Did I marry the right woman or what?

[CavinMan]

Asked her what she wanted for our second anniversery, and she replied "A tractor!"

So now we're tractor shopping.

We have 70 steep hilly acres, including maybe 5 to 8 acres of level pasture - the rest wooded. Plus wife's best friend has adjoining 100 acres, similar layout. Will be using the tractor to cut and maintain horse trails, a cross-country course, general property maintenance, road maintenance, that sort of thing. No hay baling

Right now, after visiting a couple of (relatively) local dealers, we seem to be trying to choose between either a Kubota 3240 or 3540, and a Kioti DK35se. All three in 4WD HST, and looking at a loader, box blade, rotary cutter and rear finish mower and a trailer to haul it.

The prices are pretty close, the Kioti is about $700/1800 cheaper than the two Kubotas, but the Kubotas have a considerably stronger loader, and I must confess I like the intelligent HSD on the Kubotas.

Any thoughts? Is 35hp going to be sufficient for the kind of propety maintenance I have in mind?

 

[crbr]

Welcome aboard. I think the 35HP range will suit your needs.

 

[Z-Michigan]

Sounds like the right ballpark. You might be able to use even a 25-30hp tractor, but the 35 will give you more cushion. One comment - with steep hills, you will probably want something that allows you to adjust the axles to a wide setting, and you may also want R1 "ag" tires for their traction.

 

[CavinMan]

One comment - with steep hills, you will probably want something that allows you to adjust the axles to a wide setting, and you may also want R1 "ag" tires for their traction.

I thought about that, but one of the more frequent uses will be mowing. Said wife is into Eventing, and has a riding/horse training business on the side and wants to maintain a small cross country course. I'm afraid the R1s will leave ruts that will not sit well with running horses, so I think I'm going to have to go with the R4s

If I go with Kubota, which is the way I'm leaning, then I've got to decide if going from 32hp to 35hp is worth $1100.

 

[Z-Michigan]

R4 tire choice makes sense for that purpose. I would still look into something with adjustable axle width though, and sometimes that seems to be available only with R1 tires (don't ask me why).

For your uses, I think that the hp difference comes down to what size mower you want to run. If you want a 6' brushhog, I would recommend 35hp as worthwhile. If you are going to use a 5' brushhog, 32hp should be just fine. I would also say that while the 6' obviously mows more in each pass, the 5' will be significantly more maneuverable and if you have obstacles, trees, or are mowing inside pastures, the 5' may not take any longer when you consider maneuverability and ground speed. I believe 32hp would be plenty for a 6' finish mower, though I don't use a finish mower so I don't have personal experience.

 

[Oleozz]

. I believe 32hp would be plenty for a 6' finish mower, though I don't use a finish mower so I don't have personal experience.

I pulled a 6ft Woods finish mower with a 28 hp tractor with no problems. I agree with everyone else in that a 35 hp tractor would be ideal for your needs.

 

[aesanders]

Sounds like a good sie for your needs to me. Check out the New Holland tc35's and Deere 3320 and 3520 as well. Of the Bota vs Kioti I'd take the Bota. Nothing against the Kioti, but those Bota's in the class size are nice.

 

[woodlandfarms]

If its serious slopes, I would look at the Power-Trac line...

 

[machmeter62]

I thought about that, but one of the more frequent uses will be mowing. Said wife is into Eventing, and has a riding/horse training business on the side and wants to maintain a small cross country course. I'm afraid the R1s will leave ruts that will not sit well with running horses, so I think I'm going to have to go with the R4s

If I go with Kubota, which is the way I'm leaning, then I've got to decide if going from 32hp to 35hp is worth $1100.

I would consider safety above all else, especially if your wife is going to operate the tractor also! I would have the tractor perform with both tires before signing the bottom line. Those R-4's will give you the "ride of a lifetime" on wet/dry grass on slopes, plus a stability issue too!! Remember, experience is something that has happened to you,----you wished happened to some else? Even with R-4's on slopes, and 4WD engaged, your access to areas may still be limited because of traction. Once again,---get a "demo!"
It could be your first costly mistake otherwise, and cost a "dust-up" too?

 

[Oleozz]

Not sure if anyone has really answered your question: YES, you did marry the right woman.