Tractor size and attachment advice.

[gilligan]

I'm looking to purchase a sub compact tractor with MMM, loader and probably/possibly a few other attchments(the main reason for this thread), I only have about 5acres to mow but the man reason I'm able to justify the purchase is that I'm really looking to get serious about leveling about an acre+ of land, the land isn't horrible but there are some grades and 3-6" random drop offs aren't uncommon throught a few areas.

So basically beyond a loader what attachments should I look at for the job. Will I really regret not getting a backhoe? It seems loaders aren't really meant for digging, what about rear attachments for chewing up the dirt and leveling? Can I use the loader to do me leveling?( time isn't a factor)

I'm also looking to do snow removal and with only a 100fy driveway I'm hoping to get away with using the loader, it's an asphalt driveway-- am I dreaming here?

Thanks a lot for the help, and my apologies of this is in the wrong section.

 

[whistlepig]

For an acre you could do a lot with a loader with a tooth bar. Backhoes are nice but would be a considerable investment if it's only for a short time use. I use a loader to do snow removal on 800' of gravel driveway and around all our outbuildings. All my neighbors use loaders to clear their snow. Plows and blowers are easier for snow but if you can't afford everything like me a loader does just fine. It does take a bit of practice to get good with a loader.

 

[Don87]

A boxblade will be your best friend for leveling the ground as you have described. Something like this: 4 Foot Xtreme Duty Compact Box Blade by Everything Attachments

 

[gilligan]

My dealer also said he thought a toothbar may be enough to get me by, thanks for your reply very helpful.

I've been looking at a massey 1705, kubota bx2370 and have interest in both the JD 1023 and 1025. Does anyone have any thought on of ill be disappointed with the power in those or should
I look to move up a bit?

 

[whistlepig]

My dealer also said he thought a toothbar may be enough to get me by, thanks for your reply very helpful.

I've been looking at a massey 1705, kubota bx2370 and have interest in both the JD 1023 and 1025. Does anyone have any thought on of ill be disappointed with the power in those or should
I look to move up a bit?

It would help if we knew how much land you have and what you need the tractor to do on it.

 

[Don87]

My dealer also said he thought a toothbar may be enough to get me by, thanks for your reply very helpful.

I've been looking at a massey 1705, kubota bx2370 and have interest in both the JD 1023 and 1025. Does anyone have any thought on of ill be disappointed with the power in those or should
I look to move up a bit?

The Massey does not have position control on the 3pt.. The BX has a quarter inching valve, which(I think) may be better than the Massey. the 1025r/1026r have position control(you pick a number and it always goes back to that exact depth...............but I personally have seen too many problems on the forums to suggest the 1 series(mainly with the drive over mower decks).

 

[Don87]

5 acres total, 1 acre with slight leveling. It's in post number 1.

 

[whistlepig]

5 acres total, 1 acre with slight leveling. It's in post number 1.

Don,
Thanks. I need to improve my reading skills.

 

[gilligan]

The kubota is coming in at a bit less than the massey and I am also a bit Leary about the 1 serious myself. Thanks for the confidence booster

 

[Don87]

Don,
Thanks. I need to improve my reading skills.

No problem, we all miss things

 

[Don87]

The kubota is coming in at a bit less than the massey and I am also a bit Leary about the 1 serious myself. Thanks for the confidence booster

Anytime my friend. But I gotta ask, which Kubota are you looking at?

 

[whistlepig]

All the tractors that you have mentioned are up the tasks that you are describing. The fact that time is not a factor is a big plus. A small tractor with a loader is not a bulldozer but then again a small tractor with a loader and tooth bar can certainly do a little dirt work.

 

[gilligan]

As of now I'm thinking the bx2360 or 2370, I don't believe there was a huge price difference between the two and the comfy seat of the 2370....

 

[gilligan]

No worries, in your defense it's 1130 on a Saturday(and the regular crowd shuffles through ), and I'm sitting by my Bon fire with a beverage or two so I may have rambled just a bit!

 

[Don87]

As of now I'm thinking the bx2360 or 2370, I don't believe there was a huge price difference between the two and the comfy seat of the 2370....

The 2370 is the new model, 2360 is discontinued and could possibly have some big price breaks depending what dealer you go to. But it will do what you need done.

The best part is that the engine falls below the Fed specs, so there is no pollution controls.

 

[gilligan]

Ah good to know, i got the price about a month Ago so hopefully they still have some. If they do maybe it will be even cheaper!

 

[Don87]

No worries, in your defense it's 1130 on a Saturday(and the regular crowd shuffles through ), and I'm sitting by my Bon fire with a beverage or two so I may have rambled just a bit!

You aren't rambling at all..........I can still understand you in my 'stupor'.......after all it is Saturday night:laughing:

But the funniest thing is..........A Massey guy is sitting here telling you to buy a Kubota.............LMFAO.

Try them both. I liked the left foot brake on the Massey. The 2360 has a Right foot brake, 2370 has a Left foot brake.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

A lot depends on your budget and whether you are looking at new or used. A good late model used you will not save much over a new one. All the major brands have a 0 down, 0 percent interest deal. I really pondered the need for a BH when I was looking. Took the plunge and it was the best part of the investment, so bought a BX 25. They come standard w/FEL and BH. It is on the tractor 1/4 of the time. I have dug out 12" alder trees with it, many ditches for utilities and drainage. It is a lot faster digging than the FEL for a lot of things. I just made a real tooth bar for mine and it really makes a difference digging with the FEL. Not everybody has the skills or the welding equipment to make things though. Mine has replaceable teeth and they are 5" long. As long as you are not plowing and other farm practices the small SCUTS are real work horses. Mine pulls a 5' 2 gang disc, subsoiler and middle buster with no problem. Out here the BX 25 is $16K.

 

[gilligan]

Does anyone use or have experience with a loader on asphalt for snow removal? I've seen some heavy plastic tooth bar placement add ons and wonder if they are really needed.

 

[gilligan]

I would love a bx but once I add MMM, toothbar and possibly box blade I feel it may be out of my price range.