30 hp 4x4 vs 52 hp 2wd What would you do?

RollingsFarms · Apr 3, 2012

You could maybe get the L4600 4x4 and enjoy the hp and 4x4. Best of both worlds. If it were me I'd get the most hp I could afford, 2wd or not. You never know what you'll wanna do with that 10 acres down the road. I just think you'll get more use out of hp and being able to run all types larger attachments then you will nimbleness. 52hp ain't gonna be THAT clumsy on that many acres. I would recommend a loader though and do it at the time of purchase, I'd also recommend you add all the rear remotes you can afford. Think down the road of all the attachments you'll want to maybe buy/use.

jpm1 · Apr 3, 2012

I have 68 acres of which i guess 33 acres is mowable and regularly at that. The rest wooded which i get wood for our heat and for my aunt and uncle's house.
I have 2 tractors, a mahindra 2810HST and a Kioti DK35SE HST, both with loaders and both 4 wheel drive. Most years during the summer the 4 wheel drive never gets used but winter brings other thrills. I went from having 2 Belarus 58 hp 2 wheel drives to smaller 4wd's and really liked the change. I loved the Belarus's but i don't chop or bale hay anymore so i got the next best things. I love my 4wd's and wouldn't be with out it. Remember now this is my opinion. Get what you feel comfortable with and can afford .. . because its' not the size of the hook, it's how you wiggle the worm that counts .. .John

skypoke · Apr 3, 2012

Wow! Food for thought, and I sure do thank you folks for your well thought out responses. Reading through them, I have to say I'm a bit more inclined to get the smaller 4x4, if I'm going to buy new. There seems to be some pretty good deals around on standard non 4wd tractors, used, and this might be my alternative.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to put in an orchard, planted a small one years ago and it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. My place is, unfortunately, being rapidly encroached by Houston and I'm bound and determined to do some kind of ag operation just to offset all the subdivisions and stucco houses popping up around us. A pig farm might be a better choice, though, think they'd mind if I occasionally let em free range on the Arnold Palmer golf course that abuts my back pasture? Anyway, I digress, but the smaller tractor might do better for orchard work. Once again, thanks to all who helped me get a clearer understanding. BTW, in for a dime in for a dollar, I guess, but I will at least consider going up in HP a bit as someone suggested. Time to go to the dealer and try em out.

Regards, Chuck

Verticaltrx · Apr 3, 2012

Don't get a 2wd Kubota to put a loader on, you'll be disappointed. It won't work like your old Ford did. The Kubotas are lightweight tractors to begin with and not very much of that weight is on the rear end. This basically goes for all Kubota's. Now with 4wd it is a different story, they are great machines for loader work with a little rear ballast.

If I truly wanted a 2wd loader tractor (which I probably wouldn't) I'd look at the Deere 5000/6000 series to get enough weight to make it useable.

For your situation I'd look at the Kubota L4600 4wd, it's a good size between the L3200 and Mx5100. Also, don't be afraid of the Hydrostatic transmissions, they are a blessing for loader work, even for someone who is very experienced with gear drive tractors. The modern hydro transmissions share a lot in common with those found in construction and industrial equipment. They share very little with those found in lawn equipment, which I think is what gives them a bad name.

k0ua · Apr 3, 2012

Verticaltrx said:
Don't get a 2wd Kubota to put a loader on, you'll be disappointed. It won't work like your old Ford did. The Kubotas are lightweight tractors to begin with and not very much of that weight is on the rear end. This basically goes for all Kubota's. Now with 4wd it is a different story, they are great machines for loader work with a little rear ballast.

If I truly wanted a 2wd loader tractor (which I probably wouldn't) I'd look at the Deere 5000/6000 series to get enough weight to make it useable.

For your situation I'd look at the Kubota L4600 4wd, it's a good size between the L3200 and Mx5100. Also, don't be afraid of the Hydrostatic transmissions, they are a blessing for loader work, even for someone who is very experienced with gear drive tractors. The modern hydro transmissions share a lot in common with those found in construction and industrial equipment. They share very little with those found in lawn equipment, which I think is what gives them a bad name.

Pretty much agree with everything here, I would not get a lighter 2wd tractor if I though I would ever want a loader. Maybe also look at other brands too?

James K0UA