OK so I know this question has been asked to death but I am going to ask it again anyway.
Currently live on 100 acres with 3 other family members. We have several tractors on the farm but none of them are mine. They range from 33HP Case to a 98HP JD.
I am looking at buying a smaller tractor to get into tight spaces in the woods. I will definitely be doing FEL work, mowing grass, general cleaning in the woods, and maintaining about 700 feet of gravel driveway.
2 questions:
First: I am considering a yanmar 2310D from Fredricks or a used Mahindra 3015 HST with about 800 hours on it. Both are about the same money. Should I go with a Yanmar (30 year old tractor, UTDA certified) or get a newer mainstream tractor with several hundred hours and not sure how it has been maintained?
I know the Yanmar has more than 800 hours but I Fredricks should have at least gone through the entire tractor and gotten it in top shape for it's age and use.
Second: I have also talked to Fredricks and they have a 1820D (with aftermarket powersteering) for a few hundred dollars less than the 2310D. I like the thought of a smaller frame since I want to be able to get into tight places but am concerned about the smaller engine and HP. Will the 1820 be able to get the work done or do I need more hp/weight?
I am not a mechanic (but like to tinker and figure stuff out myself). Honestly I like the thought of the Yanmar being so simple. With an HST I am a little concerned that if anything goes wrong I won't even be able to figure out what to do on my own. I think with the Yanmar and this board I could figure most of it out on my own.
Currently live on 100 acres with 3 other family members. We have several tractors on the farm but none of them are mine. They range from 33HP Case to a 98HP JD.
I am looking at buying a smaller tractor to get into tight spaces in the woods. I will definitely be doing FEL work, mowing grass, general cleaning in the woods, and maintaining about 700 feet of gravel driveway.
2 questions:
First: I am considering a yanmar 2310D from Fredricks or a used Mahindra 3015 HST with about 800 hours on it. Both are about the same money. Should I go with a Yanmar (30 year old tractor, UTDA certified) or get a newer mainstream tractor with several hundred hours and not sure how it has been maintained?
I know the Yanmar has more than 800 hours but I Fredricks should have at least gone through the entire tractor and gotten it in top shape for it's age and use.
Second: I have also talked to Fredricks and they have a 1820D (with aftermarket powersteering) for a few hundred dollars less than the 2310D. I like the thought of a smaller frame since I want to be able to get into tight places but am concerned about the smaller engine and HP. Will the 1820 be able to get the work done or do I need more hp/weight?
I am not a mechanic (but like to tinker and figure stuff out myself). Honestly I like the thought of the Yanmar being so simple. With an HST I am a little concerned that if anything goes wrong I won't even be able to figure out what to do on my own. I think with the Yanmar and this board I could figure most of it out on my own.