Buying Advice Newbie Tractor Owner Here

scampy74 · Oct 5, 2014

Hello all!

My wife and I just made the jump from city/suburb living to more country living and are closing on a house this month that is a little over 5-acres. That being said, my old push mower is going to be going out the door soon and so I've been comparing various different options. I admit that I'm mostly a "city-slicker" with no real knowledge of any type of farm/rural equipment, so I don't know where to start or whether I'm overestimating what I need or underestimating, so I thought it best to reach out to some people that actually do know what they are talking about.

Basically, as I said we will have 5-acres of pretty flat, open land. I don't really want to spend my entire weekend mowing, but I don't want to give up my daughter's college fund either to purchase equipment

I've looked as lawn-tractors and zero turn radius mowers, but now started looking at utility tractors. I would like something that I can attached a plow or snow-blower attachment to, as living in Michigan we get our fair share of snow and then some, so that basically eliminates the ZTR mower. If we were to get a utility tractor, I'd also like to be able to tow a hay wagon around with it. Mostly this is just for the little kids and parents in the family come fall each year to do hay rides (maybe 10-12 people max, 6 adults/6 children), maybe using it here or there throughout the year otherwise.

What would you all recommend? Lawn-tractor, or utility tractor, and which brand/model would be the best fit for what all we want to do?

LindenBruce · Oct 5, 2014

Boy, open loaded question here (LOL). You have way to much acreage to get a "big box" riding lawn mower/garden tractor. You will wear one out in a year or two. Take a look at sub compacts like the Mahindra eMax22 and eMax 25 series sized units of as many different manufactures as you can. You can do a helluva of a lot more with one of those. Plus you can use a belly mower or a pull behind mower with those units. As well as snow blowers and other attachments. B.

deerseeker001 · Oct 5, 2014

Welcome from Wisconsin

MtnViewRanch · Oct 5, 2014

First thing to do is find out what tractor dealers of all makes are within a comfortable driving distance for you. Then get back to us with the different brands and we can recommend certain models for you to consider.

The more info you get us, the better the suggestions will be for you. What else will you be doing besides mowing, (how large of an area), snow duty, (how long and wide a drive) and the occasional hay rides? Do you have an actual cost figure in mind that you are willing to spend?

All info that helps us help you.

scampy74 · Oct 5, 2014

Thanks for the quick replies.

We are around the Flint/Detroit areas and are willing to travel to any dealer around. Looking online real quick it appears there is New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson. I don't really know any other brands to search for, but those are the ones that popped up on a quick search. I've heard of Kubota and John Deere before.

I will be mowing the full five acres, as while there are trees it is not any type of wooded acreage.

For snow duty, about two cars wide by 7 car lengths long (edit: using a Google Maps aerial view of property along with their scale: about 250 feet long), with an overflow area of about 3 cars wide by 1 car long.

I'd prefer to spend as little as possible for something that can get the job done. I know that's pretty vague. Preferably less than 20-25k, if at all possible.

Tractorrr · Oct 5, 2014

You probably want to keep that push mower even if you get a real tractorrr. They are handy around trees and in tight spots. I have the b2920 which has been good. You may want to look at Kubota bx and b series tractors.

GManBart · Oct 6, 2014

I have a 7.5' rear finish mower, and I've gone back to just using my zero turn because it's faster. I used to cut around the house, and inside the fenced area with the ZTR, then use the tractor with the RFM to cut the open areas, but I found it was actually a bit slower, even having a much wider cut.

With 5 acres to cut, and the goal of cutting fast, look at big zero turns with wide decks, then look at something like a sub-compact tractor for all the other jobs. You should be able to do that for $25K and have the best of both worlds.

Aside from the brands you mention, look at Kioti, and LS...a lot of tractor for the money from either company, great machines, great warranties, and a lot of money in your pocket.

I hate linking to this particular dealer, but they do list their prices, so it sometimes helps folks. Something like this LS J2025 would cover most of the routine chores on a 5 acre spread, and leave you plenty to buy a nice ZTR. It has a hydrostatic transmission, which makes operation extremely simple, a stout loader, and could easily handle a snow thrower, back blade, plow, etc, etc.

