Small

[Speedbump7]

Thanks in advance, hopefully this is the correct forum.
My background. Property is approx 1.5 wooded acres next to a pond, with a 1000' dirt driveway onto a dirt single lane road. The drive washes out on occasion and New England snow is a major concern. The mowed areas are mostly heavly wooded and not Golf Course condition.
Currently, I use a 12 hp Wheelhorse Garden Tractor. For mowing, it is perfect but, snow and drive grading are tuff. It has lasted 18 years though.
In looking to upgrade I having trouble id'ing a tractor that seems right for the mowing aspect. They all appear too big for the tight wooded areas (all the decks are much larger than the 36" Rear Discharge I specially ordered when I purchased the WH.
I am looking at; CubCadet/Yanmar Sc2400, New Holland TZ18Da, Kubota BX1850, or a Massey Ferguson GC2300. (The Kubota looks closest to my needs).
All with a FEL, belly mower and Cat 1, acc's later as $ allow.
As the WH is getting very tired I am trying to decide on a new choice.
The jump form GT to SubCompact is new to me, any suggestions.

[Airic]

If you are looking for a good deal the MF2300 might be worth looking at. They have new models (2400 and 2600) that replaced the 2300 this spring. There should be a few 2300's out there that can be had for a good price. I bought mine this spring and its a great tractor.

[Charlton John]

I currently own a N.H. TZ25 only difference between the 18 you are contimplating and the 25 is horse power and a little weight, size is the same. Excellent little SCUT for your needs. I am currently looking to upgrade to a little bigger tracter (either 26 horse or 30) but only because I am maintaining a little more land and the land needs some major overhaul and is hilly in spots. But again for your purpose the TZ 18 works great getting in and around tite areas and the FEL will come in handy for odd jobs and snow removal. Only gripe is the ROPS dont fold on the Tz MODELS. Good Luck!!!!!!!

[slewisma]

Any of those tractors will be okay for the driveway work (though bigger is better if that is the only goal).

For the lawn, most of these don't come with less than a 48" deck. If that won't fit through a bunch of places you need to go, it is the deal-breaker.

I've been surprised but my BX24 seems more nimble than my old 12HP Sears riding mower was when it comes to maneuverability. I got the 54" finecut deck and there are two specific places that I now have to mow with the push mower (until I turn them into extensions of the adjacent beds).

So, it's all about the width. If 48" or greater will work for the majority of what you need to fit between, go for the SCUT.

[roxynoodle]

You might be surprised at the manueverability of these CUTS and SCUTS. I also find mine more manueverable than my lawn tractor. If all of the tractors you have named still seem too large, you might want to consider a small, used Yanmar such as the 1300D. It's small but powerful. Another idea is to get the compact you want and also a cheap lawn tractor like I do. My compact doesn't fit everywhere on my property either and that is why I trim with the rider.

[gilbertmsg]

If you have a Kioti dealer near, you might want to take a look at the the CK20. Plenty of tractor for your property and for the money you probably won't do any better. I was very suprised at what a small tractor can do.

Eddie

[Gittyup]

You should also consider Deere's and TYM. Deer subcuts are good and the FEL release mechanism is super easy for on/off. This might be especially important if you are mowing in tight spaces. The loader makes these little tractors much longer. The TYM T273 is really sweet, and there are good deals on them as well. The JD X700 series is also a very nice machine, especially in all-wheel-steer.

I think any of those discussed would work for you, though.

[Mark_G]

I would agree that a Kioti CK20 might be a good fit. If you first remove rocks and thicker brush (Rent a DR etc) then you might get away with a belly mower and that would be very maneuverable.

Doesn't cost anything to look. I have a little over 5.5 acres and just got a CK30. I intend to use it to cut my wooded property and clean up with my DR field and brush mower where the CK30 can't reach.

Mark

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

If the Kioti CK20 is a good fit, then also check out the Mahindra 2015, or 2216 as they are the closest apples to apples comparison to the CK20.

[Soundguy]

Test drive that TZ.. perhaps even a larger one.. see what it can do... heck.. test drive -ANYTHING- you are considering buying.

soundguy