Tractor Sizing First tractor recommendations...

[CaverDave]

Greetings!
A year ago my wife & I bought 30 acres w/ house in VA and absolutely LOVE living here.
The house sits in a "bowl" (taller terrain to east/north/west and has 3 spring fed ponds. Aside from about 10% field grass around the ponds, the balance is moderately wooded and VERY hilly... very little "flat"/level ground. There are old logging roads around the north/west perimeters that access the woods.




A good friend was going to loan me his "spare" L2900 (no FEL) for general use, which I've run for years bush hogging/wood harvesting his 50 acres.
However, once it turned spring, I bought a zero-turn for mowing and discounted the need for a tractor (I also have a 1-ton 4x4 dually flatbed and an old Jeep)...

That was until the recent snow of 14" w/ temps that hovered at/below freezing for a week and other proposed uses/conditions (which I'll attempt to list)

- Our shared private road is exactly 1/2 mile from the asphalt to the house. It's currently maintained by a non-resident "neighbor" every 2-3 weeks w\ L2501 & a "ground plane", which works very well, but... he's only available on the weekends and has his property on the market. I'd thought about purchasing his L2501 w/ FEL, but suspect being 2-3 years old will be way over my budget & he'll want to package deal with all attachments (I don't foresee needing or want to deal with selling off).
- Reached out to my friend to see if he would still loan me his L2900 but haven't heard back yet. He knows I'll care for it just like my own, maintain it better than he does, and would purchase/install a FEL (which I need) to repay his generosity.

Again, it's hilly country where 4x4 (MFWD), a wide(r) stance, & ballast appears to be a necessity(?)... so that's where I'm focusing right now, a CUT in the 25-30HP range. I've spent a few 100 hours on an L4850, don't like the bulk and appears would be a detriment in the woods?

Uses:
- Snow removal from 1/2 mile of gravel road... most recommend a simple angled scrape blade, but an FEL may come in handy for some of it?
- Potentially sharing maintenance, should current neighbor sell
- Gardening... due to stupid amounts of rock/packed red clay, we're going No-Till (back to Eden) so need a means to prep (tons of compost & wood chips to spread) and maintain (more wood chips)
- We plan to make this a "gentleman farm" (farm that doesn't doesn't require 2-5 more full-time commitments) and since this will be our retirement location... also planning for chickens, a few goats, and possibly sheep.
- Other general uses would be gathering wood for outdoor fire ring (enough downed timber to last my lifetime w/o cutting anything down)

I'm not brand loyal (literally grew up in an IH tractor dealership and have enjoyed the Kubota's), but like everyone else, want the best bang for the buck. Would like to stay under $10k for tractor/FEL and will add scrape blade, & possible auger.
Everything I read says "factory"/branded FEL is preferred, but it also appears the price of tractors w/o FELs ($6-7k) can be had for nearly 1/2 of those with FELs ($12-14k).
So, is adding one (used/aftermarket) to a base CUT really going to cost the $5-6k difference?

 

[jeff9366]

Everything I read says "factory"/branded FEL is preferred, but it also appears the price of tractors w/o FELs ($6-7k) can be had for nearly 1/2 of those with FELs ($12-14k).
So, is adding one (used/aftermarket) to a base CUT really going to cost the $5-6k difference?

The question with aftermarket FELs and Backhoes is the same. Are the pumps, plumbing and support on the tractor sufficient to power the addition? My advice is to sell the tractor lacking the implement and invest proceeds in another tractor with factory implement. Some with good mechanical skills and lots of tractor experience feel otherwise. Several firms make aftermarket FELs. Someone buys them.

FELs and Backhoes are MUCH cheaper purchased as part of a new tractor order relative to later order.

The last L2900 was produced in 1999. How much demand can there be for aftermarket FELs for this tractor model in 2019? You will find out when you research aftermarket FEL prices for this model.

Again, it's hilly country where 4x4 (MFWD), a wide(r) stance, & ballast appears to be a necessity(?)

Yes. But only if you do not want to be crushed under a tractor rollover.

 

[Jchonline]

How many acres do you have to mow? What about after you get the goats and sheep?

 

[searcyfarms]

well that's a conundrum, not trying to burst a bubble but around here a 4x4 tractor of any size is going to run you more than 6 to 8K and of course my personal opinion of buying a tractor used with a loader is a crap shoot, so much more wear/tear on a tractor with a loader and depending on the owner/user you can pretty much roll the dice on how it was dealth with outside of one that is pristine but for the age of tractor you are going to be looking at for those price ranges well........you are going to have to be cautious, it sounds like you will do well if you grew up in/around a dealership and know what to look for. if you find a good deal on a loaderless tractor at that age i would prefer that since you wont have to wonder how much or not so much abuse it has had with the loader on it. I would rather buy one and put the loader on after the fact to know i got something that wasn't as used up.

if all you are doing is taking care of 30 acres and need to get in/around trees i agree the smaller chassis might be more agile if you plan to manicure the forest however if you are just grooming trails i would go for a little bigger unit for weight/power unless you plan to borrow or rent something for need of the big jobs that you save up for a weekend or something once a year or every couple yrs etc.... just my 2 cents

 

[CaverDave]

The question with aftermarket FELs and Backhoes is the same. Are the pumps, plumbing and support on the tractor sufficient to power the addition?