LS XJ2025 tractor loader, 4wd

Turbys_1700 · Oct 6, 2014

Kubota, Deere, New Holland, Mahindra, Massey Ferguson, Kioti, LS...
These are the brands that come to mind...
Kubota has the greater market share in smaller compacts...
Budget is paramount...
I have mowed approximately 3 to 5 acres over the past 20 plus years...
Used 5' and now a 6' rear finish mower...
They are not as fast as a zero turn but in my experience they hold up better...
Simpler and less to go wrong...
My personal advise is to get something in the 30 HP range that weighs in at around 3000#...
That will give you a tractor large enough for decent soil engaging equipment and a FEL with 1200# to 1500# lift capacity...
Lots of good options out there for you...

OVRxNxOUT · Oct 6, 2014

Hello, so I saw someone mention the B & BX series Kubota. I would agree. Check into them. If you are looking for economy pricing that you can increase your inventory at a later time to include a front/rear blade depending on preference, snow equipment, loader, mowing deck, and the use of a rear PTO as well say if you get a broadcast speader for sand/salt or to cast fertilizer then the BX series is very economical, but still a very good & well built animal.

For 5 acres I would normally recommend at least 30hp & more into the B series if you plan to use it all 5, but you say that you don't want to spend a lot and doing just the light stuff you have then the bx1870 is the cheapest you can get with in Kubota yet still have the ability to add a plethora of implements later if not up front. (Kubota does 0% for 60 months and if u buy 2 approved implements, say mowing deck and front blade right now til year end and you receive A $500 instant rebate and you still keep the 0% for 60 $0 down financing offer. Implements later can be financed for 0-24 months 0% stand alone or 36 ,moths about 2.4-2.8% interest. All $0 down) Anyway, I would probably recommend a new BX2370 just because you do the hay ride thing and don't want to disappoint. If you can even stretch for the BX2670 I would do that. The implements for all those machines are basically the same so the implement pricing doesn't go up on you just because the tractor does, but 23-26 hp will open your options a little wider than the 18, but try them out, everyone loves their 18's I've sold. They are actually a 2 cylinder diesel the others are 3.

Now if you can find a good used or a good new priced b2620 or b2920, then you will open yourself up to more options down the road, let me remind you and anyone reading this for that matter that the BX series is not compatible with a backhoe from kubota, they do not make it available. Only the BX25 has a backhoe, and it comes from the factory that way, yes if you wonder, it does come off, no tools needed and a 3pt kit can go on, no tools needed again. There you will have a regular 3pt/540 PTO. Just wanted to clear that Incase you might or think you might need a backhoe later on, you won't have that option in the BX series unless you buy it that way to start. ***see the foot note below*** The B series, you have the option to go backhoe later. Although the b26/2920 are the similar hp, the 26 will do most anything the 29 will do, they are not far apart on pricing really. so look at your wallet, then your daughter, then your salesmen before deciding. College books are expensive in themselves, lol. The biggest advantage of the b series is it steps up the tractor size a notch and for 5 acres, this is more optimal.

Price these yourself online here: Kubota Tractor Corporation you can add attachments and implements even. And don't bother using the loan calculator they don't include a few things and it's a little misleading, just ask me if you want payments, I can get you pretty close doing it in my head over the calc.
Also see Land Pride | Farm, Turf, Dirtworking and Landscape Implements for more implement options and yes landpride is accepted by Kubota in the loan packaging for 0% as well, they work together on this. Best of luck!

*** For anyone reading this interested, Wallenstein actually makes and to my knowledge is the only maker of a backhoe that will fit a BX series tractor it is 3pt mounted which is my problem with it. 3 points are strong but in certain directions, backhoes can apply a lot of force in odd ways to your tractor, hence why kubota always runs a secondary subframe on any tractor me hen adding a BH. It stiffens the frame and adds a new "cradle & pin" I call it, 4 point mounting to the machine. 3points are just not designed to take the force, load, & torque in some directions they normally wouldn't undergo. But it may work just fine for some. Just wanted to throw that out there as I know some either regret not being able to get a backhoe now or their dealer didn't tell them it's not an option later. Tisk tisk dealers. ***

OVRxNxOUT · Oct 6, 2014

scampy74 said:
Thanks for the quick replies.

