Tractor Sizing Tractor for 1.2 acres

[tacticalturnip]

Why does everyone overlook the Hoyt-Clagwell? Inexpensive and capable. The entertainment value is well worth the price of purchase.

I feel as though we have been down this road before; they're just not well regarded these days.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I did like the 1025r pedal configuration better (I am 6'2")

If you have a Massey Ferguson dealer nearby ... Go check out the GC line up ... They have the same side by side pedals like the JD ...

I'm 6'1" and I fit fine on mine, which also has a tilt wheel.

 

[termilvr]

I'm all about buying implements, but why do you want a sub-soiler?
Do you really need a grapple for such small acreage vs using the forks to move brush and logs?
How will you use the stump bucket? (not for removing stumps with such a small tractor I hope)
For removing snow from a 100 foot drive, the bucket might be sufficient (that's the length of 2 houses)

I was interested in using the sub soiler to run a water line out to some remote parts of my yard for veggie gardens and a water source for a fire pit. I could probably get away without a grapple. The stump bucket (small one) I would use for small shrubs. Probably could get away with some edge tammers for the bucket. I honesty know I am crazy and some of this is just for fun.

 

[airbiscuit]

Well, just for fun is an acceptable reason.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I'm told pallet forks are also quite good diggers, I know a few times I've skimmed them into the dirt ... Might do with shrub removal, and they are EXTREMELY Handy for lots of other things too!

 

[airbiscuit]

These are the debris forks I made to bolt onto my forks - easy build

 

[termilvr]

I agree with looking at marketplace for used. There are some real deals out there right now. Look at the Massey SCUT, one of the best. I wouldn't worry about a close dealer either.

You have a Yanmar dealer go sit on an SA325

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I did reach out to them for a quote but haven't gotten anything back.

 

[termilvr]

If you have a Massey Ferguson dealer nearby ... Go check out the GC line up ... They have the same side by side pedals like the JD ...

I'm 6'1" and I fit fine on mine, which also has a tilt wheel.

There is one about 30 min away. How has the reliability been?

 

[termilvr]

A few things to consider:

You mentioned pushing snow with the machine. Having split brakes is very helpful when actually "pushing" snow with either the bucket or blade (or a snow pusher) for steering. Therefore, you might want to take note if any of the machines you are looking at have split brakes. A differential lock is also helpful.

Also, in general, look closely at what the snow-handling options are for the machine you are looking at. What attachments are available (bucket, front blade, rear blade, pusher, blower, etc.) and how easy are they to attach/detach.

If you get very much snow, and especially if you have hills, you will be much happier with the performance if the tractor has tires chains at least on the rear wheels. You will also need extra weight, either wheel weights or filled tires (or both) and will need rear counterweight (weight box) for doing loader work.

I have found that rear-mounted attachments are easier to mount/dismount from the machine. This becomes an issue with things like snow blowers, blades and mowers which can be mounted front, middle (for mowers) or rear on the tractor. For instance, if you need your loader all winter for whatever, but also need something to handle snow, but you have to remove the loader to mount the blade or blower, this can be a pain. However, you can put blowers and blades on the rear of the machine and keep the loader on all the time.

Whatever you decide on, have fun!

I was planning on filled tires as well as a heavy hitch weight bracket with suitcase weight for counterweight.

 

[anomad]

It's mostly grass but is a little bumpy in some parts on a garden tractor. The front is a steep grade but I don't envision doing too much work there. I did feel like the B had more leg room but I did like the 1025r pedal configuration better (I am 6'2")

I'm also your height and fit comfortably on my B2601. The treadle pedal took me some getting used to. I am fine with it now. I would say the B2601 is plenty of tractor for a large acre plus lot like you describe. Maybe even overkill. And buddy, I am all about overkill! If your grass is well manicured or if your ground is soft like mine (unless it is bone dry) I would get turf tires. When my tires wear out I will replace them with turf tread.

I bought my little B right when covid hit, but there was still dealer inventory and financing incentives. An impulse purchase by my standards. I've since gotten a bigger cabbed tractor, but keep the little B around since I like it so much.

Check out Kubota dealers with a good online presence like Messicks. Kubota of Johnson City Tennessee has 3 locations and keeps their used inventory up to date. Kubota of Lynchburg Virginia does as well. My local guys don't do online diddly squat. A little "let your fingers do the walking" will give you a ballpark on used prices. It is a buyers market right now on used tractors.

So, I have a B2601. Feel free to ask me anything about it here or in a private message. Be happy to tell you what I know.

 

[dodge man]

You might check out a 2025r also. Similar to a 1025r on a bigger chassis and tires. The big advantage of JD on their smaller tractors is the auto connect mower deck. If you won’t be mowing with it that doesn’t matter.

 

[thebmrust]

We have 1.5 acres and bought a TYM T-25 last year (2025). We got forks, box grader, and backhoe.

I looked at Deere, Bobcat, Branson (TYM), Massey, LS, Bad Boy, and a few others. I really wanted the T-2515 but wasn’t happy with the pricing at a local dealer. So we went to another dealer and settled with a T-25. It’s okay. It’s a really nice size, but I would prefer a touch bigger even for our 1.5ac.

