HELP! What tractor do I need?

[p95loser]

Hi all, I am very inexperienced when it comes to tractors and need some advise on what size and brand tractor I need. I will be using it primarily to bush hog 24 acres and possibly also finish mow 2 or 3 acres. I would like the option later on of adding a front end loader to move a little dirt around. I think I want a diesel tractor. I currently have a Belarus 250AS that is a good size for me but I want more power I think.

Is it worth getting a new tractor or should I go used? I would keep this tractor probably 30+ years.

 

[budlite]

Welcome to the site. The make of tractor is subjective - most major tractor companies make comparable products of good quality. The dealer is many times the determining factor in a make and whether to buy new or used. If you are mechanically inclined and have the tools time and knowledge to maintain the tractor, then you are not as dependent on the dealer. As far as size tractor, there are people here that will give you plenty of guidance. I think probably a 30-40 HP for the size you are talking. You definitely will want a FEL and probably get a better deal purchasing with the tractor. Check back often for more posts.

 

[p95loser]

I was just looking and have a quote request in to the local bobcat dealer. Apparently they have up to $3500 in rebates and a free front end loader right now. I am assuming that tractor dealers are like car dealers and will haggle.

Does anyone know if the 35-45HP bobcats are good? Do they compare to the John Deeres and Kubotas?

 

[greenmule]

You need A kioti,probably 45 hp or more[well that takes care of that]

 

[p95loser]

Dealer just priced me a Bobcat CT335 with FEL for $12800 plus tax. Kioti dealer was a couple thousand higher for the same tractor. What do you guys think?

 

[Johndeere3720]

I hear that Bobcat and Kioti are the same product with different colors and loaders. Is Kioti still giving out the free loaders too? What area are you in because I am great at getting good deals on craigslist. I got a new graderblade from Montana Tractor for $250.00. I even got a Johndeere L118 in excelent condition for $550.00. I will get a good deal.

 

[Dmace]

I hear that Bobcat and Kioti are the same product with different colors and loaders.

The tractor itself is the same, they are both made by Kioti's parent company Daedong in South Korea. The difference is the Kioti has a 4yr warranty vs 3yr for Bobcat, Kioti makes their own loaders, backhoes, and other attachments where Bobcat uses Rhino loaders and Woods backhoes and apparently Bobcat has a mid-mount mower available for the CT235 size.

Can't go wrong with either tractor if you ask me...

 

[Mickey_Fx]

Agree with others recommending a utility tractor in the 50-60 HP range. I wouldn't overlook going with a decent used model. In this size I'd definitely want it to be diesel powered. For the price one can get a used model for, if the budget can afford it, you might give thought to 2 tractors. The second being smaller that could handle the smaller chores better than the larger model. Two tractors with each better suited to the various chores than you might find in just one tractor.

Saw the mention of looking at ads. For your area and the other poster in Oregon. I'd suggest you take a look at the capital Press. Published in Salem and is dist all over the NW. When I got out of the business I listed all my equipment in the CP and had calls from Alaska within 24 hrs of the paper hitting the street. Should be able to find the CP at most farm stores.

 

[Dmace]

For a person completely new to tractoring I would never recommend a used 50-60hp tractor especially for his limited use of some mowing and brush-hogging. A used tractor in that size is going to need plenty of maintenance and work which a tractor newbie probably can't do on their own. Plus that is very dangerous putting a newbie in a large powerful machine that takes good skill and experience to operate safely.

For your needs, you should be able to get away with a 30-40hp machine. It may take longer to mow that land but it will do it and you will have a smaller easier to handle machine that is newer, uses less diesel, and has a warranty so you don't need to fix it for a long time too.

Some may recommend a gear tractor for mowing but an HST gives you infinite gear ranges so you will never have to worry about going either too fast or too slow, you can easily slow down or speed up and change from forward to reverse without ever moving your hands off the wheel. It is also much easier for a new tractor owner to learn on. Push the pedal forward to go forward, push backwards to go back and just let off to stop, even on a hill.

 

[p95loser]

Thank you for all your input. Let me stress that I currently have a Belarus 250AS that I "tinker" on (basically it's junk and I have to keep it running) so I do know a little about tractors.

I have found a pretty nice MF 231S that is 45HP w/ 500 hours on it with 4 pieces of equipment (including 2 5' finish mowers) from a buddy for $8500. This might be the route I go.