Just another first tractor thread

[InTheDirt]

Yup, that's what I figured. Gotta see that 2000 series before I make up my mind - likely will NOT happen this weekend. I'm figuring decision by month's end after pricing at one more dealer.

 

[jenkinsph]

While the 2520 may look like a better deal I still suggest the 2720 for commercial work. It will get the jobs done faster imo. Tractors are low powered vehicles for their weight to start with and a slight incline tends to slow them down. I find that getting a little extra power in the same size frame really helps with this.

When operating a standard forward rotation tiller it pushes the tractor forward so tractive effort is a non issue. Tilling is all about pto hp, the more you have within reason the faster you can till a given plot.

Traction is determined by weight and tire choices for the most part. You can slip the tires on a 2320 about as easily as a 2720. The real difference comes with operating at higher working speeds, with equal loads of gravel or dirt in the fel bucket and rear ballast. The higher hp tractor will climb a slight incline much faster than the lower hp tractor.

Another thing to remember is when a tractor is rated as 25 pto hp that rating is with the tractor stationary, it won't make 25pto hp while cruising up the lawn with finish mower in tow at 6mph.


I mentioned all of this because from my experience building landscapes you pick the tractor by its footprint size and then get the higher hp model to be the most effective.

 

[InTheDirt]

Thanks once again for your input. If I truly can get 15% off list, I had planned on looking at the 2720 too.

The other element, which is a small one is that I have a 5 x 12 trailer now for our dirt bikes and quads that is rated for 2200lbs. The 1000 series would be OK, but marginal, with this trailer. The 2000 series would be too much for it. I know that should not be an element but if I go 2000 series, I have to plan on money for a trailer too.

........then there is the spousal approval.....................

This weekend is for approval, next for finalizing.

I really appreciate all the replies, it has been very helpful.

BTW, when you mention scraper blade, I assume you mean a rear blade and not a box blade, correct.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks once again for your input. If I truly can get 15% off list, I had planned on looking at the 2720 too.

The other element, which is a small one is that I have a 5 x 12 trailer now for our dirt bikes and quads that is rated for 2200lbs. The 1000 series would be OK, but marginal, with this trailer. The 2000 series would be too much for it. I know that should not be an element but if I go 2000 series, I have to plan on money for a trailer too.

........then there is the spousal approval.....................

This weekend is for approval, next for finalizing.

I really appreciate all the replies, it has been very helpful.

BTW, when you mention scraper blade, I assume you mean a rear blade and not a box blade, correct.

No, I was referring to a landplane, something along the lines of a 5' wide model. There are lots of brands but just for your information look at a Frontier LP series with 3PH mounting, this is IMatch compatible.

http://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/non_current/dsfe41828_land_planel_lp10_11_lit.pdf


FWIW, when I purchased the new 4520 in 2009 I got 18% off, the x749 I received 15% off. So I would think that 15% is doable for a 2720 tractor.

 

[InTheDirt]

I never heard of or saw one of those. I was figuring on just using a landscape rake after tilling (tilling with a rear tine 30-year old tiller) as that was what I did on the Cub when I sodded my front yard.

One last question - which tires should I get? I can make arguments for both.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would go with R4 tires as a good compromise tire, good for the lawn installations.

For mowing I have the HDAP tires on the x749 and these seem to be a great tire with good flotation and traction but I haven't seen this type offered in the larger sizes. A separate mower that is light without all the ballast needed for fels and high tractive work is the best way to go.



I built a landplane for smoothing lawn areas with straight set blades. This is 8' wide and does a good job getting the lawn areas smooth and flat (planar). A picture of my rear lawn that I built this landplane to smooth and the last picture of a customer who I built a patio extention for and regraded the lawn area to tie into the adjacent golf course.

 

[InTheDirt]

Good stuff!

 

[flusher]

I assume you're looking for a relatively small, nimble, lightweight tractor like the Kubota B series or BX series. Used (5-10 years old) with loader and 4WD -- price will fall in the $8-12K range.

 

[InTheDirt]

I am considering used but at this point thinking new. Good to have that in my back pocket.

