Which tractor should I buy?

[scappoose]

I have a little over 2 acres, 1+ wood lot to be cleared of underbrush and blackberries and maintained. I want to extend the fenced area for my 3 dogs to the entire area if possible. at present the 1/4 acre dog run area is totally over run with blackberries. In these Blackberries are 11 oak trees which where felled and cut into 15" rounds (not split) that I need to remove before they rot for firewood. I want to level the site as much as possible,there are no hills but there is a drainage ditch cutting across the far back area about
50' from ihe property line. I will have to find out if this can be removed (filled).
I run a small organic nursery in the spring and summer, selling veg starts in spring and produce in the summer. All my beds are raised about 24", I am always making new ones to expand my growing area. each bed takes at least a cubic yard of soil, which I am moving by hand ie. wheelbarrow. they all need to topped with 4" compost yearly.
I need to maintain the 200'+ driveway summer (weeds) and winter (snow). I live in Scappoose Or. so snow does not happen often but can sometimes land 10 or 12" in a storm.
I am a large man about 6'4" 200lbs, not hung-up on any color of tractor......
So convince me of your favorites
Thanks

 

[Porkie]

I would recommend any small 20 to 40 hp, 4 wheel driver tractor, with the auto trans (HST-eHYDRO or the like) with a loader, brush cutter and a box blade.

The more HP the easier that you have to work the tractor and yourself.

My 2000 New Holland TC40D works my 40 acre plus farm just fine but I'm even looking for more HP.

New Holland and Kubota have some neat little rigs, some come as package deals at some dealers, with matched loaders, bush hoggs, box blades and even a trailer.

Sam

 

[Aqualize]

I mostly agree with Porkie. Seems you're going to do a lot of work with the FEL so a hydrostatic transmission seems reasonable.

If you're looking for new tractors, judging by the brochures a New Holland Boomer 30, 35 o 40. I don't know if they're old models on the way out but the 2030, 2035 and 3040 seems to be also good tractors.

 

[TripleR]

Check with BPfick, he runs a similar type operation and just bought a B Series Kubota. I would think something along the lines of the B Series with 25 HP or up or the equivalent in JD, NH, MF etc. would work well. I would look at and drive them all to see which fits you the best.

 

[art]

For the ground clearing I'd recommend a small compact but you could get by with a sub compact in the long run do to the small size of your lot. I recommend it with caution to your size for comfort.

You could consider a good rental yard to get the job of clean up in a couple of weekend bouts with possibly more machine then you would consider to buy! Rent a wood splitter?

then buy a tractor and the machines to maintain it.

To own? I'd go with a Small B series for the beds and it would also be able to assist with the clean-up. backhoe is available but those stumps would be a bundle to handle not that they couldn't be dug. The three range transmission is so versatile it can make any driver feel good.

 

[NOTV8]

Whichever dealer is close to you and will not forget you after purchase :thumbsup:. Service after purchase is very important. Nah, what the heck.... check out Bobcat . It seems like the 2xx is good for what you need... And don't forget to order rear remotes. Did I mention order extra remotes.... Include one in the front for Grapple in the future . You might still get the free FEL promo.

 

[First one]

Which ever one you choose ,just keep in mind the"little things" . Like how much you can lift ,heavy duty loader, cutting edge on bucket, pto speed , weight of tractor, rear remotes, float, cab or not, QA., cruise control, gear or Hst,remotes on front, mid-pto, tires Agr or Ind or turf . When I got my tractor half of these things never crossed my mind and didn't know what half of them were for. If you can go around and try them out see what kind of people you're dealing with it might make all the diff. Read and research all you can .:2cents:

 

[nebraskasparks]

I run an organic also, bees, trees, vegetables...the lot. I was going to get a geared tractor until I talked to the guys on TBN. If you're doing a lot of back and forth (which you are)...you're going to love hydrostatic tractors. If you have to get into tight spaces...you're going to love hydrostatic tractors. If you have a small acreage...you're going to love hydrostatic tractors.
If you're going to be moving a lot of trees...get a grapple.

