Smaller tractor - what do you recommend

[LS Tractor Owner]

The MT225E USA great choice, but prices can vary greatly to region / dealer. It would pay to shop around. There are a lot of dealers that will ship for free also.

Some inside information: LS will be introducing a new model, 25 hp, but smaller than the 225e. Supposed to have additional extras like the XR series has (rear remotes, upgraded seat, etc..) not sure what they are going to call it for sure, but it is rumored to be the MT225 S.

 

[jeff9366]

My neighbor has a couple acres in a residential area. He has a large zero turn for mowing and has no need for his tractor to serve as a mower. Right now he's in the beginning stages of building landscaping around a small pond he had dug in the fall.

Kubota L2501.

(Over 25-horsepower Tier IV pollution controls add ~~ $2,500 to tractor cost.)

Kubota B2650.

If a small tractor footprint is desired, a B2650 (2,300 pounds, bare tractor weight) will be enough for two (2) acres. Having owned a similar large wheel/tire, small footprint Kubota B3300SU I highly recommend loading the rear tires for stability plus ample Three Point Hitch counterbalance. The front PTO will be wasted unless a front snowblower is under consideration.

If garage storage space is sufficient, I still recommend the Kubota L2501 (2,600 pounds bare tractor weight) for its robustness and larger wheels/tires, which comes with 300 pounds of additional bare tractor weight. The B2650 produces much less exhaust pollutants than the L2501, which would be a secondary, yet important, factor were I the buyer.

VIDEO: Kubota B261 VS Kubota B265 - YouTube

I'm helping my neighbor shop for a small tractor.

These "I'm helping my neighbor" threads are always a challenge to respondents. "Two acres" is key informationt not supplied until Post #20.

 

[newbury]

Hello folks,

Sorry for the delay in responding.

My neighbor has a couple acres in a residential area. He has a large zero turn for mowing and has no need for his tractor to serve as a mower. Right now he's in the beginning stages of building landscaping around a small pond he had dug in the fall. I've been using my Kioti to move landscape rock into what we'll call "staged" position as the mud makes doing any real work impossible. He desires a smaller tractor than mine in order to prevent damage to his finished landscaping once we are past the heavy work we'll do with mine.

Photos work better than words, so I'll get over to his place and snap some pictures. We are on a "stay at home" order here in IL, so it will be a while unless I can get him to take some photos and e-mail to me. I'll also have him type up something I can put here to better illustrate his wants/needs going forward. Sometimes I screw up the translation. He may even join this forum, as Mike is very smart, but is not a big computer guy so I can't say.

More to come!

Cheers,
Mike

Couple of acres
Landscaping
Great neighbor with 40HP tractor for the occasional BIG job

Seems like a 2 wheeler would fit his purposes fine. Think of what he could get for accessories with the difference in price,
Stay cool and spaced out

 

[scaredychicken]

Kubota would be my recommendation.

I bought a BX23S last year, and I am very happy with it. It may be a bit smaller than your neighbour.s needs, but except for the need to have 1000 lb lift capacity, it does whatever I need doing. IF the big / heavy jobs are already done with your help in the near future, it may still be an option. Probably something a bit larger would be more suitable though.

I took a serious look at other brands (JD, Kioti, NH, Massey, McCormick, and even the local Mahindra) but Kubota had the best options and features for my specific needs, and their sales promotion sealed the deal for me. All the best in your searching.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Kubota would be my recommendation.

I bought a BX23S last year, and I am very happy with it. It may be a bit smaller than your neighbour.s needs, but except for the need to have 1000 lb lift capacity, it does whatever I need doing. IF the big / heavy jobs are already done with your help in the near future, it may still be an option. Probably something a bit larger would be more suitable though.

I took a serious look at other brands (JD, Kioti, NH, Massey, McCormick, and even the local Mahindra) but Kubota had the best options and features for my specific needs, and their sales promotion sealed the deal for me. All the best in your searching.

I also have a BX.....older BX24 I bought used. 300 hours.....tractor, loader, backhoe - paid $8800. The BX is a good machine and it very often surprises me with its capabilities.....but I also run out of tractor more and more. Maybe Im just asking to much of it.....but the B is quite a bit more machine for not that much more money. If I was buying new (which I NEVER will), Id probably go that route unless you have the smallest of jobs.

Is there a need for it to be a NEW tractor? There are LOTS of good machines out there looking for a new home.

 

[southerniltractor]

Hello folks,

I'm sorry I haven't been able to get photos of his somewhat never ending landscaping project. We are under a "stay at home" order here in IL so I've been unable to get you some photos. I've asked my neighbor to shoot some photos for us, but he is not a phone and computer guy.

Hang tight guys. More information in the form of photos when I'm able to swing by his property on a necessary trip to the grocery store. Hopefully this week!

Be well,
Mike

 

[kenmbz]

I still see a lot of last years models for different makes. Some MF and Kubota. I love my MF1720, small enough to get by on my property and enough lift in the FEL and BH to move the big rocks around. Don;t know how dependable the new models are, but the last of the older models seem to be dead on reliable.

 

[MickeyDBC]

If he is not going to use it for mowing and wants to do a lot of landscaping work, has he thought about getting a 25hp mini excavator? My ancient 25hp Kubota will lift a lot more than a 25 hp tractor, dig a lot deeper, and is very useful. If I was to buy a 25hp tractor, the Kioti would be the 1st on my list followed by the Kubota.

 

[wkualum]

I just bought today a Kubota B2601. I wanted a B2650 but couldn't justify the additional money and need the shop space. I liked the backhoe on the 2601 a little better too as the footprint is a bit smaller. I plan on keeping the backhoe off most of the time and on a cradle with casters in my shop so i can move it around easily. Kubota B series also has a 3 range transmission which was a HUGE factor in my decision.

I shopped them all and nothing felt quite like a Kubota. They all had something that kind of irked me a bit until I sat on a Kubota. I looked at RK, Mahindra, LS, Kioti and Branson. Never wanted a Deere. I almost bought a 2018 used unit for about $5000 less with 100 hours on it but I decided I would rather take advantage of the 0% than drain money out of our savings account right now. All I can say is Barlow Equipment in Somerset KY has been awesome to deal with so far. I haven't taken possession of the tractor yet but can't wait.

 

[Peter 315]

I just bought today a Kubota B2601. I wanted a B2650 but couldn't justify the additional money and need the shop space. I liked the backhoe on the 2601 a little better too as the footprint is a bit smaller. I plan on keeping the backhoe off most of the time and on a cradle with casters in my shop so i can move it around easily. Kubota B series also has a 3 range transmission which was a HUGE factor in my decision.

I shopped them all and nothing felt quite like a Kubota. They all had something that kind of irked me a bit until I sat on a Kubota. I looked at RK, Mahindra, LS, Kioti and Branson. Never wanted a Deere. I almost bought a 2018 used unit for about $5000 less with 100 hours on it but I decided I would rather take advantage of the 0% than drain money out of our savings account right now. All I can say is Barlow Equipment in Somerset KY has been awesome to deal with so far. I haven't taken possession of the tractor yet but can't wait.

NICE......:thumbsup:

 

[southerniltractor]

Hello again,

I've posted some photos here of Mike's landscaping project. Please note Mike is just past 70 and he does everything himself (outside of major excavation), so this project will last a while. He is looking for a machine to move landscape rocks, maybe use to dig and transplant small trees (he does that by hand now), and otherwise shape this land into his vision.

We are unable to get out and shop for tractors. Once we get past this virus thing, we'll be out there doing our part to stimulate the economy!

Anyway, please chime in with ideas. Appreciate your help!

Mike

 

[Peter 315]

What's the price range.......

 

[southerniltractor]

What's the price range.......

Like me, he wants the most tractor and tools for the least amount of money! That said, he needs to be under $18K for tractor and loader.

 

[southerniltractor]

Having trouble attaching photos to this site. My internet is pretty poor, so that may be part of the problem.

 

[fried1765]

Like me, he wants the most tractor and tools for the least amount of money! That said, he needs to be under $18K for tractor and loader.

I would think that by August or September there will be some fire sale by owner nearly new tractors.
From the look of the dirt piles I would say a "smaller tractor|" is NOT what is needed.
As Jeff9366 so wisely recommends: BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR!

 

[pcpacker]

I would think that by August or September there will be some fire sale by owner nearly new tractors.
From the look of the dirt piles I would say a "smaller tractor|" is NOT what is needed.
As Jeff9366 so wisely recommends: BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR!

I just bought a Yanmar 424. I only have 3 acres to take care of so iI is perfect for my needs. My next choice was Kubota for sure but this one won me over. I differ from
all of the opinions about size. If the bucket is smaller, you just get to spend more time on
the tractor to move the same dirt pile. That is a win for me. Any time spent on a tractor is a good time.
Same reason I do not mind a 48 inch brush hog versus a 60. I am not in a hurry to turn the thing off.