1023/1026 a good choice?

[s219]

Hello all, this is my first post after lurking here a lot over the years. This forum is pretty awesome.

My wife and I are about to buy a 4 acre property to build a new home. On our current home, I was young, eager, and dumb, and did all clearing and landscaping by hand (for example spreading topsoil over 0.5 acre with just a wheelbarrow and hand tools, and yanking stumps out with a come-along, jack, sawz-all, and pry bar). This time around, I know I want to go into the new property with a tractor from day one. Age has worn me down a bit, but also made me smarter (=lazier?), and I know I need a tractor this time around.

I like the Deere 2000 and 3000 series, and have used various models on the properties of friends and family. But I have always thought they were a little too big for my long term needs. On the other hand, I never liked the sub-compacts. But, I happened to see a 1023 at the local Deere dealer the other day, and it looks like it might be a good choice. I'd like to get some feedback on that.

The first tasks at the new land will be forest cleanup, removing downed trees from Hurricane Irene for firewood. In order to avoid extensive permitting hassles and costs, this activity will stay under 2500 square feet, and I plan to minimize land disturbance. I will be making use of an existing logging road and cutting paths no wider than about 5 feet as needed (or snaking between trees if that works). The tractor would be used for very light-duty skidding, but mainly to ferry cut firewood rounds out of the woods. This would also become a long term use of the tractor in the future. I may need to remove a few stumps, but realize that's not necessarily something a compact or sub-compact can help with a whole lot, so I'd likely defer most of that for the eventual land clearing / construction, when we rent a backhoe.

The second task will be installing a few culverts across a dry stream bed to get the tractor deeper into the woods. Due to wetlands sensitivity, I will have to dig out the stream beds by hand, but a tractor will be needed to drag in an 18" corrugated culvert pipe and then carry in loads of aggregate to fill in the culvert. The culverts will eventually be used for the property's driveway, so I plan to do it right the first time (otherwise I'd be tempted to just drop some pines across the stream bed and chain them together for a temporary logger bridge).

Farther out in time, the tractor would be used for grading and landscaping the yard, and for various projects like constructing a small dock and putting in a garden.

Long term, I'd have a 600-700 foot driveway to maintain/grade from time to time, and remove snow from. We don't get a lot of snow in my area of Virginia, but there are 10-14" dumps every so often that would require plowing. And then there will be long term firewood collecting on the property of a few cords a year -- the property has pines and hardwoods now, and I'd replant with hybrid poplars for future firewood. For mowing, I'd stick with my trusty old Deere LT150, so I don't need a mowing deck on the new tractor.

Having looked at the options, my thought is that the 1000 series would be better from the standpoint of driving around the woods in tight spaces for my firewood work (and it's also narrow enough to get onto my 4x8 trailer for transport). A front loader would take care of the culvert construction. A box blade and front loader would make landscaping a piece of cake (compared to doing it by hand that is). And then maybe I'd want a front blade for snow plowing in the future, though I am tempted to first try it with the loader and box blade, or even weld up a snow diverter to attach to the front loader pins. A backhoe attachment would be great, but the ones I have seen for the 1000-3000 series don't look tough enough to really justify the cost. I'd need to be able to dig out stumps to make it worthwhile, and they don't look tough enough for that (or are they?).

So, now that you've read my long writeup, does the 1023/1026 seem like a good short term and long term choice?

Feature-wise, the 1023 would fit my needs just fine, but I like the nicer seat and tilt wheel on the 1026. The rest of the doodads on the 1026 look like fluff to me, so I may just stick with the 1023 for value. Going into this land purchase, money will be a factor, but I am justifying the cost of the tractor since it will pay for itself during the culvert installation and landscaping, compared to hiring that work out (or doing it by hand with medical bills!).

Thanks for reading, and for any feedback/advice you can offer.

 

[bigtiller]

I didn't see any PTO work listed in your question so the 1023 would be the better of the two. But if you think a snow blower would ever be in your future I would go up to the 1026. Both of these are what some may call
'lawnmowers on steroids". I think that is a good description. They do best at mowing and can do some lite tractor work occasionally, in the yard. When a lawnmower leaves the yard, bad things start happening at a more frequent rate.

You may be better off moving up to the 2520. It is more of a big mower/lite tractor. Much better suited for doing the chores you listed.

