Buying a Tractor

[Anonymous Poster]

I'm in a bit of a quandry. I'm in need of a new tractor to replace my Ford 8N and an old Wheelhorse D160. I've been looking at orange and blue and am hoping to get a single unit to replace my two old machines. The question is, how big? I finish mow a little under two acres which is hilly, has a number of trees to mow around and under and can be (currently is) wet in the spring. I also maintain approximately 8 acres of meadow with a 60" Bug Hog, clear the driveway of snow in the winter (I live in Vermont so this is a big deal), and I want to maintain and expand a network of recreational trails on 30 hilly acres of woods and maintain the woodlot. I'd like to get one tractor to accomodate all of my needs if possible and one which could accomodate a frontend loader sometime in the furure. My concern is getting a tractor too big and heavy to efficiently mow the yard (remember there are lots of trees to mow around) or too small to handle the bush hog and the woods work. The Kubota 2710 and NH TC25D look like they could handle the big jobs, but are they too big to handle the finish mowing and meneuver easily around trees? I'd appreciate input from someone with experience with a situation similar to mine.

 

[Bird]

dwarren, that's about the same thing I did last year when I got rid of my B7100 Kubota and an AGS2130 Cub Cadet riding mower (38" cut), and got the B2710 and a 60" rear finish mower. And yes, it's big enough to be just a little awkward getting around a house, shop building, barn, vegetable garden, mailbox, newspaper box, fences, and 24 trees in the yard, but with the power steering and a seat that's comfortable for me, it cut my mowing time about in half./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif It's great; wouldn't trade back for anything. As far as I'm concerned, you're looking at the right machines.

Bird

 

[Alan L.]

I'm with Bird on this. I'd rather have a tractor a little too large for the small stuff that too small for the bigger stuff. The B2710 is surprisingly maneuverable. If you want to use a 60" cutter you will pretty much have to go with a tractor at least the size of the 2710. I finish mow my 110 X 400 side yard (an acre or so) in about 25 minutes. I have used it in tighter quarters, but usually mow the little stuff with my Craftsman riding mower. The only problem I have with trees is getting the ROPS under the lower limbs. My ROPS isn't foldable, but I could take it off and not have any problems getting close to the trees, leaving no more than the string trimmer will get. I'm probably going to get rid of the riding mower and push mow what the tractor won't get to easily with the ROPS installed.

 

[Thomas]

Hello dwarren.
Yes I know what your talking about as far as winters and hilly slopes here in New England,for I live in New Hampshire and my view into Vermont.

Its seems most everyone likes the B2710,and when the time comes to trade I'll be looking at the B2710 or B2910 in the near future.

The B2710 with a LA402 loader about $16.000.oo

If you like to like at different modles check out Craver.com
I found out working in the woods or mowing round trees plus slopes,a compact tractor like the B7300,1700,1750 etc.. are great and have enough power to boot...thats if you have the time.

Since you already know about the snow and mud we have to deal with,a darn good set of tire chain for the rear tire I hope you consider,for that extra little bit does come in handy.

There a dealership located in Plainfield,NH.
Town Line Equipment and they have many modles also attachment,so if you get a chance stop by.

Hope the black flies aren't chewing to much on you. )

Take care and happy tractor hunting.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Dear Thomas,
With all the rain we've had this spring those black flys you mentioned might just carry us away. Sure look forward to the hot weather that will burn those babies up! Thanks for the advise on the 2710. Is anyone familiar with any maneuverability differences between the Kubota and a NH without supersteer (the $1,000 option)?

 

[dwarren]

You folks are a real help. With the cost of a new "Toy" I sure don't want to get something home and find that it manuevers and digs up the yard like a tank. Especially this year with the ground as saturated as it is. Any thoughts on turf vs. R4 tires?

 

[MChalkley]

I've had turf tires on the smallest L-series they make, and they're useless for anything but mowing grass, in my opinion - they're a very single-purpose tire. R4's, on the other hand, can be used for almost any purpose, even for mowing grass, with a little care. If you intend to use a loader or do any rough stuff at all, you'll want the R4's.

Mark

 

[JimBinMI]

dwarren,

Let me see, you own a Ford 8n that has only given you 50+/- years of dependable service? Why would you look at anything but its ancestor, the New Holland?

OK, now that I have all of the Orange and Green guys busy on their keyboards, seriously, I think that you should give the New Hollands a very hard look. However, all of the major brands seem to give their owners great service! Next you'll need to consider dealer, dealer location, how you fit on it, how you like the controls, weight, abilities, price, and of course don't forget "Blue" is an American color! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Good Luck, JimBinMI "Proud owner of a NH TC18"

 

[MChalkley]

And a Kubota painted blue would be just as American, wouldn't it? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Seriously, though, who makes engines for the New Holland tractors now?

Mark

 

[Bird]

I've driven both my B2710 and my cousin's TC29 (without supersteer) and while I didn't do any measuring, I didn't find any noticeable difference in the maneuverability. Not a very precise or scientific answer, huh?/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bird