We are around the Flint/Detroit areas and are willing to travel to any dealer around. Looking online real quick it appears there is New Holland, Kubota, John Deere, and Massey Ferguson. I don't really know any other brands to search for, but those are the ones that popped up on a quick search. I've heard of Kubota and John Deere before.

I will be mowing the full five acres, as while there are trees it is not any type of wooded acreage.

For snow duty, about two cars wide by 7 car lengths long (edit: using a Google Maps aerial view of property along with their scale: about 250 feet long), with an overflow area of about 3 cars wide by 1 car long.

I'd prefer to spend as little as possible for something that can get the job done. I know that's pretty vague. Preferably less than 20-25k, if at all possible.

I didn't see this post earlier sorry. 20-25k will get you what you need I'm sure of it with the rebate offers and a dealer willing to work you a deal you could get a new tractor and a few of the implements you need to get going, mowing deck, snowblower, and should be able to do the front blade to, or go with a front loader and save some money & go with a rear 3pt mower, they are much cheaper, don't have to deal with the hydraulics either, just simply turn around and grab the chute handle and crank it around to the direction you need, it should be all within reach, but you just got to travel in reverse that's the trade of.
$20-25k you have a lot of options my good sir. You will thank me later when you go with kubota. Deere is a good machine but compare them closely, fit & finish for one, and 2 knock on the hood and fenders of the kubota, then do the same for the Deere, you will feel and hear the difference. Then pop the hood and read the name on each of the engines. ...enough said, one more Kubota sold.

GManBart · Oct 6, 2014

Somebody is trying just a little too hard...

OVRxNxOUT · Oct 6, 2014

GManBart said:
Somebody is trying just a little too hard...

There was a broad question asked & i gave my biased recommendation to the questioner/reader. As well as some orher information somone else may find useful. Im from a Kubota dealer, yim not on here to sell a tractor myself, but im not going to come on here and reccommend a New Holland when an equvilent Boter is out there. Sounds like maybe someone didnt try hard enough to me. So, mr. Massey owner, make a case for your preferenced brand then.

Sheesh, i didnt mean to throw to much at the more simple type folks. This i guess is coming from someone that signs to his posts how complicated parts manuals are. Lol. Ill send you the service manual to the space shuttle ok &#55357;&#56841;

MESSMAKER · Oct 6, 2014

Not sure that you might be better with a used tractor for snow and other stuff and a good fast ZTR to mow with. You would probably save at least 30 min per mowing.
That is maybe 25 hours a year. A larger used tractor will push more snow and handle a wagon much better. You should be able to get both for under 20G.You are on your own when it comes to choice of snowblower and or blade.

scampy74 · Oct 6, 2014

Thank you all for your assistance, it is very much appreciated! Jumping headfirst into this whole ordeal in a sink or swim type of attitude, and trying my best to stay afloat.

OVRxNxOUT - I just priced a BX2370 with a 60" side discharge mower and 50" front-mount snowblower and it was $17,414. How are the prices on these types of things? Are they negotiable like at a car dealer, or is it pretty much you pay what we ask or you don't get it? Can you give me an idea on the payments, since you mentioned their loan calculator wasn't the most accurate?

TJP89 · Oct 6, 2014

scampy74 said:
Thank you all for your assistance, it is very much appreciated! Jumping headfirst into this whole ordeal in a sink or swim type of attitude, and trying my best to stay afloat.

OVRxNxOUT - I just priced a BX2370 with a 60" side discharge mower and 50" front-mount snowblower and it was $17,414. How are the prices on these types of things? Are they negotiable like at a car dealer, or is it pretty much you pay what we ask or you don't get it? Can you give me an idea on the payments, since you mentioned their loan calculator wasn't the most accurate?

