Another newbie needing help selecting a utility tractor

[ctusdenny]

Hi. I just purchased 20 acres in Washington state (US), near Cashmere. I'm completely new to tractors, and have been reading through the forums here. A lot of good info, but figured I'd ask my questions outright.

Out of the 20 acres, the house sits on about 1.5 acres of flat ground. There is about 3/4 acre of lawn (grass). There is also a 2 acre grazing field and small barn. The rest of the land is pretty flat, but mostly wild grass and native growth.

I am looking for some help in choosing a decent utility tractor. I won't be working the land agriculturally, nor will I have any livestock on the property. We simply purchased the property as a secluded place to get away from the city (Seattle). I basically feel like I need a small tractor to:

1. Mow the wild grass and weeds around the property. (Don't need it for the lawn exactly, since I have a mower for that).

2. Basic tasks around the property (gardening work, etc)

3. Snow removal in the winter (driveway is about 300 ft to the road).

I'm not sure what HP would be sufficient? I'm thinking a small utility tractor with a loader, and a 48" or 60" brush mower. I'm not opposed to Chinese brands as I'm pretty good mechanically and can handle most maintenance and repairs on my own. Just don't want junk that won't hold up. Even with the modest use it will get, as I probably will only put 75-100 hours/ year on whatever I purchase.

Anyway, maybe some of you kind folks have some suggestions?

Thanks

 

[murphy1244]

What Tractor dealers are with in 50 miles of you?? What is your price range? Do you want New or used?

 

[davrow]

Also consider if you need a cab. Not just for temperature, but to keep away bugs.

You could get away with almost any tractor, including a subcompact. Bigger will let you get your tasks done quicker is all.

New or used, then time frame. Want it sooner? Pay more. No hurry? Wait for that once in a blue moon deal, and have cash in hand.

The problem with some Chinese tractors is parts availability, not your skill level. Unless you can fabricate your own parts.

 

[ctusdenny]

What Tractor dealers are with in 50 miles of you?? What is your price range? Do you want New or used?

Good questions. Thanks.

There are several tractor dealers around the area. There are lots of orchards and commercial farming close by. Some are selling New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, Ford, and several that also carry the less expensive Chinese brands, too.

I don't yet have a real price range. I haven't looked yet at any new tractors, just been researching online so far. The previous owner of the property had a relatively new Jinma 285 with FEL and brush mower attachment. I know this because I saw it in the garage when we were looking to buy the property. I tried to negotiate it into the price of the property, but he's keeping it. I'd like to find something in the $7-$8k range, so used is probably what I'm going to have to settle for. Which is fine, by the way. I'd prefer a used on to save some $$$.

 

[ctusdenny]

The problem with some Chinese tractors is parts availability, not your skill level. Unless you can fabricate your own parts.

Good point. That is one of my concerns with the Chinese brands. And while I'm pretty handy, but making parts for a tractor doesn't sound like something I want to be doing.

 

[George2615]

A daily check on CL for tractors may get you a good used tractor in your price range. I'd say anything in the 20-28 HP range with a 5' brush hog and a loader would work for you. Also Check your local dealers. Sometimes they take in trades.

 

[davrow]

Just so you know, I consider Jinma an exception. There are enough around to find both parts and help if needed.

Not that you should decide anything based on my opinion! :laughing:

 

[newbury]

Just a word on terminology -

Often we think of several "classes" of tractors, primarily based on size.

SubCompact Utility Tractors or SCUTs typified by the Kubota BX series, usually kind of small front wheels and under 25HP

Compact Utility tractors or CUTs typified by the Kubota B and L series, about 20 to 45HP

Utility tractors typified by Kubota M series 50HP plus

Then I guess around 80 to 100 HP you get into Ag tractors.

For 20 acres and 8K your in older CUT category, not impossible but but will take some looking.

Prices have been going up.

http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?Manu=KUBOTA&MDLGrp=B7610 is an example - in 2009 I bought my 2007 B7610, w 240 hrs, w/ FEL, Boxblade AND trailer



for 11.5K off CL. At that time a fair deal for a 2 year old tractor. Today the SAME 2007 equipment would probably go for more.

For 20 acres a 30HP would probably do well.

 

[Bigfoot62]

. . . Some are selling New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, Ford, . . . I'd prefer a used one to save some $$$.

Any of those should be fine. I'm sure that someone will flame me for saying this, but I try to steer people away from the "off-brand" tractors. Tractors are machines. Sooner or later, you will need parts, service, dealer support, etc.
Take the local NH/Kubota dealer. Same owner, same location, even the same service manager, for decades.
Or the JD dealer. Current owner is the second generation of the same family. His dad opened the dealership in the 1930's.
Compare that, for example, with the local Mahindra dealer that has changed ownership and locations 4 times in the last 10-12 years.

