Buying Advice What Tractor to Upgrade to?

[Olympus]

Alright gents, I've got the approval from the boss to upgrade my little LS J2023. It's been good for around the house on my 6 acres, but it's tippy, doesn't get very good traction, and is a little weak on the PTO. Last fall I bought some hunting land and now I have ATV trails to cut and 2 acres of food plots to till and plant. I'm thinking something in the 27-30HP range would be enough provided that it's a heavier built machine. I still need to be able to trailer it and tow it with my 1/2 ton truck. I'm keeping an eye on the used market, but I'm somewhat particular and haven't found much. I've got a budget of $15K max. I've already got a 5ft brush hog, 6ft finish mower, and 5ft tiller. I'd like to still be able to use all my implements with the new tractor.

Any recommendations for machines? I've been happy with my LS and like my dealer. I also really like the local Kioti dealer as well. Closest Mahindra dealer is 30 miles. I've got a good Yanmar dealer about 40 miles. And of course, Deere and Kubota locally.

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Kubota L 2501 Gear Drive. Great little machine, no need to worry of regen's, and will fit your implements perfectly.

 

[Olympus]

My local Deere dealer has some good used 3032E and 3038E units that fit my budget also. Don't know much about them other than they are the economy models.

 

[bspeedy]

Why not go with LS again? Some of the 40xx and 41xx series tractors look super stout. Pick the biggest one that fits your implements and go for it.

 

[Olympus]

Why not go with LS again? Some of the 40xx and 41xx series tractors look super stout. Pick the biggest one that fits your implements and go for it.

Out of my budget is why.

 

[jaydee325]

Talk to your LS dealer about an XG model. Maybe he'll give you a good trade.

 

[Olympus]

Talk to your LS dealer about an XG model. Maybe he'll give you a good trade.

I'll definitely give them an opportunity. I've had better luck with getting more for my stuff by selling outright on CL, but I will give my dealer a shot at a trade deal.

 

[Utopia Texas]

"I still need to be able to trailer it and tow it with my 1/2 ton truck. "

I trailer my 75 hp New Holland with 850 pound Rhino cutter with a 1/2 ton PU so I doubt you will have any problems....

 

[Olympus]

Well I can't afford more than about. 30HP new tractor or possibly a 35HP used tractor.

 

[Turbys_1700]

A good used unit will cost you close to what a new unit will. What is your budget?

 

[Olympus]

Probably $15K max.

 

[cat fever]

Give Kioti a good look. I have been very happy with mine.

 

[Olympus]

Give Kioti a good look. I have been very happy with mine.

I definitely will be. The Kioti dealer near me is great, I've used them for service on my old Grasshopper mower. I'd buy from them.

 

[Olympus]

There just seems to be a gap for every brand for a model in 30HP. It's like they go from 25 to 35 and just about $5000 in between. And since I already have a 23HP tractor, I can't hardly justifying spending more money for 2HP more and I can't afford the extra $5000 more to jump to a 35HP model.

 

[jeff9366]

Tier IV pollution controls added $4,000 to my L3560 over predecessor L3540 with Tier III.

Tough price increase on 30-horsepower. Still tough, but less tough, on 35-horsepower.
No Tier IV on <25-horsepower.

Tractor manufactures do not believe there is a market in USA for high priced 30-horsepower tractors. I think they are correct.

You are in the doughnut hole. To bite, or not to bite; that is the question.

 

[Olympus]

Probably right now, the Deere 3032E seems to be about what I'm looking for, at least on paper.

 

[jeff9366]

I would experiment with all-weather rear tire chains on your current LS J2023 before putzing around with someone else's used tractor.
Before buying chains you need to determine if there is chain clearance between tire and tractor. Usually there is.

LINK: tractor tire chains site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

Here is your LS J2023: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/ls-tractor-owning-operating/267621-tire-chains.html

 

[Olympus]

I would experiment with all-weather rear tire chains on your current LS J2023 before putzing around with someone else's used tractor.
Before buying chains you need to determine if there is chain clearance between tire and tractor. Usually there is.

LINK: tractor tire chains site:tractorbynet.com - Google Search

Here is your LS J2023: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/ls-tractor-owning-operating/267621-tire-chains.html

The used models that I'm looking at are all under 500 hours, so I feel fairly comfortable with that level of use. I mean my LS has 200 hours and it's still like brand new to me. I'm only considering the Deere models because they are economy models that have just what I need without having things I won't/don't need. I'll never need a mid-pto so if I can save money by eliminating that feature, that's great. The quick detach loader feature sounds nice and I have it on my LS, but I've found with my LS that it's really more trouble than it's worth to remove the entire loader and put it back on. So if I can save some money by having a permanent mount loader, that's fine with me too. And I think the biggest plus for the Deere is that I have two different large dealers that have numerous stores, so they are very competitive on their pricing because they know buyers will automatically go to the other dealer for a second estimate so they tend to be very competitive with their pricing. And their used equipment inventory is extensive because each dealer has so many dealerships in different towns.

I'm not opposed to the Kubota L series either though. My local Kubota dealer is good to deal with, but have been on the high side of their pricing in the past. I suppose I'll have to go back out and talk to them again on an L series machine.

 

[Olympus]

Kubota L 2501 Gear Drive. Great little machine, no need to worry of regen's, and will fit your implements perfectly.

I'm worried that's not going to be enough machine or at least enough of a difference from what I have to justify paying the additional money for it. It's 25HP and 20HP at the PTO. My little LS is 23HP and 17HP at the PTO.

 

[Powerguy]

Look into LS xg3025 its 25 hp with a 4000 pound tractor $16,500 new in Washington state that's what I'm looking at. More weight equals better traction. Here's a link

RCO Tractor - America's #1 LS Tractor Dealer - Compact & Utility Tractors on sale now!