Help me pick a tractor (25-45 HP)

[Hermio]

Your situation sounds pretty similar to mine, moving trees, cutting trails, etc. I'm on just over 60 acres and while I have someone else cut and bale the fields, my Kioti CK4010 has been amazing. Regen has been a non-issue. It goes quite a while between regens, and when it does run, I just keep going, barely noticing. I wanted a cab for the summer heat and dust, but budget kept me on an open station, which as it turns out, is the only way to go if you have any amount of wooded area. I would have busted out every window a dozen times if I had gone with a cab. Maybe I should do more tree trimming Anyway, I can't recommend the Kioti highly enough. I did a LOT of shopping before I bought and I still believe I got the best value in a machine.

In spite of that, I have cab envy! It is not much fun plowing snow in the winter with an open station. It is also not much fun to deal with branches hitting my face in the woods. But a more practical solution for me would be to have a branch sweep plus FOPS, similar to a log skidder.

 

[JeepHead]

I have 20 acres of trails and woods. Lots of downed trees and piles and piles of brush to deal with. I had budgeted $40K for a tractor of my choice. I looked at and test drove many different tractors. I also talked to a couple of independent shops that serviced a wide variety of tractor models to get a good feel for the various brands and for the off-brand Korean tractors. After those conversions, I ruled out the Korean made models all together....
I ultimately ended up with the Kubota L2502 for 3 main reasons...

1.) No Emissions and a simple mechanical engine... I wanted NO part of an emissions tractor. I wanted very minimal electronics and a mechanical engine. I wanted simple and reliable.

2.) Future parts and support. Kubota sells a TON of these tractors so I knew that parts availability will be there for decades to come. Kubota has dealerships and parts on almost every corner. And the dealers in my area have been there for decades and aren't going anywhere. This was the MAIN reason I scratched the Korean models off the list. I did not trust them for parts or service down the road.

3.) I wanted something that would handle the majority of the work I needed to do. PTO power wasn't a huge concern of mine because I only occasionally operate a 5' tiller and rotary mower. Most of my work was going to be dealing with trees and brush as well as trail maintenance. The 2502 can handle those tasks very easily. I bumped the hydraulics up on the loader and now this thing can lift some pretty large trees just fine. And if it's too heavy, I have a saw to lighten the load.

The L2502 has been a real workhorse that I've done it all with. I absolutely love this tractor and am so happy I chose it over all of the others. I, personally, think you will be happy with the L2501 that you're considering. I don't at all by into the "buy the biggest tractor you can afford". And don't forget, if you get the L2501, you can always add a turbo to it for around $2500 and bump it up to a 40HP tractor and have a mechanical no emissions tractor. I would go this route any day over the L3901.

 

[Dennis Mohn]

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 agree with the 3901, but I also agree more horsepower if you intend to work a brush hog or flail mower. You don't say if you intend to keep the ford or use it for trade value

 

[LiveDog]

With that loction, acerage and asperations KUBOTA MX5400... Recommend a dual lid grapple, third funnction forward hydraulics and two extra rear hydraulic ports... You will regret getting a tractor that is too small, does not have the reserve power, or is otherwise compromised/limited... After THREE new tractors, ask me how I know... Good luck...

 

[YNORUM]

Kubota Grand L3560
Kubota L4701/4802
Massey Ferguson 1835/1840M
Kioti DK4220/4720/5320

These are all ~3500lb machines with the sweet spot wheelbase of about 70 inches. Gives you the weight to get work done combined with the maneuverability to get around in your woods. Will run 6ft implements.

3500lb bare tractor + 1000lb loader = 4500lbs with 900lbs left over for an implement puts you at your 5400lb weight limit. Instead of loading your tires use removable wheel weights to adjust the weight as needed.

All will fit in a standard 7ft garage with the ROPS folded down except for the L3560. Kioti DK offers one rear remote standard.

I have a L3560 and it fits in my 7 foot doors with the rops down, but it is very close. Doors are adjustable on the opener, maybe yours wasn't up far enough.

