mrblanche
Member
When I bought my Branson 2515R, I sold three Farmall Cubs, each of them for less than $1500. All of them with mower decks.
Do I really need a tractor on 1.5 acres?
- Thread starter shouldibuy
- Start date
- Views: 46930
bm3
Silver Member
I have had tractors for 23 years . I sold most of my land and now down to a few acres. Last week I sold my MF 1635 , 35 horse with loader and my trailer. Just had a new well put in and they left the place a mess , tore the yard up and now I need a tractor . Ain't that a pisser
By now, everyone else has beat me with good reasons to buy one. I have 2.5 acres between two adjacent residential properties, one rented. about 1.2 acres of grass. Grass cutting timecut in half, but then I did an incredible amount of work with that tractor in 25 years, that I never could have done without one. It‘s a 30 yr old compact, 24 hp. Bought used, and if I sold today, I’d maybe take a $3,000 loss from what I paid. I think I’d have lost lots more in depreciation with a similar garden tractor with less functionality. Friends with lawn tractors have gone through several in that timeframe with more repairs. A compact tractor is just tougher, you just don’t see those issues with a compact tractor built to do much more than cut grass. In That 25 years, I’ve built a large garden building, 3 bay two story timber frame garage, moved over 20 dump truckloads of fill for the garage, all kinds of drainage work, portholes for two decks, moved 500# stairs for an entrance, and more than I can remember. The loader lifted all kinds of stuff to support my car restoration and welding hobbies, numerous piles of brush ( get forks for loader soon!). A massive leaf sucker with hydraulic dump handles my fall leaves in half a day, vs endless days with other tools. But then when I sit in deck with beer, I sadly must listen to neighbors leaf blowers for weeks. Let’s put it this way, my wife can’t see us being without one! Though it’s a bit big at times cutting grass with 60” deck in tight corners, I don’t think I’d go down to a subcompact. The lifting capacity both on loader and 3 point has been met or exceeded several times, and I wouldn’t settle for less.
Here’s another reason for you. My father in law got a 4 acre property 20 years ago. Stubbornly, he avoided spending $ for a ‘real’ tractor. He’s been laid up several times due to injuries trying to lift chunks of fallen trees. Lots of time cutting grass! His first lawn tractor, he literally wore the wheels off axles. His 2nd 20hp garden tractor just cut his grass quicker, and hasn’t done much more than pull a yard trailer. Together, we finally agreed to buy him a new Steiner, mainly due to hills and can also use at another tight property. He’s 92 and finally got a real tractor. Worst regret? Waiting 20 years.
Here’s another reason for you. My father in law got a 4 acre property 20 years ago. Stubbornly, he avoided spending $ for a ‘real’ tractor. He’s been laid up several times due to injuries trying to lift chunks of fallen trees. Lots of time cutting grass! His first lawn tractor, he literally wore the wheels off axles. His 2nd 20hp garden tractor just cut his grass quicker, and hasn’t done much more than pull a yard trailer. Together, we finally agreed to buy him a new Steiner, mainly due to hills and can also use at another tight property. He’s 92 and finally got a real tractor. Worst regret? Waiting 20 years.
Big Blue Florida
Silver Member
Had an older neighbor years back & when I said something about the tractor ruts in his yard(s)........his simple reply was, thems aint ruts datz character. He was always happy & I'd bet he still is.
We have 2 acres, and have e1023 JD loader with turf tires, 60" mower and 54" blower, tractor is always being put to use. Go new if you can buying all the attachments adds up. Was told when we bought we'd never use a wheel barrow again true..
LPowell1
New member
The Massey is a great choice and will serve you well. I have had my GC1720 over 3 years, 328 hours, and no problems. Mid mount mower is easy to remove and attach after the first couple of times. Be sure to get a quick attach front loader!
I have a clay and a larger garden, and the 4 ft Woods tiller behind my Gc1720 does a great job. The 1705 would work well with the tiller.
John Sininger
New member
I live on a lot size very similar to yours. Also have a large garden growing tomatoes, garlic, corn, potatoes and beans in addition to tending 46 grape Vines. The balance of our property is mowed and the grass caught for mulch.
As to machinery, we have a Cub Cadet XT3 with a 42" deck and bagger (you could go with larger decks). The shaft drive is a definite benefit and as to rolling property with some damp areas good traction.
The garden and grapes are seen to by a Grillo G85. Check out Grillo and BCS 2 wheel tractors at Earth tools.com.
The amount of money you would spend on these two tractors would be far less than the MF or Kubota. Money you could be using on other things.
Best Wishes in your search!
I have 2 acres and have a BX 2360 with 60" mid mount deck and FEL. It is great for mowing and with the FEL I have retired my wheelbarrow. I do have some slopes to mow and it deals with those confidently-both side slope and head on. Much more sure footed than my older Craftsman 6000 series hydro, which I keep around for edging. The diesel BX uses significantly less fuel than the Craftsman 26hp Kohler. I bought the BX off Craigslist about 5 years ago with less than 200 hours and never looked back.
I had 3/4 acre and I had a Mahindra eMax 22 with loader and backhoe and I also had a Husqvarna Garden Tractor with a plow blade, a Craftsman lawn tractor with snowblower and soft cab and a Craftsman lawn tractor with mower deck and leave vacuum Cart.
sure over kill
Depends on your wallet. I would say also every man needs a tractor. As you get older it will sure make it easier on your back.
