Buying Advice What size tractor?

[CWFG]

Looking for a mid size compact tractor and not sure to go with the 2000 or 3000 series. I have 8 acres. (1-1/2 acre lawn, 6 acres paddock, 300 ft unpaved driveway). Anyone recommend what JD machine would be best for lawn cutting, paddock cutting and snowblowing. Also we get a lot of snow. Thanks.

 

[JDTank]

Looking for a mid size compact tractor and not sure to go with the 2000 or 3000 series. I have 8 acres. (1-1/2 acre lawn, 6 acres paddock, 300 ft unpaved driveway). Anyone recommend what JD machine would be best for lawn cutting, paddock cutting and snowblowing. Also we get a lot of snow. Thanks.

I wouldn't suggest either one as a mowing machine.

I know it can be costly, but it's best to have separate machines. One machine for mowing, and another machine for heavy tasks.

I would choose the 3 series every time. It is substantially more tractor by a long shot.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Looking for a mid size compact tractor and not sure to go with the 2000 or 3000 series. I have 8 acres. (1-1/2 acre lawn, 6 acres paddock, 300 ft unpaved driveway). Anyone recommend what JD machine would be best for lawn cutting, paddock cutting and snowblowing. Also we get a lot of snow. Thanks.

A lot depends on how much you want to spend, either new or used. The summers are hot enough and the winters cold enough in Orangeville, that at some point, you might have regrets if you don't consider a cab. Also suspect there could be times with 2000 series you might be disappointed with FEL capacity. While the 3x20's are not primarily mowers, the MMM does a very credible job and soil compaction should not be a major issue, unless you strive for golf course type perfection. For mowing a lot will depend on how many trees / obstacles you have. I have R3 Turf tires and have never regretted that choice.
Even with the 3320, a few times I have exceeded FEL capacity and thought a 4x20 would have been a better choice. If you have paddocks, do you need to move bales? How heavy? Are you planning serious ground engaging activities. The answer to that will help determine if you need 3320 or 3520 or 3720, since the FEL / hydraulic capacity is really the same for all 3x20's. Don't get less than the 300CX FEL.
This may seem obvious - try to get it right the first time - it's expensive to upgrade.

 

[CWFG]

Good information thanks. I don't have anything fancy for a lawn so shouldn't be an issue. Just straight lawn and paddock. Everything is pretty wide open. Might need to move the odd hay ball but not often. Blow snow in the driveway and in the paddock as well so sounds like the 3000 series might be the way to go.

 

[Ramses]

I own 30 acres and recently upgraded from a 2520 to a 3520. It is a large step up. I often ran into problems lifting pallets with the loader on the 2520 and I didn't feel it was heavy enough for the tasks that I used if for. I tried to use it for mowing but ended up getting a zero turn. The 2520 made ruts in the lawn, it was difficult to maneuver and tore up the grass in tight turns. I can heartily reccomend the 3000 series for the tasks that you will use it for but consider a dedicated machine for mowing.

 

[kcflhrc]

We moved last September to a place with 10 acres, probably 300' of gravel driveway. Looked at tractors for 2 months before I bought a new JD 3032E with loader, brush hog and rear blade. Great tractor, I'm glad I bought the JD. I also bought a 50" Toro ZTR for mowing.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Before purchasing a Z Turn here is a recent thread with some points to consider:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ating/302689-whats-like-owning-zero-turn.html

My experience mowing with 3320/MMM is that unless 4WD is engaged on tight turn, chewing up lawn is not a problem. I have done much more damage by scalping high spots than with tire turns.

 

[deerseeker001]

Welcome from Wisconsin

 

[Wagtail]

G'day and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

I was in the 'same boat' early last year. If you can do without the cab, I would recommend investigating a 4105 = more horsepower, less pretties, but the price is less than the upper end 3x20 models. It's HST (automatic) and Cat1.

I run a 300CX FEL off of mine and have never had a problem moving or stacking 5' round bales. Whatever you decide on I'd highly recommend getting an iMatch quick-hitch as it makes life so much easier.

If you can, especially if you're new to the tractor game, I'd talk to a tractor owning neighbour... maybe even get that neighbour to accompany you to the dealership. Oh, and the reputation of the dealership is very important. Not just in sales but in service.

Good luck Mate.

 

[CWFG]

Thanks to everyone this is good advice. Hello down under. Good day Mate.