RachelV needs a tractor

[dex3361]

From what you are describing and what you want it, sounds like a BX with a FEL (front end loader) would more than suit your needs and then some. There are a lot of low hours BX tractors with FEL for less than $10K. Take the time to go to a few dealers and sit on and run some of the machines. If all you wanted to was cut grass on flat ground I would recommend a zero turn but if other chores are involved then a SCUT(sub compact utility tractor) is the ticket.

 

[Diamondpilot]

If I had 10K I would look at a good ZTR. Do not buy one at a box store. Look for a Bad Boy, Scag, Ferris, ect. You can pick up a good used commercial grade one for the 6K range. I would use the rest to buy something like a Yanmar, Ford 661, ect for a tractor. You can then plow the snow with a $400 rear grader blade.


Chris

 

[RachelV]

I like looking at all these Ideas. I dont have the experience U men have with different brands and there are so many.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Hauling a larger cart is not a good job for a ZTR although they are fast mowers. I'm not sure about the snow in Ohio, but that is a consideration too. Tougher tractors than yours start at something like the Simplicity Pestiege, the John Deere X5xx series, and some of the Cub Cadets. Diesel tractors in your price range start at the Kubota BX 1860, and that might be a good one to look at. It is a much tougher tractor than the others mentioned, and not much more money, and is less than the top of the line JD, or Simplicity garden tractors. It is also the smallest, and least expensive tractor really suited to a front end loader. Beyond that price wise are the larger BX series, the John Deere 2305, the Massey GC 2400 series, and possibly the smallest Mahindra. Used tractors are always an option, but sometimes take more experience to sort out. Good to have you with us, and good luck with your search!

 

[RachelV]

We can get terrible snow storms. And when we do it can leave U wishing U had been to the store. hehe. I have a truck with 4x4. I dont want to put a blade on it. Its my baby hehe. It goes through snow good but U really need to clean your drive if U want to be able to go anywhere.

 

[RobertN]

Looking thru the posts, need more info.

How big is the drive that needs plowing?
How much mowing outside the 2 acres do you do?
How difficult is the access to the wood you gather?

So far I see:
Mow 2 acres
plow unknown drive
Gather wood

From that limited info, I would look at a BX or B series(or other brand equivilant). A mid mount mower, and rear blade would mow and plow. A little utility trailer would be esy to tow.

I would add though, that you would be amamzed the things you could do with a loader; gather wood, plow/scoop snow, move mulch, move dirt, carry tools, carry posts ect ect. With the quick attach versions, makes the tractor easy to mow with too.

I would sit down, and try to list out the things you want to do, and how much of that work there is. And, if you will have to transport whatever you get.

The other thing is, look at local rental places. It will probably cost $150 or more, but rent a tractor for a day, and go do some of the tasks on your list. That will give you a good real life idea of what you may want more of, or may not really need. $150 rental is a small investment compared to $10,000 for something that did not fit the bill after all.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I can say Ohio is a pretty state after having been there a few times. Not much in the way of Mountains when you are used to volcanoes all around me. :thumbsup:
I applaud you for what you want to do and your ambition. I am raising my daughter. She knows how to drive the tractor and run chainsaws as well as my chipper. She still likes to be a young lady when she can.
What you might consider is renting a tractor or ZTR if you can and try them out. With the amount of snow you folks can get I would think the compromise of a tractor with a Middle mower would be something to look into.
At least that's my 2cents worth of advice.

 

[RachelV]

We can fit 10 cars on drive easy. and still have a bit of room to shoot baskets. I hope to be having my own lawn bussiness, so I guess allot outside of my house. I also my neighbors when he is sick or having health issues which is another 2 acres of the 15, the rest is wooded.

 

[RachelV]

He has a Tractor trail that goes back in woods. Its nice for a a tractor. Im sure U could fit a truck in there but I wouldnt take mine in it. The branches would scratch it up.

 

[RobertN]

That is not so big; I wondered about 1 1/4 mile drive or something

I work for the company that probably makes the CPU in your PC. At this facility, they have a Kubota BX series and mid-mount mower. They mow probably 5 acres. ~1/2 that is weekly.

One thing about a SCUT like that though, you will not want to take it out in the woods with the mid-mower on it, I wouldn't think.

I would still, look at a loader. They come off very easy for mowing, back on very easy for other work.

Is your truck a 1500 series or 2500 series? Does it have the tow package?

As you think about the tractor, remember there will be $1500+ for a trailer, chains, binders ect. Factor that in to your budget too.

We can fit 10 cars on drive easy. and still have a bit of room to shoot baskets. I hope to be having my own lawn bussiness, so I guess allot outside of my house. I also my neighbors when he is sick or having health issues which is another 2 acres of the 15, the rest is wooded.