Help me pick a tractor (25-45 HP)

[Mark_G]

I have six wooded acres that I am clearing out underbrush, dead trees, and trees in the way, etc. I agree more weight is better, but for a given frame size, that will move in your woods. My Kioti has been a workhorse; I have a CK30. Its hydraulics are very good, as is the weight for size. I am amazed at how much I can lift, drag, and push down (with a little digging). It has done nearly everything I have ever asked of it, plus a bit more. I have encountered a few rocks that were too big to lift, but I could push or drag them. BobCat and Kioti, I believe, are basically the same tractors, painted differently, and the attachments are sourced differently. I don't think either company will disappoint you. Try each machine, ask the dealer to let you attach it to an implement or two (3-pt with and without PTO connections), and see how it goes. Get what you are most comfortable with. I did get quick connects (Pat's and a PTO one), and they certainly help, but if you don't have those, see what is most doable for you.

 

[billybonds]

I had a 35 hp tractor for 3 acres and it was fine, but when I purchased the 7 acres next door, it was too small to maintain the 10 acres efficiently. If your trailer is too small for a heavier tractor, upgrade that too. Get yourself a 20' 10k trailer so you can fit the tractor with the loader and an implement on back. And if you are going to skimp a little on size and hp, make sure you get those tires filled

 

[cfb]

Hello, I'm envious of your property. Some folks I know with split location have a tractor at each location. So used might be the option.. Here in NE Ohio, I've seen a good number of used, but need patience in getting what you want. I am a chart guy and as said in a previous post can, and for me, was revealing. I only have 4 acres and got a new holland 25S. One factor that helped me was to go to two dealers of each brand I was considering. I did not always get the same answers. Forums like this as you know are invaluable too. For me, I ruled out Kubota as I did not like their treadle pedal. The Massey did not give me the floor space I needed. I was looking for metal hoods and fenders. Besides forums, I also found, at least for Massey and New Holland, a Facebook page dedicated to my specific model. That was a great help before and now after the purchase. I should have bought this tractor 30 years ago, but budget and youth strength compensated. Also for the budget, as one said, consider your applications - and therefore the implements you will need. You will find more things to do with your tractor. Grapple, backhoe thumb, grader, pallet forks, ballast box, etc. For me, I also was considering the next size up, so as suggested for your property, the larger does seem ideal. Some features are important too so make sure you try each brand. I had the dealer show me how the backhoe dismounts and three point added, for example. I know a friend that just got a JD three series. Perfect for 10 acres but also wishes for the smaller. I got a belly mower too with mine and is nice. Some say get a tractor for tractor work and a zero turn for mowing. Good luck. As many say, you'll no doubt be happy with whatever you choose.

 

[Hermio]

Hello, I'm envious of your property. Some folks I know with split location have a tractor at each location. So used might be the option.. Here in NE Ohio, I've seen a good number of used, but need patience in getting what you want. I am a chart guy and as said in a previous post can, and for me, was revealing. I only have 4 acres and got a new holland 25S. One factor that helped me was to go to two dealers of each brand I was considering. I did not always get the same answers. Forums like this as you know are invaluable too. For me, I ruled out Kubota as I did not like their treadle pedal. The Massey did not give me the floor space I needed. I was looking for metal hoods and fenders. Besides forums, I also found, at least for Massey and New Holland, a Facebook page dedicated to my specific model. That was a great help before and now after the purchase. I should have bought this tractor 30 years ago, but budget and youth strength compensated. Also for the budget, as one said, consider your applications - and therefore the implements you will need. You will find more things to do with your tractor. Grapple, backhoe thumb, grader, pallet forks, ballast box, etc. For me, I also was considering the next size up, so as suggested for your property, the larger does seem ideal. Some features are important too so make sure you try each brand. I had the dealer show me how the backhoe dismounts and three point added, for example. I know a friend that just got a JD three series. Perfect for 10 acres but also wishes for the smaller. I got a belly mower too with mine and is nice. Some say get a tractor for tractor work and a zero turn for mowing. Good luck. As many say, you'll no doubt be happy with whatever you choose.