NO idea on payments, it varies widely. that quote seems about right, and you're looking at the right type IMHO. A suggestion. Forget the blower, and get a loader and a back blade, little more, but not by much. Any type of hauling or landscaping becomes easier with a loader, anyone here can tell you that. You will find uses for it you never imagined. Loader and back blade is how I do my 700ft driveway and 600ft 2-track. In all but the heaviest snow you can go forward so backing up for long periods is not necessary. Also, you can use the blade to grade if needed. Snowblowers are seasonal and expensive, loader and back blade is all year. A Sub Compact Utility Tractor (SCUT) with Mid Mount Mower (MMM), loader, and back blade should run you about 20K. I'm not sure that a zero turn is necessary. It won't do everything by itself, so if you can get everywhere with the tractor, use the push mower to finish up the little areas. Even if you need a new one, their only 1 or 2 hundred. If you have a lot of trees, you'll want a 0 turn, that'll run you 2 or 3G, and your still under 25K total. With a limit of 25K, you should easily be able to get what you need. My 35HP tractor with loader was 21000 (don't get any ideas, you don't need one)

Last word, don't limit yourself to Kubota, there are many options out there with widely varying prices. Contrary to what the dealer may say, Kubota is not the only decent maker of SCUTs.

My :2cents:

scampy74 · Nov 3, 2014

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the tips and advice! We finally closed on our house on Friday, and I went first thing this morning and bought our tractor. Ended up going for the BX2370 with 60" mid-mount mower, turf tires, FEL, and rear blade.

I can't wait for it to be delivered this Saturday to try it out. And the $14k price point out the door was even a little less than I was expecting to pay!

Thanks again everyone!

dragoneggs · Nov 3, 2014

scampy74 said:
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the tips and advice! We finally closed on our house on Friday, and I went first thing this morning and bought our tractor. Ended up going for the BX2370 with 60" mid-mount mower, turf tires, FEL, and rear blade.

I can't wait for it to be delivered this Saturday to try it out. And the $14k price point out the door was even a little less than I was expecting to pay!

Thanks again everyone!

I doubt you will be disappointed! Congrats!!!

stoyan79 · Nov 3, 2014

You did good! You will love the BX.

OVRxNxOUT · Nov 4, 2014

scampy74 said:
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the tips and advice! We finally closed on our house on Friday, and I went first thing this morning and bought our tractor. Ended up going for the BX2370 with 60" mid-mount mower, turf tires, FEL, and rear blade.

I can't wait for it to be delivered this Saturday to try it out. And the $14k price point out the door was even a little less than I was expecting to pay!

Thanks again everyone!

Scampy74, I'm glad you have decided on your tractor, you will be happy with your purchase I'm sure of it. I am sorry that I didn't respond to you asking about pricing, I must not have received the email nor the alert on my profile??? It sounds like @ $14k your dealer did right. Sounds very fair to me.

For anyone that reads this for future reference in late reply to your question of if pricing is negotiable:
- Yes! Always negotiate or make a reasonable offer. do your homework also! Visit the websites and look for finance program specials & any rebate offers the manufacturer is offering to buyers. Some dealers may take advantage of an ill informed buyer, but business is business.

I will always inform my customers if there is a rebate offered from the factory & make sure we take full advantage, it's win win. However, as I'm speaking to a customer, I'm feeling them out getting an idea what they may be ok w/ spending. When I quote them & they look at the paper I'm focused on their reaction. If they say nothing &/or I don't think they are shopping us, then business is business.

Point is - If you don't ask, then the answer is always going to be no. Always ask the dealer to sharpen his pencil!

Ask them to break a quote per line item so you can see exactly what your getting @ what costs as well as a line item for any rebates & discounts given. They should also show a line for any freight & labor that you are being charged.
Don't fall for "oh, we will cover the freight &/or labor. Here's why: freight and labor are non-taxed in most states (they are intangible) the discount which IS taxable will subtract from the taxed total. This can make sometimes a small difference or a big enough difference in price. It may be just enough to beat the competition. Either way it's more money back in the customers pocket.

So I repeat, YES! negotiate with your dealer or go in as informed & ready to make an offer. Customers that come in that know more about what they want & what they are looking for with X dollars to spend give your salesman something to shoot for. I love these customers because the transaction goes smoother & easier & we don't have to look at & quote 20 different machines & haggle back & forth. If I can do what they want for what they want to spend then i certainly would rather give up trying to make an extra $500 in lieu of saving time trying to work it out of the customer and risk them getting irritated & going elsewhere.