Looking for advice

[illymost]

I maintain about a 100 acres of rolling pasture and some woods. I have always used a Kubota M7040 and a 5ft Bush Hog and enjoyed the time on the tractor. Things have changed and I have less time and other obligations but need to maintain, so I’m roving with the idea of a 100hp tractor and 2820 Bush hog. Not crazy about the cost, but the idea of cutting 4x as fast is becoming more and more attractive. So, I’ll need 4x4, no front loader. What’s the most cost effective? Used? Maybe an old highway mowing unit at auction? Have loved my Kubota but am open to any brand recommendations. Does Kubota offer 0% APR 72 months on the M5 or M6? Are they going for MSRP nowadays? Thanks in advance.

 

[Torvy]

I guess my first question would be why you are mowing 100 acres with a bush hog. It seems that is a good job for critters. Either that or turn it into a hay operation. If you don't have time, you can lease it out. Make some money and get your time back. Maybe just let it grow?

 

[MAGA Patriot]

Since you love your Kubota you should probably check with your dealer first on pricing and financing. If that doesn't fit your budget perhaps check Craigslist or other equipment sellers

 

[sea2summit]

I didn't know there even was 100 acre lots in College Park!

I financed my M4 at 84 months 0% but that's been a while back...and KTAC was crazy expensive so went away from that quick. Rolling pasture I'd be getting as many HP as possible, my M4 cut's hay with a 9.5' disc mower and it hates any kind of incline. If you have the coin I'd absolutely be looking at an for at least an M6 or maybe an M7 for 20' cutter.

If you're considering Massey at all go check out Cain Equipment up in Clermont, great family owned business that moves a crap ton of inventory. They also have a 4-5 acre used lot worth watching. I've made two significant purchases with them and nothing but great things to say about them.

 

[illymost]

I didn't know there even was 100 acre lots in College Park!

I financed my M4 at 84 months 0% but that's been a while back...and KTAC was crazy expensive so went away from that quick. Rolling pasture I'd be getting as many HP as possible, my M4 cut's hay with a 9.5' disc mower and it hates any kind of incline. If you have the coin I'd absolutely be looking at an for at least an M6 or maybe an M7 for 20' cutter.

If you're considering Massey at all go check out Cain Equipment up in Clermont, great family owned business that moves a crap ton of inventory. They also have a 4-5 acre used lot worth watching. I've made two significant purchases with them and nothing but great things to say about them.

Haha, College Park was a looooong time ago. Guess I never changed it. I’ll check them out. Thank you.

 

[drumminj]

I feel like I'm missing something. The M7040 has 62 PTO HP and you're running a 5' brush hog? Is TractorData wrong?

I would think you could run a much larger mower with the same tractor to do things faster, vs buying a new tractor?

Agree with Torvy though - critters, haying, or leasing seem like cheaper options, as much as I appreciate "tractor time" as well.

 

[illymost]

I feel like I'm missing something. The M7040 has 62 PTO HP and you're running a 5' brush hog? Is TractorData wrong?

I would think you could run a much larger mower with the same tractor to do things faster, vs buying a new tractor?

Agree with Torvy though - critters, haying, or leasing seem like cheaper options, as much as I appreciate "tractor time" as well.

I might just go with the biggest mower my current HP will allow. As far as critters, I sent them all to freezer camp. Leasing has a lot of plus side, but I’m not sure about how much it robs the pasture over an extended period. Definitely need to look more into it. Thanks.

 

[MESSMAKER]

You are a bit low on hp for a 15 foot batwing, but you might get away with it. A 12 foot unit would be a big upgrade.

 

[drumminj]

You are a bit low on hp for a 15 foot batwing, but you might get away with it. A 12 foot unit would be a big upgrade.

This seems like a much more cost-effective approach vs buying a new tractor and mower. Unless you just want a new tractor and are using this as the excuse, OP?

Understood on freezer camp. And also the concerns on leasing - you're definitely selling off the nutrients in your soil.

 

[illymost]

This seems like a much more cost-effective approach vs buying a new tractor and mower. Unless you just want a new tractor and are using this as the excuse, OP?

Understood on freezer camp. And also the concerns on leasing - you're definitely selling off the nutrients in your soil.

Honestly, I’m exploring all options. I won’t be selling the place for at least 5-10 years. Wife got sick, so I sent the critters to freezer camp. Unfortunately, she passed a couple months ago. She is the one that loved raising and harvesting animals. I was just along for the ride doing the dirty work. If I’m going to be here 5-10, I want the cutting to go as quickly as possible. A whole new set up was ridiculous to me 6 months ago, now, not nearly as much. I’ll probably just get myself ready to pull the trigger on some used equipment if and when I run across it.