Newbe with several questions

[Code54]

I just recently purchased 8 acres of land and a home and know I need a compact tractor to keep everything looking good. I have about 2 to 2.5 acres to mow and a small gravel driveway. The road to the house is also gravel and it is not state maint. So I want to be able to help the neighbors with that. My budget is maxed at 15K for the Tractor, Front End Loader and a mid mount mower (maybe 60" I guess). In the future I want to be able to dig the foundation for an addition for the house (small - about 25 wide X only 30'long due to the slope of the hill), be able to move gravel all around for the driveway and move dirt to level the yard. I also want to be able to clear some paths in the woods for ATV trails (maybe with a 4' brush hog and scrape the junk with the FEL).
I had been looking at the Mahindra 2015HST and the J.D.2210. The Deere looks and seems a bit small compared to the Mahindra but wondered what else is out there that I should be looking at for under 15K. I live in West Virginia near Charleston and I don't have many dealers nearby so I pretty much have to drive to buy any brand so no one is favored due to location. Also what kind of "markup" is on a tractor and how do I know what I can expect to pay. I am buying the book on the site tonight but was hoping to gain even more opinions and ideas. Thanks and sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me!
Scott

 

[bearhawk]

If there has been one thing that I have learned while shopping for my own tractor, is the dealer is more important than the actual tractor.

It sounds to me like you are looking a 20 - 30 hp CUT. The JD 2210 is actually a Sub - CUT (Subcompact Utility Tractor) and that is fine. If that is what you want. But when I looked at the BX Kubota, it looked like a lawn tractor on steroids. I wanted a TRACTOR.

I purchased a Kioti CK20 HST and have been very happy with it so far.

hawk

 

[Code54]

I with you on that, I just can not get into that "lawn tractor on steroids" look for some reason. I want something with a little weight and some size so I can do other tasks. If you don't mind me asking what did the Kioti CK20 HST run ya? I think we have a dealer over the line in Ohio and I can make that trek fairly easily. How are they for getting parts? I really don't know ANYTHING about the make.
Thanks!

 

[RalphVa]

A JD 4010 can be bought within your budget. Don't think it'll dig your foundation though. I'd rent a bobcat on treads for that. The 4010 has more ground clearance than the 2210 yet is no higher with non-foldable ROPS than the 2210. I park mine going under a regular overhead garage door or into the double doors to the basement of my carriage house.

Ralph

 

[Soundguy]

I'g guess 20-30 hp. 30 hp gives you more 'play' room in hp.. course.. i imaging getting a 30hp unit with MMM, and fel, and rotary mower, and box blade is going to be hard to find inthe big 3 brands.. probably also hard onthe 2nd brands as well.

Look in the 24 hp region.

Mowers can be had as cheaply as 500$ or so especially if you are looking in the light/medium duty area. Box blades inthe 250$ and up region.. same for rear scoops if you needed one.. though box blade and fel pretty much reduce the need for a scoop.

Other items you may want down the line are an angle blade.. though you certiantly can maintain a road with a box blade vfairly decently. And a chain harrow.. works good to smooth and re-distribute material on road/driveway.

Lots of people love HST trannies with loader work.. same with 4wd. You will need to decide whether you need those options.. lo/no hills and wetlands might let you avoid 4wd... choice of trannies is whatever you are comfortable with.

Look at Nh's tc 21/24/26 units.

I'm not sure if you are going for new or used.. but check your dealers.. lots of times low hour used untis are a deal, and get you more tractor or implements with a few dents / scratches.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[BamaRob]

I can only speak of what I am familiar. I'm a new owner of a Mahindra 2615 4WD (gear), and it sounds like it would fit the bill nicely for what you're needing. If you added FEL, MMM, and HST, you'd probably be pushing up against or a little over your $15K budget. I got the gear model with FEL for right at $14K. I still need to buy 3PH implements, but I've been very productive with the FEL so far.

It's definitely a tractor and not a riding mower on steroids! The 2015 HST is probably a capable unit also. I looked at them when I bought my 2615. I could have probably gotten by with the 2015, but the 2615 was within my budget and I like having the extra horses if needed.

Later,

BR

 

[bearhawk]

Price varies a lot between locations.

My CK20 HST with loader and 6' York Rake was 14K, but with that I will also get my first 50 hr service included.

bearhawk

 

[Code54]

The CK20 does look nice for the price also. Here is a question - is there a reason why I should by a new MMM over a used one - are they standard or does it have to be made for 1 exact tractor? As for box blades or blades I figure used is fine, I am not going to use it all they much.
As for the foundation thing am i asking too much from a compact tractor. The hill is pretty sloped so there really is only 1/2 A foundation to dig out due to the fact i would be digging into the hillside (was also thinking this maybe a reason to get a Backhoe or at least tell Kim that ).
Is there also any advto rear mound finish mowers? What is a flail mower - is it a bushhog? Sorry for all the questions I know I have a TON to learn!!
Thanks

 

[bearhawk]

I think the MMM are specific to the tractor. That's why the Rear Finish Mower is cheaper and more common. You can use most any RFM as long as you have the PTO power required.

My new 5' Box Blade was only $460, so make sure you don't pay too much for a junker. This is a great attachment, you'll need one.

I think a Tooth bar is needed for any serious FEL work. I have a hard rocky soil and it is slow digging. I need to get a tooth bar next.

Learning is half the fun.

 

[kIOTICK30]

I do think the Ck20 can dig that. It will take time, but it can do it. I would also consider a rear mower not a MMM on the CK20hst.