First tractor and i have no idea what to look for!

[finn1]

The dealers (JD & Kioti) I spoke with prior to purchasing my Kioti CK 4010 both recommended against buying a tractor with the intention of mowing the lawn. A dedicated rider is cheaper, more convenient, and does a better job at lawn mowing than a larger tractor with a belly mower.

I'd look at a step or maybe two steps up in frame size than the unit you're looking at, especially if you see a possible backhoe in your future.

 

[Tractorable]

To operate a five foot wide Rotary Cutter, Bush Hog being one brand, you will need a tractor with at least 45-horsepower gross.

Think you meant six foot rotary cutter?

 

[teg]

....To operate a five foot wide Rotary Cutter, Bush Hog being one brand, you will need a tractor with at least 45-horsepower gross.

Also, don't believe everything on the internet... My L2800 (23 pto hp) uses a 5 footer Rotary cutter and easily handles a 72" finishing mower (which I would highly recommend).

I mow parts of my lawn with the finishing mower and a mile of paths around our farm...

Tractors come in different horse power but they are matched with different weights of tractors. If you foresee lots of mowing, higher horse power but lower tractor weight is better. If you plan to do ground / dirt work, a heavier tractor is the way to go. My L2800 (not in production) is a good rounded tractor. Look at Kubota's L3301 as comparable...

Bottom line, you need to sit in the seat and test drive a few of them... Good dealers should give you good information but they will be bias towards what they sell.

 

[dodge man]

The rough rule of thumb is 5 horsepower for every foot of cutter, so 30 hp would be enough for a 5' brush hog.

 

[MESSMAKER]

The rough rule of thumb is 5 horsepower for every foot of cutter, so 30 hp would be enough for a 5' brush hog.

I think a 30-35 hp model with 4wd is about right. A loader seems like a lot, but it transforms the machine. A 5 foot cutter would work just fine. You should drive one with a hydro transmission before you consider any other choice. Lot of different people are happy with a lot of different brands.

 

[void777]

Welcome to TBN

 

[jeff9366]

Think you meant six foot rotary cutter?

Yes, I did. Thank you.

I corrected Post #10.

 

[zzvyb6]

I personally think the size you are looking at is about right. I don't think there is anything wrong with getting a machine that mows and does other tractor work. How bad do you need a back hoe? Its an expensive option but if you need it, get it now.

There are lots of brands of good tractors. Kubota, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, LS, Yanmar, just to name a few.

I second this opinion. I have a 35 HP JD for field mowing hay production, front end loader for dirt and lifting things and snow plowing. I use a JD front mower (F-935) for grass cutting. Both are diesel and use fuel that's tax free (off road). Best brand is one which has a dealer very close by and is one of the top brands that you can buy parts for online and has parts manuals free online, too. That's for looking up blades, belts, paint, belt routing, deck bearings, guide wheels and bearings, extra keys, new seats and other stuff likely to wear out, get lost, or get broken by users.

 

[jeff9366]

Following LINK shows tractors for sale on eBay, those closest to Zip Code 37901 listed first.

LINK: Tractors | eBay


I think this John Deere tractor/loader/backhoe looks good: John Deere 45�� 4 in 1 loader, back hoe Tractor | eBay

 

[oldpilgrim]

To help you start your spreadsheet you should compare the following brands. Unfortunately, you can't buy a tractor that's made in America anymore. However, all the tractor brands today are quite good.

Made in Japan: Kubota, Yanmar

Made in Korea: Kioti, LS, TYM, and Branson

Made in India: Mahindra

Hybrids: John Deere, New Holland, Massey Ferguson

It's more complicated than that. Books could be written on the topic.

Mahindra: 1500 series and Max series is Mitsubishi built in Japan, Emax series from Korea, and the rest are Indian made.