NewToTractors
New member
I'm a first time tractor buyer and I need some help finding the right one. I've tried using the "Product Selection Tools" on many manufacturers websites... John Deere, Kubota, Massey Ferguson, New Holland, Cub Cadet, to name a few. But, not all the sites have online help or even ask the same questions. I've seen suggestions ranging from a heavy duty riding mower to a 25 horsepower compact tractor. So I'm really not certain which machine is the best fit. I had no idea there were so many Makes and Models to choose from!
Here are some the details/criteria that effects our decision:
Use: Home
Price: Up to approx. $15,000
Primary Tasks: Rough Cutting of pasture grass
Secondary Tasks: Lawn Mowing
Seasonal: Snow Removal, Tilling and Moving Material (Firewood, Mulch)
Acreage: 4 Acres (very few trees)
Mowing Time: Prefer Less than 4 hours
Transmission: Automatic
Here is an important question that the online help tools don't ask about... incline.
On the 4+ acres we just bought, I have 12- to 23-degree inclines for mowing 10-12 inches deep of pasture-type grass. I also have some slopes that max around 40-degrees where the growth is 2-3 foot tall weeds and brush. (I've got property pics if it helps)
My Questions are:
- What manufacturers/machines can operate on these steep degrees of incline? None of the sales people will give me a straight answer!
- Will the differential lock feature found on some of the heavy duty riding mowers work alright for these steep conditions, or do I need to get a 4x4 compact tractor like the John Deere 2210?
- Riding Tractor versus Compact? All can do the work, but after adding a Cat.1, 3-Pt hitch and attachments it would end up costing just as much as a Compact Tractor.
- Should I look at a diesel engine to get the torque to handle our 40-degree hills, or will a gasoline engine work just as well?
- Should I consider an ATV instead of a tractor? I hear that they are able to preform many of the same tasks?
Thanks in advance for anyone that can offer help!
Sincerely, "Overwhelmed" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Here are some the details/criteria that effects our decision:
Use: Home
Price: Up to approx. $15,000
Primary Tasks: Rough Cutting of pasture grass
Secondary Tasks: Lawn Mowing
Seasonal: Snow Removal, Tilling and Moving Material (Firewood, Mulch)
Acreage: 4 Acres (very few trees)
Mowing Time: Prefer Less than 4 hours
Transmission: Automatic
Here is an important question that the online help tools don't ask about... incline.
On the 4+ acres we just bought, I have 12- to 23-degree inclines for mowing 10-12 inches deep of pasture-type grass. I also have some slopes that max around 40-degrees where the growth is 2-3 foot tall weeds and brush. (I've got property pics if it helps)
My Questions are:
- What manufacturers/machines can operate on these steep degrees of incline? None of the sales people will give me a straight answer!
- Will the differential lock feature found on some of the heavy duty riding mowers work alright for these steep conditions, or do I need to get a 4x4 compact tractor like the John Deere 2210?
- Riding Tractor versus Compact? All can do the work, but after adding a Cat.1, 3-Pt hitch and attachments it would end up costing just as much as a Compact Tractor.
- Should I look at a diesel engine to get the torque to handle our 40-degree hills, or will a gasoline engine work just as well?
- Should I consider an ATV instead of a tractor? I hear that they are able to preform many of the same tasks?
Thanks in advance for anyone that can offer help!
Sincerely, "Overwhelmed" /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif