New2NC
New member
I have been reading and learning a lot from all these posts and have decided to ask you all to add your two cents. (I love that phrase because it seems like you are undervaluing your experience and opinions!)
There was a recent post comparing the Kubota 3800 and the JD3038E and questioning the validity of the 2K price difference between them. I am also down to these two choices but my question is not so much about which brand is better but trying to determine what is an appropriate size for my needs. I don't want to buy "too much tractor" or kick myself later for skimping on the purchase. You all have convinced me that I can't go wrong with either one.
I am recently retired, so have lots of time to devote to the new 15 acres we bought in NC. It is rough land, perhaps a former tobacco farm many years ago. It has been brush hogged several times so I can see the contours of the land. It is relatively flat, a little bit rolling with some trees, but not really forested. A lot of old piles of brush have been overgrown with thistle and invasives.
Given all that, the tractors are comparable in HP but the Kubota is a heavier and bigger machine. I have driven them both and feel comfortable on each. Also plan to get the FEL and a 5' brush cutter. Since I am a newbie, I will be proceeding cautiously as I learn how to use the powerful machine. I will say I have a healthy fear/respect of the power of a tractor (the way I do for the power of the ocean.)
The big unknown here is what I suspect you are asking yourself: what are we going to do with the land? Just not 100% sure, which is why I am wondering if we should plan to grow into the tractor or assume that either one can do the trick. We want to clear some of the old piles and perhaps plant hay, or create beautiful pastures to enjoy. Or something else.
I like both dealers and they are the same distance from me. There is a price difference, say $1,300 more for the Kubota. But again, if it will better suit my needs, so be it. Any wisdom you would like to impart? Thanks in advance for your help.
There was a recent post comparing the Kubota 3800 and the JD3038E and questioning the validity of the 2K price difference between them. I am also down to these two choices but my question is not so much about which brand is better but trying to determine what is an appropriate size for my needs. I don't want to buy "too much tractor" or kick myself later for skimping on the purchase. You all have convinced me that I can't go wrong with either one.
I am recently retired, so have lots of time to devote to the new 15 acres we bought in NC. It is rough land, perhaps a former tobacco farm many years ago. It has been brush hogged several times so I can see the contours of the land. It is relatively flat, a little bit rolling with some trees, but not really forested. A lot of old piles of brush have been overgrown with thistle and invasives.
Given all that, the tractors are comparable in HP but the Kubota is a heavier and bigger machine. I have driven them both and feel comfortable on each. Also plan to get the FEL and a 5' brush cutter. Since I am a newbie, I will be proceeding cautiously as I learn how to use the powerful machine. I will say I have a healthy fear/respect of the power of a tractor (the way I do for the power of the ocean.)
The big unknown here is what I suspect you are asking yourself: what are we going to do with the land? Just not 100% sure, which is why I am wondering if we should plan to grow into the tractor or assume that either one can do the trick. We want to clear some of the old piles and perhaps plant hay, or create beautiful pastures to enjoy. Or something else.
I like both dealers and they are the same distance from me. There is a price difference, say $1,300 more for the Kubota. But again, if it will better suit my needs, so be it. Any wisdom you would like to impart? Thanks in advance for your help.