Tractor Sizing Tractor for 1.2 acres

[Hermio]

I would make sure you get a hydrostatic drive. Makes loader work more efficient and safer.

 

[3inthedirt]

If you decide to research Massey, be sure to speak with Branson's in Arkansas. Likely to beat any price you can get locally with free delivery to the lower 48. Worked well for me on a recent 1GC25 purchase. Three weeks from time of order to delivery to me in SC.

 

[mxr662]

Get the biggest tractor that will fit in the spaces you need it to fit. We have 2.5 acres and the LS MT125 works well. We have lots of tight areas to maneuver around in. I have been happy with the LS.

Andy

 

[oldnslo]

If loader work is one of the uses be sure to check how smoothly the loader controls operate. Can you feather the control for nice slow movement. Can you both raise and dump or lower and curl simultaneously? This is important when moving stuff with forks.

Some brands and models have terrible control and others are great.

 

[deerefan]

Looking to get a tractor witha FEL for doing basic chores around the house. I have an old garden tractor that would stay dedicated asa mower.

Tasks:
-Move mulch, dirt, gravel for gardens and other landscape activities.
-Move Snow on 100ft driveway
-Move brush and downed trees from edge of the property (forest lined)
-Build out garden beds for flowers and vegetables -Level ground for large fire/burn pit, and playground
-tree planting

Impliments:
-Loader w/bucket
-Pallet Forks
-Snow Pusher
-Grapple
-Stump Bucket
-Sub Soiler
I have tested out both the 1025r and B2601. The 1025r seem like plenty for my needs. The B2601 is the one step up in case my needs were to ever grow but likely overkill right now. Thoughts? Should stick with 1025r or step up to the B2601? always read people say go bigger than you think you need.

My dad bought a used 1023E John Deere for his 3 acres. It has a fel and belly mower. It works perfect for his needs. A 1025R is a little bigger and should suit you fine.

 

[deerefan]

I believe the Sub-Compact Utility Tractor (SCUT) will do all you want!

I do have a 2021 Massey Ferguson GC 1725 MB (the"B" designates a backhoe) it's an AWESOME little tractor!

Massey Ferguson has changed the model numbering system though they are now a GC1.__ the 23 or 25 is the basic HP and the 25 is a more deluxe version, over the more basic 23 ...

View attachment 5547748

John Deere also has a similar new numbering system ... They also have the more basic economy model called the 1E 23 with a slightly smaller engine.

View attachment 5547749

There 1M25 is the new 1025R ... The 1R25 is the new 2025R, which is closer in size to the Kubota B2601

One of the bigger challenges of my sized SCUT is the tiny tires, (18" front, 26" rear) since there is no suspension on these, the little tires make for a rather rough ride in bumpy ground, they also only provide about 6' of ground clearance ... The BX has those little tires, the B is roughly 23" and 32" ... But that means a bigger step to climb on too ...

The Kubota BX line is very slightly smaller foot print than the Massey and JD ...

One thing to consider is what do you want to lift with the forks? And to recognize that the brochure numbers probably don't mean what you might think ... The "pins" is a way most all loaders are "measured" it does not include the weight of the bucket/forks/grapple in that number ... The purple arrow is the "pin"! Notice that the load of logs I have on below starts quite a bit forward of that!

View attachment 5547750

Also be aware that the closer the load/weight is to the pins, the actual weight you can lift ...

This is as high as I can lift the forks, pallet and 15 bags of wood heating pellets ...

View attachment 5547751

Notice that by stacking the bags closer to the "pins" I can now carry an extra bag!

View attachment 5547752

Also notice that in all three of my pictures that I have some weight on the back on the 3pt hitch, this is critical to safe and effective front end loader (fel) use ... Read ... https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/threads/how-much-ballast-do-you-need.659531/

What a well done post. Very informative. Thanks

 

[Deanes]

Looking to get a tractor witha FEL for doing basic chores around the house. I have an old garden tractor that would stay dedicated asa mower.

Tasks:
-Move mulch, dirt, gravel for gardens and other landscape activities.
-Move Snow on 100ft driveway
-Move brush and downed trees from edge of the property (forest lined)
-Build out garden beds for flowers and vegetables -Level ground for large fire/burn pit, and playground
-tree planting

Impliments:
-Loader w/bucket
-Pallet Forks
-Snow Pusher
-Grapple
-Stump Bucket
-Sub Soiler
I have tested out both the 1025r and B2601. The 1025r seem like plenty for my needs. The B2601 is the one step up in case my needs were to ever grow but likely overkill right now. Thoughts? Should stick with 1025r or step up to the B2601? always read people say go bigger than you think you need.

According to whether you just want a tractor and can afford it, to if so, that's a good plan. But you really dont need one. For those projects you can rent a machine when you need it. And perhaps another type of machine would be better at some things anyhow. Snow removal is a different thing. Rental probably would not work, but considering the long hours in the cold trying to move snow with a little tractor without a cab, maybe just contracting that job out is an option.
Think about it this way, Put $15,000 in an account and use it to just go rent any type of machine you need. That will be enough money to last a long time. And you have no maintenance expense or time.
After saying all that, I love that my tractor and loader are available to me anytime.
Buy one if you want, and enjoy.