Well I'm sure you get tons of questions like this, but I'm going to have to ask it anyway: I’m currently in the market for a tractor. I want to be able to clear a wooded lot, mow my yard and plant/manage a food plot. So far a have thought about getting the Kubota L3130/w loader or Kioti CK30HST/w loader. The 3130 seems a little large for mowing my yard (2 acres), but I think if I go much smaller I won’t be able to work the food plot. The food plots will vary between 1-5 acres. Do you guys have any suggestions on other models that would take care of these tasks? I don’t know if I’m better off getting a set of plows/disc or go for the tiller. I’ve also have been considering an all in one unit like the Plotmaster (http://www.theplotmaster.com/html/600.html). Please let me know what you think my best options are.
What To Get?
- Thread starter BigEd
- Start date
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scott_vt
Super Member
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- 7,353
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- east wells,vt
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- 1986 MF 1040, 1942 Farmall A, 1949 Farmall Super A
Hi BigEd,
Welcome to TBN !
Yes, there have been many similar questions about what to get for a tractor along with size. You can access all these threads through the search feature at the top of your page.Many interesting threads!
Ive always been an advocate to get the most tractor you can within your budget. A 30 HP machine will do a fine job on the food plots that you mentioned and will handle your mowing chores also. A 30 HP machine might be a bit large for the yard mowing but if your only looking for a one machine to do it all, you can make it work.
As far as the implements, I would suggest a single bottom plow along with a disc for food plot prep.
Im sure others can offer more specific advice.
Good Luck
Welcome to TBN !
Yes, there have been many similar questions about what to get for a tractor along with size. You can access all these threads through the search feature at the top of your page.Many interesting threads!
Ive always been an advocate to get the most tractor you can within your budget. A 30 HP machine will do a fine job on the food plots that you mentioned and will handle your mowing chores also. A 30 HP machine might be a bit large for the yard mowing but if your only looking for a one machine to do it all, you can make it work.
As far as the implements, I would suggest a single bottom plow along with a disc for food plot prep.
Im sure others can offer more specific advice.
Good Luck
MrJimi
Elite Member, Rest in Peace
jbrumberg
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2006
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- 4,903
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- Cummington, MA
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- New Holland TC29DA, John Deere D130
BigEd:
Welcome to TBN! You are going to drive yourself crazy during your research and purchase phase of tractor ownership. My advise to you is:
1) Provide more profile information such as acreage, location, hilly/level, rough/even terrain, etc. so the membership can provide appropriate information.
2) Tractor specifications are not standardized and the "numbers" are often sales and marketing driven. When comparing two different tractor make sure the lift points are similar.
3) Read the numerous brand specific forums and look for trends.
4) Stay away from gray market tractors unless you are wrench handy.
5) Buy the most HP you can afford with the tractor size you are comfortable.
6) Try as many tractors and tractor dealerships within the area you wish to research. Class for class most tractors are pretty similar. Dealership "feel" is just as important as tractor "feel". A good dealership is a valuable resource and in the long run will probably save you some money.
7) If you have to deal with hilly, rough, or uneven terrain, ice/snow, or drag logs and anticipate FEL work go 4WD with power steering.
8) If ground clearance is a concern make sure "sensitive" areas- hoses, fans, etc. are protected.
9) Get a front end grill guard- it may save you some money.
Having said all tha above I have a NH TC29DA which is now a TC31DA. It is considered a Class 2 CUT. I manage 12.5A's, brush hog ~8A's of steep/rough/uneven/obstacle challenging field, till ~1A of garden, and manage snow removal for ~300' of driveway with a 50'X100" "parking area" without problem. Good Luck on your "search". Please remember that the TBN membership is a valuable resource and that we love to spend everyone else's money. Jay
Welcome to TBN
! You are going to drive yourself crazy during your research and purchase phase of tractor ownership. My advise to you is:1) Provide more profile information such as acreage, location, hilly/level, rough/even terrain, etc. so the membership can provide appropriate information.
2) Tractor specifications are not standardized and the "numbers" are often sales and marketing driven. When comparing two different tractor make sure the lift points are similar.
3) Read the numerous brand specific forums and look for trends.
4) Stay away from gray market tractors unless you are wrench handy.
5) Buy the most HP you can afford with the tractor size you are comfortable.
6) Try as many tractors and tractor dealerships within the area you wish to research. Class for class most tractors are pretty similar. Dealership "feel" is just as important as tractor "feel". A good dealership is a valuable resource and in the long run will probably save you some money.
