Right tractor? Price check? Hilly sloped property...JD1025r, Kubota 2680

Upstate315 · Apr 2, 2019

Right tractor? Price check? Hilly sloped property...JD1025r, Kubota 2680, LS, GT ZTR?

I have about 6 acres of varried terrain almost all of which is a slope. From 2-5 degrees to 25-35 degrees. I currently pay a guy to mow the 3 around the house and another guy to brushhog the 3 acre field out back...I'll try to post some pics.

I was about to buy a Kubota 2680 but they were closing so that gave me more time to research. I was already on the fence and close to switching to the Deere. Added encouragement for the Deere is the greater factory wheelbase, however looks tough to add and spacers with the 60 MMM?? Other than that I like the stronger loader and auto connect deck as well as the 3pt hitch control.

Mostly I plan it to be my main lawnmower with the ability to brushhog that field, till up a garden (which may eventually turn into hobby farming the back 3 acre field someday). Tearing out existing landscaping around the house and planting trees, prepping a spot for a medium sized shed, and being a backup plow in the winter. If I ever really farm the back 3 acres I know I'll need something bigger but I'm a ways from that. (Need a big outbuilding/barn first, soil tests, and money for all of that which takes time and delays other house projects...so it's a balance).

The 1025r: +120r loader, 60 mmm, box blade, tiller, rotary cutter, imatch, rimguard filled tires came in at 23k with delivery before taxes. The Kubota price was similar but requiring insurance since I'm looking to finance. The Deere dealership said they do not, homeowners covers it. Anyway, I've read all the posts on here about that...

How does that price look? Which is better on slopes? Which can add spacers with 60 mmm? Can I have ags on back and r4 up front?

Is this just the wrong machine for the job? Better option? I arrived at a sub compact because I wanted to finance rather than pony up cash, I also wanted a warranty when spending $5k+, and I haven't found that grandpa selling his brand new meticulously cared for x700+ with like 100hrs... I have read where some guys use high end lawn tractors like the Husky 354 with the K66 transaxle and basically beat the **** out of them and toss'em after 5 years... Not sure if that's a better option??

Thanks

jeff9366 · Apr 2, 2019

Upstate315 said:
Can I have R!/ags on back and r4/industrials tires up front?

Very rarely. The diameter of the front wheels/tires has to be proportional to the diameter of the rear wheels/tires for 4-WD to function.

Front wheels/tires need to pull/travel 3% - 5% more than rear wheel/tires with 4-WD engaged.

Rear tires on subcompacts are so small you cannot add enough liquid to increase weight. Compare ballasting with liquid relative to adding cast iron wheel weights to your rear wheels. If traction, rather than stability is your concern, consider tire chains for your rear tires.

You will receive more useful replies if you add your LOCATION to your T-B-N PROFILE.

Altitude decreases engine power output. Mowing is a power hungry application.

atsah · Apr 2, 2019

Either one you are considering will work for you, look closely at them, operate them and make you're decision based on which one you like best. Get some weight on the rear wheels, R4's should be fine..

LS Tractor Owner · Apr 2, 2019

Don't know if your stuck on JD or Kubota, but when I was shopping for a tractor for similar uses as yours, I eliminated both of those due to the price (essentially the same as what you got). After looking at both Massey and LS, decided on the LS MT125. With a backhoe (great for digging up old shrubs / small trees) I only paid $15,900. Might be worth your while to look into. I put 2" spacers on the MT (both front and rear) for under $150.

LS Tractor Owner · Apr 2, 2019

Oh, and as far as altitude....that's BS... I am at 6700' elevation and run a 72" finish mower w/o any difficulty. Will it cut 3' high wet grass...no. But it wouldn't do that anyway.

Diggin It · Apr 2, 2019

Your location is not relevant. Jeffy likes Tea and wants to know where he can stop in while traveling.

I also eliminated green and orange due to cost as well as some of their business practices. Your slopes could be an issue with any machine of this size. I haven't added spacers and don't know if they would help. I can generally run more or less straight up and down mine as long as I'm in Low and 4WD. Mowing with a 2,000 pound machine will leave ruts in soft ground. My ground hardens up like rock when dry and I feel every bump with my RG loaded tires.

fried1765 · Apr 2, 2019

Diggin It said:
Your location is not relevant. Jeffy likes Tea and wants to know where he can stop in while traveling.

I also eliminated green and orange due to cost as well as some of their business practices. Your slopes could be an issue with any machine of this size. I haven't added spacers and don't know if they would help. I can generally run more or less straight up and down mine as long as I'm in Low and 4WD. Mowing with a 2,000 pound machine will leave ruts in soft ground. My ground hardens up like rock when dry and I feel every bump with my RG loaded tires.

Well....I do not drink tea, but I do agree with Jeff966.
Showing location in the profile can be very helpful with providing meaningful information to the OP.

atsah · Apr 2, 2019

fried1765 said:
Well....I do not drink tea, but I do agree with Jeff966.
Showing location in the profile can be very helpful with providing meaningful information to the OP.

Agreed and I do drink tea and lots of it..

Upstate315 · Apr 3, 2019

LS mt125 owner said:
Don't know if your stuck on JD or Kubota, but when I was shopping for a tractor for similar uses as yours, I eliminated both of those due to the price (essentially the same as what you got). After looking at both Massey and LS, decided on the LS MT125. With a backhoe (great for digging up old shrubs / small trees) I only paid $15,900. Might be worth your while to look into. I put 2" spacers on the MT (both front and rear) for under $150.

Do you have a 60" mid mount mower on that configuration? Does it work with the spacer? I have Deere, Kubta, New Holland, Mahindra, and LS dealers near me. I have heard bad things about Mahindra and they are the farthest away at just over an hour. The others are all within 15min (LS), 20min (Deere), and 35min (Kubota/New Holland). In fact, the Kubota/New Holland dealer pretty much told me not to buy New Holland which is LS as I understand it. Said it doesn't even compare to the Kubota....

I am pretty new to tractors so not sure who to listen to and hence I am here asking questions

Upstate315 · Apr 3, 2019

Diggin It said:
Your location is not relevant. Jeffy likes Tea and wants to know where he can stop in while traveling.

I also eliminated green and orange due to cost as well as some of their business practices. Your slopes could be an issue with any machine of this size. I haven't added spacers and don't know if they would help. I can generally run more or less straight up and down mine as long as I'm in Low and 4WD. Mowing with a 2,000 pound machine will leave ruts in soft ground. My ground hardens up like rock when dry and I feel every bump with my RG loaded tires.

So regarding your comment about the slopes: Is this just the wrong machine for the job? Better option? I arrived at a sub compact because I wanted to finance rather than pony up cash, I also wanted a warranty when spending $5k+, and I haven't found that grandpa selling his brand new meticulously cared for x700+ with like 100hrs

Regarding Rim Guard filled tires: Yea, my lawn is wet in the spring and fall with a couple spots very wet. In the Summer it also hardens like a rock when dry and its country so its rough and uneven etc...

I have read where some guys use high end lawn tractors like the Husky 354 with the K66 transaxle and basically beat the **** out of them and toss'em after 5 years... Not sure if that's a better option??