I just bought acreage and I am looking for a tractor

[LeeWorm]

Hello,

My wife and I just purchased a 2.5 acre lot and the agreement with the wife was that if she wanted to go back to the "country" then I get a new tractor. The land is completely cleared but not flat as the soil settled in the same profile that the harrow left so it is slightly rippled. I am looking for a compact in the 25-30hp range with a loader and considering the work that needs to be done, over time, involving trenching and shallow digging; I am also looking for a backhoe attachment.

Any advice, suggestions, or critiques are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Lee Bourgeois

 

[Ed of all trades]

Welcome from Va

 

[murphy1244]

Howdy, check out the Kubota TLB series of BX.

 

[TripleR]

Well there are a lot that will do what you want, but like murphy1244, I would be looking at the Kubota BX25, John Deere 1025R or equivalent. I just rent a backhoe when needed, but some use the heck out of one. A Kubota B Series or equivalent in any of the top brands would also work, just a bit more money. I would look at renting something so you will have a baseline for comparison.

 

[farmgirl19]

:welcome: from Texas!

I second what TripleR said.

 

[mguitas]

:welcome:

 

[Larro Darro]

Welcome from NW Florida. I would go with the B series, even if it means buying a slightly used machine. I got a B7500 with a 100 hours on it [and a few attachments] for $7500 four or five years ago. It has been a good tractor.

 

[LeeWorm]

Guys thank you for the welcomes and the input.

I have been looking at Deere, New Holland, Kubota, and Mahindra. I have both contacted dealers within a 200 mile range of my home and visited most of the various dealers within a 2 hour drive to get a true feel for the different models. I have worked in construction since I was 18 and prior to going "into the office" I have been an equipment operator for the first 15 years of the last 22 years but the "farmer" aspect is a new experience. For the last 7 years I have had the pleasure of being able to use a JD 110TLB from work whenever I needed it and have become very familiar with JD's platform and ergonomics. Not to mention how the backhoe attachments mounts as well as a wide variety of implements. However, my new property is too far away from my work to be transporting such a heavy machine back and forth so it's time for me to Annie up for one of my own.

I have looked into and researched most of the models that have been mentioned so far and I am beginning to limit my choices down to how the controls feel during operation. If I was just looking to cut grass with the occasional loader work then the choice would be simple. However, being a Construction Project Manager, I am looking at this property from a strategic planning perspective so I know almost everything that I would need this machine to do during the property's development and the subsequent maintenance once we finish the construction and development. The way the loader controls are situated as well as the way the pedals are configured is becoming pivotal in my selection. Again, my years of experience as an operator are kicking in and being able to have a machine that is just as ergonomic as it is utilizable is very important. With that being said, the subcompacts feel entirely too cramped for my 6'2" frame…because you are sitting on a riding lawn mower with attachments on it.

 

[CurlyDave]

The JD 110 TLB is a tough act to follow with a smaller machine. Especially at your height.

Have you ever thought about buying a used one? Just about all you can get are used since they are discontinued, but an older one might be just right.

 

[TripleR]

Guys thank you for the welcomes and the input.

I have been looking at Deere, New Holland, Kubota, and Mahindra. I have both contacted dealers within a 200 mile range of my home and visited most of the various dealers within a 2 hour drive to get a true feel for the different models. I have worked in construction since I was 18 and prior to going "into the office" I have been an equipment operator for the first 15 years of the last 22 years but the "farmer" aspect is a new experience. For the last 7 years I have had the pleasure of being able to use a JD 110TLB from work whenever I needed it and have become very familiar with JD's platform and ergonomics. Not to mention how the backhoe attachments mounts as well as a wide variety of implements. However, my new property is too far away from my work to be transporting such a heavy machine back and forth so it's time for me to Annie up for one of my own.

I have looked into and researched most of the models that have been mentioned so far and I am beginning to limit my choices down to how the controls feel during operation. If I was just looking to cut grass with the occasional loader work then the choice would be simple. However, being a Construction Project Manager, I am looking at this property from a strategic planning perspective so I know almost everything that I would need this machine to do during the property's development and the subsequent maintenance once we finish the construction and development. The way the loader controls are situated as well as the way the pedals are configured is becoming pivotal in my selection. Again, my years of experience as an operator are kicking in and being able to have a machine that is just as ergonomic as it is utilizable is very important. With that being said, the subcompacts feel entirely too cramped for my 6'2" frame…because you are sitting on a riding lawn mower with attachments on it.

Seems like you really didn't need our input at all, it would have been helpful to have known this in advance.