which tractor???

KDL · May 14, 2001

My wife has just given the ok to get a new tractor. She said "get what you want just don't tell me what it cost". I've been married for twelve years so who says they can't suprise you!!! I live on 10 acres of land, plow a garden that is about 70' x 100' that I will eventually expand, and mow about 2.5-3 acres around my house. I am currently using a 12 H.P. garden tractor with a 36" deck and a 27" tiller that is badly overworked. I plan on getting a 60" mid-mount mower and a rotary tiller and maybe a front loader and grass catcher. I have been looking and have narrowed it to two brands, Kubota and John Deere, all with hydrostatic transmission and 4WD. The JD I am looking at is the 4100HST although the dealer is pushing a 455. As for Kubota I am considering the BX2200, B7500 and B2410HSD. Of all the tractors mentioned I am leaning toward the 2410 but is it worth the extra $$$ and would it be too large for duty as a lawn tractor, i.e. mowing around trees and shrubs, leaving ruts in the yard, scaring the wife, ect.? I know bigger isn't always better but I like 'em bigger. A friend has a Kubota with the Bi-speed turn option that he likes but is it worth getting? Also what would be a good price for the above tractors and options?

TresCrows · May 14, 2001

Well you know I would tell you the BX is enough but it is easy to see that you want to justify the 2410 so I say go for it, the 2410, and get yourself a new LT for the lawn area. You ride around on the 2410 and look kewl and have loads of fun while the wife does the real work, mowing with the LT. Hey, I wonder if I could work that on my wife but I want a L3010 to go with my BX. Why?---just cuz. Hell, it won't cost much because I will not need any implements for it-I just want to ride around on it, the BX can do everything else. J

Bird · May 14, 2001

KDL, your place sounds a lot like mine. I started in '95 with a Kubota B7100 and Cub Cadet AGS2130. In '99 I traded up to a B2710 to replace both of them. But I use a 3-point finish mower instead of a mid-mount. So at least for me personally, I agree with your inclination to go with the B2410. Get the front end loader with it, and maybe for your application the bi-speed might be the way to go; for me I see that as a "feature" instead of a "benefit" and would not want it.

Bird

M. Sullivan · May 14, 2001

The 4100 is larger than the 2410; more in-line with the 2710 I believe. Have nearly the same use as you, and the 2710 is not too big. Suggest looking at it. Also, look at the 72" belly mower vs. the 60" deck--maybe 10% more $$ for 20% more mower (and a LOT easier attachement/removal). Surprisingly agile turning and around trees--ask for an at home demo if possible. I did, and it stayed! Cut about 7 hilly acres with 200+ tree's. Cut my mowing time by more than half from my previous lawn tractor.

Pay special attention to history of problems/recalls on JD products as compared to Kubota......not even close from what I've seen.

Good luck, you'll be happy graduating from your lawn tractor whichever way you go!!

bpence · May 14, 2001

I have 10 acres in SE Michigan and use a B7100 to do everything around the place. The B7100 is a 16 hp tractor and runs a 60" mid-mount without any difficulties, even climbing up and down some long & pretty steep hills. I also use a 4 ft. bush hog regularly, push snow around & maintain a long gravel drive with a 5 ft. back blade, and borrow a neighbor's 4 ft. tiller a couple of times a year.

Personally, I happen to like the B7500 a lot. Nice size, very manuverable, pretty comfortable operator's deck, good power.......just a nice size tractor to enable you to do just about anything, especially if you get a front loader. If I were going to replace my B7100, I'd probably look real hard at the B7500. The B2410 would be a great machine, and I guess if you can justify the extra $$$$, you couldn't go wrong.

Bob Pence

GlueGuy · May 14, 2001

Those are all nice tractors. I suggest you look at the amount of power you need, and weigh that against the amount of maneuverability you need. I just replied to someone else the sometimes my B7500 is too small, and sometimes it's too big, but most of the time it's just right.

You might also want to look at this chart comparing the various B series specs.

The GlueGuy

70boss · May 14, 2001

The 4100 John Deere IS NOT as big as a 2710. It is only on par with the Kubota B7500, (which is $2000 les expensive), and the NH TC21D ($1000 less expensive, but more than the B7500). If you like BIG, then the smarter upgrade would be to the B2710, instead of the B2410. The BEST thing to do is drive all of them. Then you will appreciate the nuances of each.