Compact Tractor Purchase

WeedFree · Mar 28, 2004

I'm new to tractors and am looking for some advice prior to purchasing a compact tractor. I need a small tractor to keep my couple acres weed free, landscape, and clear snow from the road/driveway in the winter. I'm considering purchasing a Mitsubishi either D1450FD (17hp 3cyl) or D2350 (28hp 4cyl), but have a few questions.

My big concerns are reliability, cost, ease and frequency of repairs, and the need for 4wd. Can anyone offer any advice on whether I should spend $5K or $6K on either of these "refurbished" tractors with a front loader and 3pt hitch ? Also is 4WD highly recommended for snow removal on driveways or just for muddy areas ? Am I going to regret purchasing a 17hp tractor down the road vs. 28hp ? Should I even bother with a small tractor or be just as effective with a used riding mower with a plow attachment ?

thanks in advance.

Soundguy · Mar 28, 2004

Riding lawnmowers are just that. Many of the attatchments for them are not much more than toys.. the exception would be some of the mounted equipment on the vintage cub lawnmowers.. tiller, snow blower.. etc.

4wd will be nice in snow.. an real nice on a fel.

Before you said FEl I was going to suggest an economy chineese 2wd tractor.. cheaper than the refurbed greys.. but you can get a 4wd grey with loader a tad cheaper than the chineeses 4wd with loader.. etc.

If you are concerned about parts and repairs.. choose a good dealer.. they will be your support. I don't have specific info on those models mentioned.. but do know from reading here that yanmar is one of the more prevalant greys.. Don't take my opinion though.. You are smart to ask the questions and do the research.

For 2 ac.. a sub compact sounds fine..

Soundguy

professor · Mar 28, 2004

I have four acres that I keep mowed etc. I own a Yanmar 1401 which is a 3 cyl. 17 hp tractor. I use the following equipment:
5 ft finishing mower
38 inch rotary cutter
4 ft Yanmar tiller
3pt sprayer
3 pt fertilizer spreader
4 ft pull behind commercial grass sweeper
I have been very pleased with the performance of the 1401. I live in western TN so therefore I don't worry with snow. I don't see getting a 4 wheel drive for just mowing and general garden work. A front end loader will be an additional $2000. Be careful with the refurbuished statement since some dealers call an oil change and paint job refurbuishing. I am also sold on Yanmar sine I feel parts are much easier to get. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif