Hello all, I hope you are doing well. I have come to the conclusion that I need a tractor to do some tasks around my new house, but I am having trouble deciding which direction to go. My main uses will be moving/grading/spreading both dirt and Gravel. I would like to use it to dig a foundation for a barn, but I can hire that out with the concrete work. Secondary use will be Brush hogging, as well as removing stumps, and planting trees. I am located in Ohio, with primarily Clay soil, so I wasn't sure if the smaller tractor would struggle with the tougher clay. I have roughly 5 acres. I have never owned a tractor before.
Originally I was pretty set on a LS MT125 with a FEL and Backhoe. The best price I have gotten on that is $15,500 delivered, or $12,200 delivered without the BH.
I went to look at them at a local dealer, and I also tried out the XJ 2025. It seemed more capable, which the FEL is. Best price there is $19,000 delivered, or $14,200 without the BH. I like that it has a larger frame, and more capable Front end loader, but unsure if it is actually needed for me.
I also went and looked at the Kubota Dealer as well. I looked over the
BX2380, which seems roughly the equal of the MT125, but is about $2500 more. I like that the dealer is closer, parts availability may be easier, and resale will likely be higher (unsure if I will ever actually sell it though). The KKubota dealer also had an
L2501 marked down to $16,900, which I would have jumped on, but it a GST and not an HST transmission. Does anyone have any thoughts one way or another on this? If I were just doing a bunch of brush hogging or tilling, this wouldn't worry me so much.
My initial thought is to get the XJ2025 with FEL, 5' rotary brush mower, and a rear blade. Wait on the backhoe until I really need it. I originally wanted to buy used, but it seems like most used small tractors are either really beat up, or almost the price of new. I know this has been asked 1000 times, and I appreciate any input.
Thanks.