I love to make a garden. Right now I have one approximately 100 by 50 ft., and so far I've been able to manage doing that with just a tiller but it is getting more difficult each year. So I've been considering buying a small tractor probably 20 to 25 horsepower. that would make managing the garden I have now much easier Plus I could expand and make another smaller Garden or two also. I have looked at used ones and seen some very nice ones at what seems like a reasonable price. But of course under the shiny paint you never know what problems may be lying underneath when you're buying something used. if you're someone mechanically inclined and can work on things like that yourself and fix them, that's all well and good. But as a woman (with a few years under her belt) I'm not in that category. plus I've been burned before by buying used items ( a riding mower and a tiller ), so I'm considering buying one new which of course is going to be several thousand dollars more. Although I'm not looking forward to spending that kind of money, I figure that way buying from a dealer at least they will service it and do repairs if needed. The only implements I would probably add would be a tiller and a belly mower or bush hog. Any thoughts or suggestions will be very much appreciated.
Buying Advice Any suggestions appreciated
- Thread starter Curioso
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jeff9366
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- Tractor
- Kubota Tractor Loader L3560 HST+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3,700 pounds bare tractor, 5,400 pounds operating weight, 37 horsepower
Most corresponding here will recommend a SUBCOMPACT CATEGORY tractor for use by a tractor initiate in a kitchen garden.
SUBCOMPACT CATEGORY tractors are the highest unit volume segment in tractor sales.
Every tractor manufacturer produces SUBCOMPACT CATEGORY tractors.
Kubota SUBCOMPACT TRACTOR models are preceded by the two letter designation of BX.
VIDEOS (2):
SUBCOMPACT CATEGORY tractors are the highest unit volume segment in tractor sales.
Every tractor manufacturer produces SUBCOMPACT CATEGORY tractors.
Kubota SUBCOMPACT TRACTOR models are preceded by the two letter designation of BX.
VIDEOS (2):
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Williy
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- Yanmar YT 235C Yannar YRC 60 rotary cutter, Yanmar RT72 rotary tiller B75 Backhoe & bucket & thumb, LS land grader
Yanmar makes a nice tractor with a 10 year warranty
The SA325 and SA425 same tractor except SA425 has
larger tires
www.yanmartractor.com
willy
The SA325 and SA425 same tractor except SA425 has
larger tires
Compact & Sub Compact Utility Tractors | YANMAR Tractor
www.yanmartractor.com
willy
RjCorazza
Elite Member
A sub compact tractor in the HP range you mention would be perfect for a small, medium, or even a large garden. Staying under 25 (ish) HP will not require a DPF emissions tractor, keeping the cost down.
My personal preference is Kubota tractors, and I've had many years of reliable service from them. The BX series sub compacts would be well worth a look.
Think hard about the mid mount mower - they can be difficult to install and remove. My first tractor back in the 90's was a sub compact with a mid mount mower, and I do not have any fond memories of removing / installing the mower deck. I gave away the mower deck and used a 3 point rear finish mower instead. Easy on, easy off!
Good luck in your search.
My personal preference is Kubota tractors, and I've had many years of reliable service from them. The BX series sub compacts would be well worth a look.
Think hard about the mid mount mower - they can be difficult to install and remove. My first tractor back in the 90's was a sub compact with a mid mount mower, and I do not have any fond memories of removing / installing the mower deck. I gave away the mower deck and used a 3 point rear finish mower instead. Easy on, easy off!
Good luck in your search.
I went used at first. It was good for a couple years, and then the 45 year old Ford snapped an axle. All the years of hauling loads finally propagated a fatigue crack to the point the axle shaft broke and it’s wheel fell off. I had to search high and low to find a replacement used part, because new replacement shafts are no longer made.
After that I sold the old tractor and got a new one.
My advice is to get something still in production. The John Deere 1025R is very popular, will have spare parts for decades, and it punches above it’s weight.
I saved money and bought a KIOTI. I have no regrets.
After that I sold the old tractor and got a new one.
My advice is to get something still in production. The John Deere 1025R is very popular, will have spare parts for decades, and it punches above it’s weight.
I saved money and bought a KIOTI. I have no regrets.
dodge man
Super Star Member
There are two tractors I’d recommend. A Kubota BX and a John Deere 1 series, which would be a 1023e, a 1026r and a 1025r. They are very common used.
I feel like your biggest problem would be hooking up implements. I’m a 62 year old man, a pretty big guy and still fairly strong but have problems hooking things up at times, mainly items on the back and the pto shaft. If you buy from a dealer or a good private owner they may show you the best way to hook things up, a quick hitch helps.
I feel like your biggest problem would be hooking up implements. I’m a 62 year old man, a pretty big guy and still fairly strong but have problems hooking things up at times, mainly items on the back and the pto shaft. If you buy from a dealer or a good private owner they may show you the best way to hook things up, a quick hitch helps.
IH3444
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John Deere Recalls Compact Utility Tractors Due to Crash Hazard
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tractors and contact an authorized John Deere dealer to schedule an appointment to bring the tractor into the dealer for a free repair. If the consumer is not able to transport the tractor to a dealer’s location, then the dealer will make...
IH3444
Veteran Member
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- 2,076
John Deere Recall: Class Action Suit Filed Over Brake System Defect Plaguing Compact Utility Tractors
Deere & Company faces a class action over an apparent brake system defect that led certain John Deere Compact Utility Tractors to be recalled in 2024.
www.classaction.org
airbiscuit
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Yep, brakes should work, but I don't see many people complaining about this on TBN. The lawyers seem to be more interested in this than the owners. This is a real simple part and a super easy to replace.
In any case, the tractor will stop if
You take your foot off the hydro pedal
You put the hydro in reverse
You mash the RIGHT brake pedal
You drop the loader
The sky isn't falling.
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EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Lots of good brands out there. I would start with one of them that's close to you and see what they have to offer. I've bought used and brand new.
The advantage to buying new is not having to discover what's wrong with it. Less time fixing it. And a dealer to take care of it when you need something done. And for me, the big reason for buying my newest tractor brand new was the zero percent financing.
Don't buy from the first place you go to. There are differences in every brand. Be sure to check out the dealer to make sure they have a good reputation of standing behind their tractors after they sell them. The reason I'm not recommending any particular brand is that some are great with a good dealer, but that same tractor from another dealer can be a nightmare.
When I bought my new tractor, I drove to the third farthest one away from me because I didn't trust the closer ones.
The advantage to buying new is not having to discover what's wrong with it. Less time fixing it. And a dealer to take care of it when you need something done. And for me, the big reason for buying my newest tractor brand new was the zero percent financing.
Don't buy from the first place you go to. There are differences in every brand. Be sure to check out the dealer to make sure they have a good reputation of standing behind their tractors after they sell them. The reason I'm not recommending any particular brand is that some are great with a good dealer, but that same tractor from another dealer can be a nightmare.
When I bought my new tractor, I drove to the third farthest one away from me because I didn't trust the closer ones.
