Buying Advice New mower/tractor for utility work needed

[Mongor]

Hello,

I just bought a house on 24 acres of uncleared land, very dense and hard to drive anything into. The house is on 1 acre of cleared land in the center with grass and bushes. I am looking to buy a vehicle(s) for multipurpose and would like some advice.

My main needs are:

1. Cutting grass
2. Hauling chopped wood using a small cart attached to a vehicle
3. Snow plowing (blowing?) my 1100 ft driveway (flat and straight, and pretty compacted gravel). I dont have any neighbors to worry about hitting with thrown stones though. Also, if the snow gets really bad ever (like the 30" storm we had this year) I will use a service, so this is just for less than 10" storms.
4. Taking my 96 gallon trash/recycle bins down the 1100ft driveway for collection weekly. (never thought "take out the trash honey" would be such a project)
5. Any other things you all can suggest I might need it for. (first time owning this much property)

I am not brand loyal. Willing to go zero turn if suggested, but I dont care if it takes a bit longer to mow. I would really like something reliable and would really like to try to keep it around $4k. Willing to go used if suggested.

One of my considerations was to buy a used riding mower ($1k) and a newer model ATV with a plow attachment and cart. ($4k) (this is also fun if I ever make a path thru the woods, but not necessary)

Thanks

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Your last 'consideration' sounds to be the best way forward... there are an amazing amount of tow-behind implements built for an ATV these days.

 

[oosik]

Just a couple suggestions. Leave the trash/recycle bins down where the driveway meets the county road. You will be going down to get the mail daily or so and take the trash/recyclables with you when you go for the mail.

For 25 years I cleared snow on my mile long gravel driveway with a Ford 1700 4WD tractor(25 hp) and rear blade. Occasionally I used a rear mount pto snowblower to widen the driveway when the berms got more than the rear blade could move.

I harvested firewood off my property pulling a tandem axle trailer with two full cords aboard with the Ford 1700. Slow going but very efficient.

I actually use my ATV more than the tractor for many issues on my property.

Your last consideration may be the best approach until you get a feel for the property and what your final plans will be.

And finally - - Welcome to TBN. You are at the doorstep of a very interesting adventure. Come in and enjoy country living.

 

[ovrszd]

Welcome to TBN.

With your budget constraint this is gonna be tough.

I'd be most focused on driveway maintenance. If you are on a budget you probly can't afford to hire your driveway cleared every time you get a moderate snow. An ATV is limited to light/moderate snow and minimal drifting. An ATV is also considered a toy by the buying market so price is generally high for what you get.

I would search for a CUT tractor with MMM. Then add a blade and more accessories as I could afford them. It will serve you well in maintaining your property. You will learn quickly that property maintenance is going to be ongoing and costly.

 

[jenkinsph]

What do you have to work with now? Knowing that would help with the process.

 

[bspeedy]

The budget is the problem.

Someone mentioned a Ford 1700 with a back blade, and that is probably where you will have to start. Although 4k is a bit low for that setup in my neck of the woods. If you can get your budget closer to 6-8K, you will probably have better luck. Don't recommend the ATV because it can only do so much.

Maybe start with an 8N or Jubilee and go from there? Not the greatest tractor, but better than no tractor.

 

[newbury]

The budget is the problem.

Someone mentioned a Ford 1700 with a back blade, and that is probably where you will have to start. Although 4k is a bit low for that setup in my neck of the woods. If you can get your budget closer to 6-8K, you will probably have better luck. Don't recommend the ATV because it can only do so much.

Maybe start with an 8N or Jubilee and go from there? Not the greatest tractor, but better than no tractor.

Second that.

Since the OP is up in Elkton I'm familiar with the CL activity around here. I've seen many older 2 WD tractors LOOKING in good condition WITHOUT FEL going for < $4K.

Ford Tractor 6 1957
FORD 4 TRACTOR 2 WD, 3PT HITCH

Also there is Public Surplus
JOHN DEERE 2150 for $4,275
John Deere 2040 1981 Tractor for $3,250
JOHN DEERE MODEL 855 TRACTOR for $2,600 required some work.

$4K is tight, even for a ZTR or ATV, but with acreage and a LONG drive I'd highly recommend bumping up the budget.

This is what $11.5K bought me in 2013 (without the saws):