5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

[zachofalltrades]

I recently joined but took a few days to formulate this question, but I think I got even more confused. I have 5 acres of property that's basically divided into "upper" and "lower" by a reasonable slope that I've never measured. Approximately 2 acres is yard/driveway/house, the remaining 3 is wooded, and I have a shared gravel driveway that is approximately .25 miles. My neighbors are all retired and do not own equipment to maintain the driveway. Immediate need is being able to maintain the driveway, mow, move materials like mulch, and remove light snow (I have a snow blower now and have had maybe 1-2 storms in the past 3 years that needed it). I have this fantasy that all 5 acres of my property should be "intentional," meaning that I don't need a 5 acre yard but I could see myself cutting paths through the property, clearing some undergrowth, moving some dirt, etc. In the someday category, I would also like to buy some of my neighbors land because I have probably 60+ acres of woods around me. Let me know if you need more background than that...

So I'm looking to replace my little JD garden tractor with a tractor with a loader and a MM mower deck. I'm stuck at my first decision on whether or not it's overkill to step up to a compact like a 2025r, B2301 or any number of other models. I would mostly be mowing and not starting any crazy projects for at least another year or so. I'm leaning towards the compact, and I get the feeling that's where most people would point me. Next is the choice of brand... I have the following near me:

• John Deere
• Kubota
• Kioti
• New Holland
• Mahindra
• Massey Ferguson
• Rural King (RK Tractors)

Within 100 miles I also have:

• Yanmar
• LS
• TYM

So basically I have a pretty good selection. I had my heart set on JD as a brand loyalty, but I'm slowly realizing that they're probably the most expensive option, and the local sales team is kinda lazy. Maybe I don't look serious, but to say they're not pushy is the understatement of the century.

TL;DR: 5 acres doing all sorts of stuff, needs to be a decent mower because I don't want multiple machines. Subcompact vs compact? Stick with green envy or open up to other brands? I have most brands available within a reasonable drive.

 

[4570Man]

5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

The MMM is a inferior mowing option IMO. They cost close to a used ZTR and get in the way of doing anything else. The loader also gets in the way of mowing. I’d buy an orange CUT and a ZTR.

 

[dragoneggs]

I would go with a CUT and a dedicated mower. Z turns are wonderful. I have a SCUT and a Z turn and very happy I don't have a belly mower that I would have to be taking on and off. Any serious landscaping or woods work, you won't want a MMM attached to your tractor.

 

[bcp]

Re: 5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

The MMM is a inferior mowing option IMO.

I would rather have a rear finish mower. You could keep it if you ever change tractors.

A subcompact like the Kubota BX will connect to common full size Cat 1 implements but can't use them through their full range of motion. When connected to a level implement, your lift range is already half used up.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

Re: 5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

I would rather have a rear finish mower. You could keep it if you ever change tractors.

A subcompact like the Kubota BX will connect to full size Cat 1 implements but can't use them through their full range of motion. When connected to a level implement, your lift is already half used up.

Bruce

I’d rather have a finish mower over an MMM but they’re both inferior to a ZTR.

 

[bcp]

Re: 5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

I’d rather have a finish mower over an MMM but they’re both inferior to a ZTR.

But that's another machine, which he didn't want.

Bruce

 

[zachofalltrades]

Re: 5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

But that's another machine, which he didn't want.

Bruce

Yeah I am trying to avoid it. I briefly considered that route, but I have issues with something that loses steering if it loses traction on one wheel. I do mow a large sloped area that caused me constant problems until I got my current GT, which has liquid filled AGs on the rear. Before that, my light riding mower with turf tires slid down the hill a couple of times when it was wet. I also have a large clearing in the woods that I've mowed before and would like to keep clear, but it would not be reachable by a zero turn.

Edit: added a thought. Everything I've heard is that the subcompact makes a better mower if that's primary use, but I see a ton of those with low hours traded in. I'm wondering if people aren't buying a big enough tractor?

 

[4570Man]

5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

But that's another machine, which he didn't want.

Bruce

He came here for advice and I offered. A commercial ZTR with bar tires and a good operator will hill side perform with anything out there. If a ZTR won’t get there a SCUT with a MMM probably won’t either.

 

[bcp]

That would be my choice, for me, too.

I want a mower for mowing.
I want a tractor for tractoring.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

That would be my choice, for me, too.

I want a mower for mowing.
I want a tractor for tractoring.

Bruce

Exactly they each suck at the other ones job. And the MMM cost a significant percentage of a used ZTR. Since mowing was his primary target he could buy the ZTR now and the tractor later and have a lot better setup without mulch price difference.

 

[newbury]

I would also like to buy some of my neighbors land because I have probably 60+ acres of woods around me.

You've got a decent lawnmower. Calculate what you might get on sale or trade in and figure out if it's worth it. Then get a 25HP tractor for the future for the big chores and skip paying $2 or $3K for a MMM. You'll need the ground clearance.

 

[dragoneggs]

Unless your property is 'pristine' having a belly mower on your tractor is a headache. The pretty commercials so a MMM on a tractor on a manicured yard. How many times do you see a MMM going through the woods? .... .... Never. Two dedicated machines. Don't try to compromise and do it with one. Just basing this on your terrain description which is similar to mine.

 

[chim]

We have 3-1/2 acres of yard that has been mowed with a MMM for two years and then RFM's for the last 26. The RFM's are easy on and off for using other rear implements and they provide excellent additional ballast when using the loader. It takes just under 1-1/2 hours to cut the grass with a 6-footer at a reasonable pace.

 

[jeff9366]

For five acres either a subcompact or compact tractor will serve. 4-WD should provide traction on your sloped land with R4/industrial tires.

Have you performed your own service on your L&G Tractor? If so, you can perform routine service on either a subcompact or compact tractor.

Subcompact tractors with a Mid Mount Mower have about 3" or ground clearance with mower attached, 9" ground clearance with mower removed. Removing and replacing MMM is easier than in the past but still not fun. Minimal 9" ground clearance can make working in woodland difficult. Subcompacts have two-range (2) HST transmissions. Subcompacts generally draw 48" wide implements.

Compact tractors of 1,600 - 1,800 pounds bare tractor weight have larger wheels and tires. Larger wheels yield greater ground clearance, usually at least 12", and a much smoother ride over rough ground. Compact tractors have greater FEL lift capacity than Subcompacts and usually have three-range (3) HST transmissions. Compact tractors generally draw 54" or 60" implements. Allowing for a 5" overlap in use, a considerable improvement over 48" implements.

Either a subcompact or compact tractor will operate a MMM equally well. The longer wheelbase compact will be a smidgeon less maneuverable.

If you can afford a 1,600 - 1,800 pound Compact, go for it. If you consider Kubota, focus on the B2650.

When considering a tractor purchase, bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second and (narrowly) rear wheel and Three Point Hitch ballast third.

The MMM is a inferior mowing option IMO. MMMs cost close to a used ZTR and get in the way of doing anything else. The loader also gets in the way of mowing.

I too recommend a Zero Turn Mower for lawn mowing. Or keep your L&G tractor and skip new tractor MMM. Instead, acquire a Bush Hog with your new tractor for trails and your meadow.


VIDEO: Kubota BX Series VS. B Series - YouTube

 

[dodge man]

I think people are giving you bad advice trying to steer you away from a mid mount. I have been using one for years. A three point would be fine for open ground but not as great when mowing around stuff. When you turn away from something the deck swings into the object. You also not only have the front tires mashing the grass down before you cut it but the rears to.

I just bought a JD 2025r and in my opinion the only real advantage of a JD is the auto connect deck. It comes off and back on in a couple of minutes.

 

[KennyG]

I'm not a fan of subcompacts because of the limited ground clearance and 3 point lift. I'm very happy with my MMM. It's a drive over, not auto-connect but it's very easy to install and remove. I considered a rear mower, but was concerned about the increased "tracking".

I am fortunate to have a very good JD dealer and my cost was essentially the same as similar Kubota and New Holland tractors. For me, the JD just feels a lot better to operate. After 9 trouble free years, even if it had cost more, that would be far in the rear view mirror. Get the tractor you really want.

 

[Egon]

In the past a Kubota B7100 HST (16 HP ) with loader and mid mount mower has worked for me in similar circumstances. In view of that a tractor of 20 to 30 HP should work well for you.

At present a JD 4200 with a backhoe & midpoint serves me well.

 

[nards444]

Kind of in the same boat as your in terms of land and what I want to do. JD and Kubota are nice tractors and nothing against them, but they are anywhere from 20-40% more, as good as they are I am not sure for the use that somebody like you would be doing, you would ever realize the cost or in other terms take advantage of it.

Ive narrowed my search to Kioti and TYM, which by the way TYM makes the RK, TYMs spec for spec actually are better than most of the top brands, I say that on paper at least, by all account I dont see many issues reported by TYM owners.

As for the mower, Ive borrowed a tractor with a MMM, not even close to zero turn, and really not any different than a beefy lawn tractor, think your playing a zero sum game when it comes to mowing. IMO tractors are great for mowing if your mowing acres upon acres with a tow behind.

 

[check 6]

For what it is worth dept. Years ago I went from a BX tractor to an open B2650 and then one with a cab. I am now back to a BX. Why, I thought I could do more with the "B" series and yes in open areas I could, but in the confines of moving stuff with a front loader around the yard a BX just can get in to more spaces. Also I found the "B" with a cab while nice had very high center of gravity and a narrow wheelbase and thus was somewhat top heavy. One had to be very careful on even a mild slope. As for mowing I had a belly mower on the "B" and used it some on long straight areas ( more later) but for my one acre lot a zero turn is the best. I have a Kubota with a 54 inch deck that works great and leaves a good cut plus I can get in and around beds etc thus reducing the trim mowing I have to do. Now back to the belly ( middle mower), yes the ground clearance is reduced on a BX especially with it mounted and removing and installing plus general maintenance is harder. So no belly mower. I am getting a 60" rear finish mower when I need mow long straight areas as it attaches easily to the BX and is far easier to service. As for the definition of long straight areas, in my case it is a 2200 ft log grass runway.

Bottom line a tractor primarily for tractor work and a zero turn for mowing has worked for me for many years

 

[hiddentacocatneddih]

I have 6 acres. 1-2 of yard and the rest pasture hills and tree line. I went with a 45hp 2wd tractor with fel because it was cheap, simple to work on and had plenty of loader lift capacity. I'm always picking up junk.

I mow all of my land. Around the house with a $400 riding lawn mower and the fence lines with it. On my tractor I have a 5ft rotary cutter and a 7ft rear finish mower. I prefer the tiny nimble lawn mower for the details and house area but the big mower makes the fields for fast.

A ztr is nice but it's a one trick pony and most cost more than my tractor did. The only thing i wish I had was 4wd but for the price I paid I can't complain.