 

[revitupfaster]

From the "job" list you present, I agree with bigtiller, and would be looking at a 2320/2520. The 2000 series units aren't that much larger physically, and shouldn't be a problem for the "tight" spaces you talk about. As bigtiller says, the 1023/1026 are "lawnmowers, on Steroids". Nothing wrong with that, but since you already have a dedicated "lawn machine" I would certainly look towards the 2000 series machines. The 1000 series in my opinion are the better choice, if finish mowing is the priority, and you don't have, or intend to have a separate machine for finish mowing. To me your "job" list calls for more "tractor" than a lawnmower, and the 2000 series are more tractor than mower.

I have about a 5 acre property, and use a JDX495 with a 62" deck for mowing, and also have a 2520 that handles the heavier tasks. Perfect combination for my situation.

The general rule of thumb is, if possible, buy a tractor that is one step up from what you think you will need. I would bet that if you do go for a 1000 series machine, it won't be long before you will be in the "shoulda' bought the bigger tractor" mode. I haven't ever heard of anyone wishing they'd bought a smaller unit.

Do it right the first time.......saves a lot of dough in the long run.

REV

 

[glc24]

Hello and WELCOME TO TBN!

Nothing wrong with that, but since you already have a dedicated "lawn machine" I would certainly look towards the 2000 series machines.

Oh, I agree whole heartedly with this too. Yes,the 2520 is larger,but you would be pleasantly surprised at just how maneuverable this machine can be,trust me. It continues to just amaze me,and believe it or not,it is an awesome grass cutter too!:thumbsup:

You also should do a search for threads concerning the 2520 coupled with a BH. That may surprise you too.

I am tempted to first try it with the loader and box blade, or even weld up a snow diverter to attach to the front loader pins.

As you stated,not really needing snow removal equipment very much,IMO,you may end up disappointed using either one of these attachments. They really aren't designed for snow duty,especially the box blade. The loader......eh,I used it my first year because that is all I had,but now I have a snow plow,and oh man, night and day difference. Two problems with the loader,it is too far out in front of the machine,and you can't angle it. My .02 of course.
Any questions,just PM me,I'll be glad to answer if I can.

One other thing. It is always easiest on your wallet to throw in as many attachments as you can with your initial investment.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Greg

 

[s219]

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, I appreciate it.

I hear you on the 2520. I have been trying to step up size/capability when buying stuff and tackling projects, after learning the hard way. My shed is a perfect example of going too small. It fit my stuff fine in 2004, but I quickly accumulated more equipment and now it's a sardine can -- won't make that mistake at the new place.

I will give the 2520 some thought. Of course, that won't fit on my 4x8 trailer, another example of going too small, so now we're talking about another upgrade!

My uncle has a 3005 with front loader, and that has been a good tractor. It prices out less than the 2520. Any thoughts on how that mixes in to the comparison?

BTW, does anyone know where the 1000, 2000, and 3000 series are made?

 

[Petroman1]

I must tell you that I too was looking at the smaller tractor. The 2305 was what the 1023 and 1026 replaced. I went to the dealer a lot looking at that model. It so happend they had 0% financing on the 2520 and with that offer I went with the 2520. I can say that I am not at all disappointed on my decision. I use it to mow every week. the turning radius is AWESOME!!! As you can see I bit the bullet and added some extras. So I too agree with bigtiller. Good luck with your new property!

 

[glc24]

BTW, does anyone know where the 1000, 2000, and 3000 series are made?

I am pretty sure all of the 1000 and 2000 series are assembled in Augusta Ga. Not all of the 3000 series. Some of the "economy" models are assembled overseas. Where,I don't know.


Greg

 

[BethesdaEC]

I am pretty sure all of the 1000 and 2000 series are assembled in Augusta Ga. Not all of the 3000 series. Some of the "economy" models are assembled overseas. Where,I don't know.


Greg

The 2000 Series is made by Yanmar in Japan, the 1000, 3000 are made in the USA.

 

[glc24]

The 2000 Series is made by Yanmar in Japan, the 1000, 3000 are made in the USA.

Actually,they are all Yanmar (Japan) manufactured,and assembled (put together) here in Ga.

Greg

 

[LBrown59]

I must tell you that I too was looking at the smaller tractor.
The 2305 was what the 1023 and 1026 replaced.
I went to the dealer a lot looking at that model. It so happend they had 0% financing on the 2520 and with that offer I went with the 2520. I can say that I am not at all disappointed on my decision. I use it to mow every week. the turning radius is AWESOME!!! As you can see I bit the bullet and added some extras. So I too agree with bigtiller. Good luck with your new property!

