Looking for tractor to maintain 8.5 acres in NH

[GManBart]

I'd lean more towards a 30-35 hp large SCUT/small CUT for a couple of reasons. One, they usually have more ground clearance. Two they normally have a 3-range HST transmission (HST is the smartest, safest bet for someone new to tractors), which gives you some flexibility over 2-range setups. Three, they're a bit bigger and heavier, which usually means more stability. Four, they normally have a good edge in FEL lift height and lift capacity which can come in handy, or at least mean you aren't constantly maxing out your loader, so it should cut down on wear and tear.

If you can't swing a zero turn (which would be much faster, and cut better) and rear finish mower will do a good job, but you're likely going to run into issues with tearing up the lawn (even with a SCUT) even under the best of conditions, and possibly won't be able to mow at all if it's rained recently.

I would definitely go for a snow thrower over a rear blade for your area. Blades are fast, but your driveway gets more narrow each pass you make, and you'll eventually have to use the FEL to move the banks back, which is slow. I'd look for an inverted 3pt blower which lets you drive forward.

I had really good luck with my LS (R4047H) and only sold it to buy a full-size backhoe. LS dealers are allowed to publish prices, so you can normally find a ballpark price pretty easily. Several dealers post their prices on Craigslist, like this one in my area:

LS XJ2025 tractor loader, 4wd

 

[airbiscuit]

Airbiscuit - thx for the input - can you explain how a rear blade is used for snow? Seems counterintuitive to drive through it first and then plow.

I have a 3pt snowblower and a rear blade. For anything less that 6" the bucket and the rear blade are the fastest and easiest. Over 6" and the snowblower is nice. In either case, the blade or snowblower add rear weight for traction. Driving over the snow has never caused me any problems. There are lots of opinions and personal preference on snow removal. I am just suggesting that a rear blade is a handy implement and may serve your needs. You can always add a snowblower later if you like.

 

[jeff9366]

Some of the piles around the lot include pulled stumps and etc. Will need at least teeth on the bucket and a grapple would prob be useful.

I have Debris Forks. I have to load entirely too much debris by hand. Get a Grapple.

For pulled stumps you will probably tow them with a chain choking the stump at one end, with the other chain end attached to the axle-height center drawbar of the tractor. Due to those large rear wheels, creating a huge mechanical advantage, even small tractors can PULL heavy objects.

Tractor in the pictures is my old Kubota B3300 SU.

 

[BigBoyToys]

Your budget will dictate what you'll end up with. In my case I was trying to stay under 20K. I wanted a backhoe so I kinda figured I'd be looking at a B series. It took about a year and a half but I finally came across a really nice 2006 B3030 with 241 hours and grabbed it for 18K. It was a homeowner machine and never abused. As others have mentioned if you're planning to do lots of work in the woods then an L series is probably the way to go. I already had a ZT so I didn't need the tractor to do any finish mowing. The tractor has turf tires which was also something I wanted. If you're planning on using it to mow, you still have to be careful as the turfs can still mess up the lawn. As far as snow goes, the last snow fall we had was right around 12" and there was no problem clearing it. I have a 200' paved drive and a good upper gravel area. Welded up a couple 6" skis to mount on the bucket to keep from messing up the gravel that worked great.

You'll just have to keep a keen eye out and see what you can find on Craigslist. Might be a good idea rent a couple to determine what you really need.

 

[gladehound]

I am new here, first post.

Building a home in southern New Hampshire, and looking for something to help maintain the property. ~8.5 acres with about 5 being woods. The rest will be mostly lawn. ~600 foot long straight gravel driveway. Whole lot is very flat.

Mowing and snow removal are 2 primary concerns. Will have some landscaping projects in the near term as well. Installing a patio and moving some dirt piles are the 2 that come to mind.

Before I even share what I've been considering or budget, I'd like to hear other opinions. What would you be looking for in a machine for these tasks?

I have at least a couple months to make a decision. Probably purchase in May or June. I currently have zero experience with tractors apart from some online research.

Thanks!