7) If you have to deal with hilly, rough, or uneven terrain, ice/snow, or drag logs and anticipate FEL work go 4WD with power steering.
8) If ground clearance is a concern make sure "sensitive" areas- hoses, fans, etc. are protected.
9) Get a front end grill guard- it may save you some money.
Having said all tha above I have a NH TC29DA which is now a TC31DA. It is considered a Class 2 CUT. I manage 12.5A's, brush hog ~8A's of steep/rough/uneven/obstacle challenging field, till ~1A of garden, and manage snow removal for ~300' of driveway with a 50'X100" "parking area" without problem. Good Luck on your "search". Please remember that the TBN membership is a valuable resource and that we love to spend everyone else's money
. Jay
Farmwithjunk
Super Member
BigEd said:
Tractors? Well, the sky's the limit. But on the Plotmaster, take a look at these units by Kasco Mfg. Kasco.com website I've had the pleasure of using a couple of their earlier models. Nothing but quality and great people to work with.
Thanks for the warm welcome and all the info. I've been browsing the site and there is tons of info here to help me make my decisions. I’ll probably buy a tractor with a loader and then pick up a new attachment each year until I have a complete arsenal of attachments Right now I have a little Ingersol that I can mow my lawn with for at least a few more years. So I can hold off on buying a finish mower and pick up some other attachment to play with.
Right now I have a little Ingersol that I can mow my lawn with for at least a few more years. So I can hold off on buying a finish mower and pick up some other attachment to play with. coasterez
Banned
Keep the Ingersol. Use it as long as you can. A 30 hp machine with a loader is a monster to try to cut with around trees, house, and other obstacles. Will work great in open spaces though. When the Ingersol wears out, buy another lawn mower.
My yard doesnt have alot of obstacles, but does have a steep grade across the front. It is around 1.5 acres in all. Since selling the Cub I have been mowing with my JD 3520(37hp) and a Woods RM550 60"RFM(used, excellent cond. $700 delivered). I thought it would be much tougher. It is actually a pleasure, and VERY fast. Just leave it in 2WD and dont cut too tight when turning. Overall, it works well for me and I only maintain one tractor now. Just need to update my sig.
Woodbeef
Veteran Member
Once you've broken the ground the first time,and found the rocks with a plow,a tiller is all you'll need in the future. Might be a bit slower,but only one pass and a better seed bed. As for the tractors,out of those two I liked the Kioti best. Felt the most comfortable,and substantial.
So far I've got the following price quotes:
B7800HSD-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $11799.00
LA402-1 LOADER IS $2700.00
B1617 60 BUCKET IS $425.00
FREE BLOCK HEATER
GRAND TOTAL IS $14924.00
L3400HST-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $13699.00
LA463FL FRONT END LOADER WITH BUCKET IS $3149.00
FREE BLOCK HEATER
GRAND TOTAL IS $16848.00
SUPER SPECIAL ONLY ONE LEFT AT THIS PRICE SER 55329
L3130HST-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $13999.00 SER 55329
LA723 LOADER WITH VALVE AND BUCKET IS $3799.00
DEDUCT ANOTHER $250.00 OFF DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR INSTANT REBATE
FREE BLOCK HEATER
ONLY $17548.00
The Kioti CK30 was around 17600. Right now I'm leaning more towards one of the Kubota models. My grandpa keeps telling me that the 3130 is too big for my needs, but I think thats because he wants me to get a smaller model with a backhoe attachment so he can dig a trench for water pipes.
B7800HSD-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $11799.00
LA402-1 LOADER IS $2700.00
B1617 60 BUCKET IS $425.00
FREE BLOCK HEATER
GRAND TOTAL IS $14924.00
L3400HST-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $13699.00
LA463FL FRONT END LOADER WITH BUCKET IS $3149.00
FREE BLOCK HEATER
GRAND TOTAL IS $16848.00
SUPER SPECIAL ONLY ONE LEFT AT THIS PRICE SER 55329
L3130HST-F WITH R4 TIRES AND FOLDABLE ROPS IS $13999.00 SER 55329
LA723 LOADER WITH VALVE AND BUCKET IS $3799.00
DEDUCT ANOTHER $250.00 OFF DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR INSTANT REBATE
FREE BLOCK HEATER
ONLY $17548.00
The Kioti CK30 was around 17600. Right now I'm leaning more towards one of the Kubota models. My grandpa keeps telling me that the 3130 is too big for my needs, but I think thats because he wants me to get a smaller model with a backhoe attachment so he can dig a trench for water pipes.