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[Matt_Meiser]

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[Tractors4u]

What kind of options have you been getting with these quotes? 4WD, loader, anything else. That price sounds HIGH! I received a quote of $17,000 out the door for a JD4310 with ePowerreverser, and $16,686 for a Kubota 3130 equipped the same.

 

[ronjhall]

Matt
Welcome to TBN. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Both of the tractors that you are considering are great tractors, the prices seem about right.
If you are like me and have limited time to do chores you may want to consider more horsepower? This will allow you to get a 72” mower and pull a larger rotary cutter (bush hog).
I have a B2910 that uses the larger mower and rotary cutter.
If I had 10 acres instead of 4 I would consider the Grand L series tractors.
One of the most common suggestions on TBN is get more horsepower. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Dieter]

Matt,

A year ago I purchased the 4110 with FEL, 60 MMM and ballast box for 16,500. That also included michigan sales tax. You should shop around. As for the 4110, I could not be happier with it. I also looked at the Kubota 7500 and the NH tc21d. I thought that any of the three would be great machines, but it came down to dealer reputation and how I was treated when I was at the dealerships. In my area the JD dealer was tops.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I'm looking at this from a different angle that some others, so simply ignore me if you want to . . . but you are mowing 2 acres, and I will presume grooming a drive or doing some light landscape work with the box blade. To be blunt, a small tractor will do that. In fact, a simple lawn tractor will mow 2 acres. The other 8 will be the question. I would start with how much manuverability do you want in your tractor when you mow? I have a Kubota with an FEL/BH, the FEL is always on the tractor and I have NEVER used it for mowing because I have a lot of hills, dips and bumps combined with a lot of trees to mow around. My B2910 is simply too big for mowing on most of my property. I have a Cub Cadet, it was used exclusively for mowing about 6 acres for 8 years and it is a strong machine that gets under the small trees, right up to the edge of the landscaping without mowing it down, gets to the fenceline and runs along the brick walls of the house. Those are simply places I can NOT get any of my larger tractors. I also have a NH TC24D <font color="blue"> (I am not afraid of the parts supply in 20 years because the CNH division is financially strong, the parent company is the one in trouble) </font> that is used for mowing, it was purchased with that as a primary reason early this year. Its small frame size (but not sub-compact) gets me much closer to things than I can get with the larger tractors and has greatly reduced the amount of time spent on the Cub Cadet.

I guess my point is, 10 acres of farmable land is not a big deal to maintain. 2 acres is a piece of cake to mow, and a hardware store tractor will do that (although it will not hold up as well as a better built machine). The FEL is a great feature, but if you have trees and shrubs and fairly elaborate landscaping you will find you end up taking that FEL off for much of your mowing, or you will end up with another tractor or push mower (I have both) so that you can get into the tight spaces). The bigger the tractor the harder it is to use for mowing, unless you are mowing a field, then the bigger tractor is an advantage because you can go up in implement size and you don't have to worry about turning it around your prize shrubs or getting between your wife's rose bushes.

If my land was a flat rectangle with minimal trees I might mow with the B2910, but if you like landscaping your property, then you might find the quicker to turn slightly smaller frame tractors are well suited for your tasks. In fact, while I personally don't like the BX series tractors, I think one might work well for you.

 

[art]

Matt, I thought Bob did an excellent job for most all things except the dislike of the BX Kubota. It is important not to go to big as you do loose versatility. I've seen people do that to many times and the worst part of it is if you think you might get beat up on price to have a near new trade, try a near new trade going down in size! The smaller tractor might mean just a 4' brush hog instead of a five. You might want to consider the new 7610 Kubota.

 

[Dieter]

I agree with Bob. I also looked long and hard at the BX. I would have to say that it probably could have done anything that I have done this far with the 4110 and saved me a couple of thousand of dollars. I think the 4110 is very manuvarable for its size, perhaps the BX is slighlty better in this category? Bottom line is this is a machine that you will likely have as long as you have the property so I wouldn't hesitate to spend a little extra and get what your heart tells you. Also don't underestimate the importence of a good dealer that will rememer you years after the sale.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Hambone]

Since you guys are steering toward the BX, I must say also check out the JD2210 and the Massey GC2300.
I didn't check out the GC because of no dealer real close. The BX2200 and the 2210 were within $40 around here. You should be able to get into either one with FEL and MMM for under $13,000. Both would pull a 4ft. rotary cutter.

Shop shop shop.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Hey Art, at least I when I said I didn't like the BX series I said it was a personal dislike, and then I did suggest it was a capable machine. And I will state that my dislike of the BX is more the looks of the machine than anything else. Obviously they are fantastic machines from the practical standpoint, and I obviously have nothing against Kubota either, the reality is the BX series sub-compact tractors set a new/high standard in estate tractor quality and versatility. But I still personally would not buy one. Now the near clone of the BX is the new little Massy GC2300, I actually like that sub-compact. . . I don't know why!

