First time tractor buyer

[smoke56]

I have a small place, three horses and need a tractor for moving rolls of hay and other farm stuff. It must have FEL.

I am looking to buy a used tractor. I have found a couple on Craigslist. One in particular is a L2250 Kubota. It has 1600 hours on it, a FEL, 4X4, turf tires look to be in good shape. They are asking $6,500.00 for the tractor. I called the local Kubota dealer and was told 1600 hrs is not a lot for a tractor.

I also have looked at Satoh, Bull, S360. I don't think it has the weight I am going to need. This is priced at $5,400.00. Have no idea what the hours are on this tractor. After looking up history of this company, I see that they were made until 1984.

I have looked at a couple of Farm Pros that are price very well, but after checking this site, it appears that the biggest complaint is craftmanship and fit for these tractors.

Any guidence would be appreciated.

Rick

 

[MIKE R]

Welcome to the forum. I think the Kubota would be the best way to go.

 

[sd455dan]

I have a small place, three horses and need a tractor for moving rolls of hay and other farm stuff. It must have FEL.

I am looking to buy a used tractor. I have found a couple on Craigslist. One in particular is a L2250 Kubota. It has 1600 hours on it, a FEL, 4X4, turf tires look to be in good shape. They are asking $6,500.00 for the tractor. I called the local Kubota dealer and was told 1600 hrs is not a lot for a tractor.

I also have looked at Satoh, Bull, S360. I don't think it has the weight I am going to need. This is priced at $5,400.00. Have no idea what the hours are on this tractor. After looking up history of this company, I see that they were made until 1984.

I have looked at a couple of Farm Pros that are price very well, but after checking this site, it appears that the biggest complaint is craftmanship and fit for these tractors.

Any guidence would be appreciated.

Rick

We buy round bales for our horses and the average weight has been 950-1200 lbs. if the bales that you will be moving are about the same weight -
the chances the Kubotas loader will lift them is basically 0 tractor data lists the lift capacity as 882 lbs. and the bales will be hanging out in front of the loader with a quick attach spear, meaning that the bales will actually be heavier due to the fact that they won't fit with all the mass close to the pins... some other hay sellers here sell the Larger bales...closer to a full ton each.

I think you will need more tractor and loader- unless I am misunderstanding your post

 

[hosspuller]

There are two ways to handle round bales with a tractor. FEL or rear hitch. Using a FEL means a larger tractor as previously posted. A three point hitch ball spear allows a smaller tractor. The weight of the bale transfers to the drive wheels. (opposite a FEL's weight transfer)

None of the tractors you posted will handle 900 pounds on a FEL.

 

[jeff9366]

Here a specs on Kubota L2250 from TractorData.com:

LINK:

TractorData.com Kubota L2250 tractor information

This model Kubota was made from 1985-1990, so it is at least 23 years old.

Sixteen hundred hours is not a problem if well maintained and stored indoors.

Does the Kubota you are looking at have four wheel drive? Power steering? Both were options on the L2250. Reasonable horsepower, reasonable weight for small farm use with four wheel drive; about the same specs as my Kubota B3300SU.

Turf tires make me suspicious L2250 may be rear wheel drive only.

One positive: Kubota is the best tractor producer at supplying parts for its older models. Parts for all Kubotas, new or old, are EXPENSIVE.

 

[smoke56]

Here a specs on Kubota L2250 from TractorData.com:

LINK:

TractorData.com Kubota L2250 tractor information

This model Kubota was made from 1985-1990, so it is at least 23 years old.

Sixteen hundred hours is not a problem if well maintained and stored indoors.

Does the Kubota you are looking at have four wheel drive? Power steering? Both were options on the L2250. Reasonable horsepower, reasonable weight for small farm use with four wheel drive; about the same specs as my Kubota B3300SU.

Turf tires make me suspicious L2250 may be rear wheel drive only.

One positive: Kubota is the best tractor producer at supplying parts for its older models. Parts for all Kubotas, new or old, are EXPENSIVE.

It is 4x4. The specs say it will lift over 800# at full height. I was thinking thinking I won't lift rolls no more than I need to move them off the ground.

 

[jeff9366]

There are two ways to handle round bales with a tractor. FEL or rear hitch. Using a FEL means a larger tractor as previously posted. A three point hitch ball spear allows a smaller tractor. The weight of the bale transfers to the drive wheels. (opposite a FEL's weight transfer)

Yeah. Three point lift is spec'd at 1,500 pounds, new, so get a 3-Pt hitch mounted bale speer.

 

[hosspuller]

Smoke56 ... You're forgetting the FEL spec is 882 pounds at the "PIN" a round bale depending on the size is at least 24" from the pin. The Kubota L2250 will not pick up a 800 # bale safely

 

[Soundguy]

I agree. tractors mentioned too small.

what if the bale is moist and 1200#.. tractor will go into relief trying to lift it.

If he's already looking at 23ys old.. might as well look at an old ford with a loader..

 

[LD1]

It is 4x4. The specs say it will lift over 800# at full height. I was thinking thinking I won't lift rolls no more than I need to move them off the ground.

Smoke56 ... You're forgetting the FEL spec is 882 pounds at the "PIN" a round bale depending on the size is at least 24" from the pin. The Kubota L2250 will not pick up a 800 # bale safely

Agreed. Now way will that tractor do a round bale on the FEL.

Tractor specs are artificially inflated due to the pin measurement. For round bales, you need a loader spec'd at least double what you think the heaviest bale is going to be. And then you will need significant weight on the 3PH. Like a heavy bushhog or something. A light duty rear blade dont count for much.

The "real" farmers doing round bales are in the 60-70HP range by modern standards. And ~50ish HP for older ag tractors (as they are typically a little heavier).

Either way, you need a full fledged utility tractor. Not a compact IMO.