 

[newbury]

Any of those should be fine. I'm sure that someone will flame me for saying this, but I try to steer people away from the "off-brand" tractors. Tractors are machines. Sooner or later, you will need parts, service, dealer support, etc.
Take the local NH/Kubota dealer. Same owner, same location, even the same service manager, for decades.
Or the JD dealer. Current owner is the second generation of the same family. His dad opened the dealership in the 1930's.
Compare that, for example, with the local Mahindra dealer that has changed ownership and locations 4 times in the last 10-12 years.

Or worse - what will be the fate of many "chinese" tractor dealerships? It seems tier 4 is making them cut back severely.

 

[ctusdenny]

Thanks, folks. All good points to consider. Very helpful to someone who is very new to all of this.

I'm going to be patient and search for the right fit for me. I'm going to also research which dealer(s) have favorable reputations, and go in and talk to someone who knows about the area. At least try to get a feel for what's considered "the average" residential type tractor for the area.

What about 2WD vs 4WD? Probably an exhaustive topic, with many considerations... Should I even consider a 2WD? Or would I always regret not paying extra for the 4WD?

Lots to consider, anyway. Thanks again.

 

[grm61]

If you can afford it, get a tractor in the 40+hp size, 4WD,when you move from the 30/35 horse, to the the 40hp frame size, your lift capacity doubles with the Kioti...2761lbs of lift with the DK series.
20 acres, who knows what you might want to do later on, you would be money ahead to buy enough tractor the first go around.

If it is in your budget a Cab would be nice, Wenatchee gets plenty hot in the summer, and cold in the winter, sounds like you are pretty much wide open, so no worries beating the cab up in the woods.
That said I really like and enjoy my DK45 HSt Cab, I find it strong and capable, and satisfying to use.

 

[grm61]

Also consider if you need a cab. Not just for temperature, but to keep away bugs.

You could get away with almost any tractor, including a subcompact. Bigger will let you get your tasks done quicker is all.

New or used, then time frame. Want it sooner? Pay more. No hurry? Wait for that once in a blue moon deal, and have cash in hand.

The problem with some Chinese tractors is parts availability, not your skill level. Unless you can fabricate your own parts.

Bigger will let you get your tasks done quicker is all.

I respectfully disagree, there are some tasks that a small tractor just can not do.

 

[newbury]

The OP's parameters:

Hi. I just purchased 20 acres in Washington state (US), near Cashmere. I'm completely new to tractors, and have been reading through the forums here. A lot of good info, but figured I'd ask my questions outright.

Out of the 20 acres, the house sits on about 1.5 acres of flat ground. There is about 3/4 acre of lawn (grass). There is also a 2 acre grazing field and small barn. The rest of the land is pretty flat, but mostly wild grass and native growth.

I am looking for some help in choosing a decent utility tractor. I won't be working the land agriculturally, nor will I have any livestock on the property. We simply purchased the property as a secluded place to get away from the city (Seattle). I basically feel like I need a small tractor to:

1. Mow the wild grass and weeds around the property. (Don't need it for the lawn exactly, since I have a mower for that).

2. Basic tasks around the property (gardening work, etc)

3. Snow removal in the winter (driveway is about 300 ft to the road).

I'm not sure what HP would be sufficient? I'm thinking a small utility tractor with a loader, and a 48" or 60" brush mower. I'm not opposed to Chinese brands as I'm pretty good mechanically and can handle most maintenance and repairs on my own. Just don't want junk that won't hold up. Even with the modest use it will get, as I probably will only put 75-100 hours/ year on whatever I purchase.

Anyway, maybe some of you kind folks have some suggestions?

Thanks

<snip> I'd like to find something in the $7-$8k range, so used is probably what I'm going to have to settle for. Which is fine, by the way. I'd prefer a used on to save some $$$.

Few tasks, 20 acre, $8K.

If you can afford it, get a tractor in the 40+hp size, 4WD,when you move from the 30/35 horse, to the the 40hp frame size, your lift capacity doubles with the Kioti...2761lbs of lift with the DK series.
20 acres, who knows what you might want to do later on, you would be money ahead to buy enough tractor the first go around.

If it is in your budget a Cab would be nice, Wenatchee gets plenty hot in the summer, and cold in the winter, sounds like you are pretty much wide open, so no worries beating the cab up in the woods.
That said I really like and enjoy my DK45 HSt Cab, I find it strong and capable, and satisfying to use.

