Advice on 25 hp tractor purchase

[K5lwq]

Both Branson and Kioti make great tractors and I agree with others on the HP. If you choose the Branson and go up in HP you have options if you have problems with emissions system. Also Branson is mechanical direct injected engine so no ECM.

I own a Kioti and a Branson and like them both.

 

[tjm1982]

I'm wondering why you are looking at 25 hp? Is it due to the amount of work you will be doing, or is this related to avoiding emissions systems on your tractor?

Just curious. I would never advise buying a small (25 hp) tractor just to avoid emissions issues.

My initial reasons for 25 hp are 1) Cost and 2) Emissions

I’m not opposed to the DPF on either tractor just thought it may be easier maintenance down the road. The next step up in the Kioti is 35 hp where the Branson has a 30 and 35 hp in the 15 series.

 

[Williy]

For 35 hp you might want to test drive a Yanmar
YT235C. I really enjoy using mine!

willy

 

[Mrsig]

Have you looked at LS? My is 25HP and I have done a ton of work with it on my farm. 109 hours and 0 problems. Moved big cut down trees dug pits and even made a small canal for water.

 

[Diggin It]

I'll be using this tractor to clear small trees with. Using the bucket to remove the trees. I will likely be getting a Piranha bar or something like that to help with this task.

Brush, sprouts, small saplings 1" or so in diameter maybe. Trees? No.

You'll destroy the FEL and frame mountings. We've even seen some very large tractors, 50-60HP and more with broken loader frames here on various threads.

Front End LOADERS are for loading loose material. They are NOT for dozing.


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[tjm1982]

Brush, sprouts, small saplings 1" or so in diameter maybe. Trees? No.

You'll destroy the FEL and frame mountings. We've even seen some very large tractors, 50-60HP and more with broken loader frames here on various threads.

Front End LOADERS are for loading loose material. They are NOT for dozing.

Let me clarify, I will be using to clear underbrush, thicket and small trees. What is too big for the tractor, I’ll take with a saw and then work on working the stump out with the tractor. I will be getting a ratchet rake to assist with these task.

I realize going with a hydro I lose some hp in certain situations. For the member who put out there that I would be limited to a 5’ light duty brush hog, if that’s true that is concerning to me. I want a medium-heavy duty hog for small brush around my place and the occasional for-hire job. If I need more tractor, will a 30 hp allow this? Will it handle a 6’ Hog?

 

[ptsg]

Is there really any point on getting an implement much wider than the width of the tractor? As long as it covers the width of the tractor, it's good enough. Will the extra foot really make that much difference on the time it will take to mow a certain area versus the extra load/stress it will put on a tractor?

 

[sea2summit]

Let me clarify, I will be using to clear underbrush, thicket and small trees. What is too big for the tractor, I’ll take with a saw and then work on working the stump out with the tractor. I will be getting a ratchet rake to assist with these task.

I realize going with a hydro I lose some hp in certain situations. For the member who put out there that I would be limited to a 5’ light duty brush hog, if that’s true that is concerning to me. I want a medium-heavy duty hog for small brush around my place and the occasional for-hire job. If I need more tractor, will a 30 hp allow this? Will it handle a 6’ Hog?

General rule is 5PTO HP per foot of brush hog. Conditions (moisture, thickness of material, size of material) may change that but generally it would increase the requirement.

 

[rademamj1]

I think either tractor will do just fine for your intended work, but consider that an increase in HP will allow for attaching 60" medium duty rotary cutters, which can cut upto 2" diameter brush. Tree clearing, even the small trees are best done by hand and then later using your tractor and FEL to move and manage the cleared debris into burn piles. A good rotary cutter typically handles all the brush that remains between the large trees you did not remove. Removing of stumps by digging with your FEL is not recommended, instead i would avoid the wear and tear on your tractor, and recommend that you consider renting a stump grinder for a few days, and just grind them all down in a weekend. Both Kioti and Branson are excellent tractors.

 

[K5lwq]

My suggestion is look at the specs for the mower you want. It will tell you minimum PTO HP. The minimum is jut that, a minimum. That means you will experience times when HP is lacking. I would be looking at a being above the minimum.

The thought I had when shopping for a new tractor was get the highest HP in the frame size I was looking at. But I do a lot of PTO work. It normally does not cost much more for increased HP and the cost will fade quickly as you enjoy having enough power to get the work done in a timely manner.