It took me 30 years to finally buy a zero-turn mower. I could kick myself for that. It took me almost 5 hours to cut my 5-acre lawn with a Kubota B7100HST with a 5' rear mower, counting the extra work I had to do with a push mower and a weed whacker to get the places the tractor could not get into. The zero-turn does it all in 90 minutes. I got the Bad Boy model at TSC, and its price has not increased in 15 years. It sells for about $5000. It is very rugged, and very repairable. We have had to replace two spindles and the drive belt and the battery; that's it.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Call the dealer and ask him/her to deliver what ever unit you think will fit the bill for a demo on your property. I have done this for every tractor I have purchased. Usually the delivered unit stays and I buy it, but I have returned a unit and bought another when I wasn't happy with the demo.

I'm on my 5th CUT and 1 BX after I tried a ZTM and did not like it.

 

[BarryHull]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

My two cents:

All of the advice about tractor specs and capabilities is great, but most appropriately sized current tractor models will suit your needs just fine. The most important aspect is finding a dealer you like and trust. If you don't have a good relationship with your dealer, you will eventually regret your purchase, no matter what brand you buy.

 

[Redlined0002]

I have reached the stage of overanalysis paralysis. Please help me out.

Background info:

Properties:
- 20 acres where I live (flat and ~90% wooded)
- 120 acres "up north" (Flat to rolling but there are ravines ~97% wooded)

Needs:

- Lifting and moving logs and brush as I clear more space for plantings. (Both locations)
- brush hogging trails and clearings 2-3 times a year (up north)
- food plot/garden prep from meadow/sod (both locations)
- drainage work on trails (up north, will probably rent mini-ex for this)

Limitations:

-Weight must be <5400lbs for me to tow with my truck/trailer combo.
- Budget is flexible but I want to be sensible

Currently considering (all hst with loader):

-Used low hour Kubota 2501, 3901 (19-27k)
-New bobcat 2025 (bobcat is the only dealer nearby up north, with 3rd function, 21.6k)
-used low hour kioti ck2610 (with 3rd function and dual rear remotes) 19k
-New kioti ck3520se (with 3rd function+ dual rear remotes) 28.5 cash, 31k financed

I have a 6.5-7 foot flail mower that I used to run on a Ford 860. It would save me a purchase if my new machine has the HP for it, but I'm nervous about emissions/computerized stuff and not sure if I should be. I also don't have the facilities to do a lot of mechanic work on an older pre emissions machine.

If you're still reading by now chip in a comment. Any feedback is appreciated!

I have a 2012 Kubota MX5100 HST with a Quick detached loader and bucket. 601 hrs. Pre-emissions. $28,500 $28,500

 

[Redlined0002]

I have a 2012 Kubota MX5100 HST with a Quick detached loader and bucket. 601 hrs. Pre-emissions. $28,500 $28,500

John 904-813-4740

 

[JeepHead]

I think you are all giving good advice based on your own experiences. I will certainly wish for a bigger machine at times and perhaps often.

However for the last 7 years all of my land improvement (aside from mowing) has been done with a chainsaw, wheelbarrow, shovel, and splitting maul. Even the smaller less capable tractors I am considering would greatly expand my capacity to get things done and save wear and tear on my body. In addition they would be easier to fuel, store, maintain, and transport than a larger machine.

I am going to buy an l2501. It's simple, should last a long time and have good parts availability down the road. It won't be able to run my flail mower, but I'll pick up a RC for it to use until I get the Ford fixed. When I have really heavy work to be done I'll rent a dozer/skid steer/excavator.

I'll be sure to report back to tell you all you were right if/when I decide to trade up to a bigger tractor. I think to a certain extent the only way to figure out what I really need is trial and error. Thank you for all of your comments. They helped me understand and resolve my uncertainty.

I have the L2502. The upgrades they put out for the 2502 is well worth the $$ in my opinion. Having the brakes on the left where they are actually usable is worth it alone but the electric PTO and the suspension seat is very nice as well. I'm assuming you're buying used though if you're planning on a 2501.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Holy cow. I guess something is wrong with me. I have 65 acres, I have a Kubota L3130. And I lose power since I am at 8000 ft. I feed large bales also. I recently bought a cab tractor since I couldn’t stand snow blowing in an open station at -40°F! I mow 55 acres with a 5’ woods. I say that HP is not that important. My L3130 is a good size for doing everything.