Clueless.....seeking suggestions!

[Pagoda dweller]

I like to call my place up in Northern VT the Pagoda on the hill.
Never owned a tractor but a few years with this place is causing me to see the light. Tired of waiting for landscapers and snow plowers.
What I have in mind is something pretty basic for under belly mower and capacity to blow some serious snow off the front.

Likely no front end loader to start with but maybe keep that option open as well as ability to pull a grader for my stone drive.

Have a Kubota dealer down the road and their BX series looks nice.
Kioti and Ferguson Massey dealers also pretty nearby.
TYM dealer also, but about an hour away.

I will be mowing approx 2-3 acres of my 10 acres:thumbsup: approx and blowing snow from a drive just under 1/10th of a mile, mostly flat but a pretty healthy pitch at the top getting up to the Pagoda itself. The mowing will be mostly flat but some rolling terrain thrown in, nothing too severe.

Want to make the right choice right out of the box as it's a big investment obviously. All input sincerely appreciated and thanks in advance to a great forum.

Best,
David
:thumbsup:

 

[Grandad4]

Welcome, David. I'd offer that you couldn't go wrong with Kubota, Kioti or Massey Ferguson equipment. I've had Kubota equipment for quite a while now and it has been dead-solid reliable and hardworking, but the other companies also have nice models with many happy owners as well. Between those brands, it largely becomes a matter of economics and personal preference.

Since you're new to tractors, I'd suggest you evaluate the dealers from a purchasing and support perspective before settling on a particular brand. You'll want to do business with someone who has sound knowledge of his products, has interest in you as a customer, is honest and above-board, and has competent support after the sale.

I think you're looking at the right general size range for what you will be doing. When you check out the Kubota's, at least, be sure to notice that there are several models just slightly larger than the BX that offer more capability for not much more money.

Good luck with your shopping.

 

[TripleR]

Probably can't help too much because having begun your search you have already found a lot of good machines that will work from SCUT to small CUT.

We are on our second BX, first a BX2200 and now BX2660 and really like them. We also own a JD2305, but don't much care for it. John Deere has however replaced it with what appears to be a really nice unit 1023/1026R, so I would sure consider one of those.

The good news is that there are a LOT of good choices, the bad news is you can only pick one.

My advice would be to go spend some time driving the different models to see which one "fits" you the best with the features you want/need.

One bit of unsolicited advice is to get a FEL as you simply cannot fully appreciate how handy they really are.

Kubota makes really nice tractors, but so does everyone else, good luck.

 

[flusher]

Your first mistake may be dismissing the FEL as unnecessary--NOW. Think ahead 1-5 years down the road. You'll probably discover that you'll need one. It's usually less expensive to get the FEL as part of a new tractor package rather than as a later add-on. There's no doubt that the FEL is the most useful single implement on a SCUT/CUT. And it generally is easier to finance an FEL as part of a package deal.

 

[ustmd]

You will want the FEL--trust us.

 

[Chief65043]

I just went through the same process in March 2011. All of the makes you've cited are good equipment and will certainly do the job. I settled on a John Deere after looking at Kuboto, IH, Kioto, New Holland. My decision was based upon spending time on each model to see what "fit" me best and on getting a good feel for the integrity of the dealer, in particular the service personnel. Before I bought I was on a first name basis with the dealer I selected. For those who didn't want to build a relationship I decided to move on regardless of their equipment. I also agree, the FEL is something you should add at the outset. You'll find quickly that you will use it frequently.

Good luck.

 

[Pagoda dweller]

Thanks all....I appreciate the sage advice.
Sounds as if tractoring is addictive......

It's a big expense but buying separate mowers and snowblowers seems limiting, especially when throwing the FEL into the mix.

The financing out there now makes things much easier.

I'm looking forward to being able to keep the place in shape over the winter

 

[Soundguy]

i suggest 4wd if dealing with a slope.. be prepaired to have loaded tires and chains.

if you have a belly mower.. keep ground clearance in mind. if you EVER plan on getting a loader.. plan for it now and get a machine that will handle the loader size you want.

if using a laoder and whatnot.. lotsa people like the upgrade hst trannies vs the old style ger trannies.. so keep that in mind..

soundguy

 

[dodge man]

I bought a Kubota BX about 4 years ago. I've been pretty happy. Its a good mower also and will do a lot of things. Like others have said, get the end loader, you won't regret it. I originally didn't get a FEL with mine, but within two months bought one. Nearly half the hours on my BX are from end load use.