Buying Advice Seeking advice for first tractor

[Gary Fowler]

I think the size you have settled on is an excellent choice for what you are doing. You will likely eventually find that a dedicated lawn mower is the way to go for your grass mowing needs. I prefer Zero Turn mowers but tractor type are great if you don't have a lot of stuff to mow around.

 

[dave3NC]

I think you're right Gary. Especially once we have the landscaping/hardscaping done as there will be quite a bit less yard to maintain.

 

[dickfoster]

I think you're right Gary. Especially once we have the landscaping/hardscaping done as there will be quite a bit less yard to maintain.

I'm sure you'll be happy with the tractor as long as the dealer is a good one that you know and trust. I take it that you shopped around and drove all sorts of brands and models that were close to what you were looking for. It never hurts getting a bit more than it does getting a little too little.

 

[AxleHub]

Sorry for the confusion there. I was trying to be concise in the OP, but looking back I guess more detail up front would have been best.

I certainly don't need something like the 3301 for general lawn care, but we are planning do to some landscaping and a small tractor will be very helpful during that process. A SCUT would do nicely, but would be lacking for what I would be doing with the trees.

No kiln, everything I've done to date and plan to do is air dried. Most of those trees are in the area, but a few can be rare or up in the mountains. I have a contact though that has a tree service and he has always just thrown the trees out, but I've asked him to let me know we he comes across trees that are worth milling. My folks also have some land about 20 minutes from me where we can store trees and lumber if needed.

The othet 20 acres makes a lot more sense because air drying and the time and rigidity required would take a lot of space to bevdoing resale of product.

Sounds like you've got a lot in the hopper . . and I got a real different view when you mentioned you really didn't have to work and that you'd been working on this for 2 years. Too often people jump inro a business idea with little financial or experience support. Sounds like you're in good shape

 

[dave3NC]

I'm sure you'll be happy with the tractor as long as the dealer is a good one that you know and trust. I take it that you shopped around and drove all sorts of brands and models that were close to what you were looking for. It never hurts getting a bit more than it does getting a little too little.

I've been to two so far and have 2 or 3 more to go to. I wanted to check out LS tractors, but they're about 1.5 hours away so I think I won't be going there.

 

[dave3NC]

The othet 20 acres makes a lot more sense because air drying and the time and rigidity required would take a lot of space to bevdoing resale of product.

Sounds like you've got a lot in the hopper . . and I got a real different view when you mentioned you really didn't have to work and that you'd been working on this for 2 years. Too often people jump inro a business idea with little financial or experience support. Sounds like you're in good shape

Thanks! Yeah, I guess I don't consider it work if no one is paying me! :laughing:

 

[Bloomj]

My two cents, after making my first tractor purchase this month:

1) I have 4 acres and plan to do general upkeep and adding landscaping (we didn't do much when we built the house)
2) I didn't want to get something so small that for a few more $ i could have significantly increased my capabilities.
3) I didn't consider mmm's because I already own a scag zero turn mower.
4) I shopped and researched like crazy and here is what it boiled down to for me:
5) Mihindra was more expensive than JD (maybe slightly more capable size for size)


The Kubota BX is probably the most capable and durable of the smallest tractors (vs JD, etc). The kubota is also a little better priced. I probably could have bought a bx2370 and been just fine. I decided that going up one size from the bx/ 1 series made sense because I wanted a standard 3 point (just in case) that could use regular cat 1 equipment (example carrying a middle buster and it not drag the ground when in transport position).

I also learned that maintenance on the bx is just a little more of a pain due to its super compact size...not a deal breaker but I plan to diy and want everything more accessible.

Based on the above I was comparing the B2301, JD 2025r, LS xj2025h.

The LS had better stats on every category and could have been bought for prob about 1500-2000 cheaper but I was concerned that some day long down the road I may have issues getting parts...may not be valid but I just couldn't rule it out. Also, resale was a little bit of concern in the event that I get 'done' with my tractor needs later on, the LS will likely bring less percent of my original cost. It is probably a fine machine otherwise.

The Kubota 2301 and JD are nearly identical in capability and the Kubota was 1500 less. Also I like that they build their own engines and I like orange! Clemson grad... Overall I am happy with my choice. The B2301 will be easy to own, doesn't have the HST Fan concerns of the BX, will do more work, and is nearly the same practical size as far as turning, storing, etc. I also considered the L 2501...without question the best value on the market in my opinion, and I could have owned one for just $2000 more than the B. But it's heavier and larger and I just did not need that big of a machine. I'm sure times will come that it would have been nice but for 99% it will make no difference and my b fits so nicely.

