Buying Advice First time buyer looking for CUT for 10 semi wooded acres

[ORBrit]

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and provide useful insight!

I have a couple reciprocating saws, one battery, one corded. The corded could work well with a small Honda 2000W generator I could easily move around.

I've mainly been using an 18" Corona hand saw for cutting the 2- 3" saplings - the curved blade really rips and it takes just 3-4 pulls to cut right through.
I'll probably try and drag out and burn as much as I can then run the cutter just for the meadow and blackberry on the sides of the roads and embankment.

As far as bumps - there are slight dips where old logs were buried and removed, or brush piles built up and left, before I bought the property in 2007.
Over time these have become bumps of soil that need to be spread out.

The meadow area could be closer to a couple - it typically takes about 3.5 hours to mow on my 20 year old 42" deck Craftsman lawn tractor.

I updated my profile - the nearest towns to me are Marcola and Sweethome OR.

 

[sdcharger]

I looked at a Kubota 2650 hst and it was $2000 more than the Mahindra Max 26xl hst. I ended up with the Massey Ferguson 1726E. Kubota 2650 was slightly fancier but seemed less stable and less comfortable. Not sure if 3spd hst matters on smaller properties. Only used L3 a few time driving to my mailbox lol, not for actual work.

The Yanmar 424 does not have a locking rear diff. This was a deal breaker for me but maybe not for you.

 

[RalphVa]

I evaluated a JD 2025R vs. B 2301 last year. The B came out better on a simple spreadsheet comparison. I went with the JD just because they'd treated me well and are the closest dealership.

The B has a 3 speed HST.

Ralph

 

[jeff9366]

I smoothed a four acre field for a friend today. Ratchet Rake on the FEL bucket, Bush Hog (brand) Rollover Box Blade on the Three Point Hitch.

For swells 18" to 24" high, I used the Box Blade rippers to cut through the Bahia grass and initiate grass + dirt move. Followed by the Box Blade cutting edge to collect and transport greater ( 5 X ) volume of just exposed dirt to depressions.

For minor swells around 6" high, I back dragged with the Ratchet Rake. The lower, vertical teeth cut through the Bahia and pulled about 2-1/2" of soil to low spots each pass, with the tractor moving in reverse. Worked great.

Soil moisture was optimum.

Here are three photos I took today. Sorry for Photo #3. It opens correctly oriented.

Photo #1 illustrates why you CANNOT EXCAVATE with a Ratchet Rake attached to your bucket.

 

[ORBrit]

Narrowing things down to the Mahindra Max26XL vs Kubota B2601

Mahindra:
Higher Loader lift capacity
5 year powertrain warranty
Incentive on buying three implements ($300 off per implement)

Kubota:
Resale value
3 range HST

Price quotes I've received from both are the same for the tractor with FEL without implements. Kubota dealer's implements end up almost $1000 more.

 

[xring100]

Narrowing things down to the Mahindra Max26XL vs Kubota B2601

Mahindra:
Higher Loader lift capacity
5 year powertrain warranty
Incentive on buying three implements ($300 off per implement)

Kubota:
Resale value
3 range HST

Price quotes I've received from both are the same for the tractor with FEL without implements. Kubota dealer's implements end up almost $1000 more.

Thats a bit of a tough call. If you're talking implements and they are land pride or Kubota. They are generally both held in very high regard. I'd get whichever you like.

 

[ORBrit]

Made my decision and purchased a tractor today!

Called John Deere one more time, was told the 2025R was just a bigger 1025, and the 2032R was pointless. They tried to sell me on the 3032E.

Went back to Mahindra and drove the Max26XL. Didn't really like the feel or position of the loader controls - seemed like a bit of an afterthought.
Next was Kubota - nothing really to add other than the dealer wasn't overly engaging - just had bad things to say about the other manufacturers.
Ended up back at Yanmar. Drove the 424 again and it felt right to me. I definitely prefer side by side pedals over the treadle style.

The pricing on the Yanmar was definitely the best, with no bump in price to go for 0% for 72 months vs 60 months, unlike Mahindra, and Kubota only offered 60 months, and required their insurance at $25/month.

Talking to the sales manager about my mowing needs, he advised that I'd probably be happier with a tow behind finish mower than a bush hog - seeing as my meadow is currently mowed with a 20 year old Craftsman riding mower, and I keep it managed. All the rocks and large pieces of wood debris area already gone from previous mowing.
Most likely the meadow will one day be finish lawn.
He mentioned that the mower could be used to mow the banks along side the road by backing up and allowing the mower to ride up the bank. They're not too steep - I currently mow up and down them with the Craftsman.

So based on fit/feel, price and best experience with a dealer (who has 6 locations in Oregon), I decided on the Yanmar SA424, with 60" Braber finish mower and 60" scraping grader.

It should be delivered Thursday or Friday, so I'll have it in time for the long weekend.


About to order either a Piranha tooth bar for general brush work and digging.

 

[TheMan419]

Pics or it didn't happen!

Congrats on your purchase.

 

[ORBrit]

Dealer decided to deliver today so I was able to get my fist couple hours in. Managed the mowing that usually takes 4 hours on my old riding lawn mower in about 2 hours.
Definitely made the right choice with the 60" finish mower.
So far so good. the tractor is easy to operate, comfortable and capable.

Plenty of room in the barn still for more attachments!

 

[brasco426]

Nice looking tractor! I wanted to look at them when I was shopping but none that I could find in the area. Enjoy the new machine, btw like the red paint .