 

[mossdown]

Hi guys. This is mossdown in Indiana. I am very interested in this post as i too am in the same boat . Looking at new vs used, Going to retire in a few short years and doing the same thing with a tractor.I have already had a taste for it doing minor landscaping-plowing&discing the last 4 years and am looking at the long term. Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Deere Dude]

I would go with R4 tires as a good compromise tire, good for the lawn installations.

For mowing I have the HDAP tires on the x749 and these seem to be a great tire with good flotation and traction but I haven't seen this type offered in the larger sizes. A separate mower that is light without all the ballast needed for fels and high tractive work is the best way to go.



I built a landplane for smoothing lawn areas with straight set blades. This is 8' wide and does a good job getting the lawn areas smooth and flat (planar). A picture of my rear lawn that I built this landplane to smooth and the last picture of a customer who I built a patio extention for and regraded the lawn area to tie into the adjacent golf course.

That seems like something I was looking for. I looked at the couple pictures you have of your planer. Would you be able to post some more detailed pictures or send them to me of your landplane so I could sort of copy that and make one myself. Possibly tell me what size of steel you used for the pieces that do the grading etc. I know it's winter and cold but the next time you think of it when it is warmer, just snap a few pictures. I have a bunch of 3" channel iron and some other assorted sizes to weld with. I have a 3720 so I could scale it down from yours more than likely.

 

[jenkinsph]

That seems like something I was looking for. I looked at the couple pictures you have of your planer. Would you be able to post some more detailed pictures or send them to me of your landplane so I could sort of copy that and make one myself. Possibly tell me what size of steel you used for the pieces that do the grading etc. I know it's winter and cold but the next time you think of it when it is warmer, just snap a few pictures. I have a bunch of 3" channel iron and some other assorted sizes to weld with. I have a 3720 so I could scale it down from yours more than likely.

I will see about some better pics for you this week but will also be building a new smaller landplane for my x749 very soon. I have worked out some small improvements which I will incorporate into the new design.

For the larger landplane I would recommend a 7' for your 3720. I will see about a material list for you too.

 

[InTheDirt]

Just to get some comparisons, I looked at the Massey 1526.

Anyone know how the JD 2520 stacks up with the MF 1526? Looks like the MF has some nice features too.

 

[jenkinsph]

One thing I like about the MF 1526 is that it has a three range hydro that is a plus in its favor.:thumbsup:
If this is your only tractor I think it is not enough power.

 

[InTheDirt]

The three stage HST is good as is the automatic throttle advance under load. The tractor will change rpm depending upon load without manually adjusting the throttle - great newbie feature.

 

[InTheDirt]

....also, the fenders and hood are metal and they are offering a $1500 discount for cash. Even if I have to go to the next model up, it is about $2k less than a comparable JD. All other major manufacturers have dealers that are too far away.

 

[Martian]

I would go up the next size in the Massey. I'm really unfamiliar with the Massey's system, but from what I see, it's 25HP. I think you'd be best with something in the 2720 range. I'm not informed enough on the Massey's, no dealers around here so I've never shopped for them. I would recommend driving them both and see which is too your liking.

 

[Artesia Aggie]

I would also suggest driving both. Another consideration is the dealer. I could not be more pleased with mine. They were fair on the purchase, took the time to show me how to use my tractor, have been a big help with parts on my 30 year old garden tractor.

In my opinion, the choice of dealer is almost as important as the choice of equipment. I will also put in a plug for the 2520. I looked at the 2320 but stretched a little to the bigger tractor and I am glad I did.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would also suggest driving both. Another consideration is the dealer. I could not be more pleased with mine. They were fair on the purchase, took the time to show me how to use my tractor, have been a big help with parts on my 30 year old garden tractor.

In my opinion, the choice of dealer is almost as important as the choice of equipment. I will also put in a plug for the 2520. I looked at the 2320 but stretched a little to the bigger tractor and I am glad I did.

I agree that we have a good dealer in Pecos.:thumbsup:

 

[InTheDirt]

I'm hoping to drive both on Monday. We will see how the dealers go.

It's is surprising how much taller the tires are on the MF. Not sure how important that is for landscaping (except affecting turning radius) but understand it could help for farming.