The "right sized" tractor for our land?

[IHDiesel73L]

We have about 2 acres tucked back among 250 acres of farmland and woods which surrounds us. About half of our land is cleared with the house, deck/patio, barn and small toolshed. Behind that is the "yard" which I mow with a zero turn. Then there are a few old animal pens (previous owner had sheep-we may get goats in the future), behind that is a small field that slopes down to our pond, then there is about 3/4 of an acre of swampy woods behind that. My neighbor on the south side has an old Kubota L245DT with FEL that he lets me use basically whenever I need it to do various things around the property, but I'd really like to have my own at this point. The 245DT seems to be sized pretty well for the trails that we have and the uneven terrain. What is a 245DT considered? Compact? Sub-compact? According to Tractordata it is 25HP. I've used it to skid logs, pull snags down, pop stumps out, etc...and the limiting factor has always been traction. I've started spinning wheels before I've ever had the tractor bog down-there is no weight on it at all and I would be interested to see what it could do with filled tires, wheel weights or a front/rear weight box. That said it does pretty much what I need it to do. Around here I don't really have a need to pull implements like a brush hog-about the only thing it would pull would be a trailer of some sort. Rather than having a tractor for a few dedicated tasks, I will use the tractor mostly for doing "odd jobs" associated with fixing up/reclaiming our old farm property.

Recurring tasks:

• Moving logs/firewood.
• Gravel road maintenance (filling potholes, pulling a drag, etc...).
• Snow cleanup (not road plowing-I handle that with the truck) around the house and buildings.

Upcoming projects that I'll use the tractor for:

• Moving gravel/grading 25' x 60' parking area in prepartion for paving.
• Building a boulder wall (using rock sourced from the property) alongside the parking area.
• Spreading gravel over a corduroy road I'm building through the swamp in the rear of the property.
• Tearing down an old 16' x 20' timber frame barn and building a new 20' x 32' pole barn.
• Hauling boulders and other material down to our pond to build up the bank.

Given all of this, should I stick with something comparable to the L245DT, go a bit smaller for greater maneuverability (I definitely don't need something larger)? I am confident in saying that I absolutely need 4WD. Too much mud and uneven ground around here. My neighbor bought his property in 1975 and started with a 2WD tractor that got stuck pretty much anywhere he took it. After about two years of that he bought the Kubota and never got stuck again.

 

[MossRoad]

We have about 2 acres tucked back among 250 acres of farmland and woods which surrounds us. About half of our land is cleared with the house, deck/patio, barn and small toolshed. Behind that is the "yard" which I mow with a zero turn. Then there are a few old animal pens (previous owner had sheep-we may get goats in the future), behind that is a small field that slopes down to our pond, then there is about 3/4 of an acre of swampy woods behind that. My neighbor on the south side has an old Kubota L245DT with FEL that he lets me use basically whenever I need it to do various things around the property, but I'd really like to have my own at this point. The 245DT seems to be sized pretty well for the trails that we have and the uneven terrain. What is a 245DT considered? Compact? Sub-compact? According to Tractordata it is 25HP. I've used it to skid logs, pull snags down, pop stumps out, etc...and the limiting factor has always been traction. I've started spinning wheels before I've ever had the tractor bog down-there is no weight on it at all and I would be interested to see what it could do with filled tires, wheel weights or a front/rear weight box. That said it does pretty much what I need it to do. Around here I don't really have a need to pull implements like a brush hog-about the only thing it would pull would be a trailer of some sort. Rather than having a tractor for a few dedicated tasks, I will use the tractor mostly for doing "odd jobs" associated with fixing up/reclaiming our old farm property.

Recurring tasks:

• Moving logs/firewood.
• Gravel road maintenance (filling potholes, pulling a drag, etc...).
• Snow cleanup (not road plowing-I handle that with the truck) around the house and buildings.

Upcoming projects that I'll use the tractor for:

• Moving gravel/grading 25' x 60' parking area in prepartion for paving.
• Building a boulder wall (using rock sourced from the property) alongside the parking area.
• Spreading gravel over a corduroy road I'm building through the swamp in the rear of the property.
• Tearing down an old 16' x 20' timber frame barn and building a new 20' x 32' pole barn.
• Hauling boulders and other material down to our pond to build up the bank.

