which used Deere Compact tractor for mowing and snow removal

[BrentB]

Hello, I have owned a Deere 4200 (26hp) for 25 years, and its been a really good tractor. My only issues were it came with the front axle that scuffed the yard which the dealer replaced under recall program (you all remember that issue?. I wish it had more power, but really only for roading which I rarely do. The 420 loader has been a workhorse. I used the 72" mower for years, but hated putting it on and off and really didn't have a yard big enough to need it. I have turf tires and absolutely love them. They work great on snow and ice for me on paved driveway. I don't do any heavy tillage, but do move firewood and logs. So this is my background and my experience.

I am now helping a friends son pick out his first tractor for 23 acres and a 1500 ft driveway. Maybe 3 acres to mow. We get some snow in central Ill (not as much as we used to it seems). He will buy used, and needs something for snow and mowing. Also normal brush cleanup. I can't help but want to steer him to a large frame tractor like I have, but I am probably prejudiced. I have run the small 1025, and I hated it...too hard to get on and off, lift arms don't go high enough.

He found a 2025 tractor that seems a good deal. I think its a mid frame size. What is the consensus on it?
Would you stay clear of the 4200/4300/4310 because of their age?

It seems the 2032R might be a good choice.

I don't thing the E series can do a mid mount mower, right?

Thanks for any comments.
Regards,
Brent

 

[bigtiller]

Hello, I have owned a Deere 4200 (26hp) for 25 years, and its been a really good tractor. My only issues were it came with the front axle that scuffed the yard which the dealer replaced under recall program (you all remember that issue?. I wish it had more power, but really only for roading which I rarely do. The 420 loader has been a workhorse. I used the 72" mower for years, but hated putting it on and off and really didn't have a yard big enough to need it. I have turf tires and absolutely love them. They work great on snow and ice for me on paved driveway. I don't do any heavy tillage, but do move firewood and logs. So this is my background and my experience.

I am now helping a friends son pick out his first tractor for 23 acres and a 1500 ft driveway. Maybe 3 acres to mow. We get some snow in central Ill (not as much as we used to it seems). He will buy used, and needs something for snow and mowing. Also normal brush cleanup. I can't help but want to steer him to a large frame tractor like I have, but I am probably prejudiced. I have run the small 1025, and I hated it...too hard to get on and off, lift arms don't go high enough.

He found a 2025 tractor that seems a good deal. I think its a mid frame size. What is the consensus on it?
Would you stay clear of the 4200/4300/4310 because of their age?

It seems the 2032R might be a good choice.

I don't thing the E series can do a mid mount mower, right?

Thanks for any comments.
Regards,
Brent

I agree with you, a 2032R would be a good choice, but a 2038R would be more fun with a power hungry snowblower.

 

[greenie]

I've had a 790 for 26 years. Every year the time and sweat involved with hooking up the mid mount mower gets worse. This spring it took almost 2 hours. I've tried rear mounted mowers and they do a nice job but turning radius has a big tail swing. If money and space allows it's more practical to own one machine to both mow and use as a tractor.

 

[KennyG]

I think any 2 series JD would work well. For your snow conditions, a snowplow would work a lot better than a blower. I have less land but have a long driveway and mow about 2 acres of mine and another 2 or so for my church. I do it with the 62 inch deck and a snowplow. The only issue I have with my 2320 (24 hp) is I would like to have a little more hydraulic flow for loader operation.

Of course, someone will chime in that you need a zero turn, but for one machine, a 2 series JD, especially the higher horsepower models is a great choice.

 

[zzvyb6]

I don't think so. I recommend a 3 series with a loader. Even a previous generation 390. Power and weight gets you thru all the tasks for the property he's on. Get forks, too. More useful than a bucket. Don't recommend a belly mower. I had a 72" and to restrictive for winter operations. Get a QA compatible loader. Plow, forks, ph digger, all integrate into this configuration.
Plus a 30+ hp tractor will run a pto generator.

If this is overkill in your opinion, I suggest a 14, or 15 Series front mower that cuts grass, brooms snow, and can run a blower. Mine even runs a pto generator off the front. At the moment, I'm fabbing up a bracket to run a Samaurai side sickle mower that can run vertically and horizontally for hedge trimming. So much more versatile than "just a tractor as a lawn mower".

Friend of mine has a 4400 that is decent but the castings on the back end are brittle and had to be delt with.

BTW: my property is similarly sized, same driveway length, and same amount of grass.

 

[WVH1977]

At a minumum, I would be looking at the 2038r. Now, my opinion on that acreage, I would be looking at 40 to 60 HP compact tractor. It is really not that much bigger and will handle most chores needed with ease. It might not be the best for finish cutting due to size unless cutting an open field but power for loading, grading, moving from to and fro, it is hard to beat the bigger compact tractors.

With that being said, my smaller 35 HP tractor is awesome for moving mulch and gravel into tight spots on my property. I love it, but if had to have one it would definitely be the bigger one.

Lastly, get 3rd function up front on the loader and a grapple bucket. This is worth every penny. Use mine all the time.

 

[KennyG]

We sure like to spend other peoples money.

 

[RjCorazza]

While we're spending someone else's money, plowing a 1500' driveway would certainly be more comfortable in a heated cab.
For snow plowing, weight matters. I would be looking for something north of 4000lbs on the spec sheet.

 

[dodge man]

I own a 2025r and like it but I’d probably recommend at least a 2032r or a 3 series R instead. The newer auto connect decks are really nice.

 

[KennyG]

It will be interesting to get feedback from the original poster. Remember he has 23 acres but is only mowing 3. The driveway is almost 1/4 mile but he is in an area that probably only gets about 30 inches of snow a year.