Compact Tractor Comparisons
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dodge man
Super Star Member
To run a 6 footer you probably want at least a 30 horsepower if not 40. Just my opinion there are the “big two” in compact tractors. Kubota and John Deere. The build good ones and have a strong dealer network and support. They also cost the most. There are lots of other makers also that build good tractors, lots of choices.
RjCorazza
Elite Member
I agree that 30 pto hp is a good starting point for a 6' brush hog. There will be operators with less hp and lighter conditions running 6' mowers, or operators in tall / heavy brush running perhaps a little slower. Lots of options.
Not unlike snowblowing, there are conditions that will bring even a much larger tractor to its knees with a 6' mower.
Not unlike snowblowing, there are conditions that will bring even a much larger tractor to its knees with a 6' mower.
Torvy
Super Member
Just my opinion...it really depends on how much you like to throw money around, how comfortable you are doing your own wrenching, and what sort of dealerships are within an hour or so of you.
John Deere and Kubota are both significantly higher priced that similarly equipped/capable tractors from LS, Kioti, TYM, or Mahindra. They are also more expensive than Massey, McCormick, New Holland, CaseIH, or Bobcat. (Note: most NH, CIH and Bobcat in that size are made by LS or Kioti. Rural King are also much less expensive than JD or Kubota (made by TYM, but supported by RK). Yanmar makes a great machine, but will approach JD and Kubota in price.
Every manufacturer makes good equipment. Specs will vary, but the significance depends on how you use your tractor. Every manufacturer also will have units that fail.
With a 6' rotary cutter, you are looking at likely a "2nd level" frame size with 25 to 30+ HP coming off of the PTO.
Think about what other tasks you will do with it? How many acres of land will you cut? How dense is the vegetation you are cutting?
John Deere and Kubota are both significantly higher priced that similarly equipped/capable tractors from LS, Kioti, TYM, or Mahindra. They are also more expensive than Massey, McCormick, New Holland, CaseIH, or Bobcat. (Note: most NH, CIH and Bobcat in that size are made by LS or Kioti. Rural King are also much less expensive than JD or Kubota (made by TYM, but supported by RK). Yanmar makes a great machine, but will approach JD and Kubota in price.
Every manufacturer makes good equipment. Specs will vary, but the significance depends on how you use your tractor. Every manufacturer also will have units that fail.
With a 6' rotary cutter, you are looking at likely a "2nd level" frame size with 25 to 30+ HP coming off of the PTO.
Think about what other tasks you will do with it? How many acres of land will you cut? How dense is the vegetation you are cutting?
KennyG
Elite Member
Don't rule any brand in or out without visiting the dealer. Promotions come and go and may significantly change the price. Also, some dealers are more aggressive on discounts than others.
AntiqueIron
Bronze Member
Dealer support is crucial for buying equipment- don’t buy something you need to drive an hour & 1/2 to get parts for.
All tractors will break down. All tractors will need work. I’d worry more about ease of service and maintenance than any claims of reliability personally.
HP wise, I find 7-8 hp/foot of width is a good metric for brush hogs. For a 6 foot this would 40-50 horsepower at the PTO ideal. Figure PTO power being 85% of engine power, 50-60 engine horsepower.
I like being on the high side of horsepower compared to the 5hp/ft metric for two reasons:
-You have “reserve” power- if you get into some thick stuff, you aren’t working the tractor as hard. The cooling system is less taxed, which in a dusty environment can really be a blessing.
-It’s like how they say “go one size bigger than you think you need” regarding barns. Someday, odds are you’ll probably want another implement needing more HP than ya got, and you wish you had a bigger tractor.
A subcompact with a 4 foot brush hog is a good match, but underpowered for a 50 acre plot.
A 5/6 series with 12’ batwing is a good fit but WAY too much tractor for 10 acres.
I’d size implements to the ideal tractor, and size that to your acreage- but that’s my opinion and it’s worth what ya paid for it
airbiscuit
Super Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2004
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- New Holland T2310 (40hp), Kubota L3010 GST, New Holland TC21DA *** Previously - Farmall H, 1941 John Deere B, Shibaura SD1500, John Deere 850, Bobcat 642, New Holland 1925
That's like saying you have a 2" trailer hitch, and you need to buy a truck.
- How many acres?
- Wooded or open?
- Hilly or flat?
- What tasks wil you be doing with a tractor?
This info will help inform this journey.