 

[YNORUM]

The L3560 can be had with the LA805 loader for added lifting capacity. The 3 point on that model is also rated for over 3k lbs if I remember right. It's what I have, and it's a hell of a machine for it's size. I've pulled it with a half ton and 3/4, just load your trailer right. Had it in fields, outskirts of swamps, woods, and it's plowed lots of snow in my Michigan winters. I'm very happy with it.

 

[Mej13579]

I have a Branson, now TYM 3515h and I love it. Great lift capacity and very nimble in the woods. I have 25 acres with over 20 woods. You can get the same frame size up to a 48hp engine. The TYM 15 series is a lot of tractor for the price. It’s very stout and very capable.

 

[flyingace43]

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 yanmar YT347 and it is a great tractor with a 10 year warranty, I have owned 3 tractors with a DPF and have had no issues but not sure if you have a yanmar dealer nearby also the YT235 is a very nice tractor. The YT347 has the IHMT transmission which is great and I highly recommend these tractors,

 

[JONNY BOYYY]

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 WOULD TRY A KUBOTA DEALER FIRST BECAUSE THEY HAVE PEOPLE TRAINED BY THE FACTORY TO FIGURE OUT PROBLEMS LIKE YOU HAVE. KIOTI USUALLY DOESNT HAVE ANYONE BUT A UNTRAINED CAR SALESMAN TO TALK TO YOU--KUBOTA WILL GIVE YOU THE HP AND SIZE TO DO YOUR WORK..BUT NEVER BUY A 2 WHEEL DRIVE TRACTOR..YOU WILL REGRET IT..AFTER YOU GET KUBOTA'S RECOMMENDATIONS YOU CAN BUY ONE THERE OR IF YOU DONT YOU WILL KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO LOOK FOR..

 

[JRH02]

Sorry, I didn't go through 9 pages of answers so after a few pages I'll offer this which has probably been said so count this as verification:
- Parts: There is a large Kubota distributor an hour away. So there is access to OEM parts, if they can be gotten for my old B7100 and the various attachments - mainly the backhoe.
- Service: As with the above there is that large dealership. I seriously can't imagine trailering the ol critter in for ANYTHING. Right now the B7100 would qualify for a complete rebuild that could be called the 'radiator cap rebuild'. But you absolutely need local parts and service within driving distance. If the only thing close to you is Chineseium, well that's worth something especially if warranty service is required because you bought it new.
- Big and small: I have the ol worn out Kubota with the small footprint. It can go about anywhere I need like between trees and some really questionable slopes. Then I have the big guy, the 410j which is dangerous for anything not level. But I can make a new drainage draw or canyon with it in pretty short order. The two have very specific capabilities and uses. I can't imagine an intermediate unit that can serve both purposes. Maybe your land and needs are different and an intermediate is fine.
- Attachments: The B7100 is like a Swiss Army knife with all the attachments and the PTO. A factory loader is expected but some units with the backhoe are either permanent or is involved enough that over time you will leave it as is and look for another option. On my B7100 I can remove the backhoe and mount the PTO tiller, rear blade, dirt rake, single harrow, 3pt bar, etc. So I have all the other attachments for sale because I don't remove the backhoe anymore. Or want to put it back in plae.

If I won the lottery it would be a skid loader. Mostly lower center of gravity with no ends of things you can do with it. But the attachments will kill a budget or as long as you can ponder a different project that you need another device. A few of the attachments can equal the base unit itself. But overall they are the best bang for the buck if you have hit the lottery. Absolutely commercial quality stuff and quick change for a few times every few years. Who can afford that? And your neighbors will call with a quick favor. There are no quick favors.

For me, I do with the SMALLEST possible unit that can still do the work. It may take some extra time but it will do it with my patience. Overanalysis is not anything new. Big bucks. Two machines not one is me. They were 30 years apart from getting the big machine from the smaller.

 

[BubbaG65]

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!