Thank you!
My assumption (yes, I know what that gets!) is that IF the base tractor would support a branded/factory FEL, it should also support a like sized aftermarket FEL?

How many acres do you have to mow? What about after you get the goats and sheep?

Thank you!
There's only about 3 acres to mow and the Bobcat 52" zero-turn does quick work of it. Honestly, after fencing, was planning to turn them out in the woods...

if you find a good deal on a loaderless tractor at that age i would prefer that since you wont have to wonder how much or not so much abuse it has had with the loader on it. I would rather buy one and put the loader on after the fact to know i got something that wasn't as used up.

Thank you!
While I'm sure there are horror stories, that was my thought as well...

if all you are doing is taking care of 30 acres and need to get in/around trees i agree the smaller chassis might be more agile if you plan to manicure the forest however if you are just grooming trails i would go for a little bigger unit for weight/power unless you plan to borrow or rent something for need of the big jobs that you save up for a weekend or something once a year or every couple yrs etc.... just my 2 cents

Aside from snow removal and possibly dragging the 1/2 mile gravel road, the main needs are general usage around the property.
By "smaller chassis", do you mean the 25-30HP range? Or something even smaller in 20-25HP range?

 

[jeff9366]

My assumption (yes, I know what that gets!) is that IF the base tractor would support a branded/factory FEL, it should also support a like sized aftermarket FEL?

YES, but....

Twenty-five to thirty years ago tractors were not designed assuming an FEL would be installed. Loader demand has evolved over time. So an aftermarket FEL on a 2-5 year old tractor might be satisfactory, when an aftermarket FEL on a 20+ year old tractor might be evaluated as marginal after the addition. (Your money, you have to decide.) ((I have no L2900 experience.))

Today, 90% of new compact tractors are sold with optional FELs. Without an FEL compact tractor resale prices decrease, as buyers discount offers sufficiently to add a Loader, which is $$$.

A Loader saves your back.

Aside from snow removal and possibly dragging the 1/2 mile gravel road, the main needs are general usage around the property.
By "smaller chassis", do you mean the 25-30HP range? Or something even smaller in 20-25HP range?

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to identify potential tractor applications first, then determine bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications.

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor weight is more important for most tractor applications than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used.

Within subcompact and compact tractor categories, a significant tractor capability increase requires a bare tractor weight increase of 50%. It takes a 100% increase in bare tractor weight to elicit MY-OH-MY!

Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise. I have a column for cost per pound.

Tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight usually operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres.

Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a new, heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is generally greater than depreciation on a tractor.

Heavier tractors are constructed on larger frames and longer wheelbases. Heavier tractors are built with thicker steel to withstand greater stress. Heavier tractors have larger diameter wheels/tires, increasing ground clearance. Heavier tractors with large diameter wheels/tires have more tractive power pulling ground contact implements, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Larger wheels and tires permit heavier tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris with less operator perturbation.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota L2900

Manufacturer: Kubota

Kubota L2900 Power:
Engine (gross): 32.1 hp [23.9 kW]
Engine (net): 29.7 hp [22.1 kW]
PTO (claimed): 25 hp [18.6 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 9.2 gal [34.8 L]
Hydraulic system: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Control: position control
Rear lift (at ends): 2,870 lbs [1301 kg]
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 2,200 lbs [997 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540 (1.375)
Engine RPM: 540@2670
Mid PTO: independent
Mid RPM: 2000
Engine RPM: 2000@2623

Dimensions
2WD Wheelbase: 65.9 inches [167 cm]
4WD Wheelbase: 65.7 inches [166 cm]
Weight: 2560 to 2710 pounds

Kubota L2900 attachments:
mowing deck
snowblower
blade
front-end loader
backhoe

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering: hydrostatic power
Brakes: wet disc
Two-post ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 10.3 gal [39.0 L]
Pressure: 2490 psi [171.7 bar]
Pump flow: 7.0 gpm [26.5 lpm]

L2900 Serial Numbers:
1994: 5002
1995: 54654
1996: 56282
1997: 58445



Page information:
Last update: December 28, 2018
Copyright: Copyright 2018 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[coldsteelva]

Have you heard of PowerTrac? Power Trac Factory-direct and made in VA. Talk to MossRoad; he's a PT expert. My understanding is the PTs are great for hilly terrain.

