First Compact Tractor Recommendation's?

[BrentP]

Hi, I am new to this site so I hope I am giving all the info needed for my question. I currently live on 2 acres, and most of it is wide open grass. When I moved in three years ago, I bought a JD L120 (20 hp with no rear PTO) thinking it would be all I needed (I used to live in the city). The little lawn mower has held up well with over 200 hrs, but I need to do more tasks and I want something that will mow faster than 3 hours. I find myself borrowing the neighbors JD 770 many times throughout the year and I think it's time for me to make the big purchase. I have two JD dealers within 20 miles, and a Kubota dealer two miles up the road right in town.

The new tractor would be used to perform the tasks below:

1) Mowing 2 acres, and I also will need to roll the lawn every spring.
2) Tilling 3 fairly large gardens.
3) Maintaining a 300' gravel driveway (grading, scraping, smoothing, etc).
4) Plowing snow throughout the winters up here in Michigan (my little L120 get's stuck quite a bit even with chains and weights).
5) I will be planting many trees over the next few years and will be constantly moving landscaping rocks and mulch all over the property to landscape the house.
6) Re shaping and excavating some ground for better water drainage.

How big of a tractor would you recommend, which models, and how much HP to do those tasks? I am thinking to get the tractor, mid mount mower, and FEL. Then go to the local TSC and get a tiller and rear blade (or buy those used). Any other information would be helpful.

Thanks, Brent

 

[RoyJackson]

Well, you've got a lot of options here...

If you like the 770, you'd like the 790. It's basically the 770 with bigger tires and about 4 more HP (gross and PTO). Check out Used Farm Equipment & Agricultural Equipment - John Deere MachineFinder.com and you'll probably find some used 790's in your area.

That's a start...

 

[EdC]

Brent, welcome to TBN.

What worked for me was sitting and trying several different machines and talking to the different dealers. Even though all of the major brands are good just small things make a particular tractor "fit" better. The dealer relationship is also important, trust me you will be back talking with the dealer. If you are planning on doing a lot of loader work then consider a hydrostatic transmission. Decide whether or not you want MFWD, I find it very useful.

Good luck and let us now what happens.

 

[BrentP]

Thanks. Yes, I like the 790 and the price is good for the HP. The only thing I can't have is the manual sliding gear. My wife will want to use the tractor as well, and she would need a hydostatic. I used the tractor needs analizer on the JD website and the 2320 kept popping up. It's the same price as a 4wd 790 but with 3 hp less. Do you guys think the 24 HP will be enough for my needs?

I will be taking your advice and visit some dealers this week. How much off MSRP can I expect on average when I negotiate price?

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks. Yes, I like the 790 and the price is good for the HP. The only thing I can't have is the manual sliding gear. My wife will want to use the tractor as well, and she would need a hydostatic. I used the tractor needs analizer on the JD website and the 2320 kept popping up. It's the same price as a 4wd 790 but with 3 hp less. Do you guys think the 24 HP will be enough for my needs?

I will be taking your advice and visit some dealers this week. How much off MSRP can I expect on average when I negotiate price?

Well, if that 770 did the work, the 2320 should too since they're both 24 Gross HP. The 770 does have 2 more PTO HP and weighs about 150 - 200 lbs more.
Tilling might be a challenge...but if you did it with the 770, you should be OK with the smaller tractor.
Make sure you get a ballast box as part of the deal. You'll need that weight for traction for some of the tasks you've planned.

Other tractors to look at would be the Kubota B7800 and New Holland TC-30, both of which can be had with a hydro tranny so look beyond green.

Or, you teach your wife how to use the collarshift.

 

[jbrumberg]

BrentP:

Welcome to TBN ! Those tractor needs analizer software programs' recommendations are fairly accurate. I would try those software programs from the other major brands and see how they compare. I agree with EdC and RoyJackson, and I think a 24 HP MFWD tractor with HST would meet your needs. I will remain "color blind" as to brand, but I would suggest that you go with a lighter tractor if mowing will be your primary task and a heavier tractor if you intend to use ground engaging attachments for moving a lot of dirt. I suggest you try as many of the major tractor brands and dealerships as possible. In the end tractor feel and comfort level with the dealer is more important than those fancy brochures with all those Sales & Marketing driven "statistics". Good luck on your research and acquisition. Please keep the posts coming ! Jay

 

[crbr]

Brent, Welcome aboard.

If you were to ask me to point to a specific model I'd first reference this machine ==> Kubota Tractor Corporation - B Series - B7800 Compact Tractors

In the same manner of remaining color blind, I too have recently bought my first, although I was raised on a farm around tractors.

