Advice from tractor gurus

[bigsky355]

Hi guys,

My name is Chris. I have been doing some research on this forum over the last month or so- VERY informative site. I need some advice at this point on selecting the right tractor given my situation.

I have about 18 acres in Montana with wild grass, sage, cactus, some rock etc. that I will need to keep short (fires out here have been crazy- another one started up last night outside of town). Will be using a bush hog type set up for that. I have a gravel road that will need grading now and then as well. Looking for a loader for misc landscaping jobs.

Three dealerships in town- JD, Kubota, NH/Case

My budget will have to be less than 20, ideally around 16 if possible. I am leaning toward something smaller rather than something bigger. The biggest job will be the mowing so I should not be putting the tractor through too much stress (very much just a weekend warrior)

Models I have been considering JD 2320 (2305 was recommended by the dealership as a possibility as well but I think this may be a bit too low/ small for my needs. Also interested in equivalent Kubota models (7610?).

Have a buddy who is a tractor mechanic and he is VERY biased toward NH/Case. He knows of a DX33 for 16900 with loader, low miles, manual tran. I think this may be too big for my needs. Also I think I would like to have hydrostat, mid pto which this one does not have.

Apologize for the long winded initial post but wanted to give you all as much info as possible up front. I am very much a city boy now living in the country and loving every minute of it.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[scott_vt]

Hi guys,

I have about 18 acres in Montana with wild grass, sage, cactus, some rock etc. that I will need to keep short

Have a buddy who is a tractor mechanic and he is VERY biased toward NH/Case. He knows of a DX33 for 16900 with loader, low miles, manual tran. I think this may be too big for my needs. Also I think I would like to have hydrostat, mid pto which this one does not have.


Thanks in advance,
Chris

Afternoon Chris,
Welcome to TBN ! Glad to have you aboard !

Case/IH have a excellent reputation, you can get gobs of info on that tractor on that particular forum farther down the home page ! Looking at the amount of property that you have I personally dont think that tractor is too big IMO ! You dont actually say how much of the property you will be mowing, but I would take your buddy with you and take a close look at that machine. I dont want you to get tunnel vision on that particular model but it might be a good starting place ! Good luck in your search !

 

[RoyJackson]

Brush cutting 18 acres with a B7610 or Deere 2320 is going to be a task.

If you have to maintain the entire 18 acres, I think you should listen to your buddy. Sounds like a decent tractor...

If you do not have to maintain that entire 18 acres...give us a better description as to your tasks (such as how much you really have to cut) and maybe we can provide better help. The way you describe it...one thing you won't need is a mid-PTO. The mowing you want to do is not for a finishing mower.

 

[Bird]

Chris, I've been called lots of things, but guru ain't one of'em. However, the three brands of tractor you named are the "big three" and you couldn't go wrong with any of them, as far as the brand goes. Size is another matter. The smaller tractors will do the job, but will take longer. Like you, I'd prefer the hydrostatic transmission, although the geared tractor will certainly do the job. Test drive some of them and pick the one you like best and you'll be alright.

 

[jbrumberg]

Bigsky355:

Welcome to TBN ! I agree with Scotty as to tractor size. I agree with Roy as to not needing a mid-PTO and the need for more information regarding your anticipated tractor tasks as well as planned short and long term projects. I agree with Bird as to getting some seat time on all the tractors with which you are interested. I would recommend a tractor in the high 20's to low 30's HP range. As to frame size/weight a lighter tractor if mowing will be your primary task; a heavier tractor if you will be using ground engaging attachments. You already acknowledged some concern about ground clearance so make sure the tractor you select has sufficient clearance and underbody protection. For FEL work and mowing HST makes your life a lot easier. Weight your rear tires for traction and the weighted rears will balance out the FEL weight. There has been a lot of discussion as to road grading here at TBN with many opinions posted as to what is the best attachment for gravel road grading. I suggest that you search out the old threads and come to your own opinion. I personally like my box blade for driveway maintenance and it is heavy enough (~500#'s) to provide additional ballast for "balancing" my FEL work. Keep the posts coming and the membership will be more than happy to help you spend your hard earned money . Jay

 

[bigsky355]

Appreciate the responses so far. Did have a chance to look at the Case over the weekend with my friend. I'll defer to him regarding the tractors condition- he said it was in good shape with no apparent mechanical issues.

