Buying Advice My First Tractor

[Mrreck]

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to determine a good size for my first tractor purchase. I joined TractorByNet a short time ago and have read through many interesting and informative postings.

I am a complete tractor novice. I have talked to some folks including the dealer locally and the opinions are extremely diverse (From a BX series to a small L series). So I am looking for some additional input/points to consider, etc.

The property and usage:

We just bought a property with 5 acres outside of Sacramento, CA. It has 2 ponds and some marsh area - so 努orkable area is probably 3.5 to 4 acres. I would like the tractor to be able to handle most mowing needs (except for some hand mowing in the tightest spaces). Also, the property needs quite a bit of landscape work (grading, prep for patio installation, planting beds, small tree removal, planting an acre or so of fruit trees, etc...). I would like to think that with the right equipment I can handle some of that... but I'm not sure what is realistic/feasibly (again, being a tractor novice).

My thoughts based on research and talking to others is a B2320 with a loader, belly mower and box blade to get started (maybe a tiller as well?). I am really confused on the practicality of a backhoe in my case, but may be missing something.

I would really appreciate any input and advice.

Thanks!

 

[oldnslo]

Is the ground reasonably flat or do you have some steep hills?

The B2320 is good sized all around unit but like and CUT they can be tipsy on hill sides.

 

[TripleR]

Sorry I can't help much as I have never owned a B Series though it sounds as though you are on the right track. We passed on the B Series due to our hilly property, but I believe you can get spacers for more stability. Check some of the posts by bp fick as he has used a BX and B, JOHNTHOMAS is also a good source as he has owned BX, B and GL. There are others, but their names escape me.

Good luck

 

[PossumHound]

:welcome:

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I have owned several Kubotas. My first thought is B2320 with attachments you mentioned but then you mentioned an acre of trees to plant and your landscaping needs. Think I'm changing my vote to a BX25 because of the factory installed FEL and BH.
These are based on assuming you have fairly level land. The BX25 will do hillside but your a bit restricted with ground clearance. I to struggled with the BH or no BH for years and finally bought one. I do lots of landscaping, tree and plant moving and small on site construction projects. Nothing will do them like the BH. If you got cash to burn then go for the B26 especially if you need the higher ground clearance.
As you can see I currently have a BX25 for my digging and landscaping needs. A B2320 for tilling and boxblade and F model Kubota mowers for mowing. The BX25 will do all of the jobs if I weren't to sorry/lazy to take the BH off.
I reserve the right to change or deny all recommendations once you tell the lay of your land and your budget.

 

[CHDinCT]

Welcome aboard. Seems that most of what you want to do on your 5 acres could be done with a BX or B series. The exception would be the landscaping work including tree removal. Unless the trees are very small, you'd benefit from a backhoe for that work, but, you could rent one for a day or two to get that done if that's feasible. My guess is to stick with a B series if you're not in a real hurry to get the landscaping work done. If you can take your time and spread it over time - weekends and vacations, etc. - the B or even BX should get it done. If you're more in a hurry, something bigger will make the work go faster, but you may be left with a machine too large for ongoing maintenance work. One last thing, you can add a Kubota backhoe anytime with a B while you'd need to buy the BX25 in the BX series to get one - no option for the Kubota BH afterwards, though Woods does make a BH that fits most BX's.

 

[newbury]

2 B or to BX, that is the question -

I think the 2320 would be ideal.
It gives ground clearance, but is small enough to mow with and probably not damage the lawn.

There is absolutely no need for a backhoe if you REALLY like to shovel and move rocks with shovels, picks and ropes. With a backhoe you may miss the pride of spending days digging out a stump, and be done in a few hours. A few scoops and you have a hole for a tree and you miss all the exercise you would get with a shovel.

I've the B7610, the 2320's predecessor. I'm biased. I've a Woods BH70-X backhoe attached, which is bigger and stronger than what Kubota offered with the 7610. If you can see my avatar I like to use it to pick up sticks around the house.

And a backhoe without a thumb is like the difference between primates and most of the rest of the Animal Kingdom.

 

[dustinfox]

Think hard about a backhoe. Will you have an ongoing need? Or will you be done with it once the trees are removed and other digging projects are done. If you have a few one-time projects you would be better off renting one than spending $6-8K and have it for an ornament.

 

[RoMad]

I know you posted this on the Kubota buying sub forum but you might want to look at a kioti CK20. They are little brutes and sized just about right for what you have.
Also instead of buying a backhoe for your property you might want to make a detailed plan and rent a mini excavator for a few days and do all or most of your digging at one time. Now that I have my trees and stumps out, I would have very little or no use at all for a backhoe.

 

[kiotiken]

You have two uses for your tractor that are, IMO, at odds with each other. You'll want something light and nimble for mowing and you'll want something bigger and heavier for ground engagement tasks like the landscaping.

If you're planting that many trees, a backhoe would be a big help digging those holes. You will not push trees over or pull stumps out of the ground with a little tractor, and pushing over even a 8" tree may be the match for a larger tractor. Again, a backhoe takes a little time, but it will dig out the stumps.

From what you describe, I think you need a larger, heavier tractor. I would be in the L line for sure if you're looking at Kubota. Generally, Kubotas are lighter than most of their competition, the Grand L is heavier and would be better suited to your needs, but you pay dearly for it. I know as a newbie, going for the Kubota or John Deere is the safe thing to do, it's what I did for my first tractor, but you're best to broaden your horizons and compare everything available. My first tractor was a 33hp used JD that I bought from a Kubota dealer. When I found myself spending an hour fixing it for every hour I used it (it was 20 yrs old), I traded it in for a new 30 hp Kioti. The Kioti has 3 less hp, but weighs over twice as much and could out work that little Deere 5 to 1.

