Buying Advice Total newbie looking for tractor help please.

[nnelg]

Hello everyone,

I need all the help I can get. Not sure where to start. I have been looking at Sub-compact tractors and compact tractors. And my head is spinning with all the information out there. I know nothing about tractors, I'm trying my best to learn so I can choose the right one for the task at hand. I have friends that have Kubota, Massey Ferguson, and Kioti. But they own the bigger tractors, their needs are different than mine. Each of them loves their tractor.

I'm looking for a tractor that will snow blow a 1000 dirt driveway. The driveway has one mild incline, the rest is mostly level. I live in New England in a snow belt and we always get more snow than the surrounding areas. We got hit with a 30 inch storm last season and it took my daughter and I all day to dig out, lol more like two days. (son away at college) I have been using a walk behind for the last 12 years and I'm getting too old to put up with that any longer. (50+ year old female). I have 25 acres and we mow about 2 acres of that. I would like a mid-mount mower (finish mower) The back yard has a good hill, need something stable on hills. Not sure what kind of wheels I should be looking at, I don't want to be messing up the lawn with too aggressive a tire.

When my son is around we lug cut up fire wood out of the forest. I need a tractor that is small enough to maneuver through the woods, enough ground clearance not to get hung up on stuff.

I need it to be easy to maintain. As I'll be the one doing most of the maintenance. Easy to get the attachments on and off. (Mower, Snow blower, FEL) Dependable with longevity. 25 + years

Are there small tractors with good horse power out there that would suit my needs? I know I need good horse power but I don't want something so big it won't maneuver in small spaces.

I need to know the small stuff too like what I should have put on by the dealer and such. What to look for, what to stay away from.

Thanks for your patience in advance.
nnelg

 

[GManBart]

You're in the right place! Welcome

There is no question that a tractor can fill all of those requirements, and you mentioned three good brands to consider. In addition (random order), Deere, Mahindra, LS, New Holland, and Case/International are some others to consider.

I'd keep things simple, and look big picture at first. You're going to want a local dealer who is readily accessible, since you're new to tractors and might need some help if an oddball situation pops up. Figure out what brands/dealers are reasonably close, before getting too involved in picking models to compare. I'd try to visit them without an agenda, to get a feel for the place....no specifics, but ask lots of questions: do they offer pickup/drop off for warranty work, etc, etc.

Next, the snow blower requirement is probably going to drive things more than anything else. There are both front, and rear, snow blowers. The front blowers tend to be more expensive from what I've seen mentioned here (I have a plow for my truck). Some sub-compacts won't handle a blower, so that's something to check out. Similarly, some of the bigger SCUTS aren't available with a mid-mount mower.

I wouldn't worry too much about unintentionally getting something too big....I run my tractor though tight woods, and it's probably twice the size of what you're considering. There's a saying that tractors shrink when you get them home!

For what you're doing, an HST tranny with 3 ranges, and R4 industrial tires (wont tear up the lawn badly) are two things I'd definitely want.

There's a good chance you won't need the dealer to install anything extra, with the possible exception of remotes/controls for a blower.

If you buy from any of the brands already mentioned, it's safe to expect 25yrs of service with nothing more than standard maintenance.

After you get a list if candidates, get as much seat time as possible....until you run them, you'll never know when one little thing can be enough to take a tractor out of the running.

Don't focus too much on HP....weight, and traction are often far more important.

Let us know how it's progressing!

 

[jeff9366]

GManBart has given good advice. I will add a little to it.

You need four wheel drive (4-WD) for snow work and woods work.

The most useful of tractor accessories is a Front End Loader (FEL).

You will want 5/16" chain grab hooks on the FEL bucket which will grab both 1/4" and 5/16" chain. On a compact or sub-compact Ken's Bolt On Grab Hooks are hard to beat.

Stability is increased two ways: by adjusting the tractor wheels wider and by adding liquid to the rear tires. Some models have axles adjustable from the factory, in other cases wheel spacers are installed. Partially loading the tires lowers the center of gravity.

(If the wheels are adjusted wider it will be more difficult to access your woods.)

If you are going to work in the woods, avoid a mid-PTO. They tend to collect brush,vines, dirt in the woods. Run your PTO powered attachments from the rear PTO which is part of the Three Point Hitch.

"Easy to get attachments on and off". Everything is relative here. Light tractor attachments for the FEL are 60+ pounds, implements which mount on the Three Point Hitch are 300+ pounds. Some implements, such as a rear snow blower, require connection to the tractor's Power Take Off (PTO) which means you have to connect the implement PTO shaft to the tractor PTO splines which is always an awkward and greasy evolution even with practice.