Wonder why they replaced a Sub Compact with a garden tractor ?

 

[revitupfaster]

[QUOTE
As you stated, not really needing snow removal equipment very much,IMO,you may end up disappointed using either one of these attachments. They really aren't designed for snow duty,especially the box blade. The loader......eh,I used it my first year because that is all I had,but now I have a snow plow,and oh man, night and day difference. [/QUOTE]

Here here......one of the reasons I went for the 2520 was to hopefully be able to plow snow, without having to use chains. I have the R4 tires on mine, which have stiffer sidewalls, and a more aggressive tread, that make them better for FEL work, although a lot of folks didn't seem all that impressed with the winter tration ability of the R4.

I originally had the JD 54" and quickhitch blade setup on my X495, and of course had to use chains. When I bought the 2520, I upgraded the quickhitch to fit the 2520, and on the advice of this forum, purchased the ballast box for added winter traction. WOW.....with that loaded ballast box attached, I mostly plow my 300' driveway without even using 4wd. My drive is pretty much flat, but the 2520, JD quicktatch blade and BB can certainly handle any snow we get, and here in southern Ontario Canada, we usually get our share.

I guess what I'm saying is that I agree with Greg, the blade is far better than the loader for snow removal. Being able to angle the thing to either side sure lets you push the stuff anywhere you want without having to make multiple runs at different approach angles. So if you are thinking of bundling a few attachments in the deal, the front blade would be something I would think about.

I can't comment on the 2520/3005 question, not really sure of what the differences are. There doesn't seem to be a lot of discussion on that model as to how it stacks up to the 2320/2520/2720 series.

Good luck with your deliberations.

Rev

 

[devildog1]

Wonder why they replaced a Sub Compact with a garden tractor ?

Just wondering LBrown which one of those is considered a garden tractor?
DevilDog

 

[jcmseven]

Neither the 1023 nor the 1026 is a garden tractor.

John M

 

[LBrown59]

I didn't see any PTO work listed in your question so the 1023 would be the better of the two. But if you think a snow blower would ever be in your future I would go up to the 1026. Both of these are what some may call
'lawnmowers on steroids". I think that is a good description. They do best at mowing and can do some lite tractor work occasionally, in the yard. When a lawnmower leaves the yard, bad things start happening at a more frequent rate.

You may be better off moving up to the 2520. It is more of a big mower/lite tractor. Much better suited for doing the chores you listed.

Just wondering LBrown which one of those is considered a garden tractor?
DevilDog

Neither the 1023 nor the 1026 is a garden tractor.

John M

This 'lawnmowers on steroids". usually refers to
a Garden Tractor not a sub compact.

 

[Johndeere3720]

S219, If i were you I would look at the 2520 as well as the 3005 and 3E tractors. I also have the experience with buying to small, my Yanmar is 16 hp, has more torque than a sub-compact but it lacks the power to do what I want. In my case, I am in the process of selling it to upgrade to a skid steer loader which I feel will better suit the work I need to accomplish. In your posts you mentioned some pretty big tasks. The 1000 series tractors don't have the capacities, ground clearance, or capabilities that the 2000 and 3000 series tractors do. I got the chance to try out a 1023E at the dealer right after they got their first one in and comparing that to the 2000 and 3000 series tractors I have had experience on was night and day. Just my :2cents:

 

[megotatractor]

s219,
I have done a little "light duty skidding" with my 2210, have dragged entire small trees, and a 25 year old dead birch tree which was pretty impressive. However I find my Ford Ranger 4x4 pickup will do more pulling on dry ground. You may consider a 2000 series tractor for raw pulling power. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the 1023 would impress you but the bigger the machine the easier - and less scary- the pulling, not to mention a heavier machine = better traction. Skidding even small trees traction may be an issue.

 

[HunterWare]

I'm sure the bigger tractors will do better here. More weight, bigger tires, and sitting higher will allow for bigger tree pulling. I have pulled 15ft sections of 30" diameter trees across 20% grades with my old 2305 with loaded R4s and a heavy implement on the 3pt (max weight). I tore up the lawn *grin*, but it worked. I was pulling from the hitch plate with 20ft of chain choked on the tree section. I'm figuring the 1026R will do just about exactly the same.