Trying to go smaller - what are my options?

[Adam23]

Hey all,

I could really use your guy's help. I have very litttle tractor knowledge/experience so I am relying on you all knowledgable folks for advice! I just sold my Yanmar becuse it is just a little to big and cumbersome for what I need. After playing with the Yanmar I now have a much better idea of what I need in a tractor. My problem is I am not sure what make/model I should persue. I am open to John Deere or Kubota or anything else really. This is what I would like:

Diesel Power around 17-19 horse
Hydrostat trans
4 wheel drive
front loader
around 60 inch belly mower
3 pt hitch 540 PTO capable of a small bush hog

Is there anything out there with these specs that is a good reliable tractor with good parts availablility? What make/model, year range? What price range should I expect to pay. I REALLY appreciate any imput on this as I am not sure what direction to go, but with the grass growing, I need to make a decision fast! Thanks again!

 

[kwolfe]

Sounds like a sub-compact might suite you needs just fine. They are very nimble in tight spots, good at mowing, and are available with loaders. Check tractorhouse.com. Look at Kubota BX..., NH TZ..., Deere 2210 and 2305, Massey 2200, etc. Agco and Mahindra also have subcuts, but I am not sure what the model numbers are.

 

[Dmace]

If you have a Kioti dealer around, take a look at a CK20 HST. I love mine and bet it can outperform anything else near or in it's price/size range and will have more standard features like a suspension seat, fender mounted FEL controls, rear and mid PTO, cupholder, etc... Depending on your area, it should be cheaper too!

It will be a little heavier if you are looking for a primary mowing machine but there are plenty of users that mow with the 5' belly mower with no problems, you might just want turfs instead of industrials or ag's.

Good luck shopping.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Sounds like a sub-compact might suite you needs just fine. They are very nimble in tight spots, good at mowing, and are available with loaders. Check tractorhouse.com. Look at Kubota BX..., NH TZ..., Deere 2210 and 2305, Massey 2200, etc. Agco and Mahindra also have subcuts, but I am not sure what the model numbers are.

+1

Kubota BX and Deere 2305 would be my top picks on that list. Kubota had an issue with the BX fenders cracking but I think it's fixed; read the Kubota forums to make sure.

 

[hazmat]

As others have stated sub or small compact.

subs have been covered

Small would be

Deere 2320 / 2520
Kubota B7510 B7610
NH TC18 thru TC26DA

Check the classifieds on tbn - hint hint.

 

[VABlue]

You can't really go wrong with any of them reliability wise. The biggest difference is in ergonomics and dealer availability in your area. Decide how far you are willing to drive for good service, and look at all dealers inside that circle. Once you have the dealers worked out, you can decide on the specific machine.

Kubota has the most options in the 15-20HP range. But maybe try picking a price range you're comfortable with and go from there - you may be able to afford a 20-25HP model. Go bigger if you can. When getting price quotes, make sure the unit has a FEL and similarly sized mowing deck. From there, machine ergonomics will decide for you.

In my case, the JD 2305 and Kubota BX2450 were the same price. The JD ergonomics were a more comfy fit, but the real seller was the wife complaining about the orange paint color (our house is olive green). You'll find a reason to choose one over the other after playing with each a couple of times.

 

[jonbravado]

mahindra's 1815HST is a great little tractor.

Mahindra Tractor - Compact tractors, utility tractors, farm tractors, ag tractors, attachments, implements & farm equipment - all built tough!

i am looking into the mahindra line and about to buy a bigger one i think.

great products - well made - that's a japanese engine in that one.

J

 

[DmansPadge]

Hey all,

I could really use your guy's help. I have very litttle tractor knowledge/experience so I am relying on you all knowledgable folks for advice! I just sold my Yanmar becuse it is just a little to big and cumbersome for what I need. After playing with the Yanmar I now have a much better idea of what I need in a tractor. My problem is I am not sure what make/model I should persue. I am open to John Deere or Kubota or anything else really. This is what I would like:

Diesel Power around 17-19 horse
Hydrostat trans
4 wheel drive
front loader
around 60 inch belly mower
3 pt hitch 540 PTO capable of a small bush hog

Is there anything out there with these specs that is a good reliable tractor with good parts availablility? What make/model, year range? What price range should I expect to pay. I REALLY appreciate any imput on this as I am not sure what direction to go, but with the grass growing, I need to make a decision fast! Thanks again!

What Yanmar did you have? You stated it was a bit too big... so that could help everyone point you in the right direction.

 

[Adam23]

Thanks everybody for the responces so far. This gives me a little better direction. I had a YM2310 with AG tires 26HP FEL. It ws just to combersome. I think I need something between that and a lawn tractor. What should I expect to spend on a good used unit in the above recomemded models? What size bush hog would something that small run? 4 foot? Thanks again for everybodys response - what a huge help this board is!!

 

[EFC]

The YM1610D would be an identical unit to what you had except smaller. Right in between a sub and compact. Still a shuttle shift and still a 3 cylinder but with 4wd. Perfect size for the 4 foot mower. Not a hydrostatic, but you wont drop 20% to 30% of your horsepower like a hydro. Price should be around 6k+ with new loader depending on what part of the country you buy it from.

If your dead set on a hydro I agree with Jonbrovado, I like that little Mahindra 1815HST. Or the Iseki built Massey’s

Buck