I guess my original point is that a nice compact tractor, something in and about 20 to 25 hp will be plenty for what it seems like Matt is looking for in the LONG run.

I used the FEL constantly when we were CONSTRUCTING our landscaping, which I admit is probably more extensive and elaborate than most people have. But for MAINTAINING the landscape and yard, the B2910 is simply too big. I have about 12 acres, a few are farmed by a real farmer, about 6 are mowed and most of that has trees, and the rest is heavy woods. I bought the NH TC24D because it has plenty of HP in a SMALL easy to turn frame size. I can switch implements between tractors and I co-own some with one of my neighbors. I think Matt really needs to think about his chores and then look at the capabilities of the tractors and possibly even reconsider his choices?

Big tractors are nice, they are even fun, but sometimes bigger is worse, not better.

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Matt,

Congrats on the new house/land and future tractor. If you are like me, you'll wonder how you survived living on less land.

Anyway--I like Bob's take on the whole size issue.

We have just over 7 acres and I purchased the 4010 (step under the 4110). My biggest project to date was the relocation of the portion of my driveway near my house. This was an extensive project that took several weekends and many nights after work. I used the box scraper, FEL and tiller. In the middle of the project, I sure would have appreciated a bigger machine, but the bottom line is I got it done.

Now--the tractor is used for the following items:

1. Mowing
2. Grading the 500 foot driveway
3. Misc. loader work
4. Snow removal
5. Tilling up the neighbors garden.

The list is loosely based on time spent with # 1 being the most time consuming and 5 the least. I mow about 1.5 acres and the rest is left natural.

So--while it would have been nice to have a bigger tractor for my one big project, the 4010 is a great fit for 99% of my needs. I will say this--although I have never run out of power, if I did it over again I would have gone with the 4110. My dealer forgot some rebates (he eventually refunded $1200) and if I would have taken into account the extra money, I would have been close enough to go with the 4110.

My neighbor has a Kubota--also a very nice tractor--I don't think you'd go wrong with either.

Good Luck

Bob

 

[chim]

Our property is a bit over 2 acres, mostly grass and driveway (300'). I also finish mow another 5+ acres. This past season, one of my boys helped with the mowing on a second tractor, but previously I had been doing it all myself. Getting 10 or 20 tons of crushed stone and moving it around for projects, or spreading 25 yards of mulch was a snap with the FEL, a tool that I wouldn't want to be without. I have owned both MMM's an RFM's and prefer the RFM, but that's a Ford/Chevy thing that gets debated here frequently. The tractor I bought for this is a B7500HST w/ a 302 FEL and it has been great. The tractor & loader was $12.800, and the RFM was another $1,200 about 18 months ago......................chim

 

[viking65]

Some very recent price quotes...

Hydro, 60"MMM, FEL, 4x4, turfs:

BX2230...12,600
B7500...15,500
B7800...18,200
MF GC2300 Low...12,565 High...13,800
JD2210 Low...13,900 High...15,250

Manual trans, 4x4, 60"MMM, FEL, turfs

MF 1428v...16,300
AGCO ST30x Low...15,750 High...17,875
These are the same tractors, MF is red, AGCO is orange

I had fun shopping and driving these machines, the AGCO is my favorite...I like the size of the ST30x, I like gears, and I like orange /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ducati996]

I wish I had 10 acres but I dont I have 2 acres. I also share a common thing with Bob S. in that I mow my lawn with my Cub 3204. I love mowing on that thing, and get it done quick.
I have a 4100 and even if I had the MMM, it would be too big
in the tight areas...but it can do it all however !!
You might want to think about 2 machines, one dedicated for mowing and let the Compact do the rest...IMO

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Just a little plug for the durability and strength of the Cub Cadets, I have some hills that are steep. My Cub was purchased because it was the ONLY brand that I could find that would climb the worst of the hills while still operating the mower deck. Most of the brands would not climb the hill at all because of belt slippage (the Cub has a drive shaft so maybe that explains some of it) and none of the other tractors we tried could both climb the hill and keep the mower deck engaged. And the biggest meanest hill requires me to leave wheel weights and tire chains on the tractor so it will climb it (and people think Indiana is F-L-A-T)

As for using garden tractors to mow, first they are pretty fast, much faster than CUTs because they get right up to the tree trunks without knocking down the trees or having the branches take out your eyeballs, second becuase they turn much tighter than a CUT. I can get my Cub into spots that would tip my larger tractors, and into spots that I couldn't fit with the larger tractors.

IF it were not for Matt's desire to get the FEL and box blade, he could take care of the entire 10 acres with something like a Cub Cadet garden tractor.

Another option for Matt, if his land is reasonably flat, would be a CUT plus a GRASSHOPPER or similar zero turn mower. Those things are expensive, and mow faster than anything I've ever seen. A guy down the road, with almost flat land, has one of those and he zips around his 4 acres in record setting time.

