Talk me into buying

[SoInLineman]

Just built a house on 10 acres. I have a 500' gravel driveway to maintain, 7 or so acres to bush hog, 2 acres to mow and 1 acre of woods. I have really been wanting to buy a tractor lately, but I don't know if I should buy an old used tractor for $5000 and under or invest $20000+ for a new tractor. Has anyone on here bought a brand new tractor with front loader and all the fixings and regretted it? Or is anyone getting by with an older tractor wishing they could upgrade to a new one? Part of me thinks an old Ford 2000 would get the job done for what I need, bug I can't help but to think a new tractor would be a much more enjoyable experience.

 

[Roadworthy]

I guess I fill both categories. I had a Mitsubishi D2350 for about fifteen years. It did what I asked of it whenever I asked - mostly. Sometimes there were repairs needed but all in all it was a wise purchase. It was a gray market tractor and getting long of tooth so repair parts started to become scarce. I sold it. I purchased a brand new Kubota L2501 - roughly the same rated horsepower. I like the new HST transmission for mowing and also for loader use as front and back changes require no gear changes. The old tractor was manual steering and two wheel drive. The new one is power steering and four wheel drive. Either would do the job for me but the newer tractor is more refined. I stayed with 25 horsepower to keep things simple with no computer or diesel particulate filter. I've also got ten acres, by the way. The Ford may suit you fine. Be advised there may be maintenance or repairs involved. Used compact tractors are in short supply here and prices tend to be high. If it matters, you can purchase many new tractors with zero interest loans and even get discounts on implements at the time of purchase.

 

[jeff9366]

Old, multiple operator tractors can be maintenance nightmares.

The final year for Ford 2000 production was 1975 ~~ 46 years ago.

Who will work on the Ford? Where will you get parts?

Can you trouble shoot hydraulics?

In relatively low cost, rural Florida tractor shops bill $90/hours for tractor mechanic time.


Buy a <26 horsepower from 100 cubic inch displacement engine, 2,700 pound bare weight tractor with a 3-range HST transmission. All the tractor you can buy without the complexity of Tier IV emissions paraphernalia.

The downside to work-around-the-rule tractors is they spew copious diesel particulates.

The Kubota L2501 was first in the market. Every manufacturer now produces at least one model with above specifications.

CT 2025 for 9 acres?

I am getting ready to buy my first tractor. I have been to all of the local dealers Kubota, John Deere, & Bobcat, watched every youtube video I can find, read every forum I can find and still questioning myself on if I am buying the right size tractor and right brand. We just bought a small...

www.tractorbynet.com

I have 7 or so acres to bush hog.

If you want a cab tractor to bush hog with a 60" or 72" mower you will have to buy a $6,000 more expensive model.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Just built a house on 10 acres. I have a 500' gravel driveway to maintain, 7 or so acres to bush hog, 2 acres to mow and 1 acre of woods. I have really been wanting to buy a tractor lately, but I don't know if I should buy an old used tractor for $5000 and under or invest $20000+ for a new tractor. Has anyone on here bought a brand new tractor with front loader and all the fixings and regretted it? Or is anyone getting by with an older tractor wishing they could upgrade to a new one? Part of me thinks an old Ford 2000 would get the job done for what I need, bug I can't help but to think a new tractor would be a much more enjoyable experience.

To me it's where are you? Age? Financial situation? Weather (snow)? Hilly-flat?
So many pieces to the puzzle.
I bought new and it was loaded and I bought attachments at the same time and I buy more. I'm 68, retired 7 years, no kids...why not? No regrets at all and enjoy it.

 

[SoInLineman]

To me it's where are you? Age? Financial situation? Weather (snow)? Hilly-flat?
So many pieces to the puzzle.
I bought new and it was loaded and I bought attachments at the same time and I buy more. I'm 68, retired 7 years, no kids...why not? No regrets at all and enjoy it.

Good questions. Land is slightly rolling. I live in southern Indiana where snow normally isn't a big issue. I'm 26, I could buy a new tractor out right, but Im planning to build a pole barn in the near future so would probably finance a new one if I go that route.

 

[fried1765]

Good questions. Land is slightly rolling. I live in southern Indiana where snow normally isn't a big issue. I'm 26, I could buy a new tractor out right, but Im planning to build a pole barn in the near future so would probably finance a new one if I go that route.