There are multiple factory and aftermarket connection options, in a very wide range of prices, debated here. In my opinion, from the factory, Three Point Hitch pin-adjustable stabilizers + telescoping Lower Links are the best option. In the past these have been available only on larger tractors but they are becoming more available as options on compact tractors.

Aftermarket, the most expensive option is the Delta Hook set. If easy attachment is really high in your priorities you will want to research Delta Hook.

Sub-compact tractors come with a Category '0' Three Point Hitch. Implements for Category '0' are limited. Compact tractors come with a Category 1 Three Point Hitch. More implements, new and used, are available in Category 1 than all other categories combined. I recommend a tractor/loader with a Category 1 Three Point Hitch.

I operate a Kubota B3300SU Tractor/Loader, which Kubota sells as an all-up package for $20,000. I bought this Kubota because the decisions were made and it is almost complete (you need bucket hooks) and because the Kubota dealer is just six miles away. I work in the woods. This tractor has 14" ground clearance.

I am sure other tractor producers offer similar packages.

LINKS:

TractorData.com - Three-Point Hitch

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Tractors | B Series | B3300SU

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Home>>

 

[mikehaugen]

It sounds like you know what you are looking for. I think talking to your friends with tractors is the most important thing because they can show you what the different things are so, vs reading about it and trying to understand what we are talking about.

Good luck, there aren't too many bad tractors out there.

 

[Katahdin]

Greetings fellow New Englander. I suggest finding a Yanmar dealer in your area and browse a little, they have some very easy to use and maintain small tractors and their reliability is top notch and very fuel efficient. The models I'm thinking would be good for you have a 2-Range HST transmission (no stopping to shift) and drive-over mower decks for easier attaching/detaching.

Here's a link to Yanmar's website:
Yanmar :: Home

Here's a video introducing you to Yanmar and their tractors.
Take a Closer Look at Yanmar - YouTube

Here's a video of one of the smaller Yanmars going through the same snow storm you probably did.
Yanmar Sc 2400 w Snow Blower - YouTube
You'll note sometimes the wheels lose traction, those are R4 industrial tires. With your hill/lawn requirements I'm thinking you'll want either those tires, or turf tires, but in the winter put chains on the tires for extra traction in the snow/ice. This video is from the dealer I bought my Yanmar from in Manchester, NH.

Here's a video comparing a smaller Yanmar to similar sized Kubota. Not really trying to get into a tit-for-tat war with Kubota users but thought it shows some of the features you'd be interested in.
Yanmar vs. Kubota - YouTube

Hope that helps!


Edit: PS, here's a video of me plowing snow with my Yanmar, its one of the larger ones they make.

 

[wolftree]

nnelg,

Finding a tractor that is capable of mounting a front mount snow blower and a mid mount belly mower will be your first challenge. I would go to your local dealers and have each of them show you their tractor that can do both. As your friends have tractors, I presume boughten fairly local to you (Kubota, Massey-Ferguson, Kioti) I would start there. Leave your checkbook at home, you are on a fact finding mission. Not only are you seeking a functional tractor, you are searching for a dealer that will go the extra mile for you in explaining all you need to know about the tractor.

As much as we wish it did not exist, sexism is out there. If the dealer treats you badly during purchase, you can guess that it will be the same later on. Once you have found a dealer that you can work with ask them to let you hook up/mount the mower, FEL and snowblower. Even if it is already mounted. You want to dis-mount it, pull the tractor away and then back-up/pull up to it from a new angle to verify everything about how to attach and re-attach the implement yourself.

It is doubtfull that there are any bad tractors out there today. But, finding a "good" tractor and dealer for you can be a challenge to anyone. Once you have narrowed your dealer/tractor search, come back to this forum with questions and we will be glad to help you make a good choice.

 

[Grandad4]

Great advice so far. Would only add that at the very least you'll be looking at a tractor with loader, some kind of mower and a snow blower and you're going to need a place to store everything. The tractor takes up as much space as a car; those attachments (yes, they weigh 300 lbs and up) need to be parked where you can back up to them with the tractor for hook-up. While even the small "sub-CUT" size tractors would handle your mowing and snow clearing work, if you have the space, you might think about getting a bit larger tractor to give you better ground clearance in the woods. Many models like that to choose from.

 

[dave1949]

Welcome!

To narrow down your choices in any brand, I think you need to make three decisions up-front:
1. cab or open station
2. mid-mount mower or rear finish mower
3. front or rear snowblower

The cab is a comfort item in winter, especially for snow blowing. Taking it into the woods requires trimming branches--perhaps higher than you can easily reach--that will scrape it up.

