Currently have a BX-23 with backhoe and brushhog and driveway grader. I just bought 70 acres of replanted (3 years ago) clearcut. Wife wants a barn and arena for 2-3- horses. The terrain is hilly, with stumps everywhere (keep getting my RTV high-centered). I was considering getting a larger tractor for the property, and maybe keeping the BX for "in the barn/arena" maintenance (maybe with turf tires) and the backhoe use. I went and looked at the L2501 and l3301, as the dealer felt they were the models most stable on hills. Would get brush hog, grappler and driveway grader- perhaps post hole auger in future. I am open to any suggestions.
New, larger tractor
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nybirdman
Super Member
Under 26 H.P.and you beat the emissions crap.That is why the L2501 is so popular now.Sounds like they are really under-rated by Kubota.We run R1 tires on one of our small L''s and turfs on the other.If you are doing mostly off-road type work the R1's will shine;tougher on finished lawns but you have a BX for that.
jeff9366
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- Kubota Tractor Loader L3560 HST+ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3,700 pounds bare tractor, 5,400 pounds operating weight, 37 horsepower
You will notice "some" difference between a 1,600 pound (bare tractor) BX and a 2,700 pound (bare tractor) L2501/L3301 but not that much.
Consider L4060/L4760/L5060/L5460/L6060, all around 4,000 pounds (bare tractor) or MX4800/MX5200/MX5800 around 3,800 pounds, bare tractor.
L4060/L4760/L5060/L5460/L6060 have multiple options for spacing rear wheels. Wider spaced rear wheels increase tractor stability.
You have not told what development you plan for the seventy acres but these heavier tractors are more likely to make you happy stepping up from a BX on hilly land.
VIDEOS (2): So you want to TRADE UP for a new Tractor? - TMT - YouTube
Kubota Grand L Series VS. Kubota MX Series - YouTube
The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Heavier tractor chassis weight is more important for most tractor operations than increased tractor horsepower. Bare tractor weight is a tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to list tractor applications first, then determine bare tractor weight needed to safely accomplish your tasks.
Within subcompact and compact tractor categories, bare tractor weight must increase 50% before you notice a significant tractor capability increase. It takes a 100% increase in bare tractor weight to elicit MY-OH-MY!
Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range. I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise. I have a column for cost per pound.
Most tractors under 3,000 pounds bare weight operate in residential or hobby farm applications on one to ten flat acres. Subcompact and compact tractors under 3,000 pounds will enter a residential garage with typical 84" door height.
Selling a used tractor is easy. Selling multiple light implements in order to buy heavier, wider implements for a heavier tractor requires a lot of time. Depreciation on implements is generally greater than depreciation on a tractor.
Tractors over 3,000 pounds bare weight are generally offered in a utilitarian configuration and a deluxe configuration. Deluxe kit enhances productivity and operating comfort ~~~ but you must pay. Most tractors over 3,000 pounds bare weight are too tall to fit through an 84" height garage door, even with ROPS folded.
Heavier tractors are built on larger frames with larger wheels/tires. A heavier tractor with large diameter tires has more tractive power pulling ground contact implements, pushing a loader bucket into dirt and pushing snow. Large wheels and tires increase ground clearance, enabling a heavier tractor to bridge holes, ruts and downed tree limbs with less bucking and disturbance operating over rough pasture and woodland.
Safe hillside operation demands more tractor weight than level land operation. Heavier tractors have adjustable rear wheel spreads; wide rear wheel spreads hugely improve tractor stability. Four wheel drive is essential on hillsides. Four wheel drive supplies increased traction. When descending slopes 4-WD augments rear brakes as tractor weight shifts forward decreasing rear tire grip.
Tractors optimized for hill work have liquid installed in the rear tires rather than air. "Loaded" tires are filled 50% to 75% with liquid, which lowers the tractor's center-of-gravity, increasing rollover resistance. "Loading" two compact tractor rear tires will increase tractor weight 300 pounds to 800 pounds over weight of identical two tires inflated with air.
Last edited:
majorwager
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Great thread for folks w/ hilly terrain
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/mahindra-owning-operating/398161-mahindra-max-26xl-hst-new.html
Even if you do NOT live in the vicinity of an RK Tractor distribution center, it is worth a visit to their website to review pricing, everything is shown as net cost, in plain sight. A valued shopping comparison tool.