Used DK45's http://www.tractorhouse.com/list/list.aspx?HDRSO=Price&ETID=1&MDLGrp=DK45&Manu=KIOTI&bcatid=464&Pref=0&scf=false&HDROR=asc

starting at $16K.

Unless the OP modifies his budget GREATLY 40 plus HP, w FEL and cab is unreachable.

I respectfully disagree, there are some tasks that a small tractor just can not do.

I agree - I've a 5' wide gate my M4700 will NEVER fit thru.

 

[grm61]

Unless the OP modifies his budget GREATLY 40 plus HP, w FEL and cab is unreachable.

He will have too if he wants something decent.
He didn't say he was broke,, he said

I don't yet have a real price range. I haven't looked yet at any new tractors,

Then in the next breath..

I'd like to find something in the $7-$8k range, so used is probably what I'm going to have to settle for

That simply isn't going to happen unless it's a clapped out POS.

The OP came here for advise not knowing anything about tractors, its up to us to steer him the right way.

He's gonna have to part with some coin to get something decent.

 

[k0ua]

You see well over 20 years ago I started the "used" tractor search,, and had no success at all in my area.. Yeah, I know some guys on here have gotten sweetheart deals on good clean used tractors.. In over a year of looking and traveling all over the countryside to look at "clapped out POS's" as the previous poster said. Yes that is all I found too. Just junk that was someones dream tractor to "restore" "oh yeah you could fix her up".. or something the construction and landscaping company got the last drop of good out of. So good luck on your used tractor hunt.

I have bought 5 new tractors since, and am very happy with my current Kioti (not Chinese, but Korean quality) Every bit as good as any Japanese brand. It is 35 horse class, and a very full featured deluxe tractor. It would fit you to a T.. but you aint gonna get one for $8000. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and who knows maybe the used tractor god's will smile on you.

 

[ctusdenny]

You see well over 20 years ago I started the "used" tractor search,, and had no success at all in my area.. Yeah, I know some guys on here have gotten sweetheart deals on good clean used tractors.. In over a year of looking and traveling all over the countryside to look at "clapped out POS's" as the previous poster said. Yes that is all I found too. Just junk that was someones dream tractor to "restore" "oh yeah you could fix her up".. or something the construction and landscaping company got the last drop of good out of. So good luck on your used tractor hunt.

I have bought 5 new tractors since, and am very happy with my current Kioti (not Chinese, but Korean quality) Every bit as good as any Japanese brand. It is 35 horse class, and a very full featured deluxe tractor. It would fit you to a T.. but you aint gonna get one for $8000. I wish you the best of luck in your search, and who knows maybe the used tractor god's will smile on you.

Thanks for the words of wisdom.

I suppose I was a little vague with my budget. I'd like to spend around $8k on a good used tractor. However, I'm flexible with that as well. I know that when I start shopping some new ones, it will be hard to not go that route. And to be quite honest, I'm really looking for the "right" tractor first. If that means 45hp, 4WD, Hydro, etc., and costs X amount more...well, I'll have to adjust my budget.

 

[George2615]

I found the same thing James did years ago when I was searching for a used tractor. I lost count of all the tractors I've owned over the years. When I decided to get another tractor I looked for almost 2 years. Those deals never came my way so I bought new. I've since bought new again. Now that I have, I see all kinds of good used tractors on the market in my area. There are quite a few members here who have come across a very good used deal. They are around but you have to be in the right place at the right time with the cash on hand to negotiate a deal.

 

[BX25Downer]

Sounds like very seasoned advice. This is great place for "newbies " to pick brains.
I did the same thing when I bought a JD 235 garden tractor.
Any concerns about BX25Ds?
I have 14 acres of hardwoods, some wet areas, and a lot of NH granite everywhere.
Thanks in advance.

 

[grm61]

I found the same thing James did years ago when I was searching for a used tractor. I lost count of all the tractors I've owned over the years. When I decided to get another tractor I looked for almost 2 years. Those deals never came my way so I bought new. I've since bought new again. Now that I have, I see all kinds of good used tractors on the market in my area. There are quite a few members here who have come across a very good used deal. They are around but you have to be in the right place at the right time with the cash on hand to negotiate a deal.

And then you need to be sure they are not stolen

To the OP, no BS, watch out for this, if you buy used from a private party, make sure there is a paper trail back to when the tractor was bought new.
These tractors are targets for thieves, they don't have a title like a car.
Thieves can go to the dealer and buy a key for any model, they are not individually keyed like a car.

It would be a shame to spend good money on a tractor and then have to give it back to the folks that really own it and be out the money.