I also shopped used but the used prices were just too close to anything used.

As far as your needs...only you know. It would seem that on a 1.2a lot a bx or b would be plenty of tractor. Get what you like.

Enjoy the search.

 

[AxleHub]

My two cents, after making my first tractor purchase this month:

1) I have 4 acres and plan to do general upkeep and adding landscaping (we didn't do much when we built the house)
2) I didn't want to get something so small that for a few more $ i could have significantly increased my capabilities.
3) I didn't consider mmm's because I already own a scag zero turn mower.
4) I shopped and researched like crazy and here is what it boiled down to for me:
5) Mihindra was more expensive than JD (maybe slightly more capable size for size)


The Kubota BX is probably the most capable and durable of the smallest tractors (vs JD, etc). The kubota is also a little better priced. I probably could have bought a bx2370 and been just fine. I decided that going up one size from the bx/ 1 series made sense because I wanted a standard 3 point (just in case) that could use regular cat 1 equipment (example carrying a middle buster and it not drag the ground when in transport position).

I also learned that maintenance on the bx is just a little more of a pain due to its super compact size...not a deal breaker but I plan to diy and want everything more accessible.

Based on the above I was comparing the B2301, JD 2025r, LS xj2025h.



The Kubota 2301 and JD are nearly identical in capability and the Kubota was 1500 less. Also I like that they build their own engines and I like orange! Clemson grad... Overall I am happy with my choice. The B2301 will be easy to own, doesn't have the HST Fan concerns of the BX, will do more work, and is nearly the same practical size as far as turning, storing, etc..

Just curious Bloomj, I notice you mentioned you looked at many brands and really studied the choices but don't mention the Yanmar or Massey brands getting into your final selection grouping.

I would have thought

1. the Yanmar 324 or 424 or

2. Massey Gc1700s or

3. the massey 1723 or 1726 or E series

would have been strong possible considerations for price , builder rrputation, maintenance, and performance.

What were your general opinions of those units and why they werent in the running for consideration? When you tested them were they not comfortable or didn't like the dealers available in a 100 mile radius or ????

 

[Bloomj]

Just curious Bloomj, I notice you mentioned you looked at many brands and really studied the choices but don't mention the Yanmar or Massey brands getting into your final selection grouping.

I would have thought

1. the Yanmar 324 or 424 or

2. Massey Gc1700s or

3. the massey 1723 or 1726 or E series

would have been strong possible considerations for price , builder rrputation, maintenance, and performance.

What were your general opinions of those units and why they werent in the running for consideration? When you tested them were they not comfortable or didn't like the dealers available in a 100 mile radius or ????

Axlehub,

I did look at the Yanmar options and they seemed to built a little less heavy. The pricing was pretty good but I recall it being sort of in between the LS and Kubota money. Plus the closest dealer was about an hour away vs JD and Kubota having 3 of each within 45 min or so.

I didn't get a chance to dig into the MF options due to dealer location - the closest one was two hours away and I know that would have been a pain if needed service. Also, if I recall the smaller units are made by someone else for Massey. That may not be right...

I did also look at Kioti but didn't see an advantage over the LS tractor for tractor.

Again, I really think most of these machines are great. It is mostly about personal preferences, dealer availability and customer service feel, and price vs brand/value.

For me Kubota hit the best mix of all of that in one machine. I really wanted to go LS because of the value proposition but then I kept thinking - what if I need a part 15 years from now and I can't find it...the money saved on purchase would not have been worth it. That's probably never going to be an issue but for me it made sense to avoid the issue anyway.

 

[daugen]

I believe the smaller Massey tractors are built by Iseki, one of the oldest players in the market and known for top quality in market.
I'd say they were similar to Yanmar but perhaps some improvements due to many years of refining products. Not a heavy tractor though relative to others
I believe. Interesting that Mahindra puts such an emphasis on being heavier. Weight is great when you are pulling things. Not so great trying to get across your
nice lawn with a full bucket and not imprint the entire way, usually with the front tires. If you can keep the tractor off the lawn, go for as much weight as you can.
Or add as much weight as practical to your new tractor. Most of these Asian tractors are inherently light it seems, all unnecessary weight cut out, like on compact cars.