it for all the things you mention, and more. It was a great choice! If I were doing it again, the only thing I might do differently is go bigger. I should have done it years earlier!

 

[mikesee]

PSU Tundra: You are taking the right steps. One tractor that may fit the bill for you is a Kubota B21. Very tough machine with strong easily removable backhoe for 3 point attachments. A used one could be had in that price range 15k. Not the best for finish mowing though

 

[newbury]

Lots of snips

Tractor uses:
- Woods have not been maintained (probably since the property was originally a farm 40 years ago) and there is major invasive species of vines threatening the trees plus a large number of trees down and natural debris accumulating
- Standard property material movement: garden mulch, topsoil, wood chips, gravel, compost, etc.
- Rough mowing and maintenance of open areas around the woods that are not truly lawn quality
- Tree maintenance (80+ trees on the grass areas alone) and assistance in firewood processing
- Fence maintenance (material movement as well as possible post hole digging)
- Upgrade some poorly graded areas around the roads (box blade type work, very minor changes but more than can be done with a shovel)
- Create and maintain a small set of trails through the woods
- Assistance in future hardscape area installation
- Small vegetable garden creation and maintenance
- Assistance in snow removal (paved driveway and have a walk behind 2-stage snowblower)

Good layout of tasks.

This is all personal use on our property but want to get an idea from the experts on size of a tractor to use. Currently thinking about a used Kubota B3030 with loader and backhoe that is at the local dealer and what prompted my formal signup. Also want to get an idea on price for this unit in my area to see where I should negotiate to with the dealer, besides the above the unit has 500 hours, R4 in reasonable wear, HST, standard scratches and dents, and no other accessories.

The 3030 is about the minimum.

Your price point of $15K was mine. At that point you can get into a used L3830 (Fel but no BH). Check with Barlow's.

To LIFT a decent log your looking at a ton. To drag, much less.

A GOOD chipper runs $4K, a chinese chipper $2K. Backhoes are a fun toy. If you plan to do work where you can schedule a rental mini-ex you'll get more done. And the backhoe costs a lot more. IF, like me, you plan on taking the backhoe thru the woods then one on a tractor may be better.

 

[Carl_NH]

PSUTundra.

Welcome to TBN. I agree with the others, B3030 if a good price get it, also get the thumb (mechanical) as I assume its a Kubota BH. The thumb is invaluable to do any number of things.

Also, get the dealer to do the fluids and filters since it has 500 hours and get bucket hooks, rear remotes if you can negotiate this in with the deal. The attachments of a brush hog and box blade can come later, but your dealer will likely do a better deal on everything at once.

The Mahindra Max is a nice unit, but IMO, is not in the same class as the B3030. There are other machines out there but this time of year good used machines go fast.

Carl

 

[PSUTundra]

The vines are not a good tractor or chipper task. :laughing: Probably the best and cheapest (rare combination) thing you could do is wander around with a pair of loppers and pruning shears cutting the vines off near the ground. That will stop the choking up in the trees. After they dry a bit, some can be pulled down if it is a plant like virginia creeper. You could paint the fresh cut stem with roundup if you feel you have to.

Trust me, I know a chipper won't take vines (or wild roses) well, I learned that the hard way! I have spent a lot of time in our woods with a machete, axe, hand saw, and chain saw (just upgraded to a Stihl 291); but sadly I am loosing the battle. But I also have a lot of non-vine stuff to get through to get to the vines and walking it I am almost out of time for the year as it gets too thick. Again I think a tractor might be overkill but also might get me to the next level, so I appreciate the comments.

 

[Creamer]

I live on a similar property but not as many trees and a large pond. I have a Ford 1710 and find it is just the right size. if I had to do it over I might go a tad larger in horsepower but not in frame size.

I think you definitely want a CUT not an SCUT. 30 hp range, less than 60" wide, FWA, FEL and whatever other attachments you may find necessary. Backhoes are nice but I really have not had much use for it. Stumps rot in a couple of years and i can do a lot of digging with the FEL if needed. When i have to do a real job like bury a water line I just rent a mini-excavator and get it done.

Tf you go less than the 3030 or that size you will not have enough horsepower for all the implements of that width. If you go much larger you get in the previously mentioned weight issues of root and lawn damage as well as maneuverability in the trees. I have a slightly strange set up of turf tires on the rear and industrial up front. It makes for less lawn damage but I can still do everything I need. It is not a heavy pulling tractor but I have still easily skidded 30" diameter hardwood logs.

Some guys have mentioned a Carry-All but I have opted for a toolbar with forks on it. Then I have set up skids for different uses such as a flat surface of large items and easy access, a box for containing loose articles such as firewood, fencing materials and tools, etc. I can also use the forks to move skids or other things such as logs or large bales so i can buy a big round bale of straw rather than having to find square bales which are more expensive.

One thing I think you need to be sure you are comfortable with is the speed of the hydraulics. It is very hard to change and with an FEL or other attachments this is something you use all the time and it is not obvious when you are looking at a tractor.

 

[whistlepig]

You can take out a lot of vines and wild roses with a loader bucket riding on top of the ground.