 

[LD1]

My thoughts based on research and talking to others is a B2320 with a loader, belly mower and box blade to get started (maybe a tiller as well?). I am really confused on the practicality of a backhoe in my case, but may be missing something.

Based on your property description, That would be my recommendation as well. I think the BX would be a tad too small for your needs, and the small L's dont have a belly mower option.

 

[dustinfox]

If you're planting that many trees, a backhoe would be a big help digging those holes. You will not push trees over or pull stumps out of the ground with a little tractor, and pushing over even a 8" tree may be the match for a larger tractor. Again, a backhoe takes a little time, but it will dig out the stumps.

I agree that a backhoe is what he needs. However I don't believe he should buy one unless he will have an ongoing need, or if the rental cost for his projects approach a point where it would make sense to sink that money into owning one. They are nice to have! But from a practical standpoint renting might be smarter. Of course just owning such a cool "toy" is a weighing factor!

 

[kiotiken]

I agree that a backhoe is what he needs. However I don't believe he should buy one unless he will have an ongoing need, or if the rental cost for his projects approach a point where it would make sense to sink that money into owning one. They are nice to have! But from a practical standpoint renting might be smarter. Of course just owning such a cool "toy" is a weighing factor!

Yes, they are a cool toy, but once you have one, you see how many jobs they can be used for. It's also the reason I'm recommending the OP buy a bigger tractor than most other commentators to this thread. When something like this is new to you, you make a list of things you know you need to do and focus on that when determining your requirements. once you have a tractor, it doesn't take long to realize all the other things you'd like to be able to do and all the things that a slightly bigger more capable tractor could do. He's on a new, unbroken piece of property and is describing work that is too big for a B series. I know the mentality of "just a little bigger" has to stop somewhere, but I don't think that should be less than the L series in Kubota. Kubota makes a great tractor, but they're light and you need weight for ground engagement and traction

I'm in the process of considering upgrading to a bigger tractor. It would be my 3rd tractor in as many years. I keep running into limitations for the work I find I would like to do. I don't use my tractor for mowing, I have a ZTR mower for that, which means I can buy the right tractor for ground engagement work and other heavy jobs. With my 3 acres, doing a lot of the same work as the OP is talking about, I'm dreaming of a 50hp tractor to be able to stack pallets of firewood (now I struggle to lift a pallet with a cord, can't curl the pallet and can only lift about 3ft off the ground), break new ground with my box blade (I can now bring my 5500lbs tractor to a halt in low range with a 5ft box blade with the rippers fully down) and other such tasks. There's no comparison, IMHO, between my CK30 and the B series Kubotas with respect to these type of task, and I believe the OP will hit the same type of limitations much sooner with the work he's planning on his new property if he goes for a b series tractor. Renting for the odd job is fine, but if you're limited on 50% of your tasks, you should have gone bigger.

To the OP, go for at least an L Series, preferably a Grand L, or look at some of the other very good, much less expensive, heavier and more capable (at the same price) tractors available.

 

[Lefty7]

I'm a first time tractor owner, with about 40 hours on a Grand L3940. When I started my research before buying, my biggest concern was that I didn't want something too small - but getting something too big would also be a problem, so I understand your dilemma.

My situation is different, of course. I didn't want mine to do any mowing. But tilling, landscaping, moving and delivering bulk material (soil, mulch, compost), and to be light enough and small enough to do these things and get into some tight places, yes - and that's why the L3940 seemed perfect. And so far, with respect to all of these concerns, it is.

I knew I was already going to throw some substantial coin at this machine, and contemplated the backhoe for quite some time, as it is a considerable added expense. I was discussing this with a friend/neighbor, and he said, "Yeah, but how often do you think you'll really use it?" and I said, "I'd use it all the time if I had one!"

In my case, that's right. And now I can see that the tractor wouldn't have anywhere near the value to me that it does if I hadn't got the hoe. Got it with the hydraulic thumb, too. It's like a big mechanical hand, man, and you can pick up heavy stuff, move it, and put it down where you want. It was expensive, but I have no regrets. I love it.

Best of luck to you, and welcome to the TBN forums. Folks here have been a big help to me. Hope it works out that way for you, too. Just take your time and learn what you can. The right tractor will come to you.

 

[deadmoose]

Skip backhoe. Rent a mini x. Cheaper and more efficient.

Get a dedicated mower. Whether a $200 used rider or a new $5500 Z.

Buy the biggest tractor you can afford. Dont skimp on options. You never know when needs will change. I have an L3400 bought for food plots and miscellaneous that now I am making hay with as well as feeding/caring for beef with.

No one ever said I wish i bought a smaller tractor!

Attachments: get an FEL. Recommended are a box blade and post hole digger (works great for planting trees in minimum time). Tiller would be nice.

Buy quality attachments (no KK, HOWSE, county line, etc). If you buy one of them now and use it, you will buy another too soon. Get Bush Hog, Land Pride, etc.

Good Luck!

 

[AHNC]

I have a BX2660 w/FEL, BB, 60" MMM, 42" Tiller and 48" Woods Brush Bull & a Ratchet Rake. It is my first tractor and has been great. When I bought I did not go with a BH. I can rent for $250/day for a good excavator. For a big job I hired a guy to do the digging and I was able to get him in and out quickly and he was a real pro. The 2660 handled the backfill and grading perfectly well. I'm sure it is a great implement, but the bh was a boatload more dough and I find that the ability to change rear implants easily without having to remove the bh and install the 3ph better for me. I'm sure if I had a bh I'd use it a lot, but not having one has worked out for me. I have no complaints about my BX other than ground clearance issues. That in itself is enough to make me go to a B as I don't have the ground clearance for the gardening I am doing. For now, I'm working around it, but I suspect it won't be to long and I'll be heading to the dealer. :thumbsup: