Another new buyer pre-purchase question

[bldoink]

We have five acres in Southern FL. It's partly in fairly natural state except for where the house and pond are. Unfortunately, it's been neglected for many years. It's an area of Dade County Slash Pine, palmetto, Oak and other scrub, and unfortunately Brazilian Peppers. Some of it can get wet at times. I have been pulling palmettos, peppers, vines, etc with my pickup truck.

I want to get nearly 3 acres mowable. I'm in the market for a compact tractor in the 25 hp range, maybe a bit more. I'm looking at all brands and can use some suggestions. Cost is most definitely a consideration otherwise I'd be looking at larger machines.

I'm looking at out of state dealers too who offer delivery such as Brunos. Any out of state shipping dealer suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'd be interested in a discount shipping New Holland dealer as well as others.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[kenmbz]

Welcome to TBN , I hope you can find your answers from the group.

 

[jeff9366]

We have five acres in Southern FL. Unfortunately, it's been neglected for many years. It's an area of Dade County Slash Pine, palmetto, Oak and other scrub, and unfortunately Brazilian Peppers. Some of it can get wet at times. I want to get nearly 3 acres mowable.

I'm in the market for a compact tractor in the 25 hp range, maybe a bit more. I'm looking at all brands and can use some suggestions. Cost is most definitely a consideration otherwise I'd be looking at larger machines.

For five total acres, three acres mowable after clearance, a tractor with a bare tractor weight of 2,700 pounds to 3,000 pounds is optimum, balancing simplicity vs capability. There are numerous tractor models from numerous manufacturers in this weight range, having 100 cubic inch displacement engines, just under the 25-1/2 horsepower limit, above which Tier IV emission controls are required. In Kubota's lineup, consider the model L2501, which pioneered this category.
Tractors - Compact - Standard L1 Series | Kubota

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

A quality dealer, reasonably close, available for coaching, is important for tractor neophytes. Most new tractors are delivered with a glitch or two requiring correction. My Kubota dealer is six miles away. I feel my local dealer continues to add value to my equipment after seven years. Dealer proximity is less important for those experienced with tractors and qualified to perform their own maintenance.

BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR.​

VIDEOS: YouTube

YouTube



I have excavated 1,000's of palmettos with my tractor's Loader optioned with a Kubota L2296 heavy-duty, round-back bucket and a Bucket Solution's bucket spade. PHOTO

BUCKET SPADE: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/328798-bucket-spade-today-fel-bucket.html?highlight=






Stricter Tier IV off-road diesel engine emission reduction standards phased in on dealer tractor inventory during 2009, impacting tractor prices.

Tier IV emission standards require tractor manufacturers to add or revise pollution reduction technology on new tractors generating over 19 kW power = 25.4794 horsepower. Diesel Particulate Filter supersedes tractor muffler.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) captures exhaust particulates (soot) in a ceramic matrix. When tractor engine runs sufficiently hot, accumulated particulates burn off periodically without operator intervention. If engine is not run continuously hot long enough to burn off particulates, diesel soot accumulates in the matrix. Once heavy soot accumulates in DPF the tractor forces soot clearance with the tractor parked and throttle open to about 2,200 rpm for about sixteen minutes, which makes the DPF REALLY HOT to burn off all accumulated soot. Burning off accumulated soot, either during operation or parked is called REGENERATION.

 

[fried1765]

We have five acres in Southern FL. It's partly in fairly natural state except for where the house and pond are. Unfortunately, it's been neglected for many years. It's an area of Dade County Slash Pine, palmetto, Oak and other scrub, and unfortunately Brazilian Peppers. Some of it can get wet at times. I have been pulling palmettos, peppers, vines, etc with my pickup truck.

I want to get nearly 3 acres mowable. I'm in the market for a compact tractor in the 25 hp range, maybe a bit more. I'm looking at all brands and can use some suggestions. Cost is most definitely a consideration otherwise I'd be looking at larger machines.

I'm looking at out of state dealers too who offer delivery such as Brunos. Any out of state shipping dealer suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'd be interested in a discount shipping New Holland dealer as well as others.

Thanks for any suggestions.

You should enter your general location in your profile!
Knowing if you are in Alaska or Florida can make a big difference with helpful suggestions.

Since you did mention your location in your 1st post, here is a suggestion,
Go to the Orlando Craigslist postings, and enter...... Kubota L2501.

You will find a listing for a 2017 L2501 with only 70 hours since new.
The asking price is $21K, and there are MANY useful attachments included.
The listing shows Winter Springs as the location.
There is everything included, that you would likely ever need, and I also assume there would be no sales tax.

A new L2501 with HST and loader lists for $26,000.
The new cost of accessories listed in the Winter Springs Craigslist package would likely be over $7,000.
I would offer the seller $20K, and hope that you get lucky!
High quality/low hour, used small tractor/loaders, are VERY difficult to find in South Florida!

The package will depreciate VERY SLOWLY in the coming years.

 

[jeff9366]

Cost is definitely a consideration.

I'm looking at out of state dealers who offer delivery.

Thanks for any suggestions.

I provide this link to Rural King's RK tractor brand without a recommendation. RK24 is likely the least expensive, new, 2,700 pound to 3,000 pound tractor out there at present. Seven RK stores selling tractors in north Florida.

Tractors | RK24 Series Tractor | RK Tractors

 

[fried1765]

I provide this link to Rural King's RK tractor brand without a recommendation. RK24 is likely the least expensive, new, 2,700 pound to 3,000 pound tractor out there at present. Seven RK stores selling tractors in north Florida.

Tractors | RK24 Series Tractor | RK Tractors

The nearest RK tractor stocking store to the OP would likely be in Lake Wales, (South central) FL.

 

[bldoink]

Thanks for the responses. More please!

I'm not a total neophyte with tractors. I did have a used Ford 1710 with a loader a few years ago that I pretty much killed when I first build my house.

I'll try to give a brief overview of deals I've found so far. I don't really have a "local" tractor dealer as the closest 2 are about 30 miles away, and one about 37 miles and a couple more just over 40 miles. Three are North and 2 are South. Any others are in the 100+ mile distance. I actually looked at one of those today, the LS. Unfortunately any others that distance are in a different direction. There are a couple of Massey Ferguson dealers inside that range but they either only did construction stuff or didn't have any compact tractors. I would have been interested in looking at the MF. Many of the total prices reflect package discounts.

OK:

Kubota
The first two are between a sub-compact and a compact. 24.8hp but only 77 cu.in.
LX2610SUHD w LA535 Loader($17,550), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - Total $17,614.09
LX2610HSD w Mid PTO, LA535 Loader ($18,300), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - Total $18,481.01
Compact
L2501HST w LA525 Loader ($23,100), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - $22,326.19 Total $22,326

JD
Sub-compact
1025R w 120R Loader ($15,490), Frontier RC2048 Rotary Cutter, Frontier BB2048 SD Box Blade, 54D Mid-Mount Mower, Total $20,270
Compact
3025E w Loader ($17,490) Frontier RC2060 Rotary Mower, Frontier BB2060 Box Blade Total $20,270
3033R w Loader ($26,750) Frontier RC2060 Rotary Mower, Frontier BB2060 Box Blade Total $29,530 This one is actually beyond my budget.

Kioti
Both are Compacts. The salesman didn't print out an item or price breakdown. He was a pretty poor salesman overall.
CK2610HB/HST with loader, Box Blade and Rotary Mower - $23,304
CK3510HB/HST with loader, Box Blade and Rotary Mower - $25,145

New Holland
Only saw one option and it was a sub-compact although it seemed to be a fairly nice one. There were no compacts around. Two dealers in 2 counties and very few machines.
Workmaster 25S (2019 model) w Loader and Back Hoe ($17,000), Box Blade and Rotary mower came to right at $19,000. As much as I liked it and the price, it might be too small for my purposes.

LS
The first is sized between a Sub-Compact and a Compact.
XJ2025HE w loader and backhoe, blade 800, mower 1200. $22,500
Compact
MT225HE w Loader and Backhoe ($26,500). Box blade is $800 and mower is $1500. Total package of $28,800.
MT345 w Loader ($23,500), NO BACKHOE, but add a box blade for 800 and mower for $1500. Total package of $25,800.