Given all of this, should I stick with something comparable to the L245DT, go a bit smaller for greater maneuverability (I definitely don't need something larger)? I am confident in saying that I absolutely need 4WD. Too much mud and uneven ground around here. My neighbor bought his property in 1975 and started with a 2WD tractor that got stuck pretty much anywhere he took it. After about two years of that he bought the Kubota and never got stuck again.

Kinda answered your own question there, eh?

 

[IHDiesel73L]

Kinda answered your own question there, eh?

Not exactly? I mean, as I said, the L245DT is great, but its also 40+ years old. First, being somewhat new to this I honestly don't know the difference between a CUT and a SCUT in terms of size, horsepower, etc...in order to narrow down what I'm looking at. What is the L245DT considered? Compact or Subcompact? Would I be able to get a comparable level of power in a smaller, newer tractor, etc...? Those are the questions I'm trying to answer.

 

[MossRoad]

Well, it's considered a compact utility tractor.

TractorData.com Kubota L245 tractor information

Take the weights and specs from that website and compare it to more modern Kubotas and start looking at the ones that compare in weight and power.

 

[newbury]

Put some weight on the 3pt of the L245. The EASIEST way to me is to put a 3pt pallet fork attachment such as Pallet Forks, Pallet Fork, 3 Point Pallet Forks 3 Pt Pallet | Agri Supply 72511 on the L245 and mount a barrel of sand or two on it.
You can always use the pallet fork attachment later if you buy a tractor.

It's a little confusing about how much land you own and how much you want to spend on a tractor. But I'm thinking you own 2 acres and don't want to spend much. Since a new tractor will probably run $15K plus and even a good used one $5K plus I'd focus on keeping your generous neighbor happy and enhancing his tools. Maybe buy a boxblade.

IF you've got 250 acres of woodland you need a 50HP tractor.

 

[IHDiesel73L]

It's a little confusing about how much land you own and how much you want to spend on a tractor.

We only own the two acres but its not as if we're in the middle of a subdivision. We are sandwiched between a working hay farm (120 acres) on the north side and my neighbor's place (old overgrown farm and woodlot-about 130 acres) on the south side. We're over a quarter of a mile off of the county road along a gravel lane that we share with my neighbor. The lane belongs to him and we only have easement over it to access our house, but I help him with road maintenance, share in the cost of stone, etc... He also allows me to cut firewood from blowdowns on his land, dump brush on it and pick boulders off of it for building things around my place. As far as how much I'd like to spend? I'd LOVE to purchase a tractor comparable to the L245 with FEL/4x4 for $5K, but the market around here (Northwestern NJ/Lehigh Valley area) runs a bit higher than that. I check Craigslist, Facebook, etc...a lot and have never seen such a tractor for less than $9K. Likewise, I'm not keen on the idea of financing a $15K tractor either.

But I'm thinking you own 2 acres and don't want to spend much. Since a new tractor will probably run $15K plus and even a good used one $5K plus I'd focus on keeping your generous neighbor happy and enhancing his tools. Maybe buy a boxblade.

A good idea, but I would just feel better owning my own machine-as it is I'm always paranoid about pushing his tractor a little too hard and possibly breaking something.

 

[MossRoad]

That's one thing about these little compact Kubotas.... they seem to hold their resale value very well. Sometimes it's hard to find them for much less $$ than new.

 

[Jstpssng]

I sold my rather tired L275 (one step up from the 245) 3 years ago for $2700... I doubt that you will find one in decent shape for the amount you would like to spend. I know that I looked for several years trying to find one in better condition than what I had, and as you said they want 8-10K... and don't seem to last long at that price.
The Kioti CK2610 is very similar in size and HP to my old 275, but I don't think you will find one of those in your price range, either.

