Help With Decision

eyesore acres · Apr 3, 2008

I've searched the forums, and cannot seem to find an answer for my situation. If it exists, I aplogoize for reposting.

I have roughly 3/4 acre of lawn to mow. Mostly level, a few beds and bushes to mow around, but am capable of using a trim mower to take care of those. I also have an 8 acre property (separate from the 3/4 acre at home), that has, at this time, about 1 1/2 acres cleared, with an 800 ft driveway and I'd like to keep the ditches mowed, plus keep the cleared area mowed, to prevent saplings from coming back up. There are ROCKS...brownstone mostly, and the driveway has a steep grade.

I have a friend who has offered to sell me a Kubota B2200? Not sure of that model number, but it's a small tractor....1995 model with 3600 hours on it. It was 4-WD, but apparently, it is now only a 2-WD. He's replaced all of the hydraulic line, and done some other maintenence on it....for 3K. No attachments.

What I'd like to know....would it be better for me to get something like he's offering, to take care of both properties, or would it be better for me to get a small lawn tractor for my residence (3/4 acre), and get something larger for the acreage, that I can use for years to come. I intend to clear most of the acreage (hydro axe), and have a few horses on the property.

I'd also like to know if the tractor my friend is offering is a bad deal...I'd rather put the 3K on something that isn't going to be a money pit. I'm new to all of this (if you hadn't guessed!

), so any input will be appreciated.

Thanks, in advance!

Gittyup · Apr 3, 2008

The size of the B2200 is good. But, 3600 hours is a lot and the 4wd is gone. It wouldn't be for me.

Two tractors vs. one? That's a matter of preference. On the one hand, it's a pain to trailer back and forth. On the other, it's a pain to leave equipment unused and unattended for long periods. You have to decide that one. But, for 3/4 acre, a small rider should serve you well and you can keep the bigger tractor at the other place.

Soundguy · Apr 3, 2008

I think 3K$ is just way to much money for that machine.

I'd get a 18-24 hp tractor.. 2wd or 4wd.. and loader, if you wanted it... It's small enough to be used at both your properties.. or left for the 8ac, and then just get an 800$ murray rider mower for the 3/4 ac lot.

soundguy

eyesore acres said:
I've searched the forums, and cannot seem to find an answer for my situation. If it exists, I aplogoize for reposting.

I have roughly 3/4 acre of lawn to mow. Mostly level, a few beds and bushes to mow around, but am capable of using a trim mower to take care of those. I also have an 8 acre property (separate from the 3/4 acre at home), that has, at this time, about 1 1/2 acres cleared, with an 800 ft driveway and I'd like to keep the ditches mowed, plus keep the cleared area mowed, to prevent saplings from coming back up. There are ROCKS...brownstone mostly, and the driveway has a steep grade.

I have a friend who has offered to sell me a Kubota B2200? Not sure of that model number, but it's a small tractor....1995 model with 3600 hours on it. It was 4-WD, but apparently, it is now only a 2-WD. He's replaced all of the hydraulic line, and done some other maintenence on it....for 3K. No attachments.

What I'd like to know....would it be better for me to get something like he's offering, to take care of both properties, or would it be better for me to get a small lawn tractor for my residence (3/4 acre), and get something larger for the acreage, that I can use for years to come. I intend to clear most of the acreage (hydro axe), and have a few horses on the property.

I'd also like to know if the tractor my friend is offering is a bad deal...I'd rather put the 3K on something that isn't going to be a money pit. I'm new to all of this (if you hadn't guessed! ), so any input will be appreciated.

Thanks, in advance!

Egon · Apr 3, 2008

What is wrong with the four wheel drive??

eyesore acres · Apr 5, 2008

Thank you for your help! Egon, I'm not sure what is up with the 4wd. My guess is it was not maintained properly, it was asked to do more than it was capable of, or a little of both.

I didn't think it sounded like a "great deal", but I wanted to be sure. I do so appreciate your comments. I forgot to mention that the acreage is almost a 40 minute drive without a trailer, so hauling something back and forth isn't ideal, and leaving one unattended would make me worry.

Thanks again everyone!!

Treemonkey1000 · Apr 5, 2008

I like the name Eyesore acres. Even if he went down to $2K something else may break and you would be spending money to fix it. There is no building to lock up something that you leave at the large property?
I have heard many of the people mention the ZTR mowers that can get most lawn mowing done in a hurry. Problem with those is if you had it at your big property you might kick yourself because you could have used something with a FEL on it. Or scraped the ground down to level it as well as hauling rocks away.

MasseyWV · Apr 6, 2008

I would invest in a new tractor to maintain your acerage and use a smaller lawn tractor to cut the grass.

It will cost more but as the old saying goes.... you get what you pay for. I have learned (the hard way) that used is not always the best option.

bjcsc · Apr 6, 2008

wvtechs said:
used is not always the best option.

Agreed, and "deals" from friends are often ways of ruining otherwise great friendships...

bearhawk · Apr 6, 2008

3600 hours is a lot.

I think that machine is all used up at that point.

Unless it was meticulously maintained and in great shape. None of that seems true.

It seems like a few people buy the retired truck storage containers for their remote properties. You can lock them up and they are mostly waterproof.

Then you could keep your new tractor at the 8 acre site.

Have fun shopping for the right one..