Suggestions please.......What do I need?

   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #1  

02_powerstroke

New member
Joined
Nov 28, 2004
Messages
15
Location
Indiana
Tractor
Mahindra 2615 HST
I have recently purchased 7 acres that my wife and I intend to build a new home on next spring.
I am going to need a tractor to mow about 4~5 acres with. It will also need to be able to clear snow from our gravel drive that will be about 400~500' long.
I am new to the tractor industry and have no idea what make, model and attachments are available or which ones I will need. I'm assuming something with a belly mower and a rear blade?
One other thing.....do any of the manufacturers/dealers offer special financing packages?

I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Matt Sullivan
Scipio, In.
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #2  
I would look for a small frame CUT probably in the 24-26 hp range, a 30hp would not be too much. Take a look and see what dealers are near you, as you are new, you probably want a local dealer provide service if/when needed.

You are doing a reasonable amount of mowing so a tractor with a mid-mount mower (MMM) deck might be nice, it seems that many new folks are more comfortable with MMMs than with Rear Finish Mowers (RFM), I've used both and like both, for mowing around trees and up against structures I find the MMM a little easier. RFM's are great if you need to back under things or down ditch banks, etc.

Sounds like mowing will be high on your priorty list of tasks? Make sure you get R-4 tires, they won't destroy the lawn but have enough traction for some off lawn tasks. Stay away from R-1 tires, those are the farm/agricultural tires and will likely rut your yard.

I strongly prefer a somewhat lighter tractor as it limits the possibilty of leaving ruts in your yard. You are in Indiana like me. That means you probably either have sand or clay. If you have sand, then rutting is less of an issue. If you have high clay content in your soil then stick with a light or medium weight tractor. JMHO.

The Kubota B3030 is a small 30hp tractor, with all the deluxe features that would suit your needs as being small but modestly powerful. It has enough guts to do some plowing on your drive and can pull a box blade to keep the driveway in good shape. It is not a cheap tractor, Kubota makes a similar tractor that has fewer features. John Deere, New Holland and Case all make nice machines in the 24 to 30hp range and if dealers are in your area check them out. Case (Farmall) and New Holland tractors are virtually identical and made by Case-New Holland Corp. Don't discount some of the smaller brand machines if you have a good dealer in your area.

You'll probably be happier if you limit your tractor choices to machines that have a hydrostatic transmission, it is very similar to a car with an automatic transmission. "HST" units are also easier and faster to use when mowing so it will save you some time too.

When you push the snow, you'll probably find it easier to turn the blade backwards and push the snow in reverse.

Implements you will want to look at: ASSUMING A 30hp tractor...
-- MMM or RFM for mowing. I'd opt for a 72" MMM.
-- A 5' "box blade" for dressing the driveway after it starts rutting (if the drive is new and well built, you might not need this for a couple years)
-- A 6' rear blade. Spend a little bit more and get one that Tilts, Swivels and Offsets. You will never regret the extra $75 that it costs for the added features. All blades swivel, few Tilt & Offset. "Midwest" makes a very nice one at a great price.

If you opt for a 24 to 26hp tractor, the implement sizes would drop one size (60" MMM, 4' box blade, 5' rear blade).

Several brands currently offer attractive financing. I believe Kubota & New Holland still are offering 0%? But the financing deals change every couple of months so you'll want to talk to dealers. Also check out the manufacturers websites, they sometimes list their financing specials.
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #3  
Matt,

Compact utility tractors starting at about 17 pto hp would suit your needs. Get MFWD and HST for sure and spend a lot of time looking and researching. You will need to ask and answer a lot more questions than you have so far. Like what kind terrain? Flat, hilly, smooth, rough, wet, dry, trees, bushes, pasture, brush, ditches, gravel, pavement, etc. Make sure you get to test drive a tractor set up with the implements you want. And most importantly, pick your dealer carefully.
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #4  
Matt ,
Kioti was offering some great financing when I bought my DK45 last year . I paid cash and think I got a little better deal because of that . A DK45 is more than you need but they make a lot of different HP sizes and transmission options . I sure have liked mine and would buy from Kioti again .
Big Al
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #5  
I would agree that you need a tractor with enough HP to run a good sized mower or you'll be all day cutting 4-5 acres. I'm not sure if you're going to be brush cutting them or finish mowing, but you want to be able to run at least a 5' brush cutter, or finish mower. My recommendation would be at least a 25 HP machine. Kubota, Deere, Case/New Holland all have something you could use in that range. Kioti's LK3054 (mechanical shuttle shift only) would be good if you can use a rear finish mower (RFM), but if you want a Mid Mount Mower (MMM), you could go with the CK25 or 30, with the 30 being preferable, available in HST or synchronized shuttle.
In many areas, the Kioti will be less expensive and will include some features as standard, not options. Mahindra also makes good tractors with smaller price tags, and they have HST and shuttle machines available as well.
Bob's suggested implements would do you just fine. If you need to do the snow, you'll probably want the back blade first if you can't buy both back and box blades at the same time. A medium duty brush cutter of at least 5' and probably a 6' finish mower would do you fine with 30HP.
Kioti is still offering some 0% financing or cash back up to $1000 depending on model bought. Other brands also offer similar packages. John
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #7  
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Nicely said John ! This is exactly why I read TBN to get this type of help and advice . )</font>
Thanks Al.
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need?
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Thanks guys....I can't believe how helpful people are on here!

Matt
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #9  
Matt, Just curious, How did our bids compare to your local dealers pricing?--Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC
Canmer and Munfordville, Ky
 
   / Suggestions please.......What do I need? #10  
with grading the drive and landscaping chores on the horizon get a top and tilt kit its $800 to1000 installed but in MHO if your going to spend the money on a tractor you cant do with out it for setting grades. good luck.
 

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