compact/subcompact, what HP??

[frank_f15]

as stated earlier the b2710 is probably a bit larger than what u need, u will get an idea of it when u rent it, but if u think it is ok, and the extra$$$ is not to demanding then go for it.

 

[Rimmer]

"landscaping, brush trimming and eventually mowing. Also driveway maint."

A subcompact in the 18 to 25 HP range will do a great job at mowing, rough cutting, moving material, digging post holes, tilling a garden, grading, plowing snow, blowing snow, etc. In this range you are looking at the BX1830 and BX2230 (I mention Kubota only because that is what I am familiar with. There are lots of good brands out there. So much depends on a good dealer with good service and support.) If you think you need a small backhoe (add ditching, trenching, drainage, irrigation, planting small trees, etc. to your list of possible tasks), then the BX23 is a good way to get one and still keep cost under control (relatively speaking, of course /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ). Think of it as a really strong, fast shovel and wheelbarrow. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If you want to do the same things, but also need the ability to deal with rough terrain and/or work in the woods, then a B-series compact tractor would be a great choice. They provide more ground clearance, greater lift height and strength in the three-point hitch, and other features.

For your purposes, I would think that something as big as a B7800 or B2910 (30 HP) would be larger than you would need.

Have fun!

 

[KiotiJohn]

I wouldn't be a good fan of Kioti if I didn't suggest you check out the LB1914 gear tractor with mechanical shuttle shift, or the CK20 with HST or gear drive. Both of these would be great for you, and when you find that you're doing a whole lot more than you thought you would, you'll have the extra power and lifting capactity to do it. Good searching! John

 

[Kevin_Essman]

Well, I have considered Kioti, there is a dealer about 2 hours north. Question, does one need a mid PTO to run belly mower or can this be accomplished with the rear PTO. If the later is true, then it opens the door to many other tractors.
So I have a Kubota and Kioti dealer near me. Well, there is a Deere dealer but mainly sells lawn tractors and not sure if his service dept. can handle the diesel motor repair. But it sounds as if HST is the way to go
I operated the Kubota B2710HST tonight and had a blast. Only problem is my gravel piles froze and the turf tires are like skates on ice. Hopefully warmer weather tomorrow......

thanks
Kevin /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Bird]

Kevin, yes, you need a mid-PTO to run a belly mower. There have been some belly mowers rigged to run off the rear PTO, and there may still be such a thing, but none that I can think of right now. The next question is whether or not you want a belly mower. That's a topic that has been discussed at length in the past; don't know whether I could find the old threads. Personally, I preferred and used a rear discharge rear mower. The belly mower has the advantage of making the overall rig (tractor and mower) shorter, and it's perhaps easier to look down and see where it is instead of looking back, but the rear mower costs less, is easier to hook up and unhook, easier to raise (with the 3-point) high enough to inspect and/or clean and/or get blades off to sharpen, and the rear mount mower can be used on most any tractor while the belly mowers usually only fit the particular brand of tractor and maybe even a particular model.

But of course if you know you're not going to want to trade tractors, and you don't mind a little more work to hook up and unhook and don't mind a little extra expense, then the convenience of the belly mower (while mowing) may be the one for you.

 

[garbageman]

Kevin, what ever brand you decide on, consider a hydro transmission. It is a little more $$ but well worth it. I own a B7500 and it's perfect for my 6.5 acres. My "local" dealer gave me "fair" price and I went with it.
Good Luck,
Ray

 

[blackwell]

I dont think you would go wrong with Power Trac. We use the 180 on about 3 acres, mowing, hauling, scraping, planting, all with good results. We also use a 425 at another location mowing, barn cleaning, landscaping and also in our landscaping business. Pts are very nimble and do not tear the turf. Attachments can be changed in seconds with the "Quick Attach".
If you want to pay an additional 30% to a dealer for his service, there are other brands, we just purchased our fifth PT with no regrets.
Good luck in your decision!
EB

 

[Henro]

Kevin,

Seems like I am very much on the same page as Bob_Skurka.

After two years of owning a Kubota B2910, I am coming to realize that for my 3.7 acres, in the long run, as I get things improved the way I want them, the B2910 will more and more take a back seat to my BX2200, as far as seat time goes.

I am more and more starting to believe that something like a B7510 size might have been the right compromise, had I only had the option of one tractor.

Naturally, everything depends on YOUR property, YOUR needs, YOUR desires, and YOUR pocketbook...

The one shortcoming of the BX series is the 3PH, as it does not take the normal size cat. 1 implements that well. I can't use my post hole digger and my landscape rake will not swing around without hitting the ground, so I have to back over a bank to swing it...

On the other hand it looks like there are modifications that can be pretty easily made to the BX3PH to make it work a little better with normal cat. 1 attachments...so all is not lost.

Enjoy your tractor seach! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[garbageman]

Henro, would you like to trade?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RobertN]

Woods still makes mowers to fit A/B/C Farmalls. They run from the rear PTO. Not sure how they hook up, but they are out there.