From the description the Kioti 30hp should do what you need. Check if it can handle your mower (I only ran a 5'). For clearing probably go Hydrostatic since it's easier to adjust back and forth to get to the logs / brush. Kioti has a wicked fast loader, but of course that means a bit less pulling power like lifting with the bucket etc. so consider a backhoe version if you envision a lot of stumping or trenching. Kioti tiller is kick-ass for garden prep - it is like a cloud after, you sink 6" in the loam. A note on the 20 - if it has the 2-range still - I found it too slow on low and too fast on high, so that was the main reason I went to the 30 with the 3-range

 

[MechanicalGuy]

I'm going to add my two cents in here, I agree that an mx5200, they look big in the showroom, but let me tell you mine feels small or just right on our 20 plus acres of properties.

Jeff convinced me that my L series wants weren't going to be fulfilled as well as an MX machine could fulfill them, I'm really glad I went with the bigger tractor.

 

[nytryder]

I have a Kubota 3901 and my experience is pretty much inline with what you want to do. I purchased a grapal, loader, brush hog and a box blade to go with it. It has done all I asked so far. I also have a 2 axel trailer ( 24' bobtail ) that holds it all. I tow it all with a Ford
f-150 supercrew that came with a Factory installed tow package. The engine is the 5.0 liter V-8. My trailer has brakes on both axels and trust me on this that is required. The tractor in my opinion is great for what you want but it will for sure take more time than a 50 or 60 hp tractor. I hope this helps!

 

[scootr]

When deciding what you need always buy the bigger tractor. It will do the small jobs and the bigger ones without too much stress on the machine and you will be glad you did.

 

[Williy]

There are a lot of tractors that cost less than a kubota with more
options that are standard but an option on kubota
IMHO you should try and check out as many tractors checking the
standard equipment what are options are then add options with price
of tractor you will be amazed what you will come up with

willy

 

[Egon]

For 6 acres most of the suggestions suggest an oversized tractor. Twenty five or so HP will do you just fine.

 

[MechanicalGuy]

For 6 acres most of the suggestions suggest an oversized tractor. Twenty five or so HP will do you just fine.

What thread are you reading?

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

 

[Egon]

What thread are you reading?

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

It has become very obvious I made a mistake on the post!!

 

[deezler]

L3901 is a great tractor but the loader is pretty weak, comparatively.
L3560 is an amazing machine, strong with the optional LA805, but price it out on the kubota website (with loader, bucket, 3rd function, rear remotes, tire choice) and try not to spit your coffee on the screen.

Which is what led my own search to dial in on the Kioti CK3510. They used to be even more of a bargain, but still a LOT cheaper than a Kubota with the same capacities. Nice strong loader for lifting a full IBC tote of wet firewood, or a big log with a grapple, etc.

My CK3510 has a DPF that requires regens every 40-50 hours, which in practice is no issue at all. Often times I just hope off for the 12-15 minutes or so and do some other chores, but I've also simply worked right through it when required. I can't say I've noticed the extra fuel consumption it runs through during those regens, its a very efficient machine overall and extremely reliable so far (280 hours now).

 

[JeepHead]

L3901 is a great tractor but the loader is pretty weak, comparatively.
L3560 is an amazing machine, strong with the optional LA805, but price it out on the kubota website (with loader, bucket, 3rd function, rear remotes, tire choice) and try not to spit your coffee on the screen.

Which is what led my own search to dial in on the Kioti CK3510. They used to be even more of a bargain, but still a LOT cheaper than a Kubota with the same capacities. Nice strong loader for lifting a full IBC tote of wet firewood, or a big log with a grapple, etc.

My CK3510 has a DPF that requires regens every 40-50 hours, which in practice is no issue at all. Often times I just hope off for the 12-15 minutes or so and do some other chores, but I've also simply worked right through it when required. I can't say I've noticed the extra fuel consumption it runs through during those regens, its a very efficient machine overall and extremely reliable so far (280 hours now).

$34K is what I was quoted this past October for a new 3560 with 805 loader and filled R14 tires. If you did it yourself, 2 sets of rear remotes and a 3rd function can be done for under $500 not including the cylinders. Add an extra $500 for 2 cylinders.