My desire for the mid pto was directed towards future needs. Eventually I'll have some proper grass that will need to be mowed.

Currently, I would say that there is about 12-14 acres of field to bush hog if that helps.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I've always been very conservative in my approach to HP per acre(s). (I farmed over 200 acres with 60hp as my biggest tractor) But, I'd be very cautious about going "too small". Better to be slightly overkill than slightly underkill. That Case/IH (Case/NH/IH/Fiat/ect) sounds like the best option of those you're looking at. A good friend has a Kubota 7610 (w/loader) It's a very capable tractor for its size, but limited in the size of implements it'll handle for my purposes.

Just a tick bigger than you HAVE TO HAVE allows for future upgrading of implements if and when you choose.

JMHO, and worth all you paid for it.

 

[RoyJackson]

Appreciate the responses so far. Did have a chance to look at the Case over the weekend with my friend. I'll defer to him regarding the tractors condition- he said it was in good shape with no apparent mechanical issues.

My desire for the mid pto was directed towards future needs. Eventually I'll have some proper grass that will need to be mowed.

Currently, I would say that there is about 12-14 acres of field to bush hog if that helps.

12-14 acres of brush cutting is not a task for a subCUT. I'd suggest you'll want a solid 25 PTO HP or more to run a 60-72 inch cutter. Sounds like the Case has the power (30 PTO HP) and would be a good fit and already has a loader.
I think I'd go with your buddy's recommendation on this one.

Here's some owner reviews of that machine: Case DX33 Review, Price, Information

Since I don't expect you end up with 18 acres of lawn, you'll find the cutter useful in the future. Unless you have a lot of obstructions (trees and such), you'll find a rear finishing mower quite acceptable for your lawn and defiinitely easier to install then a MMM. However, since MMM's are available on the DX33, a mid-PTO may be able to be added if it is a dealer installed option.
You may need a self propelled walk-behind mower for trim work though.

If this is as nice a tractor as your buddy says it is, it won't be on the market too long...

 

[N80]

I'd agree that for 12+ acres, the more tractor the better. This spring I mowed a large area, I won't say how much because I don't know but it took a good part of a day. The picture below shows the area. There is at least as much of this field behind the camera as in front. I used a 45 hp tractor with a 6' mower. If you have all day to ride around in circles then a smaller tractor might be okay, but the bigger the mower you can pull the better.

As far as a loader, just get one. Right now you can't imagine how useful it will be. But once you get one you'll be amazed that you condsidered going without. For your budget I'd consider the Kubota L4400. It is very basic, gear drive, 4wd with FEL and will cost a little less than $20k new. The fanciest feature is the cupholder so you're getting a lot of tractor for the money. Loader specs are okay, not great. Same with the 3 pt hitch specs. For your needs they'd probably be plenty.

But, if you have a reliable mechanic friend recommending the Case, it might be the thing to do.

 

[flusher]

Hi guys,

My name is Chris. I have been doing some research on this forum over the last month or so- VERY informative site. I need some advice at this point on selecting the right tractor given my situation.

I have about 18 acres in Montana with wild grass, sage, cactus, some rock etc. that I will need to keep short (fires out here have been crazy- another one started up last night outside of town). Will be using a bush hog type set up for that. I have a gravel road that will need grading now and then as well. Looking for a loader for misc landscaping jobs.

Three dealerships in town- JD, Kubota, NH/Case

My budget will have to be less than 20, ideally around 16 if possible. I am leaning toward something smaller rather than something bigger. The biggest job will be the mowing so I should not be putting the tractor through too much stress (very much just a weekend warrior)

Models I have been considering JD 2320 (2305 was recommended by the dealership as a possibility as well but I think this may be a bit too low/ small for my needs. Also interested in equivalent Kubota models (7610?).