My approach was that I needed something now to tend several acres, with different needs around the various places I have. Where I started was where I thought I'd be in the future, say 5 - 10 years (then), wishing I had bought something larger (now). I opted for a 30 HP machine with a front loader and a mid-mount mower, all of these implements having usefulness in the present. I am pleased with it, as it does all I think I'll need around a lake place and an in-town place as well. For me, I am glad I didn't go any smaller in performance capability at this time. The tractor I ended up with is orange, but color is merely a preference. Orange is still offering Zero % interest financing for 36 months on the above linked machine, as shown here ==> Kubota Tractor Corporation - Promotional Rates

 

[BrentP]

Well...it looks like I will have lots of research to do! I will visit the JD and Kubota dealers tomorrow. That 7800 looks like a tuff tractor. The locals would be pleased if I brought that machine home (everywhere you look in this area is mostly Orange). I went to that New Holland site to check out that TC-30, and the closest dealer is about 40 minutes away. Will keep you all posted.

 

[daTeacha]

Brent -- Where are you in Michigan? Are you in real Michigan or in the Southeast corner? I used to live about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids on the edge of the Muskegon/Lake Michigan snow region and managed the snow duties with an 8N Ford (27 hp) and a back blade.

I would think the B-7800 would be a good choice, but with only 2 acres one of the BX series might be a little better for the lawn duties and such. The 7800 is kind of a small Ag type tractor while the BX series are kind of lawn tractors on steroids. Ground clearance is probably not an issue for you, but if you are planting trees and thinking into the future overall height might be.

The JDs are good machines, too, but since the Kubota dealer is only 4 miles away and you see orange everywhere you look, I would guess that dealership is a good one. If it wasn't, you would see more green. For that matter, though, if you like your JD, look at their large size lawn machines -- the 500 series is pretty serious and very capable of handling a lot of attachments.

I ended up with a Case DX29, which is essentially as the TC series from New Holland, but the 24 size machine from CNH might fit your needs very well, too.

 

[john_bud]

The B7800 "class" of machines would be a good choice as others have stated. You can pull a rear finish mower of good size or put an undermount deck on it. Turf tires sound like a good choice for your applications, but you will need to get some GOOD chains with H linkages for snow use.


Personally, I would stay away from the BX "class" of machines. The 3pt hitch is not a standard Category 1 on many of them and that pushes you into more expensive attachments. Still, they are popular for your size lot and up to 5+ acres. People have done tremendous amounts of work with them too. Just a point to ponder in your quest.

jb

 

[Woodbeef]

While you're looking around check out the Korean Tractors too. Often more bang for the buck compared to the major brands. It's the Koreans that forced these longer warranties we are now seeing more and more of. I'd think about rethinking the mid mount mower myself. They are a pain unless you'll leave it on all the time.

 

[wdscot]

I just finished going through the same decision process. I have 2.5 acres, of which about 1 acre is grass. The balance is in a rough state with a creek and undulating elevations. I finally ended up with the Massey Ferguson 1528, FEL, Back Blade and 5' Bush cutter. The size of the tractor is medium framed and should allow for closer quarter work. So far the 28 horsepower has been good. I have moved a lot of dirt in trying to cut a driveway towards my horsebarn and it has done everything I have asked of it. Good seat time, convenient controls, etc. If you have a dealer in your area, this may be worth considering. The closed dealer of any brand in my area is 30 miles away. Good luck on your decision.

 

[BrentP]

Brent -- Where are you in Michigan? Are you in real Michigan or in the Southeast corner? I used to live about 50 miles north of Grand Rapids on the edge of the Muskegon/Lake Michigan snow region and managed the snow duties with an 8N Ford (27 hp) and a back blade.

I would think the B-7800 would be a good choice, but with only 2 acres one of the BX series might be a little better for the lawn duties and such. The 7800 is kind of a small Ag type tractor while the BX series are kind of lawn tractors on steroids. Ground clearance is probably not an issue for you, but if you are planting trees and thinking into the future overall height might be.

The JDs are good machines, too, but since the Kubota dealer is only 4 miles away and you see orange everywhere you look, I would guess that dealership is a good one. If it wasn't, you would see more green. For that matter, though, if you like your JD, look at their large size lawn machines -- the 500 series is pretty serious and very capable of handling a lot of attachments.

I ended up with a Case DX29, which is essentially as the TC series from New Holland, but the 24 size machine from CNH might fit your needs very well, too.

I am in the Lapeer area...East of Flint and about 1 hour north of Detroit. We do not get the snow that you are familiar with on the north west side, but we do get on average a little more than the Detroit Metro area.

