Tractor for 5 acres

Anonymous Poster · Jun 16, 2002

Hello - great forum! I have gained a lot of vauable information here.

We have just moved to the country. After having a small 1/2 acre lot, we now have 5 acres of land to manage. I would like to clear/mow 3 - 3 1/2 acres while leaving some wooded. Of the cleared land I would forsee mowing 2 1/2 and possibly gardening or planting fruit trees in the remainder. Besides having to maintain the above i would also need to keep my 800 ft. driveway clear of snow in the winter. My land has some very smooth as well as very rough areas, particularly in the back where it slopes dpown toward a ravine.

I am thinking of buying a large garden tractor with associated implements - including a front end loader that would help landscape as well as possibly clear snow.

I have been looking at the Simplicity Legacy as well as the X575 (?) from Deere. It was also suggested that I look at the Kubota BX tractor as well.

Any comments on these choices or any others?

Thank you in advance for your suggestions and comments.

kbarrett · Jun 16, 2002

Confused,

Consider two machines. I recently obtained a pre-owned commercial mower for a fraction of the cost of new for mowing and plan on purchasing a larger compact tractor for serious work. Purchasing a quality "used" mower has allowed me to open up my choices for a compact tractor.

In your case a BX-2200 would be a great choice. Or consider a New Holland TC18, recently discontinued TC25 or the
the New Holland TC30, which delivers allot of bang for the buck. All are great tractors.

I guess it comes down to how much you'd like to spend. Regardless, If you purchase one machine, I would encourage you to consider a subcompact over a large garden tractor. They are much more useful and cost marginally higher.

Check the Power-Trac forum on TBN. These machines may just come closest to a do-it-all machine as any.

TresCrows · Jun 16, 2002

Dude, ya need a Kubota BX2200. If you sometimes feel like a nut and sometimes you don't you might want to loook at the Kubota BX22TLB. You might also consider the BX1800 and the JD4010 and the NHTC18 but being orange clear through to the bone I gotta say--Kubota BX for you. J

beenthere · Jun 16, 2002

Stick with your X575 (X585, or X595) and you will have a good investment. This investment will pay off in the next few years (maybe sooner) if you decide it is either too small (no one ever decides it is too big, but who knows that for sure), and want to trade in for something else.

Keep in mind the very important factor of dealer support. No matter what color, the dealer who is interested in you being happy is extremely important.

I just talked to a neighbor, who had a Honda 4x4, with tiller, loader, and mower. It ran like a top, but now that he traded for a JD X585, both he AND his wife are much happier. She thought the Honda was too awkward, and that her JD LX178 (or similar?) was just too small. After test driving a JD X485, she announced after 5 minutes that it was the tractor they were getting (then they had to wait for the X585 to arrive). Now the X585 has a tiller, a 45 loader, PTO, Cat I 3pt, and 54" deck. Soon he said he would get a blade or a snow blower (thrower?).
He remarked at how he managed to mount the mower deck on the Honda within one hour, and how it is less than 5 minutes on his new X585. He couldn't believe it could be so easy.
Talking to him makes one want to get one too. He (and she) is certainly sold on the JD package.

Buster57 · Jun 16, 2002

I was in a similar situation. I first assessed why I wanted a tractor to begin with? I own a JD318, arguably the best L&G tractor ever made...good for a snow blower also. But I live on a heck of a hill-20% est. grade. I also, like most of the people who visit this web, am not a professional farmer, but I really like the technology. It’s cool!

I decided I wanted to buy a tractor for relaxation as much as a good looking pear orchard so I researched:
1. Used JD-955
Results were disappointing. Magnificent tractor but almost cost as much used as new. Also I am very leery of used equipment. If a tractor is going to get used hard-I will be the one doing it! After 6 months (!) I gave up on the JD-955. Still a fantastic unit-if you can get one buy it!
2. I spoke to every JD dealer in Oregon looking for a 4310. I had a budget that I thought was realistic, about $18k for the tractor, FEL, mower deck, and rototiller. I could not find a JD dealer willing to work with me for under $22 with the ‘tiller or $21 without. I spoke to a retired Cat M.E. who told me to look at other brands.
3. I went to Kubota and basically told them the story. The reason I went there was because they are vertically integrated and design and manufacture the vast majority of their units. Engine, chassis and body. FEL and attachments normally come from the USA. I was looking at a 2910. I ended up with a L3010, FEL with HD Bucket and Land Pride 60” rotary mower. I will buy the ‘tiller when my stock goes back up (Next Year!!!) $17.4K.

Long story short is that with the incentives Kubota has now and the surcharge JD will stick you for the high end lawn tractor-go one step up and seriously look at the Kubota B2910. Get yourself 5.5% financing for 4 years and ride with a smile on your face! These tractors are amazing. The difference between a real one and a L&G is 10X while the cost is minimal. Last I looked the JD fully loaded that you are looking at is probably around $14 k? The Kubota tractor version is around $16k. The difference is $20k in ride and performance!
If you like Green and must have a JD-look at the 4310, or 4320. They cost $4k more but are terrific! I would stay away from L&G and go bigger-you will be much happier!

“Buster”

Buster57 · Jun 16, 2002

Sorry-I meant 4210 and 4110. Both great tractors made by JD!

Anonymous Poster · Jun 17, 2002

Skip the Deere X series. Thse are just overgrown garden tractors. Not bad tractors mind you, just grossly overpriced for what you get.

I would strongly consider the BX or even the newer BX22 with the available back-hoe attachment. That's what I am saving my pennies for.

smthng2do · Jun 17, 2002

Definately the BX2200. All the bells and whistles in an affordable package.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 18, 2002

I have not seen the new Deere X series, but have had the opportunity to test drive a BX2200. It is an incredible machine. I bought as Deere GT225 for my needs and am very happy with it, but if I had your requirements I would put the BX at the top of my list. The BX is probably priced the same as the new 2WD X400 series and LESS than the 4WD X500 series. On paper, the BX is a whole heck of a lot more tractor and I suspect it is. Cub Cadet (MTD) has just come out with new 4WD compacts that look like they might give the BX some competition. Check out the 7252 (2WD), 7254 (4WD), and 7264 (4WD). These are heavy duty units that have FELs and backhoes available. These may be worthwile competitors to the BX series. As of now, the Kubota BX rules this market segment.

Ledgemere Farm · Jun 18, 2002

Ditto on the Cubs. I talked to the dealer the other day and found that the entire machine is made in Japan by Mitsubishi and that MTD doesn't touch them. I have a 7260 Cub Cadet that has been used as a farm tractor for over 200 hours and it still runs like a clock. They are worth a look.