What to buy?

jray · Aug 11, 2002

Hey everyone, asking the same question as other newbies. I have 3 acres in colorado on the plains. The soil is loamy no rocks here, I have 2 horses, and will be building fence, been researching the 1914 seems to fit my requirements. I also have a lot of landscaping to do and a 200' drive to my barn to maintain. What do yall think should I try for the 2025? or 3054? not sure of the numbers. Money is a Big player in the purchase.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

jb112454 · Aug 12, 2002

If money is a consideration, wait until the new DK or DC which ever it is comes out and you can get the LK series real cheap. 20-30 HP would be my best guess as to what you need.

HickoryDean · Aug 13, 2002

Hey jray - Yesterday I bought a LB1914 with FEL. The new Kioti series arriving early 2003 will be CK20, CK25, & CK30. Hydrostat transmission will be an option. Here in Louisiana, we don't have any rocks or boulders to contend with so 20 HP is just fine for my 4.5 Acres. You may need a little more. Good Luck in your search, mine lasted 3 months and started with Kubota.

DK35vince · Aug 13, 2002

HickoryDean,
Good luck with the new Kioti.
I hope you like it as much as I do my DK.

crown · Aug 13, 2002

Welcome to TBN. You have a nice tractor I seriously considered it but really wanted a HST, that said the Kioti did impress me.
Have fun and be safe.

HickoryDean · Aug 14, 2002

Thanks Wolbert and Crown. Have cancelled Labor Day weekend camping trip because I won't be able to stand it to be away the very weekend the dealer is supposed to deliver it (haven't told my son yet, but he'll get excited when he sees the new compact tractor get delivered).

Anonymous Poster · Aug 16, 2002

For 3 acres as you described the 1914 would be nicer than the 2554 mainly due to the shuttle transmission vs the 2554 standard tranny. I assume with horses you will want to use the tractor for cleaning out a barn and the more compact size will work better for that.

The only exception I would make to this is if you plan to be caring for more acreage in the future look to the 3054 since it is the same size as the 2554 and has a shuttle.

When buying a tractor the biggest mistake people make is to buy to small for future needs. A 1914 will do great for up to about 8 acres of mowing and other landscaping duties. However, you probably wouldn't want to use over a 4' brush cutter and 5' finish mower. If more property is in the future plans you would be better off paying a little more now than having to trade in 3 to 5 years. This is where most new buyers make the big (or perhaps I should say small) mistake. Rarely have I ever seen a worn out compact. Usually they're traded because they weren't big enough for the new tasks at hand.