One thing that I forgot to tell everyone is that I may in the near future buy a cabin with land in the Mancelona area, and I would be trailering the tractor up there for work as well. As of now, I plan on staying at my primary residence of 2 acres, but I may move on a bigger lot someday...I would guess a minimum of 10 acres. The more I think about it, I will need to take these things into consideration as well when I make this purchase.

 

[BrentP]

Ok...More questions...I test drove and screwed around on a 2305, 2320 and 790 today at the JD dealer. I really liked the 2305 but I am concerned about the size. It just felt little, but I am thinking maybe this could end up being an advantage around trees and such. Will the FEL dig up hard compacted clay and gravel? What does the "Limited" category 1 hitch really mean?

The 2320 was also very impresive, but I am wondering if it is worth the extra money if they both perform the same. The 2320 did not have the FEL or MMM installed on it, so I could not mess around with those attachments. It did feel more stable to me than the 2305, and the turning radius was surprisingly tight for how big it was. The controls seemed more ergonomically friendly as well. I also liked being higher up.

With no disrespect to the series, all it took was to sit on the 790 and decided it just wasn't for me. To confined compared to the Twenty series...no HST.

The price of the 2305 is very attractive, but for me I felt more comfortable on the 2320. Not sure if the comfort zone is worth the $$ though.

This is what the dealer came up with:

2320 W/200CX FEL & 62D MMM - $16,300 + tax
2305 w/200CX FEL & 62 MMM - $14,000 + tax

Or

USED 2305 W/200CX FEL & 62 MMM - 12,500 +tax
This machine looks like new with only 20 HRS. 2 years left on warranty.
We are talking almost $4000 from the 2320. When I test drove this one and turned hard right all the way in a circle, I heard a clunking sound....is this just a normal over stearing sound ?

From JD, I went to Kubota DL afterwards but they were closed. I will try again tomorrow.

Price's sound reasonable?

Thanks, Brent

 

[putt_putt_green]

The John Deere dealers I looked at gave anywhere from 18-20% off list in my part of Michigan when I bought a couple of months ago. This was with regional incentives for my area from John Deere. This was for a 3520 with hoe and loader.

 

[VABlue]

I have a 2305 so I can talk about it... The limited cat 1 hitch means it doesn't lift as high as a normal cat 1. So things like post hole diggers with a big auger won't hit the ground level. All (most?) other cat 1 implements will be fine. It's smaller size and hyd flow somewhat restricts the lift capacities and speed, but I've dug through hard packed clay in VA and can drive into crushed stone piles all day without a loader toothbar. Put a toothbar on it and you'll be set. I also have turf tires, but would recommend R4's if you're not worried about tearing up a new (soft) lawn, like I am. I haven't had any problems with stability, and my land will be hillier than yours in Lapeer (grew up in Saginaw, know that area well). The mowing deck will cut through anything without bogging - and fast, as fast as you can stand the ride. Remove the fel and you'll be surprised at how easy and sharp it turns.

The differences in the 2305 and 2320 are hyd flow and 3pth position control - both of which favor the 2320. For you're property, the 2305 will be plenty of machine, and that used one is the way to go. The 'clunking' you heard might be from the MFWD if it was engaged (I would expect to hear/feel it), that's worth checking it again.

All that said, the 2305 is a small machine that can do a lot of things well, nothing great (except mowing). If you have time to work slow it will handle anything you throw at it. But if you want a pallet moved now, or a yard of stone in two runs, or a field bushogged in 20 minutes... Well, get something bigger.

 

[BrentP]

Thanks VA Blue....that helps with my decision making process.

 

[MuttonPower]

Bro,

You need a John Deere 2305 tractor loader mower. It will do all your work and not break your bank. Easy to use, plenty of power. A lot of Tractor Loader Mower for under $13000

J Dalman

 

[crbr]

Thanks VA Blue....that helps with my decision making process.

You'll know what you will end up with tomorrow after your Kubota test drive... Take your check book.

 

[bill177]

I went through all this decision making stuff last year. My decision was made based on the various dealer's interest in selling me a tractor.

I finally bought the Massey Ferguson CG2300 with a FEL and 4' tiller. Has side pistons on the FEL - not just a center single one. No plastic for a floor board. Has a rocker pedal on the HST - makes FEL work easy.

It has become my family's best friend - no more back aches from lifting and carrying, made tilling the garden easy, turned a 3-day mulching job into 3 hours. I don't mow with it - but I sure do dig and lift. Lots of fun and a great worker.

Am going to get a PHD and a boom pole next. Probably from Tractor Supply.

I have a great dealer - and without that, it won't matter what color you buy. You are out in the cold all by yourself.

I just finished doing my 50 hour service. Learn to as much work on your tractor as you can. It will save you money in the long run. My dealer recommends it.