I bought a 20 year old Ford 8N when I was 33. I refurbished it, and used it until I was 63. I still own it!
I bought a 16 year old Ford 3400 TLB when I was 46, refurbished it, and sold it when I was 79.
I bought a 21 year old Ford 1920 in 2010, I was 70, and refurbished it, and I still own it.
I bought a 2006 Kubota L48TLB in 2019, I was 79, and refurbished it, and I still own it (it is a really magnificent machine).
I am going on 81 now, and have never bought a new tractor!
As an interesting aside: My 2006 Kubota (253 hr.) L48 TLB is reportedly worth 30% more than I paid for it, not even 2 years ago.

 

[MiserableOldFart]

If I were you, I'd be looking at 25hp or so compact, of a size of my first tractor, which is to say, like a Kubota B2650 or such. The L 2510 to me is too large for the power it has, and only exists because of the 26 hp limit on non-fancy emission stuff. Yes, the larger tractor will have more loader capacity, probably, than the smaller tractor, and be better at box blading and other stuff where the extra heft is handy (500 ft drive is a piece of cake for 25hp, though.), but you'd sacrifice the handling of the smaller tractor. If money is no object, I'd take a look a the Deere R33/3820 models. These are beautifully made machines. But a 25 hp in the smallest size of CUT, larger than the SCUTs. is a good place to start and should keep you going for a good many years. The only thing that can get in your way with that, is if you want to go to a larger tractor, say 40 hp or more, your implements will likely be too small to cover your wheels.

Addendum: Oh yes, looking at a post above.. 3 Hydro ranges are much better than 2, for sure!! That's one of the things I regret about the NH TC26DA- not having a middle range to mow in.

 

[SoInLineman]

I bought a 20 year old Ford 8N when I was 33. I refurbished it, and used it until I was 63. I still own it!
I bought a 16 year old Ford 3400 TLB when I was 46, refurbished it, and sold it when I was 79.
I bought a 21 year old Ford 1920 in 2010, I was 70, and refurbished it, and I still own it.
I bought a 2006 Kubota L48TLB in 2019, I was 79, and refurbished it, and I still own it (it is a really magnificent machine).
I am going on 81 now, and have never bought a new tractor!
As an interesting aside: My 2006 Kubota (253 hr.) L48 TLB is reportedly worth 30% more than I paid for it 2 years ago.

The used market is crazy right now, most dealers in my area do not have new inventory and everything used sells quick.

 

[SoInLineman]

If I were you, I'd be looking at 25hp or so compact, of a size of my first tractor, which is to say, like a Kubota B2650 or such. The L 2510 to me is too large for the power it has, and only exists because of the 26 hp limit on non-fancy emission stuff. Yes, the larger tractor will have more loader capacity, probably, than the smaller tractor, and be better at box blading and other stuff where the extra heft is handy (500 ft drive is a piece of cake for 25hp, though.), but you'd sacrifice the handling of the smaller tractor. If money is no object, I'd take a look a the Deere R33/3820 models. These are beautifully made machines. But a 25 hp in the smallest size of CUT, larger than the SCUTs. is a good place to start and should keep you going for a good many years. The only thing that can get in your way with that, is if you want to go to a larger tractor, say 40 hp or more, your implements will likely be too small to cover your wheels.

Addendum: Oh yes, looking at a post above.. 3 Hydro ranges are much better than 2, for sure!! That's one of the things I regret about the NH TC26DA- not having a middle range to mow in.

Money is always a consideration. I was originally looking into a l2501 but after comparing it to the b2650, I agree that the b series is more practical for my needs. The closest dealer to me is a John Deere dealer, but all they have in stock are 1025r.

 

[dirttoys]

Just built a house on 10 acres. I have a 500' gravel driveway to maintain, 7 or so acres to bush hog, 2 acres to mow and 1 acre of woods. I have really been wanting to buy a tractor lately, but I don't know if I should buy an old used tractor for $5000 and under or invest $20000+ for a new tractor. Has anyone on here bought a brand new tractor with front loader and all the fixings and regretted it? Or is anyone getting by with an older tractor wishing they could upgrade to a new one? Part of me thinks an old Ford 2000 would get the job done for what I need, bug I can't help but to think a new tractor would be a much more enjoyable experience.