 

[jeff9366]

Have you heard of PowerTrac? Power Trac Factory-direct and made in VA. Talk to MossRoad; he's a PT expert. My understanding is the PTs are great for hilly terrain.

An excellent recommendation. Why didn't I think of that?

LINK: Power Trac

 

[Turbys_1700]

You can get an FEL for the L but it will run 4K. Better to get a tractor with one already installed. I added a nice Stoll FEL to my NH 1720 and it worked great. Back about 10 years ago it was around $3500.

You've done a good job defining your objectives. You will find that good used 25 to 30 HP tractors are very high demand and as a result used prices reflect that. Many just go ahead and bite the bullet for new one.

 

[searcyfarms]

here is a couple out in your area and this one with the belly mower you could maybe sell or trade it out for some of the implements you are wanting or just get the price down a bit.

New Holland 4x4 Tractor w/ Ldr. & Mower - farm & garden - by owner - sale


then you have this deere, a little comparison to the next physical size down for you than the N/H

John Deere Tractor - farm & garden - by owner - sale

something for you think about

 

[searcyfarms]

ooooh shooot, pulled the trigger there too quick, not sure if you are familiar with the N/H and the supersteer, that is a NICE feature and especially if you are meandering around in your trees you can turn really short with that in a larger tractor vs getting a smaller tractor to help with turning radius.

just thot i would mention it, i have been around both of these units, you will want to check out the difference by sitting on/driving/lifting/turning/ergonomics/things that that so you have an idea what you like/dont like in levers/running the machine, everyone has their preferences ;-)

not sure how much snow you get in your area but 9 times out of 10 when we get one around here its a wet one, heavy, harder to push and get out of the bucket not to mention it packs quickly and is like a block of ice so tire chains are likely required.

 

[MossRoad]

Greetings!
A year ago my wife & I bought 30 acres w/ house in VA and absolutely LOVE living here.
The house sits in a "bowl" (taller terrain to east/north/west and has 3 spring fed ponds. Aside from about 10% field grass around the ponds, the balance is moderately wooded and VERY hilly... very little "flat"/level ground. There are old logging roads around the north/west perimeters that access the woods.

View attachment 585220
View attachment 585221
View attachment 585222
A good friend was going to loan me his "spare" L2900 (no FEL) for general use, which I've run for years bush hogging/wood harvesting his 50 acres.
However, once it turned spring, I bought a zero-turn for mowing and discounted the need for a tractor (I also have a 1-ton 4x4 dually flatbed and an old Jeep)...

That was until the recent snow of 14" w/ temps that hovered at/below freezing for a week and other proposed uses/conditions (which I'll attempt to list)

- Our shared private road is exactly 1/2 mile from the asphalt to the house. It's currently maintained by a non-resident "neighbor" every 2-3 weeks w\ L2501 & a "ground plane", which works very well, but... he's only available on the weekends and has his property on the market. I'd thought about purchasing his L2501 w/ FEL, but suspect being 2-3 years old will be way over my budget & he'll want to package deal with all attachments (I don't foresee needing or want to deal with selling off).
- Reached out to my friend to see if he would still loan me his L2900 but haven't heard back yet. He knows I'll care for it just like my own, maintain it better than he does, and would purchase/install a FEL (which I need) to repay his generosity.

Again, it's hilly country where 4x4 (MFWD), a wide(r) stance, & ballast appears to be a necessity(?)... so that's where I'm focusing right now, a CUT in the 25-30HP range. I've spent a few 100 hours on an L4850, don't like the bulk and appears would be a detriment in the woods?

Uses:
- Snow removal from 1/2 mile of gravel road... most recommend a simple angled scrape blade, but an FEL may come in handy for some of it?
- Potentially sharing maintenance, should current neighbor sell
- Gardening... due to stupid amounts of rock/packed red clay, we're going No-Till (back to Eden) so need a means to prep (tons of compost & wood chips to spread) and maintain (more wood chips)
- We plan to make this a "gentleman farm" (farm that doesn't doesn't require 2-5 more full-time commitments) and since this will be our retirement location... also planning for chickens, a few goats, and possibly sheep.
- Other general uses would be gathering wood for outdoor fire ring (enough downed timber to last my lifetime w/o cutting anything down)

I'm not brand loyal (literally grew up in an IH tractor dealership and have enjoyed the Kubota's), but like everyone else, want the best bang for the buck. Would like to stay under $10k for tractor/FEL and will add scrape blade, & possible auger.
Everything I read says "factory"/branded FEL is preferred, but it also appears the price of tractors w/o FELs ($6-7k) can be had for nearly 1/2 of those with FELs ($12-14k).
So, is adding one (used/aftermarket) to a base CUT really going to cost the $5-6k difference?