I chose the Kubota L5740 because the dealer 45 miles from me treated me right. This beat the Green dealer who was 4 miles away and gave me quotes that were higher than everybody else.
You will find that the dealer next to you that answers your questions and shoots straight will do more to influence your decision than the paint color. I've seen this over and over on TBN.

You're going to love your hydrostatic tractor especially with small beds.

 

[Don87]

I can't comment on the other tractors, as I haven't owned them. But one thing I will say, is, I love my Massey GC2400. It's small enough to get into just about anywhere, the Hydro tranny is fantastic with the front end loader, plenty of power to do the things I need done on my 2 acres.
And that includes, but is not limited to:
Mowing grass
blowing snow
digging ditches
moving dirt(or compost)
pulling logs
hauling firewood
Tilling the garden
sliding the bucket into the back of the pickup bed !!!
basically anything that requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or even pounding(if your careful)
But with 2 acres, and raised beds..........I would stick with a small tractor (SCUT).

 

[doall]

I would agree at least 25 hp, not more that 50 or so. My neighbor has a Kubota Mx5100 and he is your exact size and looks really comfortable. I should get him to drive mine to see if he fits on it good. If I get a chance I will and try to remember to post back to you. We both have gear tractors, but I could see on smaller acreage how the HST would be better. Around here tractors have gears and lawn mowers have hydrostatic. Not my opinion, just everyone else's. I new I would be stuck if I wanted to sell mine if I got HST. The shuttle shift is pretty good though, I like it. Let us know what you decide.

 

[Qapla]

Part of your decision will be what you will be doing in the long run.

If you think that you will be using the machine for the cleanup and then never need those features again, renting something for that may be the best idea. Then, any of the tractors you feel comfortable in with a FEL with Skid Steer type mounting would be good. I'd keep in the 30+ HP range.

However, if you think that the cleanup will be a major project that could extend long term (could take months or even years to dig up all those stumps), I would consider something like the Kubota TLB 45. It has a much better Backhoe setup then either a 3PH or a sub-frame mount. However, the loader will remove for use of the 3PH. It also has a generous sized FEL with good lift ability. The 45 is HST (the TLB 39 is gear). The M59 is also HST, but it is a much larger machine.

These machines also have a turn around seat for the BH instead of a separate seat that makes you climb on and off the tractor every time you move from the BH to the drivers seat.

Whatever you choose, make sure you test drive it first - especially since you are a large guy, make sure the seat and controls are comfortable and easy for YOU to use.

If you do go with a more traditional tractor, I would stick to a sub-frame BH (if you get one) instead of a 3PH model.

 

[not2old]

I'm 6'3" and wear size 13 boots. I've recently sat in a 2305 Deere, GC2410 Massey, CT122 Bobcat and find the smallest, the BX25 Kubota the only one with lots of room for me and my feet. My place is also less than 2 acres and this machine might be a bit small for the construction and landscaping uses, but will be more than adequate for snow and grass. Having the lowest price of the bunch helps too. I'm just procastinating on placing my order as I hate to part with money and they all cost too much. Advice from someone who has never owned a tractor.

 

[jcmseven]

In general terms, I would agree that 30ish HP would be ideal. I am a JD man, so I cannot attest to other brands that much, but in the JD line I would look at the 2320, 2520 or 3320 primarily. You could extrapolate this to a similar size/HP machine in another brand if you prefer. Of the machines I noted, only one interestingly has 30 HP, the 3320. The other two are 24.1 and 26.5 HP, respectively but offer the ability to perform the tasks you mention. Each would move snow well, power a loader well and offer you some reasonable PTO options for attachments also. They each offer a full Cat 1 rear hitch, which many sub-compacts such as the JD 2305 do not. They each are highly maneuverable machines. The 3320 would offer you the potential for more growth as it is a much heavier machine, but it also costs quite a bit more. I should also mention JD makes a 3032E and 3038E which gives one that 30+ HP in an economy type tractor that is still hydrostatic transmission. They are solid machines, and are less expensive while offering some good horsepower, but still are not cheap and their features may be outdone by similar machines in another brand. The "20" series JDs in any series compact are the higher end ones and thusly would be more expensive.

