what would you buy between....

[copperdux]

I'm getting ready to purchase my first tractor and would love some opinions on my options. First off, the tractor will be used to take care of my 9 acre property. Finish mowing about 2 wooded acres, brush now trails through a marsh area and around a pond, till a garden, split wood, fix fence lines and some minor grading.
My options are-
1995 jd 955, 1500 hours, hydro, loader with backblade- $10,500
2005 kioti ck 20, 500 hours, hydro, loader- $9,500
2007 mahindra 2615, 500 hours, gear shift, loader- $10,000

All have 4wd.
Which would you buy and why?

Thanks.

 

[Gittyup]

The JD is light, but most HP. The Kioti is heavy, and lighter on HP. The Mahindra is heavy too with a bit more hp but not HST. Tough call. Any would do. I'd want an HST if finish mowing a wooded lot. Deere is a lot older.

I'd want at least 30 - 35 hp, HST, loader. And not too old. Rear remotes would be nice too. In Kioti lineup I'd want the CK35 for mowing. MMM are possible on CK's but require some extra work gathering parts from Bobcat. No MMM on 2516, as I understand it. JD x55 series were great tractors, but getting to be pretty old now.

Have you looked at the Mahindra MAX25. It will be new, but sounds like a better match to your needs. You might also find some smoking deals on a new 2516 with HST, as they are being discontinued in favor of the MAX series. There are also some great deals on a TYM T273 - perfect combo of size, weight, HP. I saw an adv. somewhere last night for a new T273 with loader for $10,500. Bet the 2516 isn't far from that either. Now a new CK35 would cost about $16 - $17K with loader.

 

[RoMad]

I have a kioti ck20 and have been very happy with it. It really is a hard working little tractor. But, if i could change anything, I would get a 27 or 30 hp tractor so I could more easily run my 5' bush hog.
I don't know anything about the other two you mentioned.
Good luck.

 

[deezler]

Not an answer you really want to hear, sorry, but: Keep looking.

The 955 is overpriced for having 1500 hours. Yikes.
ck20... = 10 HP too few.
Mahindra 2615 is the winner! Except... no HST... sucks.

I would still choose the Mahindra, gear shift and all, if I HAD to choose right now. But if I didn't, I'd keep looking.

I waited a tough two months through the winter before I foundd my Cub Cadet 7305 HST w/ loader (same tractor as Mahindra 3015, the 2615s brother but with 4 more HP) for an even 10k... with only 135 hours, mint condition. So, there are deals out there, this is just a hard time of year to be buying. Be patient, and good luck.