Need help sizing a new tractor for 3.5 hilly acres.

[DCJL]

I'm in the market for a new tractor for 3.5 relatively steep rolling hillside acres. (Steep enough to be able to make a luge run with multiple turn 6'+ banked walls for the kids in the winter!!!) I need to mow around 2.5 acres and it is getting a bit monotonous mowing it with a small Cub Cadet with a 38" deck. The lawn has very good run off and is usually quite firm.

I live in northern Vermont around 1300' elevation so we get lots of snow which I'd prefer to clear myself so I do not have to rely upon a plow guy that is not there when needed and there when not.

I also need to maintain the same driveway which is about 700' of gravel. Because of the hill I get lots of wash outs. I am shortly going to have them put down 100 yards of Stay-mat, grade and roll it. After that I'd like to maintain it with my own tractor. I also have another 800' of common gravel drive that my neighbor will plow, but I would like to help out with snow blowing it and sanding as needed.

Finally I have some dirt and rocks etc. that I can move around at leisure so I'd like a FEL.

I've thought about everything from a BX2350 to a GL4740 cab.

So what do you guys think is the best solution? BX2350 too small and GL4740 too big? Somewhere in the middle?

All help and suggestions appreciated.

 

[LarryRB]

You'll get a million answers only because each person likes the particular brand they own.. That said, Kubota 3030 with cab, FEL and front end snow blower would be nice for the hills and driveway part of your question.,. Too big to cut 2 acres of grass. Although,, you could probably cut that size grass in a few minutes. The cab feature would be awesome for winter purposes...

 

[bandit67]

DCJL,

I've been going through a similar process trying to decide what size machine to get, although I have one additional parameter that you don't have to worry so much about - 8500' elevation, which robs a lot of engine power.

I sold my subcompact in June figuring I'd want something bigger when we moved to our current mountain property, and I am glad I did because I think a sub is just too small with too low a ground clearance for that type of property, so I suggest you scratch the BX line off your list. I've spent a couple days each, running an L35 TLB and a full size NH TLB on the property. Although both did the job I brought them in to do, even the L35 seemed right at the limits of how big a machine I want on that property, and it isn't a very big machine.

I have a lot of sloped ground, of varying degrees, and plenty of trees to get around. The combination of slope and trees are what indicate that a smaller machine might be the best fit. It's been a bit challenging dealing with the larger machines on that property - I loved the bigger machines on my last property that was essentially flat, but this hilly, tree'd property is a whole different ballgame, and I'm thinking that bigger isn't necessarily better for long term tractor use in this situation.

I'll be using a B7800 this coming weekend, so I can give you some additional feedback, but I think that the B series machines are going to be the best size for that type of property. Fortunately, with your elevation, I think even a 24 hp compact machine (like the B7610) should be plenty powerful for your needs - I never had any complaints about power back when I used a 14hp compact at 800' elevation in the northwest Connecticut hills.

Hope this helps.

 

[DCJL]

Thanks for the replies. I need to mention one other parameter, my property is wide open, so a large size machine to get around the trees (very few, like 10) is not an issue.

Do you really think a 3030 is too big for my acreage? It takes about 5 hours to cut it with my 38" deck. I'd think the 3030 could cut that to around 2 hours, no?

 

[LarryRB]

I mentioned a 3030 because of the cab feature, many professional landscapers specifically use a 3030, and I am sure landscapers do large and small properties,, The 3030 "could be" a bit larger than needed, however, in my mind, again, cab, front blower, if wanted/needed, enough PTO power to run a good sized PTO genset for those power outages and generally a good sized all around machine that can do almost anything you may need to do. Obviously some needs will take longer than others, but, this is the side effect of getting an all around machine.

 

[MarkV]

I like the 3030 in your situation myself. It is the most powerful of the B series tractors giving you enough power for your snow and the smallest that comes with a cab if that is what you want. The only thing about a cab is that it will raise the center of gravity which could be a problem with your hills. Having the tires filled with ballast and tire chains would be a good investment in your area.

