Best tractor for 5 acres?

John_Mc · Jul 25, 2002

<font color=blue>Apparently the issue here in Florida is the sand, if you dont' have a very established lawn, the finishing mowers suck the sand up as they mow, reack(?) havoc on the blades and mower. My neigbor uses a Sears Craftman to do a lot of his mowing and he says he goes through blades like crazy. </font color=blue>

One thing that will help on the blade usage: Most finish mowers are sold with "high lift" blades. You generally do NOT want this when mowing on sand. Not only do they help stand the grass up for cutting (good!), they lift the sand up too (bad!). In some cases, it can also pull grass up by the roots. Bush Hog blades are usually a "lower lift" design, and are built heavier, so they'll stand up better in your application for both reasons. But you can get low lift blades for a lot of finish mowers as well (I know you can for your buddy's Craftsman.)

John Mc

chrisjbell · Jul 26, 2002

Lots of good advice here. My $0.02...

Get the biggest tractor you can afford. I have a B7300 (which is similar to the B7400), and the only thing I ever regret is that it is too small. It is a great tractor, and I use it mostly for mowing my pasture with a 48" brush hog. The BX22 looks pretty good, but you probably will want the better ground clearance you'll get with a B7500.

Anyway, sounds (to me) like you would be best off with at least a B7500 and I'd also suggest looking at the larger models. As far as other brands, my experience has been that for the $$$ that Kubota is (frankly and unfortunately) less expensive for an equivilant product. But you can't go wrong with any of the suggestions here.

...Chris

DaRube · Jul 26, 2002

I have the B7500HST and 10ac, which is kinda divided into 2 5ac parcels. For the 10, I think I am probably a little undersized, where as for 5ac, I think it would be a good fit.

I have the MMM with mine, and once it is mounted, it does a great job. Mounting and dismounting these babies can be tough, though. Are you getting a FEL? If so, you will be alright. Read through the threads here to find out what is involved in mounting and dismounting the MMM on these models.

Some say that the BX22/BX2200 give a slightly better cut, but I am certainly satisfied with mine. The larger tractors give you more clearance and more power (for other attachments), but they are somewhat less maneuverable for tight cornering, etc.

Personally, I'm curious regarding the experiences of those who got a hitched mower to go along with a B7500, rather than the MMM.

Yukon · Jul 27, 2002

In response to your curiosity in regards to 3pt mowers. When I had my 7500 I had a 60" Farm King rear discharge finish mower and I loved it. I own 12 acres and mow approx 8 of them and the cut is very clean. I upgraded the tractor to a 2710 and I kept the mower. I mow around trees, gardens, flower beds etc. with no problems.

Moon · Jul 27, 2002

I got a 6' RFM with my L3010. I was really used to MMM's and about went that route. I gambled, after reading many reviews here on TBN I felt much better about taking a chance on the RFM. I've had it since April and am very happy with my decision. I have 12 trees, an old barn, mail boxes and a couple flower gardens to manuver around and it does just fine. My smaller simplicity can get a little closer with its 48" MMM, but both leave work for the weed eater. I like not having to step over a MMM to get on and off the tractor, ease of taking off / putting on and the extra clearance it gives by not having a MMM on.

Moon

eno · Jul 27, 2002

I lived in south floridad, 5 acres. The best tractor the BX2200 this machine is a mule there is nothing you can't do with it, a have it 6 months and 150 hrs on it, great machine.