In my opinion, the T25 is just barely enough for what we do. Move dirt, gravel, dig trenches, break sprinklers, fill holes, grade the short but wide driveway, etc.

If you have woods/trees, going to break in ground, lots of dirt to move, etc. go bigger than a 1 series. Move to a bigger 2 series or get a smaller 3 series.

The lifting, digging, scoping power is well worth the entry price of a bigger tractor.

 

[ultrarunner]

No regrets with my BX23 purchased years ago.

The backhoe has proved very useful doubling as a skyhook.

Only added a tooth bar and belly skid plate…

 

[Shawn T. W.]

There is one about 30 min away. How has the reliability been?

I'd say VERY GOOD!

While it hasn't been trouble free, I've certainly worked it very hard in the little over 4 years I've owned it ... Considering that it's a machine and things happen ... Plus it was built in the summer of 2021 during the COVID crisis ...

I had the oil pressure sensor fail, they routed the power steering line too close or didn't protect it enough so it chaffed through and leaked, I had a front axle leaking seals, probably mostly due to me not understanding the IMPORTANCE of rear ballast taking the weight off the front axle, so that was probably "abuse" in my part ! But all covered under the 2 year bumper to bumper warranty!

Otherwise it's been an AWESOME Little Swiss Army Knife Tractor!

From the other day ...

 

[Little Red Tractor]

I'll just add my experience here, as you've been given much good advice--pay particular attention to the lifting limitations as one contributor has outlined for you.
I have used all sorts of things on a similar-length driveway: a plow on the Farmall Cub, a snowblower on an old Bolens 18 horse FWD machine, a bucket on a larger Cub Cadet, and now a bucket on my B2301 (a slightly lower-powered version of the 2601). The Kubota does everything better than any of the others. I stay using the bucket for snow clearing as I frequently have heavy wet snow that a blower doesn't deal that well with.

I can agree that when moving snow, the steering brakes are a real asset, particularly when the snow is heavy and the push is upgrade. The 2301 serves all my needs, but is small enough to work in my Christmas tree farm as well. It's a pretty capable machine.

As for what dealers to use, check out its history on parts and service. A nearby dealer that is tough to work with will be more of a pain than a more distant one who consistently takes good care of its customers--even the little guys.

 

[Soloz2]

I've 1.33 acres and have a B2601. Honestly, there are times a lighter tractor would be nice like in the spring when my yard is super soft, but outside of this I've never wanted a smaller tractor, but sometimes bigger. Get the B2601. It's more capable than the 1025r and the SCUTs.
I've got a grapple, pallet forks, bucket, snow pusher, for it. I haven't gotten a stump bucket, but it's on my wish list.
One thing I didn't think about was loading downed trees/stumps in a dump truck. Lift height comes into play and I was barely able to do it, a smaller tractor would not have been able to lift stumps up and over the sides.

 

[dhuhncke]

Looking to get a tractor witha FEL for doing basic chores around the house. I have an old garden tractor that would stay dedicated asa mower.

Tasks:
-Move mulch, dirt, gravel for gardens and other landscape activities.
-Move Snow on 100ft driveway
-Move brush and downed trees from edge of the property (forest lined)
-Build out garden beds for flowers and vegetables -Level ground for large fire/burn pit, and playground
-tree planting

Impliments:
-Loader w/bucket
-Pallet Forks
-Snow Pusher
-Grapple
-Stump Bucket
-Sub Soiler
I have tested out both the 1025r and B2601. The 1025r seem like plenty for my needs. The B2601 is the one step up in case my needs were to ever grow but likely overkill right now. Thoughts? Should stick with 1025r or step up to the B2601? always read people say go bigger than you think you need.

 

[dhuhncke]

Bobcat or Massey, for loader work you'll want as heavy a tractor you buy plus look into grapple options if your moving timber. Bobcat would have the most options for grapple. Massey can outlift Kubota in every class. Massey more basic then the kubota. If you want a front snowblower then Bobcat again has more options

 

[Torvy]

Howdy. We lived in Waukesha from 2000-2006 before moving to Texas.

Expand your search to more brands. JD and Kubota make good equipment, but so does everyone else. The difference is price. Those 2 are going to set you back a lot more.

There's a tradeoff of size/power versus space. Those subcompact tractors can be nicer on an acre or two. The work can be done, it just might take a bit longer.

Comparing the same sized tractors, be aware of the lift capacities. Once you add the weight of the grapple or forks, some leave little capacity left for lifting.

 

[Bentrim]

Why does everyone overlook the Hoyt-Clagwell? Inexpensive and capable. The entertainment value is well worth the price of purchase.

Why limit your choices?
Check out the Happy Farmer, the Fox River tractor, Keck-Gonnerman, Galloway, Le Roi, Montgomery Ward, Pioneer, Rock Island, Samson, Sears, Square Turn, Twin City, Wallace, Wetmore, Wisconsin tractor.


There are probably more but these are listed in www.tractordata.com

If you could buy them now for the price they last sold for they would be one heck of a bargain, but would they fit your use?