There is a long term member on the forum, “Boondox”, who lives right up near the ski resort in Stowe. You should send him a personal message (PM) and see what he thinks would meet your needs as well as opinions of local dealers.

MarkV

 

[DCJL]

Again, thanks for the responses.

Great idea about the PTO genset. I have been thinking about putting in an automatic 12kw unit but spending $5k on a generator kinda turned me off.

Funny, but the 3030 cab was my front runner, I was just wondering if the BX could of handled the chore but thought it was a bit small and cold (cab).

I then saw the Grand L40 series and said OMG, those are beautiful (not sure if that term can be applied to a tractor or not!!!). Just thought they may be bit large/heavy for mowing, but **** would I like one of those bad boys.

So how would a 3030 handle grading the driveway? My driveway will be kinda firm and I am wondering how the 3030 will handle a box blade.

Anyway, more thoughts are welcome. You guys are a great help.

 

[2Botas]

The B3030 will pull a 60" box blade through almost anything. I have a very hard packed gravel driveway and have no difficulty with the B3030. the B7510 i had before had a bit of trouble with the same job. Also, as far as the mowing goes, I have a 84" rear mount mower and it takes me about 20 minutes to mow my lawn. My lawn is 1.75 acres and is pretty hilly as well. I would think you should be able to mow yours in less than 2 hours. IMO you should get the Mid-Mount mower. The 84" rear mount is a bit heavy for the 3030 on hilly areas unless you leave the loader on.

 

[DCJL]

That sounds great about the 60" boxblade as I was a bit concerned, thanks. I guess I need the extra valve for the boxblade so I can crown the driveway?

How easy/hard is it to take off and put back on the MMM?

How about snow blowing? Anyone have experience with the front mounted Kubota unit?

 

[BizDoc]

The B3030 sounds like a fit. I have had other tractors from a Wheel Horse to New Holland, and just purchased the B3030 for 10 acres, 7.5 of mowing, some on a hill side, some flat, around some trees, and a 200 foot driveway I intend to plow with the front 6 way blade. The pricing is very good on the 3030 compared to other factory cab tractors. Can't beat A/C for summer mowing and heat for winter snow removal. I've read the reviews and anyone who has the B3030 is very satisfied and beyond. the pricing on the 3030 will allow for some much needed, or wanted, attachments

 

['Bota Fan]

I've had the B3030 cab w/ 84" RFM for over a year now. Handy as a pocket on a shirt! 30+ acres to mow. Do it in sections, so I don't know how long it would take at once. No FEL, just suitcases in the front and loaded tires. Lots of hills, and I just take it easy and stay in four all the time. See other threads about tilt meters, pucker factor, etc. On this tractor, there are two windows where you can see your front tires VERY well. I just keep an eye on 'em and I've never had any trouble.

To answer your question about mowing time, I did a two-acre section a couple of days ago. Took an hour and it was pretty thick stuff.

The A/C is phenomenal and I use it in 95 degree temps all the time. Heater is just as good, even though we don't use 'em much down here. Good luck with your negotiations!

 

[crazyal]

I'm just on the other side of the mountian from you in Cambridge. Although I'm not quite as high I can feel your pain about the driveway. You may laugh but the best thing I found to keep it from getting washed out with all this rain is to walk it during a downpour. I find with a shovel and very little work I can divert the streams of water that collect in the tire tracks off the edge of the drive before they become a river.

I have to do it a couple of times each year but now I'm getting better at fixing the problems before the storm. If I forget or don't pay attention I usually pay by buying more crusher run.

I was thinking of the B7800 but liked the extra features of the B3030. I wanted a center PTO for a front mount blower so the 'L's were out. So that left the GL3240, at first I thought it was overkill but now that's the direction I'm headed. Just the extra weight and width on those hills seams like a nice thing. I'm sure the 3030 would do everything I want but for not much more money you step up in FEL/ 3pt capabilities. If money is not tight you might want to think about the GL.

