snooks
Bronze Member
I have 2.5 acres to mow and want to do some landscaping in my yard (ie, remove gravel from drive to pour concrete, level dirt floor of pole barn to pour concrete, fill and level settled sewer line trench, pull box blade, and possibly dig out hill side for room addition). Live in Illinois with good black top soil, not rocky. Currently own an 8N which I have been very happy with, except I can not realistically add a loader. So, time to buy something. I have looked at the Yanmar, NH, JD, Belarus, MF, Kioti, and Kubota. I want the biggest bang for the buck and can afford any of the above. Would I be better off with a 30hp used or a 20hp new? Would a 20hp 4x4 do the same work of a 30hp 2wd? How about a 24hp 4x4? I am looking at Kioti or Kubota new (dealers close by) vs Yanmar or MF or Hinomoto used. What is the best way to go?
I understand the grey market disadvantages (ROPS, questionable parts support, ect), so there is no need to review that issue. Resale isn't really an issue either, as I will probably keep it for a very long time. Since I have had an 8N, pretty much anything is considered more refined. So I am not really set in my ways for any particular option like Power/shuttle shift, but would be nice. Concerned more about Reliability, HP, and value. Please HELP?
I understand the grey market disadvantages (ROPS, questionable parts support, ect), so there is no need to review that issue. Resale isn't really an issue either, as I will probably keep it for a very long time. Since I have had an 8N, pretty much anything is considered more refined. So I am not really set in my ways for any particular option like Power/shuttle shift, but would be nice. Concerned more about Reliability, HP, and value. Please HELP?