Add cat 0 3 point hitch to my JD 430 or get another tractor?

[tkhadre]

Hey fellas,

First post here with a question I've been pondering. I am the newish owner of 5 acres that I intend to gradually use more and more of for gardening and raising a few animals. I currently own a JD 430 Diesel garden tractor with about 25 hp and turf tires. 2x4. I have a belly mower on it that I use to cut grass and a hydraulic snow plow that I use in the winter. I'd like to be able plow and cultivate some virgin ground for a garden. The sad thing is that I believe it can only take a cat 0 hitch.

Do you guys think it's worth it for me to spend the $350 on ebay for the hitch or just save the cash and later buy a "proper" tractor? Should I even keep the JD 430 for mowing or consider a more all in one machine? I mow about 2 acres.

Thanks

 

[Paratus]

Welcome to the Forum!

I am a relative noob, but I think if you are going to be doing much ground engaging work (plow, tilling etc) you will wish you had more options than the Cat-0 will give you. Less to choose from with Cat-0, both new and used, and maybe a little less capability.

If I was spending your money, I would get something with a Cat-1 3PH. The veterans on this site will probably have some wisdom to share.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Neighbor has a JD 420 with 60 inch deck, pto bagger and front blade, he upgraded to a set of Kubota BXs but keeps the Deere around because nothing matches the hopper bagger he has but for tilling, spraying, mowing the BXs win. It is hard to find capable cat 0 attachments.

David Kb7unstt

 

[jenkinsph]

I would keep the mower if it is in good shape and consider buying a larger used tractor for the heavy jobs. Much better to have a dedicated mower with turf tires and a heavier weighted tractor for high traction jobs and fel work.

 

[XSKIER]

I think moldboard plowing with lawn tractors is pretty popular in PA. Check out when they do a plow day in the fall or spring to see what everybody is running. Around TBN, you always need a bigger tractor...

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have a 332 JD with turf tires (basically same tractor you have but earlier model in diesel engine). While it is good for mowing, I don't think the turfs will give enough traction for ground engaging tools. I think you will also need to put on some bar lug tires to go along with the 3 ph and likely put some wheel weights on for traction. All this is going to add to your investment and after putting even more money into Cat 0 implements, you will still have a very marginal cultivation tractor.
I would opt for a small 4 wd SCUT or CUT with Cat 1 3PH capability. There are lots of very good used tractors available, at least in my area. Check Craigslist or Tractorhouse.com for some ideas on prices. Always negotiate for a lower price than listed. $5K should get you a pretty good 20-25 HP used tractor OR buy new with lots of 0% interest deals and monthly payments around $150 for some models.

 

[bigtiller]

Keep the 430, they are becoming a collectors item. If you have the time and money, clean it up, put a Brinly plow on the back and go show it off at a local "Plow Day" event. Then look for a 455 or an X495, they were both good diesel mowers.