New to Forum and Looking for Compact Tractor

[cwatson69]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum here and I'm starting to look for a compact John Deere tractor. I'm looking to spend $10-12,000 and I'm wanting to use is for brush hogging, landscaping, driveway leveling, etc. I would like to start out with at least a 430 loader (it sounds like it is better than the 420) and a brush hog. We've got about 6 wooded acres here at home and 16 acres that is mostly wooded with a 1.25 acre lake.
I've look at a 4200 HST 4WD with a loader and it looks a little small for what I think I need. I've looked at information regarding the 4300 and 4400 tractors but want to get a little info from the rest of you of things to look out for, other models, etc. I know a lot of this is subjective to individual opinion, but from you comments I'll at least be able to give me something to think about and how I intend on using it.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome:


I have the 4300 Deere and the 430 loader. Great tractor and loader combination. Has done everything I've asked of it and then some. Bought it new when they first came out and thought a few times of trading up. But just couldn't make the transition away from what worked so well. I've 22 acres and work in the woods a lot with the 4300. Use it year around.

 

[samhudson3]

Welcome to TBN!

I have a 1999 4300 HST 4WD with the 430 loader (bought new). I agree with beenthere, great tractor and FEL combo, it's done everything I needed. We have 44 acres, run it in the woods, mow the yard, and it's a great garden tractor.

I joke often with my wife that it's my "starter" tractor, but don't see ever upgrading either one of them.