Do I Need A Tractor?

Dynasty · Jan 5, 2019

Hey everyone,

I purchased 6 acres to build a house on. I am seeking recommendations on what equipment is best suited for my needs.

I will need equipment to mow, snowplow, and haul stuff around the property.

I have considered the following equipment:

Tractor - can mow, snowplow, and haul

Pick up truck - can snowplow and haul. Can't mow

ATV - can mow, snowplow, and haul but will be limited in each job

Zero turn mower - can mow. Can't snowplow or haul.

The lot is about 275' wide by 950' deep. Mostly flat, but some rolling elevation changes. No trees. Was used as farmland for decades. Nothing that will require mowing on steep hillsides.

The home will mostly likely sit 350' from the road. I plan on mowing all of the front yard, so 275' wide by 350' deep. I will let some of the back yard grow naturally, but will probably have an additional 200' - 300' to mow.

I also plan to clear snow from the 350' gravel driveway with the tractor. Ohio can have some nasty winters (although this one has been very mild with barely any snowfall), so I assume 4WD will be required.

Aside from mowing and snowplowing, general hauling of items around the property will occur. A utility trailer of some sort will be attached to haul various things around. I am unsure of the size, but I can't image anything bigger than 6x12.

With a budget of 10k, what is the optimal choice to make in equipment choice(s)? I am only interested in used equipment to get the most bang for the buck.

I am open to any brands and color. I am seeking specific makes and models recommendations.

Thank you for your input!

Woody65 · Jan 5, 2019

Congrats on the land purchase. With those tasks and your 10k budget, I am assuming the 10k includes implements to accomplish your tasks, I would be looking at a used B series Kubota with an FEL in the 25-35hp range. You can run a 4 or 5’ mower on the 3pt and use the FEL to move stuff around and snow removal. The FEL isn’t ideal for snow removal but used plow setups for tractors are hard to come by. New ones are costly.

Dynasty · Jan 5, 2019

jeff9366 said:
Add your LOCATION to your T-B-N PROFILE.

We will understand your conditions much better.

Added, sorry about that.

John Fitzgerald · Jan 5, 2019

With that much mowing you probably need a ZTR mower also. A tractor is awkward and relatively slow for a lawn mower, and can do damage to a lawn, especially when it's wet.

Eddie1955 · Jan 5, 2019

I bought a 1981 Kubota B6200 2WD with 3point finish mower to mainly to use as a mower but have several other implements. I think it is 18hp, i doubt it would even handle a FEL but is very useful for mowing, pulling a trailer to haul things around, turf tires work well unless the ground is really wet. I have 2.5 acres here in Florida to tend. I am waiting arrival of a new TYM T234 with mid mower, FEL and loader with Ag tires. Not too big or small since I am mowing around a bunch of large oaks. I would suggest a 23-25 hp used tractor with FEL, have tires filled if they are not already filled and check as much as you know how to on the mechanicals or take someone with you to do an inspection. No doubt you can find what you need for 10k or under but lending agencies are not too fond of making loans on new tractors. My new one with financing aws a little over 15k, 60 months @ 294, I chose to go new with 6yr warranty. Good luck

Diggin It · Jan 5, 2019

Your location is not necessary and won't help anyone here give you any better information.

A 10K budget will limit you to used for the most part. Even a garden tractor like a JD X500 or X700 will seriously ding that budget if you go new. Something like that with a belly mower will do most of what you need with little trouble. Plows, tillers, rear blades and other implements are available for most garden tractors of that size from various brands. If you're at all handy, used won't be too much of an issue.

JasperFrank · Jan 5, 2019

Ford/ NewHolland 1220 with a FEL, Front End Loader. I'm sort of biased.

When one says "haul," that can mean a few different things. Haul is something you tow or move long distances. "Move," is a shorter distance but just as important. I have material "hauled" up to my place. I can then "Move" materials about using the FEL. In a new home construction project, if you are at all doing some of it your self, a used 10K, 14HP or so, FWD compact tractor will pay for its self. I've found that I can remove snow effectively with the FEL.

Jstpssng · Jan 5, 2019

If you have to ask then "Yes, you do need a tractor." This is a tractor site, after all.

On the other hand since you aren't sure, you have time to look around, ask questions, and ultimately find what best suits your budget and needs. You have come to the right place to find people who will help you make the right choices.

PS; Welcome to TBN. :welcome: :thumbsup:

MaineGuy1 · Jan 5, 2019

Every man should have a tractor

You could purchase a nice Kubota BX25d that has a backhoe for around that price. I have a 2013 with about 185hrs on it I'm guessing is worth about 12 or 13k, so I'm sure if you looked hard enough you can find something like that.