What a nice looking piece of property! Welcome to TBN. :thumbsup:

Someone asked me to pop in here and mention PowerTrac, so here goes.

PowerTrac is a factory direct only machine. It's not a tractor, so to speak, but more of a tool carrier. It's hydraulically articulated like a front end loader. All attachments are out front on the FEL arms. They are American made just up the road from you in Tazewell. They make several sizes and models of machines. Great machines for the tasks you mention. And very good on hills from mild to 45 degree slopes (depending on model and your budget, of course). They are not pulling machines, meaning they won't plow dirt or pull stumps. But they will run a tiller, power angle snow blade, snow blower, mowers, brush cutters, trenchers, mini-hoes, post hole augers/tree planters, fence post pounders, stump grinders, etc.... and, of course, FEL buckets, grapples and such. Over 40 attachments available.

All of their models come standard with the FEL arms included. That includes a quick attach adapter. You can change non-powered implements in less than 15 seconds without getting off the machine. Powered implements require you to get off the seat and connect hydraulic hoses. There are no drive shafts. They are full time all wheel drive. All models come with a solid steel canopy mounted on the ROPS, which offers great protection from falling object in the woods, too. The three small models are gas engines. All the rest are diesel. It's hard to find them used, but they do pop up from time-to-time. Especially in and around VA where they are manufactured. Super simple machines and very easy to work on yourself. Factory phone support is excellent. Parts usually arrive at your doorstep in 2 business days.

I could go on and on, and I usually do, so here's a link to their website and if you have any questions, hop on over to the PowerTrac forum here on TBN. Lots of members over there have both conventional tractors and PowerTracs and will be happy to offer comparisons, comments and recommendations regarding the differences and pros and cons of each. Good luck with your machine search. :thumbsup:

Power Trac

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/power-trac/

 

[MossRoad]

Here's a picture of mine from 2001 when I bought it. Still works great after 17 years and I'd buy another if needed. Mine is the PT425 model. Weighs about 1500# with me on it. 60" finish mower. 60" power angle snow blade. 10 cubic foot light material bucket. 5 cubic foot rock bucket with teeth. 48" brush cutter. Pallet forks.

View attachment 585683

 

[CaverDave]

Though I'd update everyone of what's transpired over the past year+...

We still have the original 30 acres, but have also picked up the "non-resident neighbors" 58 acres (similar hills/woods as the 30) in the process.
Shuffled a few things and am ready to move on a tractor soon. Aside from another 1/4 of gravel road, the planned tasks/objectives remain the same.

Have found an L2900 GST w/ FEL (2400 hours) locally that appears to be reasonably priced & hit several of the marks:
- I've logged 250+ hours on an L2900FST... bush hogging, dragging trees, etc. (= VERY familiar)
- If the old neighbors L2501 did fine, can't see the L2900 not doing the same with a couple more HP?
- It also should less (likely NO) emissions crap given the age
- I like that it's smaller/more maneuverable in tighter spaces
- And I believe my wife would feel comfortable operating it

The big question it leaves:
- Is that going to big enough? (like any of us can foresee the future)

 

[MossRoad]

Congrats on the nearly 200% increase in property! :thumbsup:

 

[3gunr]

Really depends on what your needs are now and in the future. That is a pretty big piece of ground for a small tractor. but if you are not mowing large chuncks of it or doing major logging projects the l 2900 should be fine. if it were me i would look at 40 to 50 hp tractors.

 

[CaverDave]

Congrats on the nearly 200% increase in property!

Thank you! One of the few times I feel into something that didn't smell badly! :laughing:

Really depends on what your needs are now and in the future. That is a pretty big piece of ground for a small tractor. but if you are not mowing large chuncks of it or doing major logging projects the l 2900 should be fine. if it were me i would look at 40 to 50 hp tractors.

That's exactly my hold up!

I'm mowing an extra acre(maybe?) and the BobCat eats it up quickly.
No plans to log anything. We'd harvest some of the numerous downed trees for firewood (enough for personal firepit and gift the rest) and chip up the small stuff.
Aside from pulling some old Jeeps around and maybe a few engine swaps (which I believe the L2900 should do just fine?), no real need for large duty lifting or pulling...

 

[airbiscuit]

Last year, I bought a Kubota L3010 GST which is a newer version of th eL2900. I really like it. The GST is a nice feature, and the tractor has larger rear wheels that other tractors of that frame size, I think you will be happy with the L2900.

 

[thompsonmax]

I probably wrote in all related threads to this one because I would like to buy a tractor and it is really hard to do when you dont have an experience. I will look at Kubota L3010 GST after your good review. Thanks