Help! Need Inexpensive Tractor Suggestions

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2001

Wondering what my choices are in any brand for a cheap tractor. I have a Scotts lawn/garden tractor and an old Farmall Cub. Would like to replace both with something that can:

Mow lawn (2 acres) and field (about 3 acres)
Snowblow driveway (steep in spots, 1/2 paved 1/2 oil & stone)
Sand driveway with rear PTO spreader.

Features I want:
4WD
Hydro Tranny (may consider a gear drive though)
Locking rear diff.
Rear & Mid PTO

Features I do not need (to keep price down):
Power steering
Loader

I am currently looking at the Kubota B7400, Boomer TC18 (w/o PS), and the Kubota BX1800. I like the BX but don't need the PS. And not sure if the 16HP on the B7400 will be enough. (The Cub is 10HP, and has trouble on the hills) Any other choices for around 9K or less.

Thanks.

PitbullMidwest · Dec 13, 2001

Checkout the Chinese made Jinma. Its badged under a lot of different names, go here and click on the dealers link. Also, you might go to the CTOA Message Board and tell them where you live, what you're after and how much you want to spend. There are a surprising number of dealers in the states for these cheap (inexpensive) tractors.

Climber · Dec 13, 2001

Wayne,

I can suggest you look at the used market. In my area, 9K could get you a used tractor that could easily do what you need, particularly if you don't purchase a FEL. Some of the used machines out there are in very good shape, and should last quite a long time. However, my advice if you go that route is to take your time, and shop around. It took me about 4 months to find the right tractor, but others here have looked for longer. Also, keep and eye out for individuals selling their tractor. When you can find it, they tend to be more reasonably priced than dealers.

--Chris

Thomas · Dec 13, 2001

Think twice about the power steering...believe me,for you may not need it now but there always the furture.

Have you consider the BX2200,for its a sweet unit.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

rwdunky · Dec 13, 2001

I WOULD GO WITH THE BX2200, NOT MUCH MORE MONEY AND A LITTLE EXTRA POWER IS NOT BAD. I WOULD ALSO GET POWER STEERING. WILL NEED IT WHEN AND IF YOU GET A FRONT END LOADER. ALSO VERY HEPLFUL JUST MOWING THE YARD.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2001

THanks for all inputs, though I really am not interested in power steering, nor do I want to pay for it. As far as I'm concerned, it's just one more thing to break down. Have driven PS compacts and it's nice, but heck, it's a tractor, not a Lincoln. My Cub doesn't have it, and I plow with that. (rather I try to. Need more HP and a locking rear end at the least - pref. 4WD) I will not be getting a loader for it. Seems that all compacts offer it as standard equip. Money is tight (as always) and I'd rather spend the extra $700-$900 on more HP rather than PS. Now about Masey? Does Deere offer anything outside the 4000 series?

Thanks again.

OH, btw. I wish PS was an option on the BX series. Seems it would be there, if anywhere.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 13, 2001

Wayne,

How much money is in your budget...? and what color are you leaning towards...?

Snowman9000 · Dec 13, 2001

The major manufacturers appear to put your price range into the high end garden tractor market. Which is a shame, you would think there is a market for a simple [cheap] compact. Be careful when you look at gear trans units. In the size range you are talking about, it seems common that they have transmission PTOs. Which stink for mowing, to be frank. An example would be the JD 4100 gear version.

I agree with the post that suggested you look for a nice used model. Then you have a lot of choices. Probably with power steering, you might as well not worry about that. Based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend a JD 755 4wd. 20HP, 15PTO, hydro, weighs about a ton with mower, runs a 60" belly or rear finish mower easily, a 48" brush mower, etc etc. The series was very durable and they sold a bunch of them for about 15 years, ending in 1998. For $9000 you could get a really nice one with a mower and have money left over for other implements. If you find one with a loader, you probably can sell the loader for at least $1500. Otherwise, there are many nice used compacts in the 20-ish HP range with hydro and mower in your price range.

MossRoad · Dec 13, 2001

If you want new equipment, you might want to check out the Power Trac line. Small, hydraulic, full time 4 wheel drive 18, 21 and 25 HP models starting at $6000.00. 60" finish mower for $1200.00. Salt spreader available. Snow thrower is kind of expensive though. Lots of attachments available.

Used equipment might be the way to go if the budget is tight.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>