Buying Advice Questions about potential purchase, not sure where to start

[airbiscuit]

A BX size tractor will do a lot of work, but some rocks and tree trunks are big enough to stop any size tractor. Dozer can clear a lot of stuff in a few hours that can't be done with a tractor without tearing it up and then not having a tractor to work with.

There's an ongoing discussion here about whether it makes sense to buy a backhoe attachment versus buying one of the $5000 or so mini-excavators. For convenience in not having to mount and unmount it, I lean towards the mini-ex myself, not to mention the house turns 360 degrees which is very handy for digging in tight spaces. Literally, you can spin around to the opposite side of what you are digging and dump the material.

 

[JasperFrank]

Everyone, new building, around my location, transitioned to Mini-excavators instead of general purpose tractors. Don't know what that means for your needs. I've never used one. Its just a thing I've seen happen and they work for them. And these made quick work of all the tree falls in the last ice storm and digging up the rocks on their props.

 

[buckeyeone]

Looking to purchase my first tractor. Have decent lawn tractor (JD x350) but it's proven inadequate for any projects beyond cutting grass.

There is a John Deere dealership nearby, and a Kubota dealer even closer, so I would like to limit my search to these brands.

I currently live on a 3.8 acre property in Washington. It's slightly hilly, very rocky soil (sometimes boulders), there's several trees but it's mostly a meadow, and it's constantly on the verge of being swallowed by blackberry. The property was neglected prior to purchase, so I'm in the process of restoring it and transforming it into my sanctuary. Use cases are moving wood, I would love to get a brush hog (as I've paid for this several times now and it's baffling how quickly blackberry grows), moving sod, filling holes, evening out land / tilling, and as a helper for ambitious gardening plans.

I think it's time for me to start considering a tractor. My budget is probably around $20K with some wiggle room.

Additional considerations: I've never used a tractor before, I'm not very mechanically inclined, and as such, I would love to have something user friendly and reliable. I don't know if this matters, I'm in my 30s and a woman, so I want to come prepared to any dealer so I don't get taken advantage of.

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure a tractor is the right thing for me. The anonymity of the internet will allow me to admit I'm sorta an idiot and in over my head, and maybe I should just stick to hand tools and manual labor.

Either way, thank you for any insight you can provide, I sincerely appreciate your help and advice.

8

 

[WinterDeere]

Everyone, new building, around my location, transitioned to Mini-excavators instead of general purpose tractors. Don't know what that means for your needs. I've never used one. Its just a thing I've seen happen and they work for them. And these made quick work of all the tree falls in the last ice storm and digging up the rocks on their props.

Agreed on the tree falls, but OP reports wanting to brush hog a property that's mostly meadow:

...there's several trees but it's mostly a meadow... I would love to get a brush hog (as I've paid for this several times now and it's baffling how quickly blackberry grows)...

 

[California]

Agreed on the tree falls, but OP reports wanting to brush hog a property that's mostly meadow:

... and rocks.

Maybe that front stump scoop is what she needs to get out some of the rocks without spending what a backhoe or excavator costs.

 

[airbiscuit]

It would be helpful if you posted some pictures of your property.

 

[JasperFrank]

Agreed on the tree falls, but OP reports wanting to brush hog a property that's mostly meadow:

Meadow with rocks. Meadow with drop zones of old tree depression stumps. You can work this work this for 1/4 of your life as DIY. Or just have it done, in one messy manner, using the expertise of other people.

 

[fattylumpkins]

It would be helpful if you posted some pictures of your property.

Okay! I will later this afternoon : ) / tomorrow morning

 

[fattylumpkins]

Meadow with rocks. Meadow with drop zones of old tree depression stumps. You can work this work this for 1/4 of your life as DIY. Or just have it done, in one messy manner, using the expertise of other people.

It's pretty common to find basketball sized / beachball sized rocks just beneath the surface. Some are strategically used, by previous owners, do build up areas. Others just exist around me - and I drive around them when I mow.

Wanted to say thank you again for the continued responses. You all are far and beyond the most helpful people - not making assumptions, but I have started referring to you all as my tractor elders.

 

[airbiscuit]

...As an update for anyone interested, I did talk to my dadabout coming with me. ...
For context, he's not mechanically savvy but seems to have become obsessed with the idea of tractors, wanting one of his own (just doesn't have the space nor right property for it) and watching YouTube about them for the past year rather obsessively....

I think getting a tractor could be win/win for you. You will get a lot of work done and your property will get improved. Your Dad will be in heaven, and you can fund your implement purchases by charging him a recreation fee for operating your tractor.