I recently purchased almost 3 acres of mostly cleared land that I will soon build on. The terrain is gently rolling, about 150' above sea level. I will need a tractor that will be able to do fairly extensive dirtwork initially and then will be used primarily for maintaining the property. We will probably use the tractor to complete a partially completed house pad, build my shop pad and landscape installation (including a small pond). It snows once in a blue moon here so that is not a factor. I definately want a FEL and a BH if it is in the budget. I will probably mount a mid-mount mower (60" or 72") for the larger areas and use our ZTR around the house. I really like the 2630 but am wondering if I will ever wish for more power. I realize that this may even be TOO MUCH tractor for my needs. I love my toys, but this will be my first tractor. I practically grew up on my uncle's Kubota 30 years ago but really don't know much about owning, maintaining, operating a modern tractor with all the bells and whistles available today. Any input would be appreciated. Happy New Year!
Which model best suits my needs?
- Thread starter ED3303
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A friend of mine bought a 25 hp tractor a few years ago, and he told me he regrets not buying a bigger tractor. I just bought a 3240 and am really satisfied with it. I'm pretty sure you can't dig a pond with it, but something in that horsepower range would probably take care of most of your other needs. Of course, bigger is always better if you can afford it.
Get the largest grand L tractor that still can get a mid-pto to support a mid mount mower. Get turf tires and chains for traction (good ones, not junk) and you can do most anything except the pond.
For that it's cheaper to hire it out. You will be able to get a larger pond dug deeper and be done much faster for less $$. You can lower the cost by doing the dirt spreading and final grade.
But, if you read here for a while you will see, I nearly always suggest the larger tractor.
jb
For that it's cheaper to hire it out. You will be able to get a larger pond dug deeper and be done much faster for less $$. You can lower the cost by doing the dirt spreading and final grade.
But, if you read here for a while you will see, I nearly always suggest the larger tractor.
jb
bx23barry
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Three acres is pretty small for a 30+hp tractor (especially when ya get the house/barn/landscaping done) imho. I have 3 acres and a bx23 and can get most every thing I need done (given enough time). I think moving to a "b" (JD2620/NHtc26) would meet your needs and allow ya to get the attachments ya need while staying on a budget. While having "more power" comes in handy once and a while a smaller unit is more useful more often and you will get more use out of it. And there are many here that think more "seat time" is a good thing.
ToadHill
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You really know how to hurt a guy, I thought we'd be deciding between a couple super models.
I think you should get a unit that is going to be most useful on the long run when you are maintaining your property. The size of the lot you have can be easily maintained with a BX or B series tractor and you could even sell the other mower. For the heavy building projects you are best off renting or hiring real heavy duty equipment, because it will get done quicker and it will be done the way it supposed to be. Not just good enough. For the building projects you would need a large unit that could prove frustrating or damaging to the ground in the maintenance (longer) phase. If you get a smaller tractor you could get the coolest gadgets to play with for years to come.
KeithInSpace
Veteran Member
I have to agree with Mr. Bx23barry. Being on 2 wooded acres, 1 of which is manicured, I have found the BX to fit nearly ever bill I've thrown at it. With 3 acres, I could see any model in the B line being very appropriate to the property, but gosh...the L and Grand L...you start talking about a real tractor at some point.
I realize there are some major horsepower junkies out there, but having a monster of a tractor isn't always the solution. I've done many, many things with my BX that folks would be hard-pressed to do with an L...just this weekend I trenched and buried a new conduit to my sewage ejector pump serving my drainfield (sprinkler contractor severed it twice). With only 30 feet to work with, a BIG tractor would be rediculous and I couldn't imagine getting within 1/4 inch of my sprinkler lines and digging UNDER them like I did with my BX.
And as I had previously posted, I recently moved 60 CY of topsoil and totally refinished my entire yard in a matter of days...even if I had the biggest tractor on earth, I don't think I could have gotten it done much faster (trees, side projects, beer runs, etc.) Sometimes bigger is just bigger. And sometimes bigger isn't what the doctor ordered. I am 100% pleased with my tractor and wouldn't think for a second for trading up unless I got a VERY different yard.
Just my thoughts. With those and $2, you could go buy yourself a copy of "Gigli".
I realize there are some major horsepower junkies out there, but having a monster of a tractor isn't always the solution. I've done many, many things with my BX that folks would be hard-pressed to do with an L...just this weekend I trenched and buried a new conduit to my sewage ejector pump serving my drainfield (sprinkler contractor severed it twice). With only 30 feet to work with, a BIG tractor would be rediculous and I couldn't imagine getting within 1/4 inch of my sprinkler lines and digging UNDER them like I did with my BX.
And as I had previously posted, I recently moved 60 CY of topsoil and totally refinished my entire yard in a matter of days...even if I had the biggest tractor on earth, I don't think I could have gotten it done much faster (trees, side projects, beer runs, etc.) Sometimes bigger is just bigger. And sometimes bigger isn't what the doctor ordered. I am 100% pleased with my tractor and wouldn't think for a second for trading up unless I got a VERY different yard.