 

[jeff9366]

Kubota L245
1976 - 1985 L Series
Compact Utility tractor

Manufacturer: Kubota
Factory: Japan
Original price (USD)
$4,000 (1977 )

Variants:
L245DT: 4WD
L245HC: high clearance

Kubota L245 Engine:
Kubota DH1101
diesel
3-cylinder
liquid-cooled
68.3 ci [1.1 L]

Bore/Stroke: 3.00x3.23 inches [76 x 82 mm]
Power: 25 hp [18.6 kW]
Air cleaner: paper element
Compression: 21:1
Rated RPM: 2800
Starter volts: 12
Oil capacity: 5.2 qts [4.9 L]
Coolant capacity: 7 qts [6.6 L]

Kubota L245 Power:
Engine: 25 hp [18.6 kW]
Drawbar (claimed): 17.8 hp [13.3 kW]
PTO (claimed): 22 hp [16.4 kW]
Drawbar (tested): 18.10 hp [13.5 kW]
PTO (tested): 22.35 hp [16.7 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 6 gal [22.7 L]
Hydraulic system: 8.7 gal [32.9 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Rear lift (at ends): 1540 lbs [698 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: independent
Rear RPM: 540/700/1000

Dimensions
4WD Weight (shipping): 2000 lbs [907 kg]
4WD Weight (operating): 2382 lbs [1080 kg]
Weight (ballasted): 3792 lbs [1720 kg]
Wheelbase: 63 inches [160 cm] (2WD)
61.2 inches [155 cm] (4WD)
Length: 101.5 inches [257 cm]
Width: 51.6 inches [131 cm]
Height (exhaust): 84.6 inches [214 cm] (L245HC)
4WD Ground clearance: 12 inches [30 cm]


Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x4 MFWD 4WD
Steering: manual
Brakes: differential mechanical wet disc
Cab: Open operator station. Two-post ROPS optional.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 8.7 gal [32.9 L]
Pressure: 2000 psi [137.9 bar]
Total flow: 3.7 gpm [14.0 lpm]

Page information:
Last update: July 9, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[jeff9366]

Slightly lighter (1,830 pounds) current Kubota model is LX2610.
Slightly heavier (2,600 pounds) current model is L2501.

VIDEO: Comparing Kubota's 26hp Compact Tractors - YouTube

Older near equivalent Kubota models:

B2320/B2620 (1,477 pounds)

B2650 (1,786 pounds)

L2800/L3400 (2,600 pounds)




The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Tractor weight is more important identifying compact tractor capability than tractor horsepower.

Bare tractor weight is a fundamental tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range.

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel ballast fourth.

 

[jeff9366]

We have about 2 acres.

Recurring tasks:

• Moving logs/firewood.
• Gravel road maintenance (filling potholes, pulling a drag, etc...).
• Snow cleanup (not road plowing-I handle that with the truck) around the house and buildings.

Upcoming projects that I'll use the tractor for:

• Moving gravel/grading 25' x 60' parking area in prepartion for paving.
• Building a boulder wall (using rock sourced from the property) alongside the parking area.
• Spreading gravel over a corduroy road I'm building through the swamp in the rear of the property.
• Tearing down an old 16' x 20' timber frame barn and building a new 20' x 32' pole barn.
• Hauling boulders and other material down to our pond to build up the bank.

Given all of this, should I stick with something comparable to the L245DT, go a bit smaller for greater maneuverability (I definitely don't need something larger)?

Ground clearance due to larger wheels and tires is the single greatest difference in tractor specs between (all brands) of Subcompact tractors and the lightest Compact tractors. Larger wheels and tires permit compact tractors to bridge holes, ruts and tree debris with less operator perturbation relative to subcompact tractors.

One can mow a field faster with larger wheels and tires. One of two mph with larger wheels/tires will significantly reduce field mowing time. Larger wheels and tires also assist towing logs and speeds grading rough, pot-holed drives.

Five reasons owner/operators trade up from a Subcompact Tractor:
More tractor weight.
More FEL lift capacity.
More ground clearance
Three-range (3) HST (Lower LOW, Higher, HIGH) rather than two-range (2) HST.
More tractor horsepower


VIDEO: Kubota BX Series VS. B Series - YouTube

A Kubota 'B' series or the new LX2610 should be ample and efficient for your tasks.