John M

 

[Loren49]

I'm not really convinced that a 30+ hp tractor is needed for a 2 acre place. It seems that it would make sense to rent or hire someone to take care of the ditched area if your tractor is not enough. My 28 hp is plenty big for my 10 wooded acres, 2 acres of meadow, and lots of snow in the winter. I can't imagine a chore on your acreage that a smaller tractor couldn't do. As I have stated before - bigger isn't always better. I feel the weight and overall size of the tractor is as important to match with your needs - not just hp.

Loren

 

[bp fick]

Bigger isn't always better, sometimes it just, well, bigger.

Many times too large a tractor isn't good. Anything that is too large or heavy has drawbacks in soil compaction, isn't good for mowing, can leave marks on grass when turning, can't negotiate tight areas like gardens or around trees. Isn't nimble enough to plow snow out from tighter areas. Sometimes the larger tractor is also difficult to store.

Once the major land projects are done, the larger tractor isn't a helpful tool.

If you are thinking daily operations and long term maintenance, it might effect your purchase decision now. I run an organic market garden operation and keep hens for egg sales and to produce fertilizer. I mow an acre of grass, plow lots of snow here in N. Michigan and garden a little over an acre. I couldn't imagine anything smaller than a B series Kubota, nor anything larger either. Just my take.

20 series Deere, small 10 series Mahindra, and many others would fit the bill as well.

 

[bp fick]

Just one further thought, FWIW. The tractor operator area has to be spacious enough for you to feel comfortable and fit your larger framed body. I noticed this was an issue you brought up on another thread. Frankly, the sub-cuts often have GREAT operator room, go figure.

Horsepower on a small gardening operation/land management is almost, almost irrelevant as these diesels have more power than they can use given their traction.

I simply cannot stress how nimbleness, being able to operate in tighter quarters is essential. Greenhouses, garden beds, garden patches, etc absolutely require the most nimble tractor you can buy. A too-large, clumsy tractor in such applications is beyond useless. YMMV

 

[jcmseven]

I mentioned the size concern in my notation earlier. As noted by others in the thread, too big is not good. I have, over the recent years, downsized my machine two times due to the fact a larger machine, though nice, could not access areas of my property safely. My current 2320 won't lift a 1500 pound rock like my 3720 would be I can bop around on places I would never take the larger machine. It is always good to side by side compare them if you can as one cannot get an adequate picture of scale in pictures often. BP Fick has a nice machine. Those Kubota B series tractors are nice sized, offer a plus 30 hp model, but are not too big and have three hydro ranges.

John M

 

[bp fick]

scappoose mentioned his size and how he didn't fit into a B3200 or similar (on another thread). My suggestion is to try the spacing on a number of tractors, including the regular B series by Kubota. If Big Orange doesn't fit you, then you'll have to look at other colors. Lots of great choices.

One little piece of advice is that on a wide open lot, test driving at a dealership, a large framed tractor vs a smaller framed tractor doesn't necessarily provide a real world environment. It's just a parking lot.

Once home, on your 2 acres, you'd have an entirely different reality. Almost wish you could rent or borrow a tractor of a similar size to what you are shopping for a few hours around your place. It would be most enlightening.

 

[Yandaddy1110]

Having 2 ac. and 4 different tractors over the years, the bx2200 that I had fit my needs perfectly. Hydro, 22hp, lotsa leg room,60''mmm, decent turning radius,and a dealer right down the road, I cant see buying a 35hp tractor to fit your size 13 foot.
Why cant a tractor seat be raised and and brought back an inch or two. I looked at my B2400s seat, it could be done with some adapting fairly easily.

 

[ModMech]

The most important factor in that size (< 40 HP) is the DEALER because every manufacturer has good offerings in this market!

My suggestion is, visit your LOCAL DEALERS, tell them what you need to do with your tractor and make it clear you are an "active buyer" with $$$ to spend but that you have a few weeks to complete your research.

Take what you like in terms of models and pricing and compare it to which DEALER seemed most interested in EARNING your business.

Saving $1k will seem foolish if you need advice or something goes wrong and the DEALER is unresponsive.

My $0.02