Help finding an older, smaller, dedicated garden machine

harbin · Apr 3, 2019

I could use a little help with this- so far the majority of my searching (mainly CL and tractorhouse) has netted mostly Kubotas. I'm on the hunt for a dedicated machine for my garden, which has an orchard/permanent half of about 150' x 60', and an annual half close to the same size. I've found my JD 4720 is too big and my JD455 GT won't do what I'm asking of it (ground clearance too low, tires are turf for mowing). I'd like to find an older, gear driven, 4WD machine with R1s, that can pull a plow (or 2), run a tiller, and a pull a hiller/midbuster. I'm looking for something with a smaller footprint and found a couple smaller L machines. If anyone has suggestions or series to avoid like the plague, that would really be appreciated as well. I found an L2850 online that looked promising but would probably be the limit. I also have a 2 row planter I'd like it to pull.

keljan11 · Apr 24, 2019

My dad had a Kubota L245DT, 4 WD, engine rated 25 hp, pto rated 22hp. It runs a Woods 5ft bush hog just fine, and there are lots of rotovators available out there. Think it's big enough for what you might need. It did everything he (or I) asked of it.

dusty3030 · Apr 24, 2019

Budget?
Used there are a lot of Kubota L2350's around. They made them for a long run. It would be a perfect size for you and reliable.

Newer a Kubota L2501.

Sticking with Deere you will find a bunch of 870's, 770's or 790's that would work great. They are all 100% Yanmar's and are very reliable.

shootemup604 · Apr 26, 2019

You could get a gear drive B-series - don't discount the early models. An early L might almost be too big - I have the L245DT and for the space you have it may be too large. Avoid the L225 just because it was a "one-off" and parts can be harder to find.

TractorGuy · Apr 26, 2019

Maybe a John Deere 790?

Maxify · Apr 26, 2019

When the Mrs. and I built this place years ago.
We bought a gray market Zen-Noh (Yanmar) 2210D.
What a work horse that thing tuened out to be?
Now it wasn't without problems along the way.
Because, like you, this thing had to work
After almost 10 years of abuse, we got into stable enough finances to afford new.
The dealer had absolutely no interest in it but my next door neighbor had been watching me for years with it.
He couldn't believe I hadn't killed it and jumped at it when I offered it to him.
I wouldn't hesitate to look at and accept a gray market tractor for the work you consider.
Small for the market for which they were built, Japan.
Make no mistake, however, you'll fingerprint many of the parts on it as you would with any used equipment you purchase.
If you want problem free equipment the dealer is just down the road.
I see quite a few Iseki tractors for sale. Not to mention a few gray market Kubotas.
Just don't ask your Kubota dealer for assistance.
They'll just grimace and may even growl at you.