 

[DCJL]

Great ideas guys, thanks. I pretty much had my mind set on the 3030 as it seems about right after all you guys said. The idea of going to the GL3240 is good, but if I was going up I'd go to the new GL40 series as IMHO the 30s are just plain ugly and if I'm going to have this thing for years, I'd better be happy with it and that includes its looks! I also think the GL's may just weigh a bit too much for lawn mowing.

Anyone have experience with removing the MMM on these?

 

[RussMan]

I have a 3030 w/ a 72" MMM to mow about 5 acres of hilly lawn - it is a wonderful machine, and the 72" really makes for efficient play... er work. Plus the 3030 is a lighter machine than some others of similar HP so is easier on the lawn.

 

[DCJL]

Thanks, looks like the 3030 is probably the best compromise. So, how about mounting/unmounting the MMM? How hard and how long does it take? What is the process like?

 

[DCJL]

Went to one of the local places today to price out a 3030. While there I had a chance to see a GL3240 next to it. I was shocked at how much larger the GL3240 was. What a NICE tractor. Probably bigger than I need but tempting as it does not cost much more than the 3030.

So the price I got for the Hydrostatic Cab B3030, LA403 Loader, A4 tires filled with RimGuard, is $22,610 delivered plus tax.

Price w/o the cab is $18,810. (The cab adds $3,800)

Certainly a bit high compared to what others have paid, and this was with purchasing a bunch of other toys… er tools.

Anyone got a better place (price) up here in northern Vt to buy it from? The place I went to seems like a bunch of real nice people, but not $2k+ worth of nice!

 

[DCJL]

Hey Crazyal,

Oops, just reread this post, you did mean the 40 series. I must have been asleep at the wheel. Sorry. I thought you meant the 30 series, yuch. Yea the 3240 is one sweet unit. Any dealer you'd recommend?

thanks,

Don

I'm just on the other side of the mountian from you in Cambridge. Although I'm not quite as high I can feel your pain about the driveway. You may laugh but the best thing I found to keep it from getting washed out with all this rain is to walk it during a downpour. I find with a shovel and very little work I can divert the streams of water that collect in the tire tracks off the edge of the drive before they become a river.

I have to do it a couple of times each year but now I'm getting better at fixing the problems before the storm. If I forget or don't pay attention I usually pay by buying more crusher run.

I was thinking of the B7800 but liked the extra features of the B3030. I wanted a center PTO for a front mount blower so the 'L's were out. So that left the GL3240, at first I thought it was overkill but now that's the direction I'm headed. Just the extra weight and width on those hills seams like a nice thing. I'm sure the 3030 would do everything I want but for not much more money you step up in FEL/ 3pt capabilities. If money is not tight you might want to think about the GL.

 

[AMR]

I just put a deposit on a new B3030, waiting for delivery. I purchased it with the BH, MMM, bagger, blade and loader, but from the break-out pricing that I can see the machine with loader, 60" QA bucket, valves, etc. came to $18,300 plus tax.

 

[DCJL]

I just got a quote for a NH TC34DA, Hydro, Loader w/QA, R4 Loaded and block heater, for $17,600.

The B3030 the same way but w/o the QA is $18,935.

I may be going blue instead. I also think the TC34DA is more tractor, no?

 

[crazyal]

I've been looking for one for most of the year. I had thought about the one just outside Montplier but a co-worker hasn't had too good of luck with their service department. He has the M5040 and after sevral weeks of running around with them he finally got them to take a look at it. They did drop off a Kioti but didn't show up the firt time to pick up and didn't call back a few times.

The dealer in Essex doesn't seam to have much but I've been told he has good prices (haven't priced anything yet so i can't confirm it). Another member recomended a dealer down in Pitsford, just north of Rutland.

I could live with the 30 series but do like the updated look of the 40s as well as the extras. TalonDancer posted a nice thread in the owning/ operating section about his 3240. I know the B3030 (and 7800) would work just fine but I plan on owning it for 20 years or more so why not spend a little more and get some extra bells and the extra enjoyment that goes with it.