Question for the ages! I have always bought used where I could, cheaper, simpler, and more what I was used to as a kid. In my experience older = heavier and two wheel drive vs newer = lighter, 4wd, and more comfy. I am fine working on older stuff, and, I spend money on other dirt toys.

If you can stand the $$'s, and don't want to spend as much time working on your stuff as you do working with your stuff, buy new. Not specific to you at all, don't know all you have to do, but, don't under estimate the value of weight when you buy. Rarely do I hear anybody say their tractor is too big (or that it is too new, or doesn't break enough!!)

Best,

ed

 

[Midniteoyl]

Good questions. Land is slightly rolling. I live in southern Indiana where snow normally isn't a big issue. I'm 26, I could buy a new tractor out right, but Im planning to build a pole barn in the near future so would probably finance a new one if I go that route.

Finance a new one.. Most places are running 0% no money down. Free loan. Pay it off as soon as you wish. You can usually add the attachments to that loan too..

I would not pay for a used one now with the prices the way they are. Better off new.

edit: And dont get stuck on Kubota or JD. Other really good tractors out there that will do the job just fine and usually be easier on the wallet.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Has anyone on here bought a brand new tractor with front loader and all the fixings and regretted it?

Funny guy! Asking a conference full of tractor enthusiasts if they regret owning a tractor. The only regrets here are people who buy too small and then have to upsize, or who didn't buy a cab when it turns out they really wanted one.

Anyway, while you're thinking about a tractor, just beware of the gotcha factors of the lifestyle (as I'm sure there will be plenty of replies on the tractor specs):

• Will you be able to move the tractor? Tractor + attachments can weigh more than tier one trucks can tow, once you factor in the trailer weight. And cost!
• Where will you put the tractor and goodies? Some people are happy to leave 'em outside in the weather, I prefer to garage anything which has hydraulics or PTO hookups. My rotary cutter is ~9x6' of garage floor space.

 

[Bullwinkle123]

Re: cab or no cab. When I'm in the field cutting, I can pick my time for a nice day, I don't mind not having a cab. In fact it's nice to be in the fresh air on a nice day, even if the weed seeds are blowing every which way (and clogging my air intakes). On the other hand, when I'm in the wet snow trying to clear the driveway, I'm wishing for the cab. Tough call, it's a large expense, but I opted to direct the money to other things.

 

[RalphVa]

Just built a house on 10 acres. I have a 500' gravel driveway to maintain, 7 or so acres to bush hog, 2 acres to mow and 1 acre of woods. I have really been wanting to buy a tractor lately, but I don't know if I should buy an old used tractor for $5000 and under or invest $20000+ for a new tractor. Has anyone on here bought a brand new tractor with front loader and all the fixings and regretted it? Or is anyone getting by with an older tractor wishing they could upgrade to a new one? Part of me thinks an old Ford 2000 would get the job done for what I need, bug I can't help but to think a new tractor would be a much more enjoyable experience.

I am no longer into tractor repair much; so, I bought a new JD 4010 (2019E if made today) with FEL and bush hog in 2004. Been buying 2 others since then to avoid repairs. The 1025R, the 2nd, was a lemon. Lots of visits by JD mechanic. So far, the 2025R has only had PTO problems: switch and recently the relay. Had them do the front driveshaft greasing when they did the switch. Wish they'd go with an electric tractor, as it would be so much simpler, e.g. no HST, gears, shafts, just batteries and motors for everything.

 

[Fuddy1952]

When I was 26 I bought a 1950 Farmall Cub, similar to Grandad's '49 Cub, both 4 cyl, 10hp. My first ever new tractor I bought at 65. It was $1,200 with attachments.

 

[dusty3030]

I take it SoInLineman stands for "Southern Indiana Lineman". Due to your stated age, occupation and location you don't happen to have an aunt whose initials are P.B. do you? If so, small world for sure.

Used prices are high right now due to the shortages of new stuff. Good late model low hour pre emissions tractors bring a premium for the fact they don't have the emissions stuff on them. Definitely sellers market on both of those.

With inflation on the horizon I have no qualms about advising someone in your position to finance a new one right now. The L2501 mentioned would be a good options size wise to consider.

Kioti I'd recommend CK2610 HST - (they are doing 0% for 84 months right now)

CK2610 HST Compact Tractor | Kioti Tractors

CK2610 HST Compact Tractor - Engine Gross Power: 24.5 hp (18.2 kW); PTO Type: Live; Transmission Type: Hydrostatic; Shuttle: Dry Single Stage

www.kioti.com

Kubota L2501 HST 4wd - (they are doing 0% for 84 months right now)

Tractors - Compact - Standard L Series | Kubota

Browse through Kubota's Standard L Series Compact tractor inventory, filter search by features to find the best fit for you, or even build your own. Then find a dealer close by with your desired product!

www.kubotausa.com

Instead of trying to mow the manicured part of your lawn with your tractor I'd suggest skipping getting a mid mount mower or finish mower and put that money towards a decent zero turn lawn mower and get a rotary cutter / bush hog for the tractor for your rough cutting. There are plenty of value brand / light to mid duty 4' and 5' rotary cutters that would last you fine as long as you're not trying to mow up trees / big rocks with them. Cutting 7 acres of mostly grass / light brush a few times a year a value line cutter would last you a lifetime if you take reasonable care of it and don't let it rust out leaving wet grass piled up on it year round.

 

[Williy]

For a small tractor check this one out:

Want a little more power and you can put a cab on it:

You also get a 10 year warranty
and you just might want to check out the pretty
little blue LS tractors with a 6 year warranty!
When I looked these 2 tractors over you can see
they are well made.

willy

 

[dodge man]

I bought a Kubota BX 12 years ago and traded for a John Deere 2025r a couple of years ago. End loader and 60” mid mount mower and a few other implements.

Do I regret the purchases. Of course. I miss the days of mowing with that $1200 riding mower and wondering when I was going to blow out a deck spindle. 4 wheel drive? I miss riding that cheap riding mower down a hill wondering if it would stop or turn at the bottom.

Need a front end loader? Nope, a shovel and spade with one of those cheap pull behind carts gets you a lot more exercise.

Do you absolutely need a tractor? No, it goes air, water, food, shelter and so on, but a tractor should be about fifth on that list. You won’t regret it trust me.

 

[SoInLineman]

I take it SoInLineman stands for "Southern Indiana Lineman". Due to your stated age, occupation and location you don't happen to have an aunt whose initials are P.B. do you? If so, small world for sure.

Used prices are high right now due to the shortages of new stuff. Good late model low hour pre emissions tractors bring a premium for the fact they don't have the emissions stuff on them. Definitely sellers market on both of those.

With inflation on the horizon I have no qualms about advising someone in your position to finance a new one right now. The L2501 mentioned would be a good options size wise to consider.

Kioti I'd recommend CK2610 HST - (they are doing 0% for 84 months right now)

CK2610 HST Compact Tractor | Kioti Tractors

CK2610 HST Compact Tractor - Engine Gross Power: 24.5 hp (18.2 kW); PTO Type: Live; Transmission Type: Hydrostatic; Shuttle: Dry Single Stage

www.kioti.com

Kubota L2501 HST 4wd - (they are doing 0% for 84 months right now)

Tractors - Compact - Standard L Series | Kubota

Browse through Kubota's Standard L Series Compact tractor inventory, filter search by features to find the best fit for you, or even build your own. Then find a dealer close by with your desired product!

www.kubotausa.com

Instead of trying to mow the manicured part of your lawn with your tractor I'd suggest skipping getting a mid mount mower or finish mower and put that money towards a decent zero turn lawn mower and get a rotary cutter / bush hog for the tractor for your rough cutting. There are plenty of value brand / light to mid duty 4' and 5' rotary cutters that would last you fine as long as you're not trying to mow up trees / big rocks with them. Cutting 7 acres of mostly grass / light brush a few times a year a value line cutter would last you a lifetime if you take reasonable care of it and don't let it rust out leaving wet grass piled up on it year round.

You are right about me being a Indiana lineman, but those initials are none of my aunt's, however, there's a chance I know who you are talking about.

 

[dusty3030]

Her maiden name starts with a C.
Good people.