A mid-mount mower is not good for taking into the woods due to low ground clearance. You can get your firewood out of the woods in spring and fall before and after mowing season to avoid that, but I wouldn't want to be mounting and unmounting a mower over the summer.

A front snow blower is very easy to drive but it requires removing at least the front end loader (FEL) bucket, and more likely the whole FEL. You want a FEL, it will be your most used implement on the tractor. The FEL is made to take off and put on without too much trouble, but you still have to do it. Front blowers tend to be more expensive than rear blowers.

A rear snowblower allows you to keep the FEL and bucket on, which is a handy snow weapon, but you may get a kink in your neck driving in reverse and looking backwards. You may also get the occasional face full of snow with no cab with either the front or rear blower. I guess with the walk behind blower you are familiar with that.

I think if you sort out those three choices, it will narrow your search. Good luck!

 

[hiker88]

Hey OP,

Thanks for the post. Except for the mowing requirements, I'm in the same boat and I think you did a great job summing up what you are looking for. I'll be watching this thread with real interest.

 

[jeff9366]

With two acres to mow regularly consider a Bush Hog/Rotary Cutter or a Flail Mower for mowing. If Rotary Cutter is NOT used in the woods for cutting vines and saplings it will give a nice turf cut and can be pulled rapidly. A Rotary Cutter is nearly indestructible.

Finish mowers are more delicate, slower and for turf only.

Use your current mower for 1/4 acre nearest your home.

 

[Gittyup]

Consider the subcuts JD 1026r, mahindras max series, and kioti cs2410. All are nice. JD has the nicest attachments that are easy on/off. Mahindras can get you the most power. I know some argue whether the mahindras are subcuts. doesnt really matter what you cal it. And the kioti is probably best value.

Larger sizes JD and bota are the better mowers. The Deere quick connect mm mower might have a lot of appeal to you. On the ultra nimble side, consider the JD x700 series if a loader is not needed.

 

[IndyIan]

I would also shop your dealers within your driving range. If you can find one that really wants to help you out, that trumps the difference in brands by far. Also don't discount a smaller dealer, dealing directly with a good dealership owner is much better in my experience, than a sales person at a large dealership.
Good luck and take your time.

 

[flusher]

I'd look for a 30hp (pto) 4WD SCUT with hydrostatic tranny, power steering, FEL with 5-ft wide skid steer quick attach bucket. Your most expensive attachment will be the snow blower. Rear mounted 5-ft wide blower that runs off the rear pto will run $2-3K. Front mounted 5-ft wide blower attached to the FEL arms and run hydraulically will cost twice as much. If you go this route be sure the tractor hydraulic flow (gallons/minute) is sufficient to run the front mounted blower.

All the major tractor manufacturers have competitive tractor models and attachments.

For all new equipment, I'd budget $20-25K to satisfy your needs.

Good luck.

 

[nnelg]

Thank you all for the Great advice.
I have started a note book listing the advice here and plan on stopping at my nearest dealer first. I’m sure I’ll be back with questions as I work through my local dealers. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[redman135]

Hello, and welcome to TBN.
At your level of inexperience the dealer backup and training is vital . This and dealer proximity count most. Are you comfortable with the dealer? If yes ,short list. The actual brand of tractor is of secondary importance.
Write a list of all the tasks you will use it for ,THEN go to your friends and ask what they do and , what extra tasks do they do that were not thought of when they bought their tractors. You always get "mission creep" as your experience grows.
What hydraulic powered machines will you use? Their requirements will dictate the size of hydraulic pump, which will dictate the model of tractor.
If the tractor is not 4x4 walk away. 2 wheel drive won't work in snow.
cat 1 pins are recommended, widest attatchment choice.
Next, a good habit to develop. EYEBALL the engine and trans' oil dipsticks and radiator and fuel levels before you start the tractor at the beginning of the days work. When someone else drives insist they do the same. This is prevents running out of oil from neglect, it is surprisingly common.
Lastly get a grease gun and go over the grease chart and with YOUR gun make sure you can reach ALL the grease nipples with all the attatchments on. If you can't then have the dealer remote mount the grease nipple so it is easy to reach. I have seen plenty of destroyed equipment from grease starvation, but I have never seen or heard of any dieing of grease poisoning.
Good luck and happy tractor shopping.

 

[nnelg]

Hi all,

I have been to a few dealers, not as many as I would have liked to have seen by now. Seems most dealers have limited weekend hours making it impossible to see more than one a weekend. Went to the Yanmar Dealer first as they are the closest. Nice people, got some seat time. Fun little tractors, drove around a sx3100. 1st price quote. $30,000. Includes FEL, MMM, 52”front snow blower, loaded tires. YIKES!