Just my thoughts. With those and $2, you could go buy yourself a copy of "Gigli".
Yesterday was the first time that I wished I had a smaller tractor than my l3400. I was re-claiming the outer perimeter of my fencing. At the backside of the property there is a 5 foot drainage ditch that runs the entire length about 5-6 feet (narrower near the middle) off the fencing. At one point I had the pucker factor going good as the edge of my tires were equal to the edge of the ditch. If that soil had been a bit softer....thank God it wasn't. I will be up-keeping that section with round-up and a chainsaw from here on out.
Volfandt
Veteran Member
I maintain little over 4 acres w/a BX23 and it's just about the perfect sized machine for "maintaining" this sized parcel. The suspended MMM gives the best finish cut of all Kubota's tractor line and the FEL & BH though small do a passable job on digging and material moving. The smaller size allows it to get into the tight places a larger tractor can't.
In my case I don't need a bigger machine.
But,,,,,
Every now and then I'll drool over a B3030 and would have gone w/ it or a B7800 if I was starting from scratch. I had a larger tractor when I was building and sold it once I "tamed" the ponderosa and purchased the BX23.
These 30hp machines almost double the FEL's capacity which is very handy in new construction and the BH has more reach and can accomodate a larger bucket. Plus they stand higher above all the obstacles one encounters in unfinished terrain.
Once most of the heavy work is done this size machine will technically be too large for your maintaining applications but since they don't weigh that much more than a BX, they wouldn't be that hard on your finished lawn, etc.
The MMM on these two 30hp machines is a ground contact type and although it does provide a very good finish cut, it's not quite as nice as the suspended BX MMM.
With your grunt work laying ahead as opposed to already being done, I recommend going w/one of the following: a B2630 (26hp premium CUT), or the B3030 (30hp premium CUT), or the B7800 (30hp STD CUT).
Course putting a BH and MMM on either of these will cost quite a bit more than a new BX24 w/MMM (or used BX23 w/MMM) costs but you'll be getting a machine that can also be used for maintenance once the grunt work is done.
Course, theres many a thread on here where BX22/BX23/BX24 owners have done exactly what your planning to do with these machines.
So if money is a HUGE issue you could still consider a BX. But IF you do choose to use a BX in a construction environment, you definitely need skidplates to provide the needed protection for the HST cooling fan and filter. They are both located very low on the BX series and are normally protected by the MMM but you do not want to have the MMM mounted when crawling around a construction site. Ground clearance will also be an issue.
In any case.
Good luck
In my case I don't need a bigger machine.
But,,,,,
Every now and then I'll drool over a B3030 and would have gone w/ it or a B7800 if I was starting from scratch. I had a larger tractor when I was building and sold it once I "tamed" the ponderosa and purchased the BX23.
These 30hp machines almost double the FEL's capacity which is very handy in new construction and the BH has more reach and can accomodate a larger bucket. Plus they stand higher above all the obstacles one encounters in unfinished terrain.
Once most of the heavy work is done this size machine will technically be too large for your maintaining applications but since they don't weigh that much more than a BX, they wouldn't be that hard on your finished lawn, etc.
The MMM on these two 30hp machines is a ground contact type and although it does provide a very good finish cut, it's not quite as nice as the suspended BX MMM.
With your grunt work laying ahead as opposed to already being done, I recommend going w/one of the following: a B2630 (26hp premium CUT), or the B3030 (30hp premium CUT), or the B7800 (30hp STD CUT).
Course putting a BH and MMM on either of these will cost quite a bit more than a new BX24 w/MMM (or used BX23 w/MMM) costs but you'll be getting a machine that can also be used for maintenance once the grunt work is done.
Course, theres many a thread on here where BX22/BX23/BX24 owners have done exactly what your planning to do with these machines.
So if money is a HUGE issue you could still consider a BX. But IF you do choose to use a BX in a construction environment, you definitely need skidplates to provide the needed protection for the HST cooling fan and filter. They are both located very low on the BX series and are normally protected by the MMM but you do not want to have the MMM mounted when crawling around a construction site. Ground clearance will also be an issue.
In any case.
Good luck
drtydeed
Silver Member
I'd have to agree with those suggesting B/BX class. I can't imagine owning anything larger for the tasks you have in mind. My BX handles my property, and sometimes mows several neighbors with no problems. Swapping from FEL and BH mode to mower takes no more than 15 mins.
It's also used for my landscaping business. Yes, there a "few" times I wished for a larger machine, but, there are many more times I'm glad I went smaller. I move a lot of mulch/deco stone/ tree installations in my business, and these smaller tractors will get into places that would otherwise require wheelbarrows and shovels
.
Best of luck in your decision.