A lot of this discussion comes down to budget and time. If you have lots of time and a small budget, a SCUT with a snow blower & FEL could handle your jobs. (I'm not recommending a SCUT, just stating that it could work)

On the other end of the spectrum, a utility tractor or large CUT (40-60hp) with turf tires like what you see on gulf courses would do a nice fast job on the lawn (as long as the mowing is unobstructed), have clearance for the woods, have a stronger FEL for those tasks and be able to move snow much faster.

Different approaches on implements are required depending on the size tractor you get. On a utility tractor, rear blades work well for snow removal because the machine has the clearance and weight to pull that off. On a SCUT, not so much, especially in NH. Think about pricing vs approach.

SCUT + mower + front mount snow blower + rear blade for gravel maintenance = x?
45 HP CUT + mower + rear blade + snow bucket = x?

If you think you need a grapple and are on a budget, it's amazing what you can do with a set of forks.

A previous poster noted that with a blade your drive will get narrower as winter progresses. Snow blower eliminates this but isn't necessary on large tractor. it's easy to drive down the side of the drive way with a bucket and trim back the piles, looks like a snow blower went through after it's done.

If I were you, I would go 40-60hp, 4wd, HST. But don't be afraid of gear if you have good knees. Hydraulic reversers are nice also.

In the end, I wouldn't recommend a SCUT due to clearance and the size of snow storm you can get in your area.

A medium frame 25-35hp CUT with turf tires, 3pt mower & FEL, rear blade or box blade would probably do a nice job for you - this is what I predict you will end up getting. It is the happy medium. What many consider the sweet spot for what you describe. Not sure if you'll want the snow blower with this size tractor or not.

A large frame 40-60hp CUT with gulf turf tires, chains for winter, 3pt mower, FEL w huge bucket (not the stock one) and rear blade will do everything with capacity to spare most the time. No snow blower needed. I love clearing snow with a large bucket on gravel. with edge tamers it picks up no gravel. Snow blowers will always throw some gravel even if you set them high it can get sucked through with the snow. Blades are IMO the hardest to set up well for gravel. Many use their back blades in reverse for gravel.

Finally, and I know you will struggle to justify this, But a dedicated mower like a zero turn or other plus a big tractor with R-4's for toughness in wood and that are cut for snow and a strong FEL is probably the best way to go and many who start out like you eventually end up with this combo.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have to disagree with Gladehound. A 60hp tractor for the use described is simply whacko. Maybe 40 tops but anything bigger is ridiculous for maintenance of 3.5 acres and a driveway that could reasonably be cared for with a 25-35hp tractor. Why spend $40,000 of the guys money when $20K will do the job??

 

[buickanddeere]

Welcome to TBN. Size is more related to the actual chore rather than the acerage . Few purchasers ever said " I wish I had bought a smaller tractor".
Somebody has probably stated now that the local dealer's service is worth as much or more than the actual brand.
There are low hour tractors out there from Rural Estates that date prior to Tier IV emissions in particular and even Tier III. Less troubles and service .

 

[pedzola]

I dont think glade was insisting that such a large machine was needed. I thought he brought up some good points, esp on snow removal.

I clearly have a lot more research to do. From the input I've gathered so far it sounds like the LS XJ2025H might still be a reasonable option. Another might be the Kubota B2301/2601. Can anyone recommend others I might look at? Anyone in Southern NH have a dealer recommendation for any brand?

Also I've got another 30+ years to retirement so the tractor could be in service for a very long time if it works!. And I drive stick No problem. Everyone says HST is the way to go so I wasnt really considering otherwise, but i dont think it would be an issue for me.

 

[jaydee325]

The go big or go home suggestion comes up all the time and I agree, to a point. When I started looking for a tractor to maintain my 5 acres, I was looking at XJ2025H sized tractors to begin with. I ended up with an LS R3039H and I've never looked back. It has been great to have the extra capabilities and since you potentially will have the tractor for a long time, going bigger now will probably the looked back at by you as a good move.

30 years is a long time. Using a clutch now may not be a problem. Later in life, might not. My wife has back problems so she could never use a clutch on a tractor or even a car. You can't predict physical issues that far out. Get the HST. You will be happier in the long run.

 

[airbiscuit]

Did a quick look on Craigslist and Tractorhouse. Not finding any great deals on used around you.