Mahindra
Both compacts, the same model, both with loader, one with a backhoe and one without. Both include Box Blade, Rotary Mower and a Quick Hitch.
1626HST Loader but no Hoe - $22,000
1626HST Loader and Hoe - $26,000

I also looked at (On the computer) to Greene's Tractor in TN. They seem way cheaper on the Kioti than what I was quoted. And also Bruno's in AK. They would probably be the place for a Massy Ferguson but I would like to see one in person.

Anyhow, if anyone took the time to read all of that I would appreciate some opinions. To me, at this point, the Mahindra seems to be the winner although they are one of the dealers about 40 miles away, but I guess once you've gone 30 miles another 10 doesn't make much difference. The dealer said they also provide service at your residence.

OK, folks, opinions please. Remember, my budget is somewhat modest. A new purchase to help make financing easier and I can't pay cash.

 

[jeff9366]

Did you watch the Messick's video in Post #3?

Most of the tractor models you are considering are less capable than your previous Ford 1710.

I'm not a total neophyte with tractors. I did have a used Ford 1710 with a loader a few years ago that I pretty much killed when I first build my house

The fundamental importance of TRACTOR WEIGHT eludes many tractor shoppers. Tractor weight is more important identifying compact tractor capability than tractor horsepower.

The most efficient way to shop for tractors is to first identify potential tractor applications, then, through consulataton, establish bare tractor weight necessary to safely accomplish your applications. Tractor dealers, experienced tractor owners and TractorByNet.com are sources for weight recommendations.

Bare tractor weight is a fundamental tractor specification easily found in sales brochures and web sites, readily comparable across tractor brands and tractor models, new and used. Shop your weight range within tractor brands. Budget will eliminate some choices. Collect a dealer brochure for each tractor model in your weight range.

I spreadsheet tractor and implement specs, often a revealing exercise which cuts through specification clutter. I have a column for cost per pound.

For five total acres, three acres mowable after clearance, a tractor with a bare tractor weight of 2,700 pounds to 3,000 pounds is optimum, balancing simplicity vs capability. There are numerous tractor models from numerous manufacturers in this weight range, having 100 cubic inch displacement engines, just under the 25-1/2 horsepower limit, above which Tier IV emission controls are required.

When considering a tractor purchase bare tractor weight first, tractor horsepower second, rear axle width third, rear wheel/tire ballast fourth.

BUY ENOUGH TRACTOR​

Ford 1710

1983 - 1986 Ten Compact Series
Compact Utility tractor
Previous model: Ford 1700
Next model: Ford 1720
Series next: Ford 1910

Distributor: Ford
Manufacturer: Shibaura
Factory: Japan
Original price (USD)
$8,859 (1986 )

Ford 1710 Engine:
Shibaura 1.4L 3-cyl diesel
85.2 ci [1.4 L]
Ford 1710 Power:
Engine (net): 26 hp [19.4 kW]
PTO (claimed): 23.5 hp [17.5 kW]
Drawbar (tested): 20.48 hp [15.3 kW]
PTO (tested): 23.88 hp [17.8 kW]

Capacity:
Fuel: 7.7 gal [29.1 L]
Hydraulic system: 4.75 gal [18.0 L]

3-Point Hitch:
Rear Type: I
Rear lift (at 24"/610mm): 1575 lbs [714 kg]

Power Take-off (PTO):
Rear PTO: transmission
live*
Rear RPM: 540

Dimensions
2WD Weight: 2470 lbs [1120 kg]
4WD Weight: 2690 lbs [1220 kg]
Weight (operating): 2425 lbs [1099 kg]
Weight (ballasted): 3510 lbs [1592 kg]
Wheelbase: 63 inches [160 cm]
Length: 117.5 inches [298 cm]
Width: 54.7 inches [138 cm]
Height (ROPS): 84.8 inches [215 cm]
Ground clearance: 13.9 inches [35 cm]
2WD
[110 to 146 cm] 2WD} 45.3 inches [115 cm] {4WD} Front tread: 43.5 to 57.5 inches
Rear tread: 43.3 to 58.7 inches
[109 to 149 cm]

Mechanical:
Chassis: 4x2 2WD
4x4 MFWD 4WD
Final drives: spur gear
Differential lock: mechanical rear
2WD Steering: manual
4WD ((Optional with two-wheel drive.)) Steering: power
Brakes: differential mechanical drum
Cab: Two-post fixed ROPS.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 4.75 gal [18.0 L]
Total flow: 7.8 gpm [29.5 lpm]

Page information:
Last update: August 16, 2019
Copyright: Copyright 2019 TractorData LLC
Contact: Peter@TractorData.com

 

[jeff9366]

You should enter your location in your T-B-N profile!