 

[oosik]

Around here there are many used tractors. As long as you are looking for 350 to 550 hp units. Used compact and subcompact tractors do not exist. I started out in 1982 with a brand new Ford 1700 4WD. It took 27 years to complete all the projects, I could, with that unit. In 2009 I bought a brand new Kubota M6040. I'm still working on the larger projects. I have 80 acres, a mile long driveway and winter snow.

I hope that, wherever you are - you have better luck finding a used tractor that meets your needs.

 

[mikester]

That L245DT will probably run forever as long as you dont abuse it. But why buy the cow when you get the milk for free?

You have an awfully nice neighbour to let you use the tractor any time you want. Hopefully you leave him with a full tank of diesel every time you borrow it. It wouldnt hurt to contribute to the services costs too i.e. oil+filters

I have a neighbour near by who has a similar set up...couple of acres next door to a farm. He uses his neighbours machine to cut his own grass and then cuts his neighbours grass the same time. Seems like a fair trade to me.

 

[Egon]

Don’t get hung up on terminology like sub compact or compact. Just think small and a little larger and so on and so forth. But do consider transmission types, Power steering, mechanical items hanging off the bottom and four wheel drive.

With a loaded bucket and using an implement bar on the three point you will be surprised at the size of log you can pull.

 

[shooterdon]

I was in the same situation. My neighbor would let me borrow his tractor whenever I needed it. It was great but not perfect. So I understand.

After about a year of trying to find a decent used tractor at a reasonable price I gave up. A friend passed away and I ended up purchasing his tractor. Spent $2500 getting it repaired. If you are not talented, budget something for repairs on a used machine...and tires are not cheap. After a year and a half, I traded up to my current machine.

A SSQA FEL is almost a must have. It allows you to quickly change attachments on the FEL. I use the bucket the least. Most of the time, I have a grapple or forks mounted. You should think about the jobs you will be going and decide accordingly.

Firewood is heavy. How you move it and store it affects tractor choice. I needed 2000 lbs of capacity for how I handle it. YMMV

Other considerations are where you will garage the tractor....will it fit?

One last suggestion. You may not need a tractor that will do every task you can imagine. You need one that does all the repetitive jobs. I use contractors to do the odd job I might do once or rarely. It helped my thinking to put together a spreadsheet.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

A lot depends on tractor configuration. Buy the heavy duty front loader. Ag tires will give you better traction, but chew up your yard. I have a Kubota 3130 and keep a rear implement mounted almost all the time, either a mower or 55 gallon sprayer, plus loaded tires. The blade is a special purpose tool, not heavy enough to make much traction difference.

Shop around. Kubota is a good tractor, but if you have a dealer nearby, consider a Mahindra, Massey-Ferguson, or New Holland. Buy a shop repair manual and parts manual when you buy the tractor. It's $100 well spent. You are buying a dealer as much as you are buying a tractor.

You want to store it out of the weather. Modern electronics and water don't mix.

 

[Jstpssng]

A lot depends on tractor configuration. Buy the heavy duty front loader. Ag tires will give you better traction, but chew up your yard. I have a Kubota 3130 and keep a rear implement mounted almost all the time, either a mower or 55 gallon sprayer, plus loaded tires. The blade is a special purpose tool, not heavy enough to make much traction difference.

Shop around. Kubota is a good tractor, but if you have a dealer nearby, consider a Mahindra, Massey-Ferguson, or New Holland. Buy a shop repair manual and parts manual when you buy the tractor. It's $100 well spent. You are buying a dealer as much as you are buying a tractor.

You want to store it out of the weather. Modern electronics and water don't mix.

I would add Kioti and LS to that list. I believe that the latter is underpriced for what you get. They are the "new kid on the block", and are trying to build marketshares. Over the next few years their prices will go up.
I lean toward Kubota, but if I'd had more time to look around when I purchased my current tractor it probably would have been a geared 2610 Kioti instead.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

Nobody is mentioning JD, but they are a good tractor. A used one can be a great buy, because JD has an extensive network of dealers. You will never be without repairs. The reason most of us don't mention it is they sure are proud of their green paint. Their prices are out of line. But hey, if you find somebody who needs the money, or grandpa died from the virus, there may be a deal waiting for you out there.