5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

[zachofalltrades]

I had a few people mention continuing to use my GT for mowing, so I値l give a little more info on what made me look in the first place. Its a banged up GT225 that I bought for $100 with a bad transmission, bent mower deck and a stuck starter. Got it running and put a nice Piranha deck on it, and have been using it ever since. Hour meter is broke so I have no idea how much abuse it has seen, but I壇 guess a lot. Motor is showing its age, seems down on power, smokes sometimes, and I think the alternator is on its way out because the voltage light comes on when mowing through tall grass and sometimes the PTO won稚 engage. Rear tires are dry rotted to the point where chunks are falling off and theyæ±*e leaking.

So at this point, I知 debating the upgrade as a means of avoiding putting $$$ into a GT that doesn稚 do everything I would like.

Financially speaking, I will NOT be a cash customer and I don稚 want multiple equipment loans because I bought a new mower AND a tractor. I did go and look at a used 1023e and sat on it, and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I would wind up wanting the 1025r for the seat and tilt steering, but I was immediately in a comfortable position. Seeing it in person, I知 not sure I壇 want something bigger, either.

 

[CADplans]

I mow over 4 acres every week,,, and I have owned many tractors to mow with over 35 years,,

I now have my "keeper" a JD 4105,, and Woods PRD7200

The mower is heavy duty enough to mow pastures,, and leaves a perfect cut on lawns,,

This should be my last mower purchase,, barring some major failure,,

 

[ning]

How much lawn do you have to cut, and how often do you have to cut it?

Here, we've got probably 2.5ac that gets cut, but it's only cut in the mid-spring to early summer - perhaps a total of 5 times. If you're similar, I'd keep the garden tractor mower (probably also useful to pull a small trailer around for small jobs). A MMM setup may mow as well as the garden tractor, but it probably costs more than that tractor did, and brings its own inconveniences.

Overall I'd guess a subcompact (similar to Kubota's BX) to a small compact (B)... but seriously consider not getting a MMM and put that money into something you don't already have covered.

 

[shooterdon]

If the dealer is "lazy" selling, he will be awful if/when you need servicing. In my limited experience, having just gone through the purchase experience, the dealers of less prestigious brands seemed more customer oriented. Consider that when buying.

If you want a jack of all trades machine, a SCUT is not a bad option. Just understand the limitations and compromises. Buying for needs that are years down the road does not always make sense. You need to address your current needs and budget.

You have received good advice about getting two machines, and that is what I have. It should be possible to get a decent used riding mower for $1000 so consider that. It would permit you to get a more capable tractor.

One last thing. Prices for used under 30HP tractors are high in my area. If you will be financing, many brands offer 0 percent on new machines. It is nice to have something with a warranty, and that has not been abused.

Good luck!!

 

[dragoneggs]

If the dealer is "lazy" selling he will be awful if/when you need servicing. In my limited experience, having just gone through the purchase experience, the dealers of less prestigious seemed more customer oriented. Consider that when buying.

As to your needs, there is a reason I see a lot of SCUT's on lots...they are too small for many people. I think if you want a jack of all trades machine, it is not a bad option. Just understand the limitations or you will be selling it too. Not a bad thing as they retain value well.

The reason there are so many SCUTs on my local dealers lots (JD and Kubota), is they sell them more than any other size tractor around here and at a pretty good clip.

 

[nards444]

If the dealer is "lazy" selling, he will be awful if/when you need servicing. In my limited experience, having just gone through the purchase experience, the dealers of less prestigious brands seemed more customer oriented. Consider that when buying.

If you want a jack of all trades machine, a SCUT is not a bad option. Just understand the limitations and compromises. Buying for needs that are years down the road does not always make sense. You need to address your current needs and budget.

You have received good advice about getting two machines, and that is what I have. It should be possible to get a decent used riding mower for $1000 so consider that. It would permit you to get a more capable tractor.

One last thing. Prices for used under 30HP tractors are high in my area. If you will be financing, many brands offer 0 percent on new machines. It is nice to have something with a warranty, and that has not been abused.

Good luck!!

Good points. leaving room to grow makes sense, but I think all to often its carried away. My buddy has 20k worth of equipment that he bought to use down the road, most of it is never gets touched.

 

[dalola]

The best advise is get the biggest tractor you can afford. Start there, then deconstruct based on current/future needs.

Weigh your final budget against what you can actually get for it..... A new CUT with all needed attachments? Maybe a new SCUT & a used ZTR? It's a tough call for an outsider to advise on your personal needs/wants. All brands build good machines, shop the dealer & what you enjoy operating.

Personally, a SCUT & ZTR combo is perfect for my budget & property needs. You'll need to closely asses yours.

 

[dragoneggs]

5 acres - Subcompact vs Compact & Suggestions

I don’t subscribe to the advice of getting the biggest tractor you can afford. Maybe very large properties with wide open spaces and lots of seat time expected, this advice applies.

Property size and constraints I think are the two main drivers. On my property there are multiple places I could not get anything bigger than a SCUT.

I like my set up with a SCUT and dedicated mower (z turn).

 

[not2old]

All I want to add is that you might want to consider the cost of wear and tear using the tractor for mowing when a mower would be much less. I'm only on an acre but have nearly 800 hours on my GC2610 tractor with loader and hoe after nine years. My tractor cost me just over $20,000.00 and has lots of life left. I bought my zero turn MZ 54" for $3900.00n with 30 hours on it and still had 2 years of warranty. I may need to replace the mower some day, but the tractor will last the rest of my life.

 

[finn1]

Another vote for a ZTR and a compact tractor.

My reasoning for a compact over a sub is the larger tires and wheels will perform better in the wooded area and the larger frame size is more suitable for maintaining your quarter mile driveway.

A friend has 40 acres and a subcompact. It’s great for snowblower work, but useless in the rough.

By the way, he bought a dedicated rider for mowing.

My Kioti 4010 SE is, in my experience, quite maneuverable in tight quarters. I wouldn’t go smaller than that for serious work.