Have a buddy who is a tractor mechanic and he is VERY biased toward NH/Case. He knows of a DX33 for 16900 with loader, low miles, manual tran. I think this may be too big for my needs. Also I think I would like to have hydrostat, mid pto which this one does not have.

Apologize for the long winded initial post but wanted to give you all as much info as possible up front. I am very much a city boy now living in the country and loving every minute of it.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

That JD 2320 has a 24hp engine, a little larger than the 21hp engine on my Kubota B7510HST. I mow about 7 acres of weeds with the B7510 and a 4-ft King Kutter brush hog. In the Spring the first mowing takes me 10-11 hours in low gear (weeds 3-4 ft tall). The 2nd mowing in late June goes faster (5-6 hours) in 2-ft weeds.

Don't know if that 2320 can handle a 5-ft hog, but maintaining 18 acres with a 24hp tractor means that you can expect to log a lot of seat time doing your mowing chores.

I would consider other brands of new tractors that will give you more hp per dollar (Mahindra, Branson, Montana, TYM, Kama, Koiti) or shop around for a 4-5 year old used tractor in the 35-45 hp range.

 

[RoyJackson]

"I would consider other brands of new tractors that will give you more hp per dollar (Mahindra, Branson, Montana, TYM, Kama, Koiti) or shop around for a 4-5 year old used tractor in the 35-45 hp range."

Only if you have a dealer nearby!
You'd be better off with a used big brand mchine for parts/service.

 

[VABlue]

Go with the Case, find a 6-7' bush hog to go with it, and get to cutting! It won't take you long to be happy about the horses under the hood... Finish mowing around the house can be done with a RFM, or a cheaper box store machine.

I have a 2305, and it is definetly too small for your acreage. I think the 2320 is the small side of acceptable for your plans. Personally, I'd want nothing smaller than a 2520 (or similar orange/blue machines). However, given your price range, stay with the Case...

 

[Soundguy]

Howdy, welcome.

18 ac.. I can sure tell you that a 33 hp tractor probably won't be too much tractor for that size of land.

I get around with a 95hp tractor on less land than that.. and have a 72hp one to help it out.. plus quite a few inthe 13-50hp range as other helpers and toys.. ( I have a problem/.. you don't need that many.. )..

look at it like this.. 10ac takes about 5-6hrs to mow with a 5' mower.. your 33hp machine is gonna probably mow with a 5' rough mower.. or if the grass is light without much brush maybee a 6' mower

Decide how often you want to mow, and how llong you want to take.. then start there as a hp need.. then look at tractors in that range. Plan for other future tasks.. but plan the tractor purchase to do 80% of the work.. IE.. if you have 1-2 tasks that need a monster tractor, andthe rest are medium jobs... buy the medium job tractor and hire out the 1-2 huge jobs.

Soundguy

Hi guys,

My name is Chris. I have been doing some research on this forum over the last month or so- VERY informative site. I need some advice at this point on selecting the right tractor given my situation.

I have about 18 acres in Montana with wild grass, sage, cactus, some rock etc. that I will need to keep short (fires out here have been crazy- another one started up last night outside of town). Will be using a bush hog type set up for that. I have a gravel road that will need grading now and then as well. Looking for a loader for misc landscaping jobs.

Three dealerships in town- JD, Kubota, NH/Case

My budget will have to be less than 20, ideally around 16 if possible. I am leaning toward something smaller rather than something bigger. The biggest job will be the mowing so I should not be putting the tractor through too much stress (very much just a weekend warrior)

Models I have been considering JD 2320 (2305 was recommended by the dealership as a possibility as well but I think this may be a bit too low/ small for my needs. Also interested in equivalent Kubota models (7610?).

Have a buddy who is a tractor mechanic and he is VERY biased toward NH/Case. He knows of a DX33 for 16900 with loader, low miles, manual tran. I think this may be too big for my needs. Also I think I would like to have hydrostat, mid pto which this one does not have.

