Advice on new 424 please?

[onelostdogg]

Hi All,

I am looking at buying my first tractor and need some opinions. I'll try to give you all the info I can...8 acres mostly wooded on a fairly steep ridge. 900ft of gravel driveway to maintain and plow, about 200ft of which is about a 20 degree slope. No mowing at all. Have a lawn tractor for that. I'm semi-mechanically inclined but not a mechanic by any stretch...can do all my own maintenence, etc. but not much more than that.

Thinking of something in the 25-30HP range with a FEL and definitely 4WD. I would eventually need something to plow with (backblade?) and would like to add a root grapple for brush removal, etc. and could make a lot of use of a boom pole. Don't want anything too large as I plan to spend a fair amount of time in the woods.

There is a Yanmar dealer about 5 miles from here and next closest is a Kioti guy about 20 miles away. I really like the things I have been reading about the new 424's but have one MAJOR (at least I think so) concern...lack of a rear diff lock. I plow with a Polaris 700 and I really do need as much traction as I can get on steep driveway which slopes downhill on north side of ridge...not much direct sun so gets pretty icy at times. I do use chains when I plow.

So is lack of locker on rear a deal-breaker? If so, what about the EX3200?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

John

 

[RedCadets]

Sounds like the Ex3200 may fit your needs better. The physical size between the tractors is not all that different and the additional weight would probably be helpful. I know the diff lock has gotten me out of a few mud holes, so for me it is a nice option.

 

[onelostdogg]

Thanks for the advice Red. I think you're right. Crossing the 424 off the list.

 

[bsinhc50]

I think you'd be happier with an EX3200. In the winter I plow a 925ft driveway with mine, which has two spots that are relatively steep, and I've never had a problem no matter how deep the snow is. One "must have" you'll need too, is a good set of rear tire chains, which I got at tirechains.com. I also use my tractor for clearing the brush around the fields and it works quite well with a toothbar on the loader bucket and back blade. Good luck and Welcome to TBN....