#243 The TRUTH about RK Tractors! - YouTube
RK Tractors
Jeffy's mantra is always purchase too much tractor and realize you have spent more than necessary when it is too late. If a L 4000, 5000, or the 6060 series are indispensable tractors, why does he NOT own one?? And purchasing a tractor based upon the COST PER POUND? Perhaps the grocery store and tractor store became confused??
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/mahindra-owning-operating/398161-mahindra-max-26xl-hst-new.html
Even if you do NOT live in the vicinity of an RK Tractor distribution center, it is worth a visit to their website to review pricing, everything is shown as net cost, in plain sight. A valued shopping comparison tool.
#243 The TRUTH about RK Tractors! - YouTube
RK Tractors
Jeffy's mantra is always purchase too much tractor and realize you have spent more than necessary when it is too late. If a L 4000, 5000, or the 6060 series are indispensable tractors, why does he NOT own one?? And purchasing a tractor based upon the COST PER POUND? Perhaps the grocery store and tractor store became confused??
searcyfarms
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I will add this, for 70 acres I would definitely have more than one option when it comes to tractors - as birdman put it, what do you plan to do with the acreage going forward? will you have need in the future for X or Y and then be sitting on a tractor you need to trade/sell.
next, I would far rather have a tractor that cost me a little less that is a little bigger than I need BUT I am not one to go out and buy brand new as a rule - there are so many GOOD/GREAT tractors out there that will last another 40 years the way most of us use them on here. I have tractors ranging in age from 80+ yrs to new - that being said I have options for various situations and needs. You would think I have everything I need however there are still situations I rent things as it makes more sense $$ and time wise as well as taking up space sitting.
Lets face it, most of us are going to live another 40yrs appx. in which we will be still using tractors and doing things on them that is why the 40yr marker is thrown out there. Will I live another 40 doubtful, will I be able to be doing hard work on a tractor, only time will tell so I am not afraid to get something used to save money to spend on implements or other unknowns that come up. If $$ is not an object then by all means get 2 or 3 tractors then you don't have to unhook things when you want to use them, just hop on and go!!!
And while you are at it, build a bigger barn so all of your stuff doesn't suffer from the effects of exposure. All of my tractors sit inside and I cant tell you how much that helps, its priceless!!! All of my implements sit outside and they show the effects for sure.
not knowing exactly your future plans, going from a BX23 to ANY 25 to 30 hp tractor doesn't seem like much of a jump - that is my initial knee jerk reaction id be looking for something 50ish HP and 6500lb range if they even make something like that. I can think of a lot of tractors that would fit that but most are not 4wd so with your hills I would not recommend that.
this should be interesting as we uncover your plans - it will help a lot - have fun in your quest/search, we will all help you spend your money HA!!
next, I would far rather have a tractor that cost me a little less that is a little bigger than I need BUT I am not one to go out and buy brand new as a rule - there are so many GOOD/GREAT tractors out there that will last another 40 years the way most of us use them on here. I have tractors ranging in age from 80+ yrs to new - that being said I have options for various situations and needs. You would think I have everything I need however there are still situations I rent things as it makes more sense $$ and time wise as well as taking up space sitting.
Lets face it, most of us are going to live another 40yrs appx. in which we will be still using tractors and doing things on them that is why the 40yr marker is thrown out there. Will I live another 40 doubtful, will I be able to be doing hard work on a tractor, only time will tell so I am not afraid to get something used to save money to spend on implements or other unknowns that come up. If $$ is not an object then by all means get 2 or 3 tractors then you don't have to unhook things when you want to use them, just hop on and go!!!
And while you are at it, build a bigger barn so all of your stuff doesn't suffer from the effects of exposure. All of my tractors sit inside and I cant tell you how much that helps, its priceless!!! All of my implements sit outside and they show the effects for sure.
not knowing exactly your future plans, going from a BX23 to ANY 25 to 30 hp tractor doesn't seem like much of a jump - that is my initial knee jerk reaction id be looking for something 50ish HP and 6500lb range if they even make something like that. I can think of a lot of tractors that would fit that but most are not 4wd so with your hills I would not recommend that.
this should be interesting as we uncover your plans - it will help a lot - have fun in your quest/search, we will all help you spend your money HA!!
