I have 25 acres in East Texas. I am looking for a new tractor. I have about 5 acres to mow. Sometimes in the spring it rains a lot and by the time the field dries the grass gets 2-3 feet tall. My zero turn mower is getting beat up pretty bad.
I have mostly woods but I tried to put trails in but a 4 wheeler , chainsaw and weed eater just isn't cutting it and I can't keep them from getting overgrown.
I also had my plantation pine thinned and I need a lot of clean up. I have a mixture of pine and hardwoods. I have some huge oaks down but can't get to them with what I have now. Got about 300 yards of driveway that needs some work. I have a pond that needs cleaned up around the edges and cleaned out when it gets low. Plus some general dirt work and such.
I am looking for an all around workhorse in around the 50hp range still nimble enough to navigate in the woods.
The 3 tractors I'm seriously considering to aquire in about 2 months are the massey ferguson 2850e, kioti dk45se, or the kubota l4701. I'm looking to get a grapple / 3rd function, a mid range rotary cutter, boxblade, and if I can swing it a tiller. Looking to make a long term investment. To get it paid off before I retire in 6 years or sow.
My credit is not great but should have a large down payment almost half.
Any suggestions on what I should be looking at.
Welcome! Where abouts in East Texas? Our family farm is outside Eustace Off of 175.
First, forget about the pond with a tractor…about the only thing you can do is a flail mower to keep the edges mowed down. You arent dredging anything with a tractor.
We are neighbors…so I will ask about a cab. Think heat, dust, yellow jackets/hornets. Cab is really nice in TX but not necessary.
Second, trail building can be tough in a tractor. They dont maneuver well in the woods (long, wide turn radius compared to a skid steer, etc). You can do it, but I dont think it is efficient.
Tractors are not made for clearing land (pushing trees over, digging stumps, etc). They can do it, but not a great choice. The great thing about a tractor is it is versatile. If you have the time, you can get most anything done with the correct implements.
L4701 if you are still no cab, MX5400 with or without cab is also a consideration. My main concern with a bit larger machine is that trail building. However the dimensions of a L or MX isnt huge…but it may be significant to you. I cant speak for other brands, but same concepts apply for similar dimension/feature machines.
Can I ask what dealers you have been considering?