Apologize for the long winded initial post but wanted to give you all as much info as possible up front. I am very much a city boy now living in the country and loving every minute of it.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

 

[bigsky355]

Again appreciate the comments guys. I drove both the Case 33 today (30 hours on the clock) and a 2520 (the JD dealership didn't have a 2320 on the lot). Very different feel to both of them. Gear drive not as smooth as the HST but the Case was definitely much more tractor for the money. I guess an option as previously posted would be to hire out someone to cut the acreage and use a smaller tractor for jobs closer to the house (what fun is that). I guess I am still trying to get my head around the up front costs on these beasts.

 

[jcmseven]

bigsky,

I really think, based on your comments, you are looking at tractors that are too small. Forgive me for not knowing the details of the Case machine, but I think that is the SMALLEST machine you could reasonably choose. With wide open spaces you want the most horsepower and size you can afford. I am not a big fan of pure gear-drive machines, but I would look at a JD 790 or 990 when you are looking also. I am surprised that Roy did not mention this as he sleeps with his 790--the true love of his life (kidding, Roy). He has gotten great service from this machine and it NEW is in the ballpark of your used Case machine. It these days is not hard to find a used tractor, but it is hard to find a GOOD used tractor, so be careful. You do not want to inherit problems, and they might not always be immediately noted. If you do not mind shifting gears the two machines noted from the JD line should be considered. They would be a "bit more tractor" than the 2520 for the tasks mentioned and definitely more than the 2320. I do not wish to steer you JD, but I am not really familiar with some offerings from other companies, where I am with JD. Perhaps some Kubota folks, NH folks could chime in on their company's similar choices. I just mention this as a potential alternative. I have a JD 3720 and honestly if I did not do so much loader work and live where it is tight and very hilly, I would have gone thought seriously about a 990 machine, due to the horsepower/size to dollar ratio. I personally think they look good, too.

John M

 

[bigsky355]

John,
I may test drive a 790 but I am leaning a bit away from the gear drive trannys the more I mull it over. I have not spent much time at the Kubota dealership but the L3400 looks interesting. I agree with your comments echoed by others that I may be looking at too small a tractor.

 

[nickmech]

You have the same problem I had before I bought my B3030. These babies cost a lot of money and it is tough to decide on which machine is the right one for your needs. You have a big lot to mow and the advice to go with a larger tractor is correct. Don't go small. 35-45 hp at least to make things easy on you and the tractor. Ofcourse, money is allways part of the game.

 

[JoeinTX]

Yes, Chris, the prevailing opinion here is pretty much on. If you're looking to try to maintain your entire 18 acres then the tractors you've mentioned so far are on the small side. Could they do it....with a 5' cutter.....and a whole lot of seat time involved........uh, yeah, but you'd be pushing them and yourself to the outer limits to get it all done.

To me, it sounds like a Farmtrac/Mahindra/Zetor no-frills-but-lots-of-metal-and-guts rig is your ticket but as I do searches for dealers anywhere near your area of the woods it's coming up pretty lame. But, many of these tractors can be had brand new in the 35-45hp area for the money you're looking to spend.

It looks like you're going to have to decide between a smaller machine for working around the house and drive (and hiring the larger acreage stuff off) or a bigger rig and maybe a little more work on your part to handle it all.

 

[RoyJackson]

Again appreciate the comments guys. I drove both the Case 33 today (30 hours on the clock) and a 2520 (the JD dealership didn't have a 2320 on the lot). Very different feel to both of them. Gear drive not as smooth as the HST but the Case was definitely much more tractor for the money. I guess an option as previously posted would be to hire out someone to cut the acreage and use a smaller tractor for jobs closer to the house (what fun is that). I guess I am still trying to get my head around the up front costs on these beasts.

Yeah...we sure do give you a lot of things to think about, don't we?
Have you decided yet?

JCMSEVEN (bless his heart) mentioned the 790. It's true...I did sleep with this tractor for a while (since wifey kicked me out after buying it)...it's a great tractor...but at best, it's at the lower limit of what you'll need for 12-14 acres. I still think the Case would be the better buy for your needs and budget.

 

[scott_vt]

JCMSEVEN (bless his heart) mentioned the 790. It's true...I did sleep with this tractor for a while (since wifey kicked me out after buying it)...

Mornin Roy,
Good laugh ! Thanks !