How much tractor do I need?

[Adamisred]

Hello and thanks for reading.

I've never owned a tractor (besides a ZTM) and I know very little except from what I've been studying on this forum. My eyes and brain are about to bleed from all the possible configurations I'm learning about so I thought I'd ask the resident experts to help get me started.

What I have: 10 acres. All 10 are relatively flat, except at the drainage ditch. All 10 are also relatively clear minus the fact the grass/brush has grown up about 2ft or so.

What I want/plan to do: Keep 4 or 5 acres mowed and maybe knock down the back half twice a year. Maintain a garden of decent size. Mulch work and general landscaping. Clear snow from the driveway the few times we get it. (Although I don't think I'll need/want snow blowing attachments as a FEL should do.)

I don't really have a brand in mind as I've been focused mainly on HP and weight. From what I've gathered HP is useful for ground engaging and weight for FEL? Also, with mainly flat but sometimes muddy land, will 2wd be adequate?

I don't have an endless budget but I also understand not to buy too small as I do want this to be somewhat future proof. I've been looking at the Kubota B series, but that is mainly since a dealer is somewhat close.

Any help given is much appreciated!

 

[nybirdman]

I think you are on the right track with a "B" Kubota,having a dealer that close is a plus.Go with the 4wd,like adding 10 HP and helps if you ever want to upgrade/sell.

 

[N2DFire]

From what I've gathered HP is useful for ground engaging and weight for FEL? Also, with mainly flat but sometimes muddy land, will 2wd be adequate?

I don't have an endless budget but I also understand not to buy too small as I do want this to be somewhat future proof.

You are correct that weight equates to FEL lift capacity (heavier tractor = more lift capacity) however weight is also required for ground engaging work. Weight = traction and will make the tractor less likely to spin when tilling / plowing / blade work / etc.

I'm not as familiar with the Kubota lines anymore (pretty much forgot what I knew when we stopped shopping) but just remember that horesepower being equal that one series might be heavier than another so be sure and look at the specs when you compare. (Ex a 35 HP "X" Series might be lighter than a 35 HP "Y" series of the same brand).

Go ahead and get 4wd - along with all the reasons nybirdman gave - it only takes that one time having the FEL loaded & facing "down hill" to get a 2wd tractor stuck where a 4wd will still back out to make it worthwhile (some will argue that good / proper counter weight on the rear will negate this but think of 4wd as a form of cheap insurance).

As for future proof - once you decide what the absolute minimum tractor to do everything you want to do - go one step bigger. Very very seldom has anyone ever said they wish they had bought a smaller tractor. I love our little CK35 and I would not go through the troubles now of selling / trading to go bigger for anything - but almost every time I go out I wish we had gone up one more step to a DK40.


With regards to other features - if the tractor you end up picking does not come with standard rear remotes (SCV's) you should at least ask the dealer about the cost to install now vs later. Same goes with a 3rd function or diverter to the FEL for use with a grapple or 4-in-1 bucket later. Sometimes the dealer will cut you a break on the labor cost to install these at purchase vs installing later on down the road - esp if they have to do the final assembly on your tractor. Easier to add now than to take apart later.

Best of luck with whatever you end up with.

 

[Milo]

IMO a Kubota B2601 would be a great choice. It'll do everything you listed plus a lot more.

 

[The Deerslayer]

I suggest you go to the Kubota dealer nearby and try out a few models out. B series may be just right for you, but I would also drive the L. My initial response to the title of your post was going to be: "A bit more than you think you need". The old adage rings true, and I suspect many here will agree.

As far as snow clearing is concerned, you may want to consider getting a rear blade. They are not overly expensive and tend to work much better in conjunction with a FEL vs. only an FEL. If your driveway is small enough, you "might" be able to get by with just the FEL, but a blade will do a nicer job of clearing.

I would also recommend getting 4WD and HST. Try both gear and HST when you are at the dealer. My first tractor was gear and my most recent is HST. For the work I do which is similar to what you will be doing, I'll never go back to a gear.

 

[ericm979]

I started out thinking a B3350 would be perfect to replace my B7100 and ended up with a Branson 3725 which is about the size of the Kubota L60s. I'm very glad I got it instead of the B3350.

How big a mower do you want to run? I think that will determine the size and HP you want. The rule of thumb for rotary cutters is 5 hp/ft.
I'll also recommend HST.

 

[Adamisred]

Thank you for the responses. Haven't been to the dealer yet as I've been lacking time. I have been thinking a 6ft mower but 5ft isn't a deal breaker. Given that I have a nice zero turn, I'm starting to lean towards just using that for the immediate acres around the house and just bush hog the remaining. Sure, it won't be a "clean" cut, but until we start utilizing more of the acres in the back, it seems overkill to keep it up nicely.

I have been gravitating towards the B2650 but the B3350's pto hp of 27 seems like the way to go vs 19.

I haven't heard anything much on Branson, as a dealer isn't anywhere near here, but will look into it.

 

[nybirdman]

There were some problems early with the B3350,may want to do some reading on it.You may want to check out the L2501,supposed to be underrated HP(has more than rated) and the "L" series are not that much bigger than the larger"B" series.

 

[Adamisred]

There were some problems early with the B3350,may want to do some reading on it.You may want to check out the L2501,supposed to be underrated HP(has more than rated) and the "L" series are not that much bigger than the larger"B" series.

Thanks. For some reason I hadn't even thought about the L series because I thought it was a much higher price range than the B. :duh:

 

[PJSprog]

Great advice here so far ... as usual. Seems like you're right in the HP area you will need for the work you described. 35-40HP should get it done for you.

Unless you are dead set on a Kubota for whatever reason, check out some of the offerings from other manufacturers as well. All of the popular brands make pretty decent compact tractors these days. Looking at and test driving a bunch of tractors makes shopping a bit more fun.