But if it was me, and I was limited to ONE tractor, I would look at a NH TC24D, or a B7500/7510 or similar tractor. Something with a SMALL frame, but NOT a sub-compact. Small frame units will take full size implements, and while some jobs will take a little longer, in the long run, I think that size tractor will serve Matt well.

 

[GregJ]

Matt,
The discussion seems to be going in the direction of you needing 2 tractors..... I think we all like spending other peoples money... So, I might as well join in. I have a B7500 w/ FEL and BH. I also have a JD LX277 w/ mulching deck. Each serve a very distinct function for me. You didn't mention what the other 8 acres are like on your property. I only have 2.5 acres and roughly 1 acre of that is lawn. I can mow it in 30-45 minutes. There is no way I could mow it with my B7500 with all the curves, shrubs, buildings, trees, etc. The smaller mower really is much better for my 1 acre of lawn. My B7500 is primarily for landscaping and maintenance. The rest of my property is wooded. If it were up to me, I would invest in a used 48" riding mower that can easily be upgraded later and with the rest of my budget load the tractor with useful implements. I have used my tractor probably 4 times more than I ever dreamt I would (260 hours in the first year). I have used my backhoe at least a third of that time. They are useful. A B7500 w/ FEL and BH is around 18K - before taxes. As far as recommendations on which tractor..... I might be just a little biased, but I would go with the B7500 /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Greg

 

[Henro]

We have about 4 acres, 2 of which I am in the process of transforming from woods into something more park like [I hope].

I guess I have about 1.5 acres or less of grass to cut. My B2910 did OK with a RFM, but for what I had to deal with it was really too much tractor for the job. For my needs the RFM was cumbersome as I was cutting around and close to too many things...but still, the B2910/rfm did a nicer cutting job than my little Yardman garden tractor, and did it faster too. My GUESS is that had I purchased a MMM for the B2910 I would probably still be cutting the grass with the B2910 and not with the BX2200 I bought this summer... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

As far as my grass cutting goes, the little BX is great and runs rings around both the B2910 AND the Yardman garden tractor. The BX performs better than the garden tractor all around in my opinion. My garden tractor is a gear transmission, so maybe comparing the bx hst to it may be unfair. The bx is both faster and slower than the yardman, a pleasure rather than a chore to use...I think it turns about as sharp and I know because of the hst I can cut closer to things since I can change speed from rabbit to hare without changing the cutting speed of the deck.

I find myself dissatisfied with the bx 3ph. It is more like a cat 1.5 than a true cat2. The ground clearance of the bx is not that great. If I were planning on doing things in the woods in the future I would not buy a subcompact as my only tractor.

The B2910 looked HUGE to me when I was tractor shopping last year. The more I use it the SMALLER it gets...I suppose this is normal.

If it were me, and I was moving onto 10 acres, like Bob [and others] recommended, I would buy no less than a B7500 size tractor. I would want something that could cut the grass and still have enough 3PH to use normal implements without having to worry if they will work or not [right out of the box, so to speak] The extra lift of the loader does not hurt either.

If I had to live with one tractor [keeping in mind that I only have 3.7 acres to deal with] it would be the B2910. Now that I have it, and am used to it, it does not seem that much bigger than a B7500 to me...But that is just me.

Now that I got the little bx to do the small jobs...l keep thinking it would not hurt to have a tractor a little bigger than the B2910...those L3430s sure are powerful and are not that much bigger... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Evolution of the tractor mind...first the tractor looks big.. then it grows smaller...you see you could use even more...you realize that going bigger than you thought you needed at first was the right thing to do...you consider using the expiration of the warrenty as an excuse to buy something new [and bigger...] /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif


Few trade down, many trade up is the message often repeated here at TBN.

Good luck in your decision. What ever you end up with will be a wonderful tool. Be sure to get a loader...

 

[frank_f15]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM: all of the machines u mentioned will do fine, do u intend to do your lawn with the tractor?if not you might want to go with a rear finish mower, not as nice a cut but a tad less expensive.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Matt, is the drive paved or gravel?

If it is paved, you could go with a subcompact easily. If it is gravel, then you will be grooming the drive and I would stick with your first two choices as solid choices to consider. Both will be good mowing tractors, which is probably what they will be used for about 85% of the time. It sounds like you have bare ground, so if you do a lot of landscaping you will be able to choose where to put it and how to lay it out. Just make sure that you map out your tractors turning radius so that your landscaping has sweeping shapes that match the ability your tractors abiltiy to turn while mowing and you will get your jobs done a lot faster in the long run.

 

[Bob_In_MN]

Matt,

I can't comment on the Kubota regarding just how nimble it is, but I am very happy with the 4010.

I have around 15 mature trees concentrated in one part of my yard and the 4010 zips around very nicely. The 4110 is not much longer (a couple of inches I believe) so I would think you'd be very happy with this machine.

Good Luck

Bob

 

[Dieter]

Matt,

Godfrey's in Jonesville MI. Doug Everline was my sales guy 517-849-9966. They treated me well before, during and after the sale.