Next stop Kubota, looked at B2620/B2920 Not a bad little tractor, 1st price quote, B2620, $21,974 includes FEL, MMM, 50” front snow blower, loaded tires. The B2920 was only $809 more. No seat time got there a ½hr before closing, sales person was very nice and stayed to talk to me way past closing time. (pushed back his leaving time for his weekend trip) I noticed these did not have telescoping 3 point hitches.

Next stop Kioti, Closed by the time I got there… : ( but had fun climbing over and looking at inventory. Thinking a CK27 might be a good size. I did get to chat with a Kioti dealer at the fair for a bit and got a verbal quote of $25,000. And if I remember right you can’t put a MMM on a CK27. I did Like how sturdy and solid the bucket looked over the others I looked at.

Stopped and looked at the Bobcat they had at the fair. Very nice people, the most pleasant I have talked to so far. They had a
CT225 with turf tires, said they could get me a really good deal but I have to take it with the turf tires. It was a nice looking unit
But I’m worried where that will leave me in 10 years when they no longer carry replacement parts. I haven’t gotten back to them yet. I’m also not sure about turf tires, I hear they are good in the snow and great on lawns but not so good in the woods.
Someone told me you can put foam in the tires and you will never have to worry about a flat. Can anyone tell me more about this? Should I even be looking at Bobcats?

Next stop another Kubota dealer, I looked at and drove a B3200, Nice unit, bigger than the B2920, still no telescoping 3 point hitch. Snow blower for this unit really starts putting the hurt on the price tag. $24,000 FEL, and front mount snow blower, and that is without a mower. Another $250 to have the quick coupler installed on the FEL. If I remember right the Yanmar, Kioti and Bobcat already had them. Oh and the B2620 at the other dealer had them too.

I welcome all the input I can get. All these prices are just the 1st round of quotes I have not haggled with anyone yet.

nnelg

 

[jeff9366]

Be clear in your mind that there are two kinds of Quick Attach FEL's.

One is known as SSQA, which is Skid Steer Quick Attach. SSQA is the versatile option.

T' Other is for attaching and detaching just the bucket from the FEL arms quickly, via Lynch Pins rather than nuts and bolts. Some operators like to drop the (heavy) bucket when running a rotary cutter on the three point hitch.


For working in the woods a 9" ground clearance will NOT cut it. You need 13" -14" ground clearance to move over rough terrain. Generally speaking, this is one divide between "sub-compact" tractors and "compact" tractors.

How tall is the crown in your driveway at the highest point? More than 8"?

In terms of buying/pricing: We are in a strange period as all tractors now coming off assembly lines for sale in USA must be compliant with EPA Tier IV emissions strictures. There are a few Tier III compliant tractors in inventory, not many. The Tier iV tractors are generally 20% higher in price. So if you see a Tier III compliant tractor you want, buy now.

 

[wolftree]

nnelg,

As for tires, I feel that you would need tire chains for winter use, no matter your tire choice, but especially turf tires. Tire chains are cheap insurance, around $200-$250. I run chains and weights on my garden tractor year around. I could not go half of the places I take it without them. With your long lane, I feel you will need them at least on the rear tires.

Foaming tires is pretty expensive and when the tire wears out, you have to buy new rims as well. Most tractor tires that you are looking at are tubeless and are plugged to repair them. A tire plug kit is cheap, $25. You just need compressed air to reinflate them. You can purchase a portable airtank for $50 or a small air compressor for not much more.

My personal opinion, I would bypass the Bobcat for the very reasons you stated. It is probably a good tractor, but a broke down tractor that you cannot get parts for in ten years is a lawn ornament.

As both brand dealers treated you respectfully, try narrowing down your choice in Kubotas so you are comparing only one model against the Kioti model and pitting the two Kubota dealers against each other for price and what they will throw into the deal: tire chains, quick hitch.

 

[murphy1244]

Bobcat and Kioti are made by Daedong so your fine for parts.

 

[Gittyup]

Yeah BC parts will not be a problem. The kioti is the same tractor. You might rethink a mid mount mower. A pita to take on and off. Definitely load the tires. Much safer for loader work. I wouldn't be without. Rim guard or beet juice would be cheaper than foam. Turfs are said to be quite good in the snow. Unless working in sticks or a lot or muddy conditions turfs are fine. The BC will be your best deal with their incentives to move them. Bit do look at the kiotis. I suggest mahindras too.