It's also used for my landscaping business. Yes, there a "few" times I wished for a larger machine, but, there are many more times I'm glad I went smaller. I move a lot of mulch/deco stone/ tree installations in my business, and these smaller tractors will get into places that would otherwise require wheelbarrows and shovels
.Best of luck in your decision.
wushaw
Elite Member
I agree with the B/BX series tractor suggestions also.
You may want to contract out the pond building, It takes forever to dig a pond with a tractor...I know, I've done it.
Now if your gonna use the pond material for your house, shed, barn, shop...whatever, then you hire an excavator and dig your pond then use the tractor to move the material.
You will get lots of seat time moving that material.
You may want to contract out the pond building, It takes forever to dig a pond with a tractor...I know, I've done it.
Now if your gonna use the pond material for your house, shed, barn, shop...whatever, then you hire an excavator and dig your pond then use the tractor to move the material.
You will get lots of seat time moving that material.
art
Super Member
BX is right for three acres! With the money you save you can buy more attachments!
Thanks for all the input. I should've mentioned that the grunt work will be contracted out with the new tractor reserved for the smaller scale stuff like moving the excavated material from pond to shop site. If I am really honest with myself, I would admit that during the initial construction, I will just be "playing" contractor while the pro's do all the real work. My job will really start when the landscaping is going in and when the grass needs mowing. I do tend to agree that something like the BX24 or maybe even a B2630 with all the goodies would be quite practical while still allowing me to get my chores done.
Ed3303,
I think you will be surprised how much you can get done with a small tractor. I was thinking about getting a BX to use on my 10 acres because I saw here what kind of stuff people get done with it. I went with the B7510 just to gain some ground clearance, because I do use it in the woods as well. I'm not in the least dissapointed. It has been much more capable than I thought and I was pushed by a good friend to get a heavier, more powerful tractor. I don't plan on digging foundations, leveling acres of land or dragging a plow through the ground. After dealing with a few major snow storms I see what the advantage of a bigger machine would be handy, but I CAN DO IT, move it and plow it just a bit slower. No matter what, you will have fun.
I got to go play in yesterday's 11" of snow to make room for the storm coming through tonight.
I think you will be surprised how much you can get done with a small tractor. I was thinking about getting a BX to use on my 10 acres because I saw here what kind of stuff people get done with it. I went with the B7510 just to gain some ground clearance, because I do use it in the woods as well. I'm not in the least dissapointed. It has been much more capable than I thought and I was pushed by a good friend to get a heavier, more powerful tractor. I don't plan on digging foundations, leveling acres of land or dragging a plow through the ground. After dealing with a few major snow storms I see what the advantage of a bigger machine would be handy, but I CAN DO IT, move it and plow it just a bit slower. No matter what, you will have fun.
I got to go play in yesterday's 11" of snow to make room for the storm coming through tonight.
Unregistered2013
Gold Member
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i was in almost the same spot as you 2 years ago -- 3 acres, to be built, wanted a pond, needed a lot of land moved for grade.
i started with a JD450 dozer, cleared the back two acres, sculpted the pond. this was rented, at $500 for 50 hours. i never once imagined doing this work with a bucket or blade.
next, i rented a JCB heavy excavator to dig the pond deep. the bucket was 4' wide. again, laghable tractor work.
next, i rented a skid-steer to move some of the land 500' -- for 35 hours -- not perfect, but nice and light, so no sinking. 3/4 yard bucket.
then, this spring, i rented a terex land mover with a 3 yard bucket and moved around 800 yards of the pond clay to mid-lot to make berms. again, laughable work with a tractor.
finally, i rented a kubota L series tractor with a harley-rake and raked and seeded the whole lot. by the end of the raking, i honestly felt the tractor was too big for the lot, and was happy to see it go.
now, i have a B2400 and am very happy with its size -- a lot can be said to be able to look over the hood and trim up close.
just my opinion -- though i'd rent the big stuff (you can never rent too big), and buy the smaller stuff.
i started with a JD450 dozer, cleared the back two acres, sculpted the pond. this was rented, at $500 for 50 hours. i never once imagined doing this work with a bucket or blade.
next, i rented a JCB heavy excavator to dig the pond deep. the bucket was 4' wide. again, laghable tractor work.
next, i rented a skid-steer to move some of the land 500' -- for 35 hours -- not perfect, but nice and light, so no sinking. 3/4 yard bucket.
then, this spring, i rented a terex land mover with a 3 yard bucket and moved around 800 yards of the pond clay to mid-lot to make berms. again, laughable work with a tractor.
finally, i rented a kubota L series tractor with a harley-rake and raked and seeded the whole lot. by the end of the raking, i honestly felt the tractor was too big for the lot, and was happy to see it go.
now, i have a B2400 and am very happy with its size -- a lot can be said to be able to look over the hood and trim up close.
just my opinion -- though i'd rent the big stuff (you can never rent too big), and buy the smaller stuff.
