Another Newbie has question on "Does size matter?"

[JDGreenGrass]

I hear what you are saying. You've got $10,000 to buy a used tractor.

Best thing I could tell you is be patient. Look at a lot of tractors. That way you will get an eye for what is worth your money and the tractors that are a bit beat up. You can find a good used tractor in that price range. Look on dealers lots, Craigslist, Local Newspaper and check the bulletin boards in town. Look everywhere.

I don't much look at ebay. I do look at TractorHouse.com....as a "guide to priceing."

I bought a JD770 with 2500 hours for $9600. Excellent condition....everything works and it looks great. I have no doubt if you could connect with a 770 it would do all that you will ask of it. 24hp. 20ptohp. Thing is, to mow, you will need either a rear finish mower or brush hog. Tractor and loader is achievable for 10grand. Adding implements and the price goes up.

You may want an old 8n in good shape. $3500 gets you that tractor here in Maine. That would leave you money for attachments and from what I hear...parts are readily available for that tractor.

Maybe a JD750 or 850. You don't need 40hp right now. Look for something 30hp or less. I would stay away from sub-compacts. Weight is what you want. And traction. Something that will putt along doing chores but also gear down and pull like a son of a gun.

Best of luck. When you find something you like and can afford be ready to jump. Good deals don't last. But, try to buy enough time to run it by the masses here. Knowledgeable group, much more so than I. Just remember folks...he's got $10,000 to buy a tractor.

 

[doall]

I have seen a few of the 25-30 hp TC's in the $9-11000 range with loaders. nice little 4wd tractors that seem to hold up well.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd agree with TripleR, the Kubota B3030 or it's equivalent is a good size if you are depending on it for lawn maintenance.

I bought my Kubota B2910 used with 300 hrs and 60" mmm for $9900. It would mow the lawn and pull a 5' Brush Cutter, 5' Box Blade, all with ease. Every time I spent a day on that tractor I always was amazed at the work output from such a small package. Great size.

If you go too big you will not be able to utilize the tractor as much because of it's physical size and weight. For example, I wouldn't even consider mowing my lawn with my current Kubota L4400. It will do work that the little B would have failed at but in the end I put a lot more hours per year on the B because it was more versatile.