Tennsawdust
Gold Member
I think you will find that you are aiming a bit low. If the plan includes horses, do you plan to eventually cut your own hay? Either way you probably need something heavy enough to handle a round bale. Kubota is a good tractor, but they do command (and get) a premium verses other brands. Don't tie yourself down to one brand, especially if cost is an issue. If you have the dealer base near you to do it, you can definitely find more tractor for less money.
I've been kicking some tires myself lately and it appears that used Utility class tractors in the 60-80 hp range are reasonably common for less than $20,000. I recently looked at a JD 2355 (67 hp) with a loader and low hours. They were asking $16,500 for it. It's very tempting. I could buy that, a grapple and a large brush cutter for less than a new CUT.
Whatever route you go I would keep the BX. They are just too darned handy for tight quarters. You're going to have some stalls to muck out...
I've been kicking some tires myself lately and it appears that used Utility class tractors in the 60-80 hp range are reasonably common for less than $20,000. I recently looked at a JD 2355 (67 hp) with a loader and low hours. They were asking $16,500 for it. It's very tempting. I could buy that, a grapple and a large brush cutter for less than a new CUT.
Whatever route you go I would keep the BX. They are just too darned handy for tight quarters. You're going to have some stalls to muck out...
prof fate
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GO BIGGER!
I'm working on a 25 acre horse farm with a kioti CK35 - it's fine, but one size bigger would be better. Friend has a workmaster 40 new holland w/ woods backhoe (from a smaller previous tractor) and it's a size larger frame - and it 'fits' better on the bigger property.
I can run a 6' brush hog - horses don't eat everything so weeds need cut - and it takes hOURS AND HOURS to mow 20 acres...
Think more like 50-60 hp tractor. For round bales and any ground engagement, making hay, etc you'll use the bigger tractor. And consider a cab - warmer in winter, dryer in the rain (I was hogging to day in the rain holding an umbrella...) and better in the summer - no bugs, a/c, quieter.
A couple hours here and there, no big deal. 5 to 8 hours mowing or haying it's well worth the cost of a cab.
I'm working on a 25 acre horse farm with a kioti CK35 - it's fine, but one size bigger would be better. Friend has a workmaster 40 new holland w/ woods backhoe (from a smaller previous tractor) and it's a size larger frame - and it 'fits' better on the bigger property.
I can run a 6' brush hog - horses don't eat everything so weeds need cut - and it takes hOURS AND HOURS to mow 20 acres...
Think more like 50-60 hp tractor. For round bales and any ground engagement, making hay, etc you'll use the bigger tractor. And consider a cab - warmer in winter, dryer in the rain (I was hogging to day in the rain holding an umbrella...) and better in the summer - no bugs, a/c, quieter.
A couple hours here and there, no big deal. 5 to 8 hours mowing or haying it's well worth the cost of a cab.
I went and looked/sat on the L series and the grand-L . Wish I had not looked at the Grand-L because it feels sooo much nicer/ better controls. I do not know if other manufacturers have anything that feels that refined. I appreciate all the comments about weight and wheel spacing. To answer the questions- I will be using the tractors to help build the new barn, put in fences, grade gravel driveway, maintain horse paths, grading outside and inside arenas. So maybe a wood chipper attachment and maybe a post hole auger or post pounder in addition to driveway grader and brush hog. And definitely a grappler on the front. We buy hay, not growing our own.
gladehound
Veteran Member
I agree with all who said keep the BX for the tighter jobs and convenience for quick tasks and go much bigger on the second tractor. 71 acres is a lot. Grapple work is much nicer with big loader capacity and a heavy long tractor. A simple utility tracter 50-90 hp seems it would be The the right size next tractor and would look a lot better pulling hay rides around 71 acres at your next party ��
rbtjr
Gold Member
I am not familiar with the L models you are looking at. However, we did have a L3800 with R4 tires. I really liked the tractor, but mostly after we added a 4" spacer on each rear wheel. The wheels were already filled with fluid. Adding the spacers made a big difference in the stability of the tractor, especially on slopes. IIRC, on the L3800 version with the R1 tires you could adjust the width of the rear wheels. Not so with the wheels with the R4 tires. So far as size is concerned, we now have a MX5800. The main thing that got me interested in a larger tractor than the l3800 was loader capacity. I agree with all of the posters who have said that usually bigger is better. My only other suggestion is to get 4WD and HST.