~~ YES ~~



Consider renting a Compact Track Loader (Skid Steer on tracks) for a few days and accomplishing your clearing with this rear engine, Loader oriented, powerful, stable machine. Then purchase a 2,000 pound tractor for maintenance.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks for the responses. More please!

I'm not a total neophyte with tractors. I did have a used Ford 1710 with a loader a few years ago that I pretty much killed when I first build my house.

I'll try to give a brief overview of deals I've found so far. I don't really have a "local" tractor dealer as the closest 2 are about 30 miles away, and one about 37 miles and a couple more just over 40 miles. Three are North and 2 are South. Any others are in the 100+ mile distance. I actually looked at one of those today, the LS. Unfortunately any others that distance are in a different direction. There are a couple of Massey Ferguson dealers inside that range but they either only did construction stuff or didn't have any compact tractors. I would have been interested in looking at the MF. Many of the total prices reflect package discounts.

OK:

Kubota
The first two are between a sub-compact and a compact. 24.8hp but only 77 cu.in.
LX2610SUHD w LA535 Loader($17,550), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - Total $17,614.09
LX2610HSD w Mid PTO, LA535 Loader ($18,300), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - Total $18,481.01
Compact
L2501HST w LA525 Loader ($23,100), Land Pride 5' Box Blade and Land Pride 5' Rotary Mower - $22,326.19 Total $22,326

JD
Sub-compact
1025R w 120R Loader ($15,490), Frontier RC2048 Rotary Cutter, Frontier BB2048 SD Box Blade, 54D Mid-Mount Mower, Total $20,270
Compact
3025E w Loader ($17,490) Frontier RC2060 Rotary Mower, Frontier BB2060 Box Blade Total $20,270
3033R w Loader ($26,750) Frontier RC2060 Rotary Mower, Frontier BB2060 Box Blade Total $29,530 This one is actually beyond my budget.

Kioti
Both are Compacts. The salesman didn't print out an item or price breakdown. He was a pretty poor salesman overall.
CK2610HB/HST with loader, Box Blade and Rotary Mower - $23,304
CK3510HB/HST with loader, Box Blade and Rotary Mower - $25,145

New Holland
Only saw one option and it was a sub-compact although it seemed to be a fairly nice one. There were no compacts around. Two dealers in 2 counties and very few machines.
Workmaster 25S (2019 model) w Loader and Back Hoe ($17,000), Box Blade and Rotary mower came to right at $19,000. As much as I liked it and the price, it might be too small for my purposes.

LS
The first is sized between a Sub-Compact and a Compact.
XJ2025HE w loader and backhoe, blade 800, mower 1200. $22,500
Compact
MT225HE w Loader and Backhoe ($26,500). Box blade is $800 and mower is $1500. Total package of $28,800.
MT345 w Loader ($23,500), NO BACKHOE, but add a box blade for 800 and mower for $1500. Total package of $25,800.

Mahindra
Both compacts, the same model, both with loader, one with a backhoe and one without. Both include Box Blade, Rotary Mower and a Quick Hitch.
1626HST Loader but no Hoe - $22,000
1626HST Loader and Hoe - $26,000

I also looked at (On the computer) to Greene's Tractor in TN. They seem way cheaper on the Kioti than what I was quoted. And also Bruno's in AK. They would probably be the place for a Massy Ferguson but I would like to see one in person.

Anyhow, if anyone took the time to read all of that I would appreciate some opinions. To me, at this point, the Mahindra seems to be the winner although they are one of the dealers about 40 miles away, but I guess once you've gone 30 miles another 10 doesn't make much difference. The dealer said they also provide service at your residence.

OK, folks, opinions please. Remember, my budget is somewhat modest. A new purchase to help make financing easier and I can't pay cash.

"I can't pay cash"
That is truly unfortunate, as I think the 70 hour Kubota L2501 on CL